Chasing the Paint: A Tale of Art, Identity, and Hustle

Art has never been just about the final piece. It’s about the process, the struggles, the risks, and the community built along the way. Nowhere is that more evident than in the streets, where murals serve as the heartbeat of a city, speaking to its history, struggles, and culture. But behind every vibrant mural is an artist with a story—a story often untold, until now.

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When the Cops Stole Our Paint

It started like any other mural project—mapping out the space, preparing the paint, and ensuring everything was lined up for the big day.

What wasn’t expected was a van rolling up, officers in blue uniforms loading up our paint, and speeding off into the night like some low-budget heist scene. It was a surreal moment—chasing the very people meant to protect and serve, demanding back what was rightfully ours.

As artists, we often talk about struggle. Usually, it’s about funding, exposure, or creative blocks. But fighting to reclaim stolen paint from law enforcement? That’s a new level of hustle. And yet, it was just another chapter in the unpredictable, sometimes chaotic, yet undeniably beautiful world of street art.

From the shadows to the spotlight

For artists like Sell Ranos, the journey into the spotlight was never a straight path.

Before stepping out as a solo artist, he spent over 15 years behind the scenes—producing work, collaborating with other artists, and running galleries. His evolution was gradual, a slow but steady transformation from supporting act to headliner.

Sell’s story mirrors that of so many artists. Growing up with an architect father and a modern dancer mother, creativity was embedded in his DNA. Yet, the journey wasn’t just about raw talent.

It took years of learning the business, understanding the game, and finally gaining the confidence to carve his own lane. And when he did, it wasn’t about shortcuts—it was about having the foundation to stand on.

The Hustle Never Stops

Murals aren’t just about painting on walls. There’s logistics, funding, and often, bureaucracy. The art world isn’t just galleries and exhibitions—it’s permits, partnerships, and sometimes, negotiating with law enforcement when they seize your supplies.

One of the defining moments for Sell came through his work with ABG Art Group. Expanding beyond murals, ABG evolved into a full-scale art production company, working on public art, community development, and large-scale civic projects. The company didn’t just survive—it thrived. From painting in the streets to advising cities on cultural strategies, Sell’s work became more than just art; it became a tool for transformation.

Embracing Identity in Art

For many artists, finding a voice is just as important as finding a medium. Sell’s journey led him back to his roots, embracing his Chinese heritage in ways he hadn’t fully explored before. His artist name, Sorrel Tsui, wasn’t just an alias—it was his birth name, a connection to his ancestry.

Through his murals and personal work, Sorrel Tsui developed a style blending traditional Chinese calligraphy with modern urban influences. It wasn’t about imitating the past but rather reinterpreting it in a way that felt authentic. His pieces became more than just aesthetically pleasing—they told a deeper story of heritage, adaptation, and self-discovery.

The Bond of the Muralists

Painting murals isn’t just an art form—it’s an endurance test. Hours in the sun, wind swaying lift stages, dodging city regulations, and sometimes, quite literally, chasing down stolen paint. But through it all, a bond is formed.

The trenches of mural work are where real camaraderie is built. There’s something about being suspended stories above the ground, painting alongside another artist, where trust isn’t optional—it’s survival. These aren’t just collaborators; they become brothers and sisters in the art, allies in the fight to bring color to the city.

Conclusion

Street art is more than just paint on concrete—it’s a reflection of identity, struggle, and perseverance. From reclaiming stolen supplies to redefining cultural narratives, artists like Sorrel Tsui prove that the journey is just as important as the masterpiece. In the ever-evolving world of murals, the hustle never stops, but neither does the passion that fuels it.