Imprint: On Stenciled Graffiti

Stencilling has actually been around for 25 years, even though many people think Banksy first did it. You can use cardboard, paper or other forms of surfaces (such as plastics) to produced templated imagery and text. You merely cut around the design from your cardboard/paper/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 making outlines via cutting shapes, and spraying paint within these cutout shapes - producing defined graphics on the surface underneath. It's also feasible to use multiple layers of stencils to produce an illusion of depth or even add colours.

There are countless causes for being a stencil graffiti artist. For a few, it is a great platform to shout out a political message. Other artists value the PR that their artwork can acquire. Some simply want their work to be seen. Since the stencil remains unchanged throughout its use, it is far easier for a stencil artist to rapidly repeat what could be a complicated piece at a very quick rate, when equated to other established tagging methods, so without doubt, there is also a powerful promotional reason to get involved with stencilling.

Banksy has used stencilling as a method to put a point across, often quite succinctly, providing the viewer to get the message themselves. This is oftentimes why people love his artworks so much, as they force the viewer to meditate on the meaning behind the artwork. Banksy art is being reprinted as graffiti canvas artwork, t-shirts and posters, such is the popularity of the street artist.