Lauren Beyer (aka graphotogirl) is originally from upstate New Jersey, and moved to Memphis in the late 70’s.  She has always been taking pictures through her eyes …

Photography subjects may come in many forms, but train graffiti is Lauren’s passion.  Her talents also include what she calls “granature” – photographing the graffiti of nature and wildlife, as well as “gra-fire” -  fireworks or sky graffiti.    As she says, “everything before our eyes is made up of “graffiti” fractals”.

Train graffiti caught Lauren’s attention, with its colors, textures, layers, symbolism and stirred up something inside her.  The graffiti artists who planned and completed these sometimes brilliant works of art inspire her photos.  The graffiti artist chooses to paint on public and private structures, including trains.  In this way they open their art to public view.  Lauren chooses to focus her photography primarily on train art, as these are usually individual and collaborative expression versus territorial or directly criminal in nature. 

Lauren presents her photographic pieces in metallic, canvas wrap and several other mediums, lifting your eye toward the train graffiti artwork.  She then frames each photo with blades of grass, dots of asphalt, metal reflections and cloudy skies, all of which are “graffiti” in their own right. 

Train art has multi-layers, underlying meanings, cultural diversity, talent, perseverance, danger, persecution, color, design, technique…..  ART!!! 

Art may be in the eye of the beholder, and there is some controversy if graffiti should be considered “art”.  The implied graffiti artist’s intent is to produce works of art.  Public and personal response to graffiti art dictates whether it is actually considered art.  Lauren’s pieces lift this sometimes controversial art form, and express her own eye’s interpretation and reflections through her art of photography and placement.  

We sit and wait impatiently when the train crosses our path, just looking for the end so we can hurry on with our day.  Perhaps the next time a train crosses your path, you will take a moment to reflect on the time, energy, and talent that went into the art passing before your eyes!! 

Please view Lauren’s graphotos, granature & gra-fire samples at   http://www.graphotogirl.com/

Lauren’s graffiti photography is meant as art expression only.  She does not produce the graffiti published, nor does she have any affiliation with the artists.  Also, she does not in any way endorse vandalism or the use of graffiti for the defacement of private and/or state-owned property.  All of Lauren’s photographs are registered and copy written with the US Library of Congress.  No reproduction without consent of the author and all rights are reserved.