Thrasher Magazine

Los Angeles-based artist Richard Sanchez has been honing his skills in ballpoint ink since 1998. Sanchez’ art blends his 35 years of skating and going to punk and metal shows, all while living in Hollywood’s urban decay. Richard draws on the energy of the grit and texture of the city around him. For Angelenos, his work calls up a specific time and place. It’s an LA where the wrong answer to “where you from?” could get you jumped—or worse. His more recent work has the same sense of movement and energy but also has a detail and precision that only comes with dedication and limitless patience. Where other artist would put the pen down, Richard keeps going. The result is an elevation of his subject from the commonplace to something beautiful. —Andy Bialk