#35 - James McMenamin (MECRO)

I’ve been drawn to graffiti for as long as I can remember. The subway-car era was a little before my time, so most of the work I grew up seeing lived on city walls and highway overpasses. Then one day in high school, I stumbled across a couple of magazines and DVDs that revealed an entirely new world to me: freight train graffiti. That discovery changed everything. My next guest didn’t just participate in that world—he thrived in it at a level most writers only dream of. James McMenamin, better known as MECRO, began painting in 2006 and quickly became one of, if not my absolute favorite graffiti artists of all time. His range, his style, his technical skill—it's unmatched. His work has not only secured his place in graffiti history, but has also built an incredible life for himself and his family. In 2008, Jimmy stepped into the mural business, founding Glossblack LLC, which he still runs today. Through it, he’s been able to bring his art to the world legally and professionally, transforming businesses and public spaces with the same level of craft and precision that define his freight pieces. Add to that his studio and gallery work—rare, powerful, deeply expressive—and you start to see the full picture of an artist who keeps evolving, both creatively and personally. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Jimmy since 2018, when we collaborated on a limited run of MECRO pins. That project led to two more pin releases—and a friendship I’m forever grateful for. Jimmy isn’t just an incredible artist; he’s a devoted father, a visionary, and a spiritual mentor. You’re going to learn a lot from him. This episode is a special one, and I’m truly thankful to share it with the world.   *Mixed & Mastered by Carson Kopp ( @carson.kopp )                                                                                                         **Intro Music by N3str0 ( @n3str0 ) https://thesaucetalkpodcast.com