Graffiti Stencils and Canvas Artwork
Stencilling has actually been around for 25 years, even though many people think Banksy contrived it. You can apply paper, cardboard or other types of surfaces (such as plastics) to develop templated graphics and text. You simply cut around the shapes from your paper/cardboard/other surface, place then set this surface against a wall (for example), and roll-on paint or spray into the cut-out shapes.
The definitive principle of stencilling is producing outlines via cutting shapes, and spraying paint within these cutout shapes – producing defined images on the surface underneath. It’s also feasible to employ multiple layers of stencils to create an illusion of depth or even add colours.
There are innumerable reasons for being a stencil graffiti artist. For some, it is a great platform to shout out a political point. Many stencil artists appreciate the PR that their artwork can obtain. Some just desire their art to be seen. Since the stencil remains uniform throughout its use, it is easier for a stencil artist to speedily repeat what could be an involved artwork at a very speedy rate, when equated to other traditional tagging methods, so without question, there is also a persuasive promotional reason to get involved with stencilling.
Banksy has applied stencilling as a method to put a point across, often rather succinctly, leaving the spectator to get the message themselves. This is often why people love his artworks so much, as they make the viewer think. Banksy art is now being reprinted as posters, t-shirts and graffiti art on canvas, such is the popularity of the street artist.
