Askew

To you, what is 'graffiti'?

Any mark made on a surface, generally in a public place. Of course "Graffiti Art" or "Writing" is a culture and highly developed art form that exists within societies restrictive definition as graffiti..I think graffiti is a very broad term for something way more involved.

What made you started doing graffiti?

A combination of peer pressure, awe of those that did it before me and appreciation of Hip Hop music. Of course those reasons aren't what kept me going for 10 years, just the initial sparks of inspiration.

Where does the name 'Askew' come from?

It means on an angle or not quite an idea or object that isn't quite conventional in it's form. I actually chose it more for the possibilities in letter construction and the symetry of the letters when you draw them.

Describe your style

I paint 3D letters and figures based more on realism than the generic cartoon graffiti style.

How has your style changed over the years? Have you gone out looking to try new styles, new ideas, or have you stuck to one style, and just slowly evolved that?

Yeah I tried heaps of stuff but it didn't feel honest always looking for style so I found an idea and started working it to various levels of complexity..sometimes I tone it back and work another angle or introduce new graphic elements into it. Lately I feel I have been very honest with my painting and also working more with the surroundings rather than trying to blanket them with something too perfected. I take every level of my painting seriously though, even the way it is documented. A good photo that shows the environment and any ironies of the works placement is just as important to me as the act of painting. Plus developing a strong idea before painting is cool, but often I freestyle and just roll on a tangent.

Whos styles have influenced you?

I'm greatly influenced by some really amazing artists I've worked with, namely, Daim, Loomit, Seak and can 2. Plus for attitude the entire of TMD crew. I am influenced by my surroundings every day. I look to design, architecture and some styles of painting, like art nouveau for inspiration.

Where and when do you prefer to work?

I like to work anywhere as long as it feels honest and right to me. That doesn't mean I care about what is right by the law, but what clicks for me. I like to think that graffiti isn't restricted to anywhere in particular.

More and more graffiti artists seem to be growing up working at legal sites, and on canvas. Whereas older artists grew up working in a cover of darkness, worrying about cops and whatnot. How do you think the new breed of artists will differ from the older ones, and how will this change the scene?

I don't know if that is necessarily the case at all. I think we have many artists that pick and choose what they want to do now, meaning if they want too take time, they paint a legal spot, If they want to get paid, they do a job or a gallery show. If they want to get up on the city walls or on trains they do so. I feel like we have a way more informed generation of graffiti artist now. I cant think of any artists that have come up in this city without testing all areas of graffiti before they find their niche. I can name many older school writers in this country that have never done a train or a street tag in their careers.

I noticed in Disrupt Magazine, a few canvas pieces you've done. How long have you been working with canvas, and how does it differ from working on walls?

It offers the possibility to get my work into peoples homes and creates a dollar value for my work. I live strictly from my art so this is important for me. plus it allows me to think about making my art a sellable package.

Tell us about Disrupt Magazine, where did the idea come from, and how long did you spend working on it?

Disrupt magazine has been a pipe dream for many years, but has only become possible now there is a big enough scene to support a regular publication. Plus through Disruptiv Ltd a lot of things have become realities with a serious entity focused squarely on these type of projects.

How much money have you spent over the years on aerosols? How much does an average sized piece cost you?

I would hate to even try estimate the value of the cans I've used. I have actually paid for very few cans really.. I've always skimmed off the top of jobs, used my left overs or stolen my paint. (I don't do that these days.)

I'm only 17, and I already have one Wilful Damage charge for graffiti, what do you think about artists getting arrested? Has it ever happened to you?

It's a reality. We cant change fate, circumstance or the legal system. Thats the way it is. I have convictions too, it's all part of it.

What do you think of the graffiti scene in NZ?

Sometimes amazing, often a bit behind the world though. I think a handful of the worlds best writers live here.

Whos are the artists to be looking out for in NZ atm?

TMD, RFC, RTR, SSS, RB, Filth, TNA, AT, TDU crews respectively.

What does the future hold for you? Any plans?

I'm out to Europe for a while for the jams. I'm going in 5 days to Germany, Ireland, Greece and Croatia. After that, back to the usual. We have another Hip Hop Summit to organise so I cant cruise for too long.

ShoutOuts?

To all the crews mentioned before.

Thanks Askew!

Be sure to check out more of Askews work at Disruptiv.com

Interviewer | Nic