Graffiato – Meet the Artists
The 7th Annual Graffiato: Taupo Street Art Festival saw a strong line-up of artists from all over the country leave their mark in our Town Centre over Labour Weekend.
Many brand-new styles and approaches are now part of Taupo’s collection of over 120 pieces of art.
The festival kicked off on Friday 20 October at a ‘Meet the Artists’ event where each contributed to an ‘Exquisite Corpse’ and five artworks were auctioned off on the night. From Saturday morning, the artists created their large-scale artworks over the three days, visitors also had an opportunity to watch and chat with them, while discovering many of the other existing artworks around town.
With the biggest line-up of first-timers since the festival began in 2007, we talked to a few artists about their experiences, inspirations and their take on the festival before the event.
Mica Still
Mica’s work, with its radiant colour and optical punch, is alive and daring, yet refreshingly sensitive.
How long have you been in the arts?
Over 25 years.
When did you first start Graffiato?
I started street art about 6 years ago, which was actually at the very first Graffiato event.
What is your style or inspiration?
I am inspired by animals and the stories they can tell. My style is bright, bold and fun. I am currently working on a series of guardian animals. I leave these animals I paint as guardians of the space they inhabit – keeping the passer-by safe.
Why do you enjoy ‘street art’?
I love the challenge of each wall. It is very addicting – it is a lot of hard work in a very short time. I feel like I am achieving something when I am painting walls. I love that I can create something that will give some joy to whoever finds these walls.
What makes you want to take part in Graffiato?
I was asked to paint at the very first Graffiato, it was my first time painting at an event. I have been a gallery artist till then and was encouraged by a local street artist to give it a go. I was very green and very nervous. Ross, one of the organisers gave me a chance to paint and I never looked back.
Fun fact: I also was pregnant that first year. I keep coming back because I love it, it is great meeting up with old friends (other artists) and meeting new artists. We are also well looked after by the amazing team that put on Graffiato.
Where in NZ are you from? What do you love about Taupo?
I am from Wellington. I love how the people get behind this event. I am always very busy painting the whole time I am here so wish I had a chance to see more of Taupo.
Check out her website: www.micastill.com
Follow her on Instagram: @micastill
Christie Wright
Currently living in Napier working in freelance design and illustration, Christie’s signature style uses bright colours mixed with fluid patterns – easy on the eye but with extreme detail to lose yourself in.
How long have you been in the arts?
About 10 years. After high school, I moved to Wellington and decided to pursue art. I’m self-taught and started out mainly creating pieces for galleries.
Street art for me started slowly from 2009. I did various works for council and community projects, and also painted various bars around Wellington. I started to paint larger walls outdoors around 2014 as I discovered spray paint which could allow me to work a lot faster than acrylics with brushes.
When did you first start Graffiato?
This is my first year.
What is your style or inspiration?
I’m mostly inspired by colours, shapes and patterns I see in nature. My style is very bold and bright. Many different things have inspired me over the years but lately it’s insects and tiny sea creatures.
Why do you enjoy ‘street art’?
I enjoy transforming bland walls in a community. It makes people more proud and aware of their surroundings. I also love interacting with locals and inspiring them. I get overwhelming positive feedback from people of all ages. It’s nice to be able to brighten their days.
What makes you want to take part in Graffiato?
I came across Graffiato in its first year and was so inspired. I never considered getting into street art and didn’t know much about it. But I so enjoyed watching the artists creating. It was then the seed was planted and I started slowly working towards getting my art in the streets. So I’m very pleased to be involved this year.
Where in NZ are you from? What do you love about Taupo?
I’m from Napier. And after 10 years in Wellington, I’m back there and loving it. As it’s so close to Taupo many holidays are spent here. I love the lake and discovering the new street art. Such a beautiful place.
Visit her website: https://christiewright.myportfolio.com
Follow her on Instagram: @christie.wright
Natasha Vermeulen
Natasha is a Christchurch based illustrator, and loves to create graphic and playful pieces.
How long have you been in the arts?
About 10 years, in one way or another.
When did you first start Graffiato?
This year is my first time.
What is your style or inspiration?
My work is quite graphic. Inspired by a lot of cartoons, graphic novels and low-fi art.
Why do you enjoy ‘street art’?
I love the scale and public space that street art occupies. It’s art in everyday life, there for everyone to enjoy.
What makes you want to take part in Graffiato?
I’ve been wanting to work on some large-scale pieces for a while. I’m working with Kelly Spencer on this wall, who’s been in the game for a while so it’s fantastic to get to work alongside such a great artist.
Where in NZ are you from? What do you love about Taupo?
I’m currently living in Christchurch. From the few times I’ve been to Taupo it’s always been the lake. I will definitely try get a swim in while I’m there.
Check out her website: www.fromthemill.co.nz
Follow her on Instagram: @natfromthemill
Tane Lawless
Our resident artist based in Taupo, Tane currently works as a mechanic and does screen printing in his spare time. Coming soon in Taupo is Tane and his fiance’s art exhibition, where the funds will go towards helping endangered wildlife.
How long have you been in the arts?
Since I was in primary school, I was known for it. And I suppose as a kid we all loved painting. I just carried on enjoying it on and off as a hobby. Always loved art.
When did you first start Graffiato?
I got involved with the workshop wall at Graffiato 2012.
What is your style or inspiration?
I don’t consider myself having a style but am inspired by graffiti hip-hop, wildlife and history.
Why do you enjoy ‘street art’?
Street art is fun, traditional in ways, like large scale art and meeting great people who do it more than I do. I have a lot of respect for other artists, there is some amazing talent in NZ.
What makes you want to take part in Graffiato?
I want to share what I enjoy, it helps motivate me and I feel like I have to as a local.
Where in NZ are you from? What do you love about Taupo?
I’m from Tuwharetoa and Pikiao. I’m a descendant from Te Arawa and Tainui, Taupo and Rotoiti. I love the fresh life Taupo provides, I love the lakes and I hunt to survive, so I have no reason to move elsewhere. I’m a homeboy and love where I’m from.
Follow Tane on Instagram: @tane_lawless_flwlss