TEMPT1 is a Los Angeles-based artist, activist and publisher. In his 25+ year career, he has curated art shows, done commission work for Tribal Gear and Third Rail clothing, mentored youth, spoken at the United Nations and created an international publication on street and urban art.
In 2003, he was diagnosed with ALS (aka Lou Gehrig’s Disease), a degenerative neuromuscular disease that results in full paralysis. Never one to give up, Tempt collaborated with the Not Impossible Foundation and Graffiti Research Labs to create software that allows people with paralysis to draw with their eyes. Tempt now rocks styles to help raise awareness about ALS and healthcare… and still keeps it funky.
“When I think about graffiti in Los Angeles one name really comes to mind and that is Tempt. He is an original writer from the old school era and has been pioneering since the early ’80s. He is definitely one of the most versatile graff writers in the world. His hand styles are unmatched on the West Coast, but what really separates him from the herd is his mastery of the LA gangster writing, which is unique on its own. His can control, color combinations and smooth blends are legendary. He has paid his dues on the late night freeway bombing tip, held down yards, buses, and just about everything else imaginable to a graff artist. Tempt, along with Relic, put out one of LA’s first graff magazines: Big Time. The articles and words he expressed in Big Time were insightful, inspiring and downright prophetic. Tempt is the true King of Los Angeles graff.”
-DEFER, K2S
Hey T, the site is really dope. Your styles are unmatched, your legacy is untouched.
What’s up Temptone!! This is the “underground” E-Dj ruler from the UNIVERSE! This is “Mammalone”!
Listen to my E-DJ mixes people! Much love for TEMPTONE!
Sincerely,
Manuel AKA E-DJ INTELLIGENT AGENT
[…] No one can attest to the benefit of the project more than the LA based artist Tempt. He has been living with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) for almost eight years now and on his […]
We did Bro! There is a top to bottom silver and black Tempt running live on Santa Fe and Hunter. Hope you like it . Peace my Brother. Onward and Forward to the future Writers that you inspire.We carry the Torch and lead to the light you have shown us.
Hey Tempt,
Leaving a comment here seems to be the only way I can reach you –
The story of your work and life are amazing. Is there an email I can possibly contact you at? I’m working on a street art project that I would love to get in contact with you about.
Let me know!
kent Yoshimura
you can email me at:
kent.yoshimura@gmail.com
Salve do Brasil!!! Belos trabalhos cara! reconhecimento mundial… muita força e fé na sua jornada!
ABraços do Brasil!!!
Ensone_tpa bna kd
amazing artist.
Hell yeah, Tony!!! We in this!
Man your works amazing!! Keep it up. Very inspiring Especially as I face my own medical challenges.
Hi Tempt, Let me give u a little background….Lost my job because China stole trade secrets. Government pays us to go to college. In computer class, we have to do a power point project. I chose “Not Impossible” as my topic. Needless to say, you are the high point. (I hope you don’t mind). You are IMPRESSIVE and I like your writing style, not to mention your art. I’ll be sixty when I graduate, LOL. You are so inspiring. Sincerely Kat