Barrel Fever: NC State student arrested for creating Barrel Monster
The "Barrel Monster" - Click above for image gallery of more barrel creations
A student at North Carolina State University has been arrested and charged with larceny for swiping some of those bright orange construction barrels from the road and creating what has been dubbed the "Barrel Monster". Joseph Carnevale, who also went by the handle "U Live and You Burn" before he was caught and his real name revealed, has made barrel art before (see gallery below), but none were so brash, or so big, as the Barrel Monster. Aside from being an artist, Carnevale also does graffiti and is an "Urban Explorer", which basically means he trespasses in all those cool places that citizens aren't supposed to go like construction sites, sewer drains and abandoned buildings.
He has also chronicled his exploits on a blog at nopromiseofsafety.com where he is currently soliciting compassionate parties to write on his behalf to the prosecutor. Let's hope the DA doesn't browse his blog, as it's filled with evidence of trespassing, vandalism and the like. Though some public property was damaged in the case of Carnevale's Barrel Monster, we do hope they let him off light. Frankly, most highways could use a Barrel Monster. Thanks for the tip, Bryan!
Gallery: Barrel Creations
[Source: WRAL.com, TechnicianOnline.com, nopromiseofsafety.com]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
MachinaDC5 3:05PM (6/12/2009)
Barrel Monster ANGRY!!
Reply
inteller 4:07PM (6/12/2009)
F the law....this is awesome.
Randy 4:40PM (6/12/2009)
As a "tax payer" I have to say that the use of buckets was GREAT!
But, if he took them from active use, meaning they were blocking a danger, then he should be prosecuted and hopefully convicted! If not though, hand that dude a beer! That's awesome!
Randy
Richard 4:50PM (6/12/2009)
I am with inteller: "AWESOME!"
Randy, do you suck your thumb between beers?
Jared 11:43AM (6/13/2009)
Read his blog a little. There are some great photo's and good little stories.
VW GTi 3:05PM (6/12/2009)
That is pointless. What harm is that doing.
Reply
vkchu 3:08PM (6/12/2009)
true, but it is destruction/vandalism of property that isnt his.
i did have a good laugh at the pics.
Rob 3:12PM (6/12/2009)
Yes, I hope the punishment fits the crime... which would be restitution and that's about it.
Alex 3:24PM (6/12/2009)
While I agree that it is pretty funny and definitely clever, it is also destruction of proplerty. At up to $80 a pop, they are not exactly cheap.
I don't think they shoudl take him to task over this, but to let him off scott free would send the wrong message.
VW GTi 3:35PM (6/12/2009)
I think a fine and paying for damages would be a good punishment.
jetleaf 4:35PM (6/12/2009)
$80 for a barrel. Now there is the real crime
g00fba11 11:40PM (6/12/2009)
jetleaf has the MOST logical thought on this topic
Jvijil 3:06PM (6/12/2009)
LMAOOO
Reply
rsg115 3:08PM (6/12/2009)
Make him pay for the destroyed barrels and court costs and let him go at that. He should have bought his own anyway...
Reply
Robert O 3:19PM (6/12/2009)
I totally agree. He's an artist, and his art and actions do make a cultural contribution. That being true, he needs to take responsibility for those actions, too. No jail time, I think the barrel monster probably helps control traffic.
tekd 11:10PM (6/12/2009)
I like the barrel monster but if you go and read his blog the guy does a lot of other douchey crap like throwing snowballs at EMTs and pedestrians from rooftops that he breaks into. Retarded.
So while the barrel monster is hilarious this kid has to grow up and realize that crap has consequences.
tankd0g 12:10PM (6/13/2009)
And in the future, don't get caught...
MikeW 3:13PM (6/12/2009)
How about they put a collection cup in front of the 'art'?
I'd throw in a penny.
The barrels would pay for themself.
Reply
Jake 3:16PM (6/12/2009)
His parents didn't beat his ass enough times when he was a kid.
Reply
Mike 4:04PM (6/12/2009)
I hope you don't have children Jake, you're a waste of skin.