In some circles, talking about God, in a positive way, is taboo. In a similar way, any positive conversation on graffiti has always been taboo; so why not mesh the two worlds? New York graffiti writer, Jesus Saves is working hard to successfully mesh the two worlds and spread his version of the gospel all over the world.
Like all things, in life, there are ups and downs; he took the time out of his day to talk about life, graffiti and the gospel.
The main thing is that we keep moving on. This man is definitely doing that.
JESUS SAVES interview.
by Matthew J
Every artist has a story to tell, what particular story is “Jesus Saves” trying to tell us? And why should people listen?
Jesus Saves: There once was a kid named “Spain” from Brooklyn lived on Knickerbocker Avenue between Hancock Street and Jefferson Avenue, above a pharmacy. At the age of 15 (1990), he was selling drugs on Broadway and Cornelia Street where the J-train run with his long time friend who he met in P.S. 274 (public school) . “Spain” left the drug selling and got into smoking weed. “Spain” also started breaking into apartments and sticking people up with a fake plastic gun which resulted in him doing time in Rikers Island. In 1995, “Spain” received Jesus Christ and his life was changed for the better. All of a sudden he began praying reading/studying the bible, preaching, ministering and giving bible studies in his room. All the street activities and bad influences were gone; the stealing, fighting, fornicating, and hatred were all gone. “Spain” attended a Spanish Pentecostal Church in Bushwick and started preaching to the youth. Why should people listen to the story? Because it’s true I have witnessed it all… in case you don’t know that kid from Bushwick name of “Spain” is me.
What is something you KNOW people think when they see Jesus Saves? What do you HOPE people think when they see Jesus Saves?
Jesus Saves: Well according to what some say there were times when they would be feeling down or after having a stressful day they see Jesus Saves and is like “Ahhh”, what a relief or “wow, amen”. Sometimes they would say, “Man, when I saw that Jesus Saves tag it made me smile.” The thing is that once they see Jesus Saves people know that God is touching their hearts and to know that there is power in the name of Christ would be a message that can stick with their memoires and hearts forever.
How big is the Christian community within the world of graffiti?
Jesus Saves: It’s far bigger than I could imagine. Christian graffiti is not only happening in the United States but also in Puerto Rico and in many parts of Europe. There is a Christian graffiti crew which is well known – The Gospel Graffiti Crew.
Who are some of your favourite graffiti artists?
Jesus Saves: Ja, VFR, Yes2, Miss17, Lady Pink, Fly, Daim, Loomit, Miss Van, Meres, Tracy168, Zimad, Fafi, Indie, Shepard Fairey (Obey), Revz, and Taki 183
Recently, you had a graffiti-related run in with the law. Care to comment on that?
Jesus Saves: Yeah, I got permission by a resident who lives in this housing project to go on the roof and get videotaped for a DVD. Next thing I know after 15 minutes of being up there the police pop out of nowhere with guns drawn , screaming “don’t move”. I got bagged and I thought I was facing jail time. During my wait to see the judge, I got on my knees and started praying, all the while people were looking at me as if I was crazy. I prayed for a miracle. I know I might be facing few months or maybe a year but still I was trusting in God. Sentencing came and the judge gave me 5 days because this was my first arrest by housing police not by street or transit police, for if it was either of them I wouldn’t be doing this interview. “Thank you, Jesus!” I replied. The Lord answered my prayer.
What is your philosophy on graffiti?
Jesus Saves: Well all I know is that graffiti is one of the most powerful tools and its today’s era time and generation of today’s modern graffiti art which is widely known and so big in the whole face of this earth.
Graffiti is universal and is a lifestyle. In the 1500’s artists like Michelangelo, Leonardo di Vinci, and Raphael were famous for their religious art; their work was universal. Times have changed now and graffiti is one of the main art forms in the world.
How does a typical day in your life look like?
