Stik | Stiking to the origins

Posted on March 19, 2012 by Matthew Dunn in ART with 0 Comments

Whether you are into street art or not, chances are, if you have frequented East London, you are likely to have come across work by prolific street artist Stik. His style embodies trademark stick figures painted over bright coloured backgrounds and have taken the artist behind the works, from living on the streets to show casing and selling his works in art exhibitions.

Stik originally got into street art because he saw it as the quickest way to get his ideas out there. "There are no curators or gallery owners to sweet talk, you just get up there and do it. The street will let you know if you're on the right track," he explained. Additionally, Stik wanted to be part of what he describes as the biggest art movement in human history as anyone can contribute.

In terms of the origin of his alias, the explanation is simple, he states, "Stik is an old idea, ancient in fact. I just imbued it with a little life. I think that is what art is.”

Being active in creating new works has seen Stik put up art in a variety of locations. His favourite place to paint however, is really high chimneys. “I love to be up on the roof in the night with a can of paint," he added.

With the 2012 London Olympics just around the corner, Stik is unsure how it will affect the flourishing street art culture that has started to surface in London. "The Olympics has certainly tried to brand themselves as 'street' with their graff style lettering. It remains to be seen how they will be regarding our own street art," he explained. Stik also told how there are a number of proposals for authorised murals for The Olympics by Tower Hamlets and Hackney Council, who have already been surprisingly receptive to street art.

While continuing to paint the walls of the city, Stik has also been working on a show for six months. "There is a strong concept to it and I am working with new techniques and finishes. It feels like quite a mature show, I'm looking forward to it. It is in London, Mayfair in April and will host the launch of the new Screenprint 'Walk,'" he told.