I didn’t grow up in New York – I came to this city from a small town in Northwest Florida (more like Lower Alabama). ‘Round those parts, people expect a certain level of politeness. People hold the door for each other and say “thanks.” Neighbors nod to each other in acknowledgment. Strangers wave and make eye contact with each other. The South has well-documented problems, but Southern Hospitality is not a myth. I haven’t lived in New York City for long, but it didn’t take long to realize how much I took the customs of my hometown for granted.
Street artist ThanksNYC grew up in the city, and after a hiatus from city life, he decided he’d had enough. He took to the subways in order to raise the spirits of commuters. Pasting his iconic Thanks face stickers, complete with compliments in the hair, throughout the NYC transit labyrinth was only the beginning for the prolific street artist. Thanks continues to expand above ground, so keep an eye out. He’s even begun crowd sourcing the Manners Movement, so you too can help spread the love.
We were lucky enough to get the opportunity to talk to Thanks and get to know the man behind the mustache.
You define what you do as “street art.” Can you tell me how you distinguish between what is “street art” and what is “graffiti”? Do you do any public art, other than the THANKS campaign, that you would define as graffiti?
I define it as street art. I think graffiti is done more for graffiti writers. All the “crews” and the “names” and the “tagging” – most of graffiti writer fans, or critics, are other graffiti writers. It’s a whole underground world that exists in NYC and other cities. I believe street art appeals to a bigger demographic of people, not just graffiti writers.
How did you make the transition from just a kid writing graffiti in the city to a street artist?
You have to get out of your comfort zone. You have to go do an internship, do some yoga, go live in the mountains, and learn to be a ninja! If you stay in the same scene doing the same stuff, you’re going to be the same person.
Are you college-educated? Has this affected your work in the public arena?
I am actually self-educated. The things I have learned via reading, observing, trying, and failing have affected many areas of my life, including my art.
Was there any single altercation or incident that inspired this campaign? If so, could you describe it, or was it more of a general attitude that you have experienced in the city?
I spent some time down south a while ago and realized strangers can be nice to each other. Growing up in NYC, I just assumed that you’re not supposed to wave or smile at people you don’t know. People here are crazy, but so what? If I smile at a stranger, it doesn’t mean I am scared of them.
What is your favorite color?
Blue!
Did your experiences away from NYC help to inspire this campaign?
Yes. A great deal. It took living in a different culture, while seeing NYC only through the eyes of tumblr, to understand what I wanted when I went back.
Is your message inspired particularly by New Yorkers or by people elsewhere as well? That is to say, do you believe that New Yorkers specifically could use some better manners and to be kinder and more courteous, or is this a more global message?
This is a global message, but I think New York needs it the most. Plus there are New Yorkers from all over the world! I want them to give thanks while they’re here. Then maybe if they Skype their family back in Korea or Israel, perhaps their optimism will rub off where it’s needed! Then we’ll be global! Thanks!
Why the mustache?
Everyone loves a good ol’ mustache. I think a jolly guy with a mustache is one of the most lovable things on this earth!
Do you have a mustache? If so, is it for Movember or is it a year around mustache?
My mustache is still in training. Someday he will shine in all his glory when he is ready.
Could you just riff on mustaches for a bit? I feel that mustaches can signify many different things. There is the iconic Hitler-stache; there is the hipster-stache. A mustache can be authoritative or artistic depending on the hat worn by the mustachioed (for instance, a police hat or a beret). I find it interesting that you chose to mustache your icon.
T: I couldn’t agree more. If you notice, my mustache is one of a 30-year firehouse veteran or the head of an enormous kitchen in an Italian restaurant. The hair might give him some boyish charm, but he is an authoritative man who has seen it all. He knows that life is too short to be in a bad mood, so he gives thanks! Nobody is perfect, and things don’t always go our way, but if we give thanks for the good, we can get past the bad. Tomorrow is a new day!
Does he have a name? Or is he just “Thanks” or the “Thanks Man”?
His name is Thanks. He represents the good manners and optimism that is sometimes lacking in the streets of New York. So when you see him, smile. Say Thanks!
In short: Become a ninja, Get a mustache, give Thanks.
Article: Scott Bunze