Jesus Saves: Working in 2 jobs. Monday to Wednesday, I work for a cell phone company. Thursday to Friday wed cell be walking around in the Bronx advertising food products. It is a comfortable job for me. On Sundays, I go to a Church that speaks Portuguese; I’m learning Portuguese and German.
Other than that I sell my own t-shirts and canvases.
Ok, tell me a bit about your line of “Jesus Saves” t-shirts. How did that whole t-shirt concept come about? What inspired you to create the shirts? Where can people contact you to buy those shirts?
Jesus Saves: I met an old school writer SST, in the church I was attending who has been involved with graffiti since the early 70’s. He would paint on trains and tag (“SST”) everywhere. Now for over 20 years he has become a professional graphic designer and has worked for many people and places, including PNB Nation. Through him the Jesus Saves logo came about; he snapped a shot from a tag I did awhile ago and it was a rap. He made the silk screen it packed it up in a paper roll that says “Jesus Saves”. He also designed a nice [Jesus Saves] ticket tag design in a way that is attracting people’s attention in the United States and overseas. Here is a site that I’m still working on. People can leave comments or a message about the t-shirts @ www.jesussavest-shirts.blogspot.com and www.myspace.com/jesussaves03
Earlier, we touched on your run-in with the law. You’ve had a “rough patch”, these past few weeks YET, you didn’t let it get you down. I respect that because it is so easy, for a person, to quit when times get hard. Surely your faith got you through this, but what kind of mind-set do you have when times get hard?
Jesus Saves: It’s not easy these days because I have problems with family members and then my ex-girl was spreading lies and rumours about me which caused problems between me and some of my other friends.
It was hard because she was a person I was really close to and all of a sudden we went from being best friends to not speaking at all. I’m still holding on no matter what because the more things seems to get worst the closer to Christ I’m going to get and the more I pray. At times, I feel like a boxer. I gotta keep my guard up because if I don’t I’ll be beat down and knocked out. If I fall, like any boxer, I get up before the referee reaches the count of 10.
I believe that God didn’t put us here to be losers but for all of us to be a winner no matter what situation takes place. I’m a child of God and a winner… I have victory in Jesus!!! That’s it.
What kept you going? What would you like to say to anybody who might be going through some difficult times, right now?
Jesus Saves: I would give them advice and as a believer and a man of faith I would advise people to pray. Just do it!!! Liquor and drugs will make it worst; they will depress people and then suicidal thoughts could take place, especially if somebody suffers from emotional stress.
My advice is to pray before anything and to seek help, counselling or therapy. It’s also good to talk about your feelings with people you can trust and understand you. Before seeking help I pray first because God comes first before anything and He is in control. Nothing is impossible for God. For those who suffer and have no hope or nowhere to run to, I suggest coming to Christ. I got on my knees one night and prayed. I locked my door and turned off the lights and as I started to pray I also started crying and let out all my tears to God. I asked him to make me new and cleanse me from the inside-out. When a person cries and lets out their pain, they end up with a happy and a healed heart. Yet, if that person hides their pain through laughter and jokes, they are just building up more problems which can negatively affect their health.
What I say is true and it takes place a lot out here in New York. My last bit of advice is for people to stop searching for the love which this world could not give you, but only God can because God is love pure and perfect.
Let the past go: it’s time for a fresh start mentally, spiritually, and emotionally…I DARE YOU TO BE DIFFERENT!!!
Final question: Do you have any plans to “get up” in Canada?
Jesus Saves: Of course, not only is it my goal to travel all over the world, but I also have plans to piece and paint across certain parts of the U.S. and Canada. A friend of mine has family in Canada, so we can go and visit Canada anytime. I have thoughts of doing a piece with the Canadian flag inside the Jesus Saves outline and at least 7 walls of piecing murals. I would be happy to shot some flicks and videos. I will go up [to Canada] soon but, I’m not too sure when.
Jesus Saves!
