Joe and Lefty

When someone thinks of a masterpiece in art, one usually thinks of something created by Picasso or Van Gogh, not paint sprayed out of cans. Nevertheless, masterpieces were being fashioned at NMJC on April 23 from just that. Joe and Lefty (Joseph and Lindsay Watson) hail from Florida and travel around the country performing for various organizations and dazzling audiences with their incredible work. Joe started doing this on May 31, 1998 as part of his rehabilitation process after being struck by lightning on his apartment’s rooftop. He refined this craft by watching another phenomenal artist, Reggie Reep. The art form itself was started in the 1960’s out of Mexico City. Several names have been given to this art including: Scratch Art, Spray Art and Scratchitti to name a few. Joe said he used the slogan, “anything that passes by,” when creating art in New York’s Central Park. What he means is that he uses plastic bags, bottle-caps, cans, peanut butter jar lids and scrap paper. Virtually anything that has a texture or shape is usable to him. In early 1999, Joe decided to move to Orlando, Florida to pursue his career. That turned out to be a wise move for both Joe and his profession. In addition to touring around the country performing his art, he is a resident artist at Café Tu Tu in Orlando, where he has sold approximately 1200 of his works. Joe also found a partner, not only in his work, but his life. His wife, Lindsay is quite adept with a spray can as well. “He taught me how to paint like this in about six-months which was great, because it got me away from bartending,” she said with a playful smile. Joe says he loves what he does now, because “I get to see the country and show people you can use spray paint for something other than a destructive force.” Joe also says he likes to create works for college students, because he enjoys doing it and “It makes me feel good creating something they can keep.” Sports News Tim Perry, Director of College Communications tperry@nmjc.edu Keith Hurley, PR/Marketing Writer/Editor khurley@nmjc.edu Kathy Mahan, Desktop Designer kmahan@nmjc.edu Rudy Rascon, PR/Marketing Assistant rrascon@nmjc.edu Kiril Farkov, Webmaster webmaster@nmjc.edu New Mexico Junior College, 5317 Lovington Hwy, Hobbs, NM 88240 Phone: 505.392.4510, 1.800.657.6260 © 1996-2004 New Mexico Junior College * All Rights Reserved - Sports News Tim Perry, Director of College Communications tperry@nmjc.edu Keith Hurley, PR/Marketing

"Dear Joe and Lefty, I am a student at Kutztown University, one of the places you visited on your tour. I just wanted to say thank you for the picture Joe did for me, it's really cool. It was really neat to be able to watch you guys make all those pictures, I think you both have a lot of talent. So, again, thanks for the free picture! It really made my day!" --Andrea Wetzel

"Dear Joe and Lefty, I saw you the other day at SCC and you guys were great! I saw on your web site that you will be in NYC this month...where and when will you be there? I also have a question...why is lefty called lefty? I noticed she's not a lefty? just asking..."

"Joe and Lefty were a big hit! We were all amazed at their talent. I regret that I didn't get to spend more time with them, be we will definitely be having them back!....." Student Activities North Carolina School of Art.

"Joe and Lefty my painting was so cool I wanna tattoo it on my butt!"

"This is the coolest thing this college has ever done for us!" Student @College of the South West, NM

butch81385 Ultimate Member Registered: Jul 2003 Location: PA Posts: 2617 Tue Sep 28, 2004 7:00pm this one is a 5x7 that she did in about 2 1/2 minutes. People that can do this are amazing. They did one with the New York City skyline (with twin towers front in center) in front of an American flag background with stars in the sky. It was one of the sweetest things I have ever seen.

You know what's even better than art? FREE ART!! ^_^ One day on campus I spied a tent where two spray-paint artists had been hired by the school to do....spray paint art....for the students. It was very awesome to watch. And since I had stood there watching them for forty five minutes or so, Joe even made me a picture!! Isn't it awesome? It was amazing to watch these two work. I'm so glad they came to our school. Joe did my piece, and his partner was Lefty. They have a site set up, you can check it out at joeandlefty.com. It's worth the trip. The second picture was sent to my by Joe when he stumbled across this page. He wanted to thank me for the plug. I would now like to thank him for the second picture. Because it's a very cool thing. :)

Two spray paint artists, "Joe and Lefty," visit the Amarillo College Washington Street campus on Thursday, September 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Joe and Lefty will create personal portraits with spray paint cans. For more information, contact the AC Student Government Association.

Spray Art by Joe and Lefty Monday Thomas Nelson August 30, 2004 11:00 am – 2:00 PM Outside Griffin Hall Joe is an accomplished New York City street artist. He met Lefty, also an accomplished artist with her own unique style, while he was on tour in Florida. These two delightful artists crank out 5” x 7” paintings every 3 to 5 minutes. Don't miss out on the opportunity to have your very own Joe and Lefty original artwork. Winners of the Best College Novelty Act Award for 2004 and 2005

The Gordon College Campus Activity Board (CAB) sent five delegates along with their advisor, Nina King, Director of Student Activities, to the conference. John Momon lll, sophomore and President of CAB, told GCP, "It was really fun and informative. It showed us some good ideas on what to bring to the campus." Joe and Lefty Spray Can Art sponsored by "Everything but the Mime," may be showcasing here at Gordon College in the future. They create amazing art with the use of spray paint and recyclables. These five by seven pieces of art take two to three minutes to complete.

Students also took advantage of the creative talents of ‘Joe and Lefty,’ an artistic duo who create one-of-a-kind art pieces using spray paint. - Broward CC

Joe and Lefty Spray Can Art returned October 29, 2004. The day was a little gloomy but they stayed outside of the Student Center from 10:00 - 2:00 providing over 100 students with their own 5/7 Painting. - Gordon College GA

"These are miracles!" annonymous student Miami FL.

LIFESTYLESMON. | November 10, 2003 The Arkansas Traveler 7 Joe and Lefty, spray paint artists, will make art for students from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today in the Arkansas Union Mall.

As a centerpiece for this display, we will host two (2) artists that are traveling the nation. Featured will be "Joe and Lefty" who will be demonstrating their "Spray Can Art." These artists will be producing 5"X 7" paintings made entirely with spray cans. All art will be given free of charge to the patrons attending the showing. Their web site can be accessed at http://www.everythingbutthemime.com/joeandlefty.htm. Lamar Orange TX

I LOVE Joe and Lefty....! They are an incredible couple....professionally and personally!!!! = Gail Student Activities Director @ SCC Florida

You know what's even better than art? FREE ART!! ^_^ One day on campus I spied a tent where two spray-paint artists had been hired by the school to do....spray paint art....for the students. It was very awesome to watch. And since I had stoo - JoeandLefty.com