In The In Between

In the in-between. In the alleys and the underpasses. That’s where you’ll find it. Somewhere running the line between a vision and vagrancy. On Commercial Street, maybe in the heat of the day, in San Diego, “America’s Finest City.”  Behind those neon bars reminiscent of hieroglyphics to the untrained eye, you’ll find him with a can in hand. Between him and the wall, an instrument. An instrument that with only slight pressure from a forefinger, muscle memory and more than 30 years in his mind’s eye, he can compose a song sung from the streets. The name came from his cousin. “Nothing to it,” he said, “He just wasn’t using it anymore.” Brisk. Brisk Artwork. Photo credit to Tessa Balc.  It’s the name those who know his work, know him by. His origin story starts on the night he says he signed up for a new world. “There’s a point that it’s not just something that you do, it’s who you are.” Graffiti Artist. He was drawn to the letters. The secret language between many who have never met. There’s a pause after Brisk states, “There’s a code of ethics that you have to follow. There’s rules that make this...