Streetpainting.tv is pleased to provide an interview with Marc Barnes, a street painting artist and illustrator from New Zealand.
Where do you live?
Currently, I live in my hometown of Christchurch, New Zealand.
What is your occupation?
Freelance Pavement artist/Illustrator and part time Creative Consultant/Designer for an advertising agency.
How did you first get interested in street painting?
I was part of the Sidewalk art project way back in 1997, put on by street painting Australian sensei's Chalk Circle. I had a fantastic time so I kept at it.
How many years have you been street painting and how did you develop your style?
11 years. My style basically evolved from my illustration style which is influenced by graphic novels, Manga and anime, video games, music, comics, lowbrow underground comic artists. Peter Chung, Joe Sacco, Jim Woodring and Hirohako Araki are some of my favourites. Also Pavement artist Ulla Taylor's work has always been inspiring.
Is this art form referred to as 'pavement art' more so than 'street painting' in New Zealand?
It's really not that big in New Zealand so I get to call it whatever I like ;) Just kidding, Yeah Pavement and Chalk art are the most common names for it here. Street Painting goes under many mantels. Screeving is one of my faves.
Do you think of this art form as a fine art or more an entertainment performance art or somewhere in the middle?
I think it's all of the above. It can be anything you want to be, that's what I love so much about it. Some people might come by and it becomes more about the discussion and interaction than the artwork; sometimes people want to learn and study the technique and some people are moved by it.
How often do you street paint?
6 -10 times a year. Mostly commissions, workshops and festivals up and down the country.
In what countries have you street painted?
Europe and New Zealand. I'd like to try it in the States and a few other places I've been to. Didn't know the laws in a lot of places and didn't have the guts to stick out my hat and start drawing and busking.
Is street painting popular in New Zealand?
People sort of know about it from the internet. But it isn't very popular at all. I'm one of only a handful in the country and the only one left I know that does it professionally.
Are there any street painting festivals in New Zealand? And if so, do you attend them?
None sadly. Sidewalk art project was the closest we got, there were about 3 of them, all last century.
Are street painters able to create artwork wherever they want or do they have to obtain permits to work in public?
Luckily you rock up and draw wherever you like in most cities in New Zealand. The city councils like a bit of a heads up before you start and don't mind if it's not advertising and will wash away. As long as it's pretty they don't have many qualms about it.
Do you have a favourite subject in your street paintings?
People I guess. I like creating and sharing a scene that has a some sort story or meaning behind and see how people react.
Do you have a favourite artist whose work you like to reproduce?
I only do originals, unless by commissions. I always like to leave something unique to the area. Also I don't like the pressure of screwing up one of my favourite pieces ;)
What is your favourite street painting you have worked on to date?
Hmmmm.... Are 2 ok? It would either be the one of Ryu from the game Street Fighter coming out of the ground or 3rd Eye.
Ryu was drawn for fun as part of an art contest I entered. I've always been a big fan of this character and it was good to be able to do my own version of him.
3rd Eye was great since I was on my first pavement art festival tour with another pavement artist Jeremy Herbet (incredible artist BTW). It was my birthday and I wanted to do something for me so I drew an image inspired by the music of the rock band Tool. It also got some great feedback and encouraged me to explore more as a Street Artist.
Do you usually work alone or with other artists?
Sometimes I get to work with Australian artist Lula Taylor. She's incredible and I learn a lot from her every time we do a festival. Our first commission was the world record; I was part of a talented team of chalk artists from the Sidewalk art project in early 2000. We called ourselves C.H.A.W.K (Christchurch. Artists. Without. Kanvas). We did a few more projects for about 3 years ‘till members moved overseas or got normal jobs.
I run workshops and courses from time to time. This is always invigorating as you get to see so many different artists translate their style to the pavement.
What do you enjoy most about street painting?
Probably the interaction with the public. It's really great to be able to bring art to the masses and discuss what people think about art and life in general.
How do you feel about the ephemeral quality of the art form?
I have no qualms about it. I just wish I was better a photographer.
What is the most difficult aspect of street painting?
The weather. But apart from that, planning the 3D stuff. I've just started getting into it the last few years and it's a real challenge. Since everything is distorted you have to really have faith in the process and not just draw what seems to look good from the naked eye.
Have you seen the popularity of street painting grow since you have been doing it…in New Zealand and in other parts of the world?
The chain email with all the 3D pieces from the Pavement art masters still pops into my inbox from time to time to remind me how much there still is to learn. A lot of my conversations with the public start with "I've seen the 3D ones on the internet", while they don't realise they are standing right in front of one (not looking at it through a camera from the exact right spot).
But it has done great things for pavement art and has really given it a promotional boost. People understand and appreciate it a lot more than they used to as they have now seen some of the potential of the art form.
Some people believe art should only be done for art's sake…what are your thoughts on street painting commissions?
I think there is absolutely nothing wrong with getting paid for commissions or busking for that matter. It's very easy to undersell yourself and feel guilty about being paid for what you enjoy. If you really enjoy and get good feedback for your work, then there's nothing wrong with getting paid for it. I think commissions are just another way to help people take pavement art more seriously as an art form and a talent, building respect for the skill and time involved in this medium.
Are there any street painters in New Zealand whose work you really like (new street painters or established)?
There's only me sadly. But Ulla Taylor from Melbourne, Australia has been like a mentor to me. Every time we do a festival or commission I learn something new from her.
What are your views on street painting as a contemporary art form?
I think it can be tough since we do share the pavement with the world so we have to always keep that in mind when we express ourselves. I think that doesn't dilute the power of it as an art form since it's right there on the street for everyone to see.
It's always good for people to be exposed to art as it happens and see the raw process of it in this digital age we live in.
How do you feel about experimentation with the street painting art form with new methods of artistic collaboration other than the traditional?
Sure, I've never really thought about this. If the opportunity arouse, I'd be all ears.