L.A. Graffiti: Is It Art?

Since 1990 Los Angeles native Steve Grody has been studying the graffiti art of L.A.'s back alleys, washes and abandoned lots, cultivating trust among the city's most prolific, skilled and infamous graffiti writers. His recent book, Graffiti L.A.: Street Styles and Art, includes interviews with the artists and explores the motivations and creativity behind graffiti as well as questions of its legality. The book was named one of the top ten books of 2007 by New York Magazine. Steve Grody earned his B.A. in fine arts. He is also an internationally respected martial arts instructor and swing dance instructor, and choreographer for Jim Carrey and cast in The Truman Show.