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Terminology: Stencil

Updated: Nov 10

From the Streets to the Galleries -


Handcut stencil by Johnny Blanco


This subject is one of my favorites. Stencil Art or Stencil Graffiti is one of the purest forms of street art. A scrap piece of cardboard and a can of spray paint can become hundreds of tags in an afternoon. This low cost alternative seems to be the great equalizer. No need to print up hundreds of stickers or spend hours tagging 228's. You can get your message or name out there quickly at little or no cost.


You can build layers to add more depth, creating highlights and shadows.


Stencil (art) graffiti is a form of graffiti that makes use of stencils made out of paper, cardboard, or other media to create an image or text that is easily reproducible. The desired design is cut out of the selected medium and then the image is transferred to a surface through the use of spray paint or roll-on paint.


Some artist will hand cut their stencils - others choose to computer cut them


Mickey Mouse Madness by Johnny Blanco


The process of stenciling involves applying paint across a stencil to form an image on a surface below. Sometimes multiple layers of stencils are used on the same image to add colors or create the illusion of depth.


The most famous Street Artist that uses Stenciling is by no doubt is Bansky, but many Street Artists have used this technique to bridge into the art world. Mr. Brainwash, Risk, LayerCake NY and of course myself Johnny Blanco all use this technique to create detailed images with a street edge.


Banksy Napalm, 2004 Stowe Gallery


Details of Mr. Brainwash "Smile - Life is Beautiful - Follow Your Dreams", Risk "Butterflies" and LayerCake NY "Call for Lust".


Because the stencil stays uniform throughout its use, it is easier for an artist to quickly replicate what could be a complicated piece at a very quick rate, when compared to other conventional tagging methods.


"Stencil Art or Stencil Graffiti is one of the purest forms of street art.".

- Johnny Blanco




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