First up is Brisbane's Barek, no doubt you would have spied his cheeky little trolls and friendly looking characters peeping out from street corners, alleys or hanging out in cafes around town. Making art that can be shared and enjoyed is what he's all about, that's why he was our man for the job.
1. Tell us a bit about what you do (outside of your art)?
I am a quiet person. If I'm not working, with family or friends or asleep I'm painting something.
2. How would you describe your work?
Gentle, evoking, whimical, fairy-taleish.
3. How did you get started?
I had always painted and taken photos of street art as a hobby and started putting up stickers with no name on them. I realised I had books and paintings nobody saw but could take them onto the street, put them up and lots of people would see them. All people - rich, poor, non-gallery going people.
4. What motivates you to create?
I have more of a need than a motivation. I have to paint and draw. It's when I think, plan and dream.
5. Who inspires you at the moment?
At the moment Shay Katz, THEFL, Kaff-eine, Hayley Kendal. This changes daily...
6. What do you find is the most exciting and rewarding aspect in your working
process?
Signing off and knowing it will soon live on the street or seeing sold artwork hanging in somebody's home.
7. What’s next in terms of using different media/challenging yourself?
I would like to try working with clay and more installation street pieces, as well as honing my aerosol skills.
8. Who would you most like to collaborate with (living or dead) and why?
U.K artist Phlegm or Brisbane's Shida - both their work is amazing!
9. What do you see yourself doing in 5 years?
Painting giant trolls around the world, we need more trolls or maybe a children's book.
10. Favourite place/thing to do in Brisbane on a day off…
Meeting friends and wandering around taking photo's of Brisbane and it's street art and graffiti, stopping for coffees and exploring its hidden places
11. Best advice your mother has ever given you?
"If it's hanging over the fence, you can pick it," - she always came home with armfulls of flowers.
13. What do you have in store for us for AFYM?
Trolls, cages, hearts and animals.
Make sure you check out his facebook page and flickr if you haven't already!
