Miami artist Ladie One takes it to the streets
Alexandra “Ladie One” Graniello made it through her first week on Oxygen’s new Tuesday night series Street Art Throwdown, a reality competition that pits some of the country’s most promising graffiti artists against one another in hopes of winning a cool $100,000 grand prize. Though the 24-year-old currently lives in Los Angeles, where the show was filmed — with proper permits, of course — the Chicago native moved to South Florida at the age of 12 and attended Deerfield Beach High School. We talked:
How has the experience on “Throwdown” been overall?
Life changing. I grew tremendously as a person and artist during and since we filmed, and I’m very thankful to have gotten this opportunity to share my story and lifestyle with the world.
What is life like creating masterpieces with spray paint?
My love for street art and hip-hop culture is what saved me out of a lot of trouble as a young girl, and I couldn’t be more thankful to where it has gotten me today. I’ve seen the world, met a lot of amazing people and now have gotten the chance to share my story on a broader scale.
How did South Florida influence you?
Miami is the foundation of my style, color scheme choice and letter structure.
How did you get the name “Ladie One?”
It was given to me by my mentor, Miami street artist Chors. I also wanted people to know I was a girl. My style at first was controversial because it was very neutral, and he wanted me to be able to hang with the boys. So I felt like when he suggested the name it sounded perfect. It was exactly who I was — a small girl with a big vision in a man’s world.
What other news do you have?
I am currently working on my very own cosmetic line. I am a full-time makeup artist in L.A. when I’m not painting on [walls]. My line will be infusing both sides of me, a never before seen gimmick in the fashion world. I’m very excited about this new venture so stay tuned.
MADELEINE MARR
This story was originally published February 6, 2015 at 12:49 PM with the headline "Miami artist Ladie One takes it to the streets."