The slogan on Mike Graves’ pigment-smeared T-shirt says, “I would rather be painting,” which seems perfect, given his outlook on art.

“I knew it was one thing I could do and get paid,” said Graves, standing in his Fountain Square studio, hip-hop playing on a nearby turntable. “Art was in my family, so I always had the pleasure of knowing what I wanted to do in life.”

Graves, 35, was born in Indianapolis and moved with his father from military base to military base — from Tucson to the Philippines — until he settled at Warren Central High School.

As one of the six featured artists in Art & Soul 2009, Graves will join the month long celebration of African-American creativity when he creates a piece in the Indianapolis Artsgarden in late February — a far cry from his early days learning graffiti art on the streets.

“I’m too old to be jumping off trains and running from cops and spraying on people’s businesses,” he said, laughing. “Not that I have anything against it, but I’m not that fast anymore.” Besides, he has a more aspirational view of graffiti. After high school, classes at Herron School of Art led him to appreciate Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat.

“I’ve always loved graffiti, but my favorite artists have always been the ones who’ve been able to take it to a more artistic level. There’s something to be said for great lettering and fat characters and all that good street stuff, but I’ve always liked the guys who could take that sensibility and mix it with art — people who can master two worlds.”

Graves seems keen to master more than one world himself. He’s MC Michael Knight in the Indy rap group Twilight Sentinels, and he does vocals and turntables for the local rock group People VS Radio.

Art & Soul 2009

What: An annual celebration of African-American art and artists in Indiana.

When: Kick-off from 1 to 5.p.m. Jan. 31.

Where: Indianapolis Artsgarden, Illinois and Washington streets.

Tickets: Free.

Info: www.indyarts.org/artsoul