graffiti | Interview with Isbo Art | Badajoz, Spain 09/08/2010
Q: How did you get into graffiti?
A: I've always love to draw, capture on paper the way I feel. It was
a form of what I could not explain in words. My friends suggested me
to buy a boat and try to paint. From that that day, I felt something
different, tranquility, peace, being able to express myself and
everyone to see. I've discovered something that really filled me.
Q: How long are you on the graffiti scene?
A: I was 18 years old, but after a year I quit, because the graffiti
was an expensive hobby at the time. I spent many years painting very
little pieces, until 2007 when I had returned 100% to the world of
spray.
Q: What first inspired you to start painting graffiti?
A: I was drawing with pencil on paper and my favorite artist was
"Luis Rollo". When I became interested in the world of graffiti my
references in this field was multiple, from the Americans, "Seen" or
"Cope 2", the French graffiti artist "Noe Two",and many Spanish
graffiti writers such as "Suso 33", "Zeta"....but above all inspires
me a lot "Belin", which for me is one of the best in the world.
Q: Do you remember your first graffiti
painting, if so what was it?
A: Oh, yeah! My first graffiti was "a piece" (as he calls the
letters with which you write your name on a wall). It was night, I
had only four sprays, one could barely see and it was very dark. I
was very nervous, and every time you hear a noise of a car we were
hiding. But it was a great time.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: My style is close to realism.
Q: Do you have any influences?
A: Yes. I often observe other artists when they paint, but my ideas
comes from my mind. I don't like what others do...
Q: What keeps you motivated?
A: My main motivation is to "beat me" everything that I paint. Each
paint, or every picture that I made, must be the best thing I've
done so far.
Q: What is your biggest inspiration?
A: Whatever, sometimes inspiration comes to me while I watch TV or
surf the Internet. It's something you can not control .... the good
ideas come alone.
Q: Do you have a sketchbook?
A: I use to have a sketchbook. It was the time when I was drawing
only with pencil.
Q: Any favorite color combination or style that you prefer?
A: I love the contrast in my work. If I choose gray, I like to
introduce some strident color. The grays and flesh tones are my
favorites.
Q: Do you think that graffiti art is a form of self
expression?
A: Exactly, that's the most successful class definition for the
graffiti. It is pure expression, when someone paint on a wall is to
express something that will not or can't explain with words.
Q: Do you have any message that people should "read"?
A: I do not consider myself as someone important to send messages,
but I would say that if you have a dream ... do it! Pursue that
dream no matter what, because if you do not realize that dream,
you'll regret the rest of your life.
Q: What's the opinion about graffiti in your country? Are
there any harsh law regulations?
A: In my country, luckily each time there is more graffiti writers,
but are not always respected by the authorities and citizens. In
many cities chasing graffiti writers, and make them pay a penalty of
up to 3000 or 5000 Euros. Only in some major cities support the
graffiti writers.
Q: What is the dumbest thing that you’ve ever done?
A: A picture I painted for a friend and that was horrible !!!!! But
he liked, hahahahahaha.
Q: You also work on many interior designs. Awesome! What is more
challenging for you?
A: The interior design is the hardest for me, because you should be
more careful in the details. Those things needs more attention.
Q: Have you ever worked in team, If so
was it a good
experience?
A: Yes, I have done several works with other artists. Sometimes I
haven't great experiences, because I wanted to be serious and
professional, but some of them are not serious or professional
people.
Q: Are there any artists at the moment whose work you like?
A: I like the style of work of graffiti writer "Belin", he has
managed his work to his own style.
Q: What are the most interesting experiences with
the customers?
A: Wow! There are amazing people. People who don't dispute the value
of your work and they treat you very well. Once I did a job within
one day, and the client was surprised by my good work and doing so
quickly.
Q: Do you still enjoy painting as much now, or do you feel
jaded at all, do you still have the enthusiasm?
A: Sometimes, when you realize that some people do not value your
work, you lose your enthusiasm a bit, but fortunately there are many
people who really appreciates my work and it helps me to carry on.
Q:
Do you have any advice for the
beginners?
A: My advice to people starting out in this world is to take this
seriously, to make efforts. With hard work and determination all
objective is achieved.
Q: What are your feature plans?
A: My next step would be tattooing, because tattooing and tattooed
people are something that I love.
www.isboart.com
Thank you Iva, for the great interview!
You are welcome!