Interview: ‘Stik’. The new era street artist

Here on Planet Notion we do love a good question and answer sesh with some of the most interesting and innovative names in the creative fields. Refreshingly stimulating stuff follows, with an interview with the mysteriously endearing street artist, who goes by the name of ‘Stik.’ Stik creates his work around androgynous stick people, conveying deeper underlying conversations within his simplistic and mature style.

He has a London exhibition this April 19th- Walk by Stik, at Imitate Modern and has taken his fair share of rough with the smooth through his life and career journey. A lot of the rough consisted of experiencing homelessness for prolonged periods and spending a lot of time being moulded but the urban habits of Hackney, London. His work is splashed around there and Shoreditch nowadays so if you are lucky enough to be greeted by some, take a moment to stop and stare- we guarantee it will appeal to your humanitarian nature! You automatically respect his art with a sense of empathy, as his work portrays  strong emotions through subtle communication. View some of his art below.

Planet Notion: The name ‘Stik’- obviously related to your work: How did your unique style and subject matter originate?

Stik: It’s the simplest way I could say it.

PN: So we’ve read you have done a lot of your work in a significant place to you- Hackney. Where else is a prominent location that you’ve showcased your work?

S: Last year I went to paint in Poland, this year I’m going to Paris and a few other places.

PN: We know you have exhibited on plenty around the urban fabric of the city and regularly produce sculptures, but what is your favourite surface to work on?

S: Really wonky brick walls. The wonkier the better, it makes the image stronger, defiant somehow.

PN: What are you trying to express in your work? Are there any key messages you are trying to convey?

S: The voice of the oppressed.

PN: Who or what do you take main inspirations from?

S: The way people use their bodies. Artists I like are Gustav Klimt and Dick Bruna.

PN: Where was the most dangerous or daring place you have created a piece of artwork?

S:I’m not telling you, he he.

PN: Any accidents occur or trouble you have got into?

S: Things were different when I started out- I got chased a few times back then. These days I am in meetings with councils and other artists to provide spaces for people to do street art. It’s a new era for the movement.

PN: Out of all your life experiences or during your career journey up to where you are now, what are you most proud of?

S: I am proud of being part of the biggest art movement in history. It’s been hard work for us to get this far and it’s not over yet!

PN: Are there any key things in your life that have sculptured you into the person you are today and influenced the work you create?

S: I had a couple of close scrapes that made me really appreciate being alive. Meeting other artists who are really driven and organised helped me to realise my own dreams.

PN: If you weren’t a street artist, where would you be now?

S: On the street.

PN: What other artists have you worked with over the years, if any? Any names that really stand out that you will take with you on your street art journey?

S: The biggest inspiration has been the people I work with in my community projects. When people come out to paint on their own walls for the first time it’s a real buzz to see them taking such pride in their work and their area.

PN: Do you have any other creative talents we should know about?

S: I love dancing.

PN: Finally, describe your work and character in 3 words…

S: Strong but Vulnerable.

Learn more about the way of the street artist via Stik’s website.

-Alix Blankson