BARTEK / SWIATEK / PENERo3

Bartek, swiatek and pener03 ( Poland, Olsztyn) started colouring walls 1996. He have been working as a teacher for many years. complex and simple structures combinded with freestyle. You know bis book?

How would you describe your style/art? Oh it’s hard to describe. I’m not good at naming. I’m trying not to hurt anyone and make the world a little nicer. I’m not too interested in the political context or the message. Pure form counts. Abstract and strongly based on emotions.

What inspired you to start working toward creating art? It’s hard to say… when you think about it, it’s all inspiring and has a greater or lesser impact on us.

How did you get your start? My older brother started painting walls in 1994/5. He was one of the first graffiti writers in my city.

How was your situation during the Lockdown? Not much has changed in my studio – I try to paint 12 paintings a year. All trips and gigs are gone, but it’s probably like everyone else.

How is being an Artist where you live? It’s probably a rather hard idea for yourself no matter where you life

What`s your agenda/specials for 2023? What’s next? After two years of lockdown, I don’t have too many plans … I paint canvases in my studio without haste … there will be two exhibitions in Poland this summer. And maybe a joint project at the end of the year with my friend Chazme. I’m also planning a few walls in the summer. We’ll see

What was the best decision in your artist’s life and career? Finding a good wife and focusing on family

Your favorite day should be? Family bike trip / studio / book with son

If you were a painter tool: what would it be and why?

I like big flat Brushes . I could be such a brush

Are you a crew member?

Spectrum crew . We haven’t painted for many years for various reasons

When your wall/painting finished? Probably never … this is the moment when I say ok that’s enough … a wall is similar to a canvas / canvas can be painted over and over again. It’s hard to feel the moment when to say stop.

What do you hope people feel or take away from your art? A moment of rest for the eyes

Something energetic / positive. Food for thought

How has your style and approach to art evolved over time? I guess that’s not my question. I have a very hard time evaluating myself. I’m very self-critical.

I don’t like a lot of paintings and I can’t look at them.

How do you stay motivated and continue to challenge yourself creatively? My students give me a lot of good energy.

Thanks to them I’m probably trying to constantly develop

What advice would you give to aspiring artists? Stay self-centered.

Don’t look back / look for your chance and take it

Artist: Vunik

instagram.com/vunik_

2014 @Stranbar Hermann

What work did your parents have in mind for you? I’ve never talked to them about it. I had no pressure to become someone or to be rebel. In my case it was a very natural process and simple way

Whats your next project? In summer I wanna return to colour landscapes – such plein-air painting.

What couldn’t you do without in your life? hmmm

What was your favorite subject in school? Probably drawing classes . I didn’t like school very much – probably that’s why I’m a teacher now …as a punishment

What decision in your life would you like to undo in retrospect? I don’t think I have any

What work did your parents have in mind for you? I’ve never talked to them about it. I had no pressure to become someone or to be rebel. In my case it was a very natural process and simple way

Whats your next project? In summer I wanna return to colour landscapes – such plein-air painting.

What couldn’t you do without in your life? hmmm

What was your favorite subject in school? Probably drawing classes . I didn’t like school very much – probably that’s why I’m a teacher now …as a punishment

What decision in your life would you like to undo in retrospect? I don’t think I have any

How did you find your personal style? How can you afford your life as an artist? Is an artist life affordable? I guess hard work and dozens of painted walls … I never thought about it – about the style. For me, it was a certain consistent way during which it just happened. I work professionally as a teacher in an art school. This gives me some financial security in other projects

Do you have a philosophy that you express? Not very

Do you think an education in art is essential for gaining recognitionas an artist? Depends on what art we’re talking about. I teach a certain craft, some basics that I find very useful at the beginning of a certain path. But I don’t think it’s the only way to achieve the goal. Certainly easier.

Whats your definition of happines? Family

Do you have a philosophy that you express? Not very

Whats your definition of happines? Family

Your work means to travel all over the world. Where is your favorite place?

Oh I’ve been to some cool places. I really like Asia. Food and culture. But every time I come home …I feel at home!!!

What was the/ your last song, piece of art, etc. – that really got you excited? Vienna : two beautiful drawings by Egon Schielle – they touched me very much

What do you hope to accomplish in the next two years of your life? I don’t plan that far ahead

Whats been playing on your mind recently? Plan my Monday at work well

who are the artist you look up to? It’s hard to say. I don’t have much time to watch. I like Neo Rauch and Cecily Brown. There are a few of them

How did you first become interested in pursuing a career as an illustrator and artist? My uncle was a painter . Very good painter. As a small boy I was in his studio and probably from then I knew that I wanted to go in this direction

Can you describe your creative process when starting a new illustration or artwork? There is no single formula or method for this. Rather, there are many ways. I try to paint intuitively and emotionally. Even when I have a project, at some point I don’t look at it. I go with the flow.

How do you stay organized and manage your time as a freelance illustrator and artist? I may not look like it, but I am very orderly and task-oriented. I am able to do many activities at once

How do you balance incorporating your own personal style into commissioned work? It’s simple. I don’t do any commissions that I don’t like and in which I can’t express myself and my style. I reject or pass on a lot

Do you have a favorite medium to work with? If so, why? Acrylic

After so many years of spray painting, I feel very bad under the influence of its smell.

Can you discuss your experience working with clients and fulfilling their artistic vision? I don’t paint commercial commissions that I don’t feel – I don’t paint birds, spaceships or fish in the ocean. The people who invite me know what I’m doing and what effect it will have. When you’re focused on such a narrow slice, it’s much easier

What influences and inspirations do you draw upon in your work? When I paint, I listen to a lot of music. Music inspires me a lot