New graffiti store in Hamilton causing conflict

A Hamilton neighbourhood that’s becoming known for its street art scene is now home to a graffiti supply store.

“Blazen Colour and Culture” just moved to James Street North.

For some it’s a welcome addition, others worry it will spur vandalism.

It’s not a typical paintbrush, but it’s turning James Street North into a massive canvas.

“When you look around the city there is a lot of good work done, especially on James North,” says Tony Blaze, owner of Blazen Colour and Culture.

But when these cans of paint get into the wrong hands, the result is anything but artwork.

A mural by artist Lester Coloma has become a fixture in the trendy arts neighbourhood, but even he learned the hard way there’s a fine line between vandalism and artwork.

When he tried to paste a temporary piece on a privately owned wall, the owner confronted him, and eventually he was allowed to put it up.

“It can be as beautiful as it is but if it’s not what the owner of the building agrees to then there’s a big conflict there,” he says.

Every year the city of Hamilton spends a quarter of a million dollars removing graffiti from public property.

Some spaces, like the Tivoli Theatre and the Beasley Skate Park encourage artists to showcase their work.

Blaze thinks more options like this would decrease vandalism.

“Have some walls available for customers that could freely go there and do their artwork.”

It may not be typical artwork, but supporters believe it’s aiding the transition of one of Hmilton’s fastest growing neighbourhoods.