DALLAS — Some homeowners in Oak Cliff are sending a strong message to the unidentified vandals who are targeting properties in their neighborhood. One resident’s found a way to turn the criminal’s graffiti into a mural celebrating the community.
“This is an experiment in the making,” Ben Pyles explained as he looked at his garage.
Vandals tagged Pyles’ property with a large message spray painted in gold letters. The homeowner says after his family noticed the graffiti, they decided to think about ways to offer forgiveness to the vandals, while celebrating the community through art.
Pyles decided to search for a street artist who could use the vandalized garage door as a canvas to create something meaningful. He collaborated with Bone1 the Artist on a design.
“This is a big culture of Oak Cliff,” the artist explained.
Bone1 created a mural on the garage door. The design shows the City of Dallas skyline peeking through the words ‘Oak Cliff.’ The image is surrounded by the neighborhood’s trees and hills.
”I was thinking about the psychology of these kids,” Pyles explained. “What do I want to tell them? I don’t want to tell them you’re not welcome here. You know? I want to tell them You are welcome here. You stepped on my toes, and I’m still going to embrace you.”
Even though the mural faces the alley behind Pyles’ home, Bone1 the Artist hopes it inspires illegal taggers to be more responsible with their talents.
Bone1 said, ”Ben was stuck with a tag on the wall, and built creativity. Hopefully, we can push that energy in the right way.”