‘Sustain This’ is a four-part video series, produced by Complex and Allbirds, that celebrates artists who prioritize sustainability as they seek to perfect their craft.
If you have ever walked the streets of the world’s major cities—like Los Angeles, Paris, London and more—there’s a solid chance you’ve seen the work of WRDSMTH. Based in L.A., the formerly anonymous street artist is known for the black and white old-school typewriters he prints across brick walls and buildings. Above them, he pastes sheets of inspirational text.
“The fact that [my words] are resonating with so many people, it just makes me realize that we’re all in the same boat on this big blue marble,” he says. “While the world is massive and there are billions of people, we all feel the same things. We all have the same emotions.”
It’s how WRDSMTH expresses those feelings and emotions that resonate; through his namesake (words), which is appropriate given that he's a published author. Now, he uses reclaimed materials, along with the power of his words, to convey messages. Not just because they’re environmentally friendly, but because they’re part of his work’s essence.
"I actually love working with reclaimed wood, metal, glass,” he beams. “The look and feel of reclaimed wood really captures street art. It feels like it was liberated from the streets.”
The fact that [my words] are resonating with so many people, it just makes me realize that we’re all in the same boat on this big blue marble.
As for what drives WRDSMTH’s steadfast desire to elevate his craft, one word comes to mind: care. And that begins on a personal level, dating back to when he knew he had to leave his 9 to 5 job in advertising and pursue a more creative, fulfilling career.
“It’s like if I start caring about myself, then start caring about the people that are closest to me, then I start caring about my neighborhood, and my town, and my city,” he says. “It’s a ripple effect and only good can come from that.”
Check out the first installment of “Sustain This” above, and be on the lookout for more episodes dropping on Complex in the coming weeks.
