I am embarrassed to admit that I hadn’t heard of Saber until about 3 or 4 years ago. He has been creating graffiti and fine art pieces in and around L.A. for the better part of the last 2 decades and has shown in L.A.’s more well known fine art galleries since around ’96. He creates beautiful and haunting urban scenes as well as monumental graffiti pieces (check out his website for more saberone.com), which is the reason for this post.

I picked up a Juxtapoz Magazine a few years back and was blown away by what I saw in the center spread.

It took 35 nights spread over a year and a half and 97 gallons of paint to finish his King Kong sized “Hello my name is…” sticker. Not to mention that the L.A. river created by the Army Core of Engineers has 30 degree slopes off the river bed.

Most of us find inspiration in life. Family, money, recognition, love…all can be driving factors in people achieving things, but the sheer dedication and ambition that Saber showed to create this piece speaks to not only the amazing artist that he is but is a testament to his approach to life. Be Inspired, Be Bold and do great things.

You can read an excerpt of Saber’s account of the project here.

Sadly, JA decided to trash the piece and then L.A. county didn’t have anything better to do so they painted over the whole thing (read the story) but the fact that it was done in the first place is what is important.