Welcome to Jenkem Tries, a new series where we explore the various hobbies, side hustles, and pastimes of our friends within the skate community. In this first episode, we dive into the captivating world of wheatpasting.
Wheatpasting, a form of street art, is used by everyone from small-time creatives to major advertisers. Its accessible nature means you can get started with simple materials like children’s glue, water, and notebook paper. If you’ve ever walked through New York City, you’ve undoubtedly seen wheatpasted art on walls.
You’ve likely also noticed the “POST NO BILLS” signs, which highlight the delicate relationship between NYC property owners and street artists, including wheatpasters. It’s this element of risk, albeit less dangerous, that makes wheatpasting share a similar thrill with street skating and graffiti.
Intrigued by this art form, we connected with Timothy Hutto, a seasoned NYC wheatpaster, to guide us through the process. From mixing the glue in a kitchen to printing and applying large posters in busy streets, join us as we try our hand at wheatpasting.
The process began in Timothy’s kitchen, where he walked us through the creation of the wheatpaste itself. The mixture of flour, water, and a touch of sugar is surprisingly simple, yet it’s the foundation of this entire art form. It’s a reminder that some of the most impactful art doesn’t require expensive materials or complicated tools.
Close-up shot of the wheatpaste being mixed in a bowl
Next, we moved on to the printing process, where the chosen designs were brought to life on large format paper. Watching the posters being printed gave us a glimpse into the planning and preparation that goes into each wheatpaste piece. This step requires a bit more than simple household items, involving a printer capable of handling large designs.
Image of a large format printer printing the wheatpaste posters
With our posters printed and paste ready, we hit the streets. Navigating the bustling city while carrying buckets of paste and rolled up posters presented its own challenges. The experience made us appreciate the mobility and adaptability that wheatpasters need.
Ben and Timothy carrying buckets and posters through the city streets
Finding the right spot for your wheatpaste art is key. We learned that it’s not just about finding an open wall but choosing a location where your art will be seen and have an impact. We observed Timothy as he selected various spots, ranging from alley walls to storefronts.
Timothy applying wheatpaste to a wall in preparation for a poster
Finally, came the application of the posters. It’s a careful process of applying paste to both the wall and the poster, then smoothing it out to ensure a good stick. Witnessing this firsthand gave us a new appreciation for the time, patience, and precision involved in wheatpasting. It’s far more than just slapping paper on a wall.
Close-up shot of the poster being smoothed onto the wall
Wheatpasting is more than just an artistic practice; it’s a form of communication, a way to leave your mark on the urban landscape. This experience provided a firsthand understanding of the effort, creativity, and thrill involved. It’s a side of street art that many might see, but few understand the process behind it. We’re grateful to Timothy for guiding us through his world and look forward to exploring more hobbies in our new “Jenkem Tries” series.
Filmed and edited by: Dante Downey
Hosted by: Ben Komins
Special thanks to: Timothy Hutto
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