ANIMAL showcases a different street artist regularly in our feature, Scratching the Surface. This week, we profile Roycer, a native New Yorker whose signature “monsters” pepper the cityscape. In addition to promoting himself on the streets, Roycer is a curator and has organized exhibits featuring graffiti and street artists.
Name/Alias:
Royce Bannon, Roycer, Choice Royce.
Decade you were born in:
’70s.
City you currently live:
New York. Harlem, to be exact.
Drugs or natural highs?
Natural. I do like the sauce.
How did you get your name?
Royce comes from this Royce Union BMX bike I had when I was a kid. I loved that bike but unfortunately it got stolen from me. The Bannon part comes from one of my favorite cartoons Jonny Quest, one of the characters was “Race Bannon.” He was pretty bad ass and would always save the day.
Why do what you do?
I really love to paint and art in general — I can’t see myself doing anything else.
How does your mother feel about your art?
She hates the illegal stuff but appreciates the gallery work.
Are you making a living off your art? How’s that working out so far?
I make some money but not enough to live off of but thats a goal I would like to reach. Art is a hustle like anything else.
Fuck the art world or embrace the art world?
A little of both.
Do you bring your smart phone into the bathroom with you? Why?
I do, It’s where I catch up on Instagram and snapchat.
Do you ever feel like giving up?
Nope, not never.
Suggest an artist to follow.
Matt Siren and Russell King.