At the end of the day Jesus Saves is about Peace, Hope & Love especially for those that have no voice or don’t realize they have one. The world needs more people like J.S. especially the Graffiti world!
God Bless
SST-3/P.O.G.
jesus saves gets up hella harder then most writers in NY
I met the original “Jesus Saves” at the Parkside subway station on the “D” Line back in 1973. That day, we climbed down through the hole on the fence and together sneaked into the station.
This “Jesus Saves” of today is a BIG fake. He is also a graffiti prostitute of both kinds http://www.webspawner.com/users/micoaslatinpride/graffitiprostit4.html
This “Jesus Saves” seems to be more interested on promoting his false story and selling t-shirts. May God bless him.
MICO
~as~
LATIN PRIDE!
Dude.
we’re all big fakes. We front like we’re all fine on the outside, when really, inside we’re all insecure broken people. This guy has just embraced his brokenness and need for a Savior. it’s not about his glory- I think he really just wants to tell the world about Jesus.
i respect you Mico as an older pioneer.
but i dont think this dude is fake. i fully back this dude 100%
this guy seems to have a good heart thats dedicated to true graffiti and jesus.
that link is getting spammed around like whiteout tags on bus stops. just the trend of the week.
but this guy cares more about putting his message forth more than being recongnized as a graffiti writer. and he is taking any oppurtunity to make it heard. so he is not self promoting. he is promoting something larger than himself and everyone else in this world, GOD!
YO SOME KATS NEED TO STOP HATIN ON JS.I MET THE GUY.HE IS COOL HUMBLE AND A MAN WITH GOOD HEART.THIS DUDE IS RESPECTED AND ADMIERD BY MANY WORLD WIDE.
yeah what it is and what it do?passing by giving much love and props to that homie jesussaves.the interview is cool and so so so deep.it touch my heart and soul.i love this right here.congradulations to senseslost
I GIVE IT TO THIS MAN.HE IS A LIVING TESTIMONY.PEOPLE JUDGE THIS DUDE AND RANK ON THIS DUDE BUT RIGHT NOW HE IS LIKE A WELL KNOWN RECOGNIZED ENVANGELIST THROUGH HIS GRAFFITI.I GOT LOVE AND RESPECT FOR THIS GUY.FEW HATERS NEED TO LEAVE THIS MAN ALONE.HE IS GODS PROPERTY.
HE IS SO AMAZIN AND HE IS A BIG HUGE BLESSING!!!
i met jesus saves at the wooster tour round.hes real cool n a man w/ a good heart n soul.god bless this young fellow.hes blessed
MICO or whatever your name is, Get a life bro! Your like a 100 years old with a corny graffiti legacy point blank period! Your graffiti train ride was just about over more than 30 years ago man. I’m so sick of these corny, washed up, no style a$$ NYC ol’skool writers now trying to jump on the modern graffiti bandwagon. Innovate or lost homie.
Jesus Saves is soft dude but, the he’s put in work.
This guy is up!
big inspiration right here. i live in so cali and love representing JS anywhere and everywhere possible. stay up and keep on praying
THIS BOY IS GOING WORLD WIDE.MY PEEPS IN ASIA HEARD OF JESUSSAVES.NOW THATS WOW!!!!!!
JS keep doing what you do my guy! ..I find it very important to sprend love and peace and not hate and war.. These youngins need some GOD love in their wangster lives.. Just because you’re older does’nt mean you better or smarter, you need to grown within your self (Mind, body & soul)…Everybody wants to portray a gangster life because its all on T.V. music and in the media and now the internet but all that shit does is distroy your mind…..So please stop fabricating you self and be genuine its the way to gooo!!
