From the subways of New York to music videos and commercials supporting corporate America, graffiti has become a staple in modern-day culture. Rebellious, yet highly-artistic, it involves creativity, innovation and identity. And was originally introduced as a promotional tool for some of hip hops first performers.

Fast-forward 30 years and this is graffiti today. In some places, the most ornate and intricate designs you've ever seen. In others, simple-minded obscenities that attract only the wrong kind of attention.

"It's trash. It's garbage. It's profanity."

By the looks of things in Susan Carr's backyard, she's exactly right. The containment wall separating her northwest-side apartment from the Canyon Del Oro Wash is splattered with spray-painted letters and expletives. This is the work of maverick sprayers--or taggers--who've destroyed graffiti art's name.

Spawned by turf wars and intimidation, they show no regard for personal property, schools or even churches. More than anyone else, taggers are responsible for the symbols and signs defacing our community today.

"It's garbage," Carr says, shaking her head. "Would you want this in your backyard?"

"So I definitely want to clear it up--not all graffiti is about that. And knowledgeable graffiti writers know that." 19 year old Aaron Burch has been part of Tucson's graffiti scene for 10 years. "I consider myself an artist slash muralist," Burch says. "But my main form of art is through aerosol art."

Admittedly, Burch has taken liberties in places he probably shouldn't--and has been arrested for it three times. But today, he encourages fellow graffiti writers to seek out permission walls and other legal venues to showcase their work.

"This is appealing to millions of kids who never even knew the history of graffiti and haven't even dabbled in it yet," Burch says. "And now they feel as if they know it...and they feel as if they themselves can come out--and what they're doing is a lot of disrespectful things."

That's why Burch, one of Tucson's most respected graffiti writers is challenging taggers to stop dropping bombs every chance they get. "A bomb would just be something really fast, really simple to stamp," Burch says. "Something you do over and over again that looks the same--and these people fall victim to that a lot."

That's the work of a novice, Burch says, what established writers call a "toy." Even to the untrained eye there's a distinct difference the two. And the only way you're going to earn respect on the streets, Burch says, is by separating yourself from the pack.

"This guy is coming out--and this is what we'd call a full on burner," Burch says, pointing to a piece by an artist who calls himself Lex One. "This is a graffiti burner because what he's doing is he's bringing multiple tones...and it's original."

All told, Burch estimates there are at least 200 graffiti writers in Southern Arizona today...though only a handful are respected artists--not "toys". Jeff McGee is among those working to get to that level.

"When we finish we just stand back and look at it and you just feel good about yourself," he says. McGee is relatively new to Tucson's graffiti scene--though for the 19 year old father who's already had some run-ins with the law--it's provided a creative outlet and an alternative to the life he and his friends once led.

"Most of them are in jail," McGee said, "a couple of them are dead and some of them are just out of their mind because they're whacked out on drugs." With Burch's talented hand by his side, McGee is turning his life around.

He admits, he has a long way to go before he can compete with Tucson's most established writers. But he is coming along--and it's given him a confidence he hasn't had in long time. "Keeping me out of trouble," he says. "And staying away from people that get me into trouble--just feeling good about myself again."

Essentially what graffiti--or any art form for that matter--is all about. A sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. Unfortunately some misguided individuals have tarnished this form's reputation. But graffiti will live on.

Burch is among those pushing for more public locations where aerosol artists can hone their skills legally. Realistically, that won't stop every writer from breaking the law. Though it does mark a progressive approach to one of culture's most misunderstood phenomenons.

"Graffiti is you got to stay on the next step," Burch says, admiring a sprawling graffiti wall near South Sixth Avenue and 20th. "You've got to be one step ahead."