a writers tale

Sparky Jones (yes, this is his real name) started his artistic endeavours back in the early 80's as an aspiring teenage graffiti artist, much to his parents dismay. His choice of canvas back then were large concrete drains, bridges and basically anything that stood still long enough for him to paint. At first his spray painted creations were kept out of the site of the general public especially those in law enforcement.

There were no safety masks, no rubber gloves and a neighbourhood watch which often took law into their own hands. The rivalry between graffiti artists often turned into confronting, violent exchanges which placed Sparky in hospital on more than one occasion. The health risks were high, one incident saw Sparky undergo reconstruction facial surgery after being king-hit with a fist that was sporting a knuckle-duster.

Sparky's trust in others would be shaken further when it was later found that his own sister had set him up for the terrible beating that hospitalised him. Sparky found a few loyal friends amongst the graffiti writers in Adelaide still he usually painted alone.