Growing up, graffiti artist Indie184 doctored men's t-shirts to create her style. "As a teen there weren't really any female streetwear brands," says Indie184. Launching her own line Kweens Destroy in 2006, theBVX chatted with the artist about her line's 2010 collection, fuel for outrunning the cops and her artistic inspiration.

Indie184 began her exploration into fashion and art in 2001.

"I was on the verge and experimented with several brand names," says the New York-born artist.

She started spray painting and embellishing her clothes but still hadn't settled on a title for her creations. She was finally given a graffiti moniker by fellow graffiti artists that she admired, West (co-founder of PNB and a mentor to Kaws). He wrote "Kweenz Destroy" the female version of her partner Cope2's legendary crew, Kings Destroy.

"It dawned on me that very moment looking at the tag," she says. "It was the name I was looking for all along for my clothing."

With her name on lock, Indie184 kept it moving. Her first collection involved a collaboration with Fafi and she is set to release her second collection this summer. Even as a mom, Indie184 still writes but focuses on the safer (more legal) stuff. We chatted with Indie184 about the upcoming Kweenz Destroy line, how she teamed up with Fafi, graffiti (obviously) and what's next. We also got a sneak peak at her new collection!



What can we expect from the next Kweens Destroy collection?

The Kweenz Destroy official second collection features an array of graphics ranging from sophisticated graffiti tags and emblems to a full color graffiti black book sketch on a vest. We have several collaborations lined up with people like French bubble letter master Tilt, style and music maven Radio Rose and Queen Andrea. Kweenz Destroy is a collective of my artist friends and I just picture a group of talented friends hanging out having fun painting walls together, going to art shows and doing what they love. At the same time, it's encouraging young girls to take their passion and make it happen!

How did you link up with fellow Graf artist Fafi?

Fafi collaborated with us on our first collection. She illustrated a special Fafinette called "India" who likes to mischievously spray paint her neighborhood. I met Fafi through Cope when he would go out to Toulouse, France and paint in graffiti jams. I admired her work for years, then in 2007 I met her in person and this time we became good friends and painted a wall here in the Bronx.

Who are the female graffiti artists you respect?

One of my favorites is Claw Money, I've always seen her and her partner Miss17 crush the streets here in NYC. I give her major respect in not only graffiti but by planting the seeds for female streetwear. I love her no-holds-barred attitude because it's true, you just have to be fearless and forget what other people say. You have to do you!

Other females in the game would be graffiti bombers like Naisha, Utah and MissMags. They kept the boys on their toes and you'd see them up everywhere! Also graffiti artists like Lady Pink, Mickey, Klor and Queen Andrea because their colorful unique style gets me head over heals and inspires me to keep evolving.

How did you get into graffiti? How old were you?

Graffiti has always been part of my environment. Growing up in the mean streets of NYC it always fascinated me because the culprits were such a big mystery. Around 1991, at my local library I read graffiti bibles like "Subway Art" and "Spray Can Art" and of course watched the epic "Style Wars" documentary and "Wild Style." It was the most unforgettable life-changing experience for me. I too wanted to be part of that culture! Later on I met famed graffiti artists like Cope2, who showed me the ropes being a real graffiti writer. I first started tagging up when I was 21-years-old then after having my son I took on the more artistic, legal approach, which required less risk but lots of time and dedication.



How have male graffiti artists responded to you over the years?

Even though it's a male dominated culture, I've never had a problem with other male counterparts. There's actually been support and encouragement because of the rarity of female graffiti artists here in NYC. There is respect because they know I do it because I love graffiti, not for the novelty.

At first was it hard as a woman to gain respect?

Not really, it's all about putting your work into it and being consistent. Always having your name up everywhere much as possible year after year. Bringing heat to the boys game, with whatever you do best, tags, throwups, masterpieces or everything!

What do you mean when you say Kweenz Destroy is for the "one woman army"?

"One woman army" is actually one of the tag style designs in our new collection. I love that phrase because it just evokes that one has to be independent and initiate their objective, you don't have to be part of a crew or company to be successful. It's the multi-tasking hard-working ambitious ladies who do everything themselves on a daily basis who make their dreams happen.

What inspires your work?

Inspiration comes from everywhere, it could be an old rusty sign, my kids' artwork, walking around my neighborhood, books or music. Of course, My Little Pony, Rainbow Brite Punky Brewster and graffiti! Seeing passionate films about Warhol, Basquiat and Haring also inspire me, as well as my family, to keep hustling everyday.

Do you have a favorite piece?

My favorite piece would have to be the faux Indiana Jones piece I did a few years ago in the Bronx. That's how I created my tag name and the letters very bold and graphic as if it was jumping out the wall. Simplicity is key.

Graffiti often involves some physical activity i.e. jumping fences or sometimes having to run. How do you keep in shape?

I have to be an acrobat when I go overseas that's when I really go out and play! But doing a full color piece does take time and energy. I stay in shape by cooking as much organic food as possible. Junk food and spray paint are not a good mix.



What's next for you?

This year I focused on curating several group exhibitions, but moving forward I want to dedicate myself to my art and brand. I want to delve into more of my style of art and produce more paintings and expand my graphic design portfolio. I want to create a children's brand and perhaps a few other ideas. I remind myself that I quit college to be successful in my entrepreneurial ventures like Kweenz Destroy, so I have no choice but to succeed!