The word "graffiti" derives from the Greek word graphein meaning: to write. This evolved into the Latin word graffito. Graffiti is the plural form of graffito. Simply put, graffiti is a drawing, scribbling or writing on a flat surface. Today, we equate graffiti with the "New York" or "Hip Hop" style which emerged from New York City in the 1970's.

Graffiti quickly became a social scene.Crews often tag together, writing both the crew tag and their own personal tags. Graffiti has its own language with terms such as: piece, toy, wild-style, and racking.

In the beginning pens and markers were used, but these were limited as to what types of surfaces they could work on very quickly so then spray paint was introduced. Spray paint could mark all types of surfaces and was quick. However, spray nozzles on the spray cans proved inadequate to create the more colorful pieces. Caps from other aerosol cans were substituted to allow for a finer or thicker stream of paint. As municipalities began passing graffiti ordinances outlawing graffiti implements, clever ways of disguising paint implements were devised such as shoe polish, deodorant roll-ons and other seemingly innocent containers are emptied and filled with paint. Then markers, art pens and grease pens obtained from art supply stores are also used. Actually, nearly any, object which can leave a mark on most surfaces are used by "Graffiti Artist", though the spray can is the medium of choice for most "Graffiti Artist."

While graffiti has grown, so too has its character. It really began as an urban lower-income protest, nationally, graffiti now spans all racial and economic groups. A great many inner-city kids are still heavily involved in the graffiti culture, one graffiti artist,  recently caught in Philadelphia was a 27 year old stockbroker who drove to graffiti sites in his BMW. The styles have dramatically evolved from the simple cursory style, which is still the most prevalent, to intricate interlocking letter graphic designs with multiple colors called pieces, masterpieces.

Meanwhile most graffiti artist,  are simply interested in seeing their name in as many places as possible and as visibly as possible, some graffiti artist  are more contented to find secluded warehouse walls where they can practice their art. Some of these graffiti artist  are able to sell twelve foot canvases of their work for upwards of $12-15 thousand dollars starting price.

The unfortunate part of all this is that billions of dollars worldwide are spent each year in an effort to curb graffiti.

I wish they'd do the subway paint-in again like they used to.  It'd add a little life to downtown, and slabs of the subway could be auctioned off to groups to have to paint, with proceeds going to charity.

Sure would beat the drab old concrete there now.