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Featured Artist – Snarl

By 28/09/2018June 3rd, 2021Artist Interview
3d letters

Featured Artist Snarl

basix and snarl

Firstly who are you and where & how did you grow up?

I write SNARL. I grew up in Sydney’s inner west and grew up listening to and playing metal then went through a rave phase in the early 90s and graffiti gave me an independent creative outlet to mask some issues at home.
 

How do you think this affected you on your journey towards being an artist?

Graffiti taught me so many life lessons along with work ethic and sense of commitment to the craft. Graff enabled access to a creative path I walk every day. It also taught me design fundamentals and helped develop my skill set to a point where I can make a living off painting full time. I was able to learn from incredible artists working fast and efficiently with an endless stream of inspiration.


When/How did you know you wanted to be a graffiti artist?

I didn’t really. I was just drawing metal logos and my mate FUMEN got me writing. I had always admired tags and the repetitive bombing around Newtown as a kid when visiting my grand parents. 

How did you learn to do what you do?

I enjoyed getting up and the freedom of graffiti in contrast to the commitment of being in a band. I guess through bombing and getting the opportunity to paint with some of my idols I was pushed to improve quickly and be self critical in regards to my output. Trying the 3D approach and flying blind really forced me to attempt new effects and this was also a way to keep it interesting for myself and feel like I was constantly learning in an effort to progress.

3d letters

newtown graffiti snarl

What do you do these days?

I paint commissioned murals, I do workshops with young people and clients with special needs. Occasionally I get to do some of my own canvas work. 

What is your dream project?

Solo WC in NYC with day flix.

Your favourite or most inspirational place/spot you have painted?

NYC

What/Who are some of the inspirations for you and your art?

Good new technical death metal is always opening up new possibilities in my head. Music is like colour.
We are exposed to so much good shit these days via Instagram etc that it is impossible to list the endless supply of motivators in my feed. Im mostly inspired by my friends doing their thing well and getting recognised for it.
I also find it incredibly motivating seeing younger writers getting over and pushing the boundaries. It kind of stokes the fire and encourages me to try and challenge myself. Time is the boss though…

Did this help guide you to where you are today?

I guess so. Plus the fact I have an incredible wife that acknowledges that my graffiti addiction is something that is imperative to maintain my sense of self and balances out the rest of my life.

graffiti production coffs

snarl newtown graffiti

snarl 3d piece

What are your personal goals now and in the future as a professional graffiti artist?

I try and keep the graff seperate from the art stuff. They both influence each other but graff is graff. The art stuff is more like the bread and butter for the masses.
I would just like to travel and paint a little more than I do but once again, time is the boss…

Tell us a little about how you like to work. (Alone, with others, in phases, details, etc…)

I really enjoy painting alongside other writers as theres no better motivation to burn when your feeling the heat.
I also thoroughly enjoy painting by myself and getting lost in the moment. Its incredibly therapeutic to be able to focus completely on something that you love. Walking away from a good piece is very cathartic and helps me get on with the jobs list.

What direction do you feel your art is going?

Nowhere. Haha! 
I would like to learn how to paint with oils properly and paint darker works with more meaning behind them than a sugar coated rap word. Ive done a few record covers over the years and really enjoy the format and seeing the artwork reproduced in physical format.

snarl coalie

snarl newtown

What’s the biggest misconception other people have of graffiti artists?

That we want to paint their terrible ideas in return for great exposure or design a sick graff tattoo for their mate to fuck up.

What are your thoughts on the whole graffiti vs street art battle?

If it was a battle, graffiti would win. ‘Street art’ is already played out due to the fact that its open for anyone to walk into. With graff you need to put in work for years to earn the respect of your peers and its no easy task coming up against all odds. The funny thing is, the ‘street artists’ who’s work I admire most have all smashed trains in their heyday and then invented a street art circus trick they keep doing to cash in on the trend. If anyone is going to make some coin out of it, Im glad some writers are getting theirs rather than just a bunch of Tafe students doing pretty girl portraits with a cherry picker.

If you could share a message with the next generation of graffiti artists, what would it be?

Keep going! Learn about the history of style in your area and be humble. Scram is the man.

There any up and coming artists that we should keep an eye out for?

@y.o.w.a is a Gumbaynggirr artist to watch with an original approach to her creative practice and a fresh take on contemporary rock painting.
Also that dude Gong is doing crazy spots in Sydney. Wowzers!
3d graffiti letters

Any shouts out you you would like to give?

Shout out to Coldlamlin’ Lamp and Digipack!
Love to my girls and the Sci crew.
RIP HOOTA ML and condolences to the KOS boys.

Thank you very much for your time and we look forward to seeing more of your amazing work.

Cheers man. Thanks for the interest and support!

Thank you very much for your time and we look forward to seeing more of your amazing work.

You can find more Snarl work at:

@nozzlefinger

snarl production

Dont forget to check out the blog for other interviews with artists such as:

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