Food for thought people,
get you mind right and find a better outlet!
mines is god because god is love!
peace!
this world is changing its getting real cold people think they got it all figured out but still ther all alone living for nothing ”the lost in the game get tost in the rain” wake up people
thank u Spain for not being afraid
this guy right here has mental issue is like he has nothing better to do but to lie and harras his very own people with fake pages!!! and he is still on that german girl shit,,,and the funny thing is he never got any ass from her….. yea thats right his sooo called ex from germany….he comes to sooooo many people with fake pages on myspace man this guy is a punk…..he needs 2 go get help,,he needs therapy,,cause he suffers from mental disorders………he is a fake and a compulsive lier.he use god name just to get up’s but god don’t like ugly and one day he will get his ass burn for playing with fire…..jesus saves you is a scumbag and ur wackkkkk cause ur just sooooooooo sloppy and fake sooooooo good luck with ur wack ass self and get off the atc crew dickkkk they don’t want a fake wanna be in there crew…
p.s. people don’t let his fake smile and sweet words fool you he’s just being a fake hipacrete
is ok if yaaa don’t believe me cause the true will hit each and everyone in there face realll soon….ohhhyeaaa and for those that want to believe him them godbless and good luck cause yaa gonna need it
proove these dudes wrong j.s. cats cant touch us
.stay high 149 told me personally that jesus saves is his favorite writer.
i’m laughin at the truth…..the truth lol……… ur a DICKSUCK!
and MICo please…….mico who? haha ooh i mean check those business reply postcards …hahaha yeah blood u a true artist. u were the first this and the first that in between stations at blah blah blah.
u ain’t up pussy so shut it. u can’t talk without getting up,
you’re done , don’t matter how many gay ass phrases u make up to describe others….u ain’t up so u is a PUSSY bitchin…….and that’s a shame cos all writers deserve respect for their art and you would have had mine but u obviously got no life bitching about climbing thru a fence with a guy in 1973…..lol i mean seriously …. to do what ? take it in the ass haha. check ur crayon doodles yo…..who told u u was a writer? yo mamma that’s who. get up or shut the fuck up
the truth i’m still laughin at “never got any ass”…..u just don’t get it all nigga…. you disrespect all parties with ur hating. ur just a joke yo and u know js , i can tell cos u know too much. u need to step up with ur name
it sucks that u exist cos u a bitch
hahaha
haha russ sounds like he hates himself and wants to die and bring everyone down with him. i love you russ shout outs to j.s.
HI IM A 40 YEAR OLD WOMEN LIVING IN PR ,MY NAME IS MARI.JS A VERY ROMATIC PERSON WITH A GOOD HEART.HE HAS A SISTER WHO IS JELOUSE AND WITH A MAN THAT HAS NO LIFE.JS TELLS ME THY DONT DO NOTHING FOR THEM SELVES.AS FOR THIS WHO EVER GERMAN GIRL IS SHE IS A FAKE CHURCH GIRL WHO DECIEVED HIM AND WANT HIM FOR SEX.JS DID NOT HAVE SEX WITH HER CAUSE SHE JUST WANTED SEX AND SHE HAVE HER OWN PLACE BRINGING MENS OVER.HIS SISTER IS MAD CAUSE HER BABY DADDY LEFT HIM AFTER SHE GAVE UP THAT ASS AND GOT PLAYED.THEY NEED A LIFE.JS WILL PUSH ATC FOR EVER CAUSE HE IS ADDICTED TO JESUS.SO TO WHO EVER HATERS WROTE THAT GET OF HIS SHYT.IM WITH JS ALL THE WAY.BABY MY LOVE.TE QUIERO MUCHO MI VIDA Y CORASON
anytime you wanna come to Vancity, we will find a wall for you to paint
good to meet you in NYC, much love
those who judge jesussaves is hating.i heard he has sister who is against him and her man is against him and some chick he went out with from germany is talking bad about him.he is a good man call him what ya want to call him.i met him personaly
Give me a break. This is so weak. If you’re a preacher, be a preacher, don’t sell t-shirt’s and canvases.
You got off on the case because the facts of a permission wall worked in your favor, not G-d stepping in to save you.
WEAK