An Insight to Street Art

I have been away from blogging for a while as I have been deciding on how to take my blog forward. So as part of this little makeover I have decided to do a monthly focus and for the first one I am going to do a focus on street art. So may I introduce my interview with the fabulous Mary England who is a street artist in Baltimore, Maryland, and will inspire all of you with her projects, and has made me realise that street art is accessible to all.

1. Have you always been arty?
I've definitely always been interested in art, and I've been racking up bills at craft stores ever since I can remember. I'd say I've always been creative and interested in doing things in fun and colorful ways. Besides mail art, street art is the most "arty" thing I've ever done. And it's also the thing I've enjoyed the most.
2. How did you get into street art?
A couple years ago I heard about yarnbombing and got my boss to re-teach me how to knit. I was scared to do my first installation, though. I only ended up doing it because I joined in a yarnbombing contest through a yarn shop in Baltimore. It was an awesome experience, and then I wanted to yarnbomb everything! I started looking into different types of street art, and I've kind of found my own style.
3. Tell us about your street art projects and where you source your creativity? Who do you admire in street art?
Besides yarnbombing, interactive projects are my favorite. I love leaving out things for people to write on and coming back to see what the results are. I've also had a really great time leaving out disposable cameras for strangers to take pictures with, and coming back to develop the film (if the camera is still there). I also do a fair amount of RAOK projects, just leaving envelopes and small gifts for people to find. Right now, I'm trying to brainstorm larger installations. As far as creativity, I get a lot of ideas at the thrift store. Finding things I never would have imagined existed and incorporating them into an installation.
Three of my favorite street artists are women: Keri Smith, Katie Sokoler, and Candy Chang. Among them, I am inspired by color work, the involvement of locals, and the appreciation of little things.

4. What has been your favorite project to date?

Developing my first disposable camera, full of pictures taken by strangers, was one of the best feelings I've had associated with street art. I also enjoyed setting up the Small Things Museum, which I plan to make a seasonal occurrence. While it wasn't my favorite, I got a lot of wonderful feedback from my bench yarnbomb.

5. Have you got any street art projects that you are planning at the moment?
This weekend I'm being interviewed for a street art documentary, and I'm going to build a pyramid out of boxes that I covered in knitting. I'm slightly in limbo, otherwise, because I'm trying to shift my focus towards larger projects and I haven't had my 'eureka' yet.

6. Has the work that you have done in your local community had any positive/negative affects?

I try not to do anything political with my installations. The main point of my work is to get people to notice and appreciate things, as well as be kind to other people. I really do hope that things people have seen and found (of my work) has made them happy and hopeful.

 

7. How have local people reacted to your projects?
I've never been asked to take one of my projects down. The only interactions I've had while I'm doing an install are very positive. Usually it's just people walking by complimenting what I'm doing or asking about it. Other than that, my friends have been really supportive about my work. However, I will say that many of my installations have been removed and I guess that is negative feedback in itself.
8. Do you have any advice for people wanting to do street art?
For people wanting to start street art, I suggest to start small. Explore temporary things and how it makes you feel for things to disappear or to be altered. I sell little kits in my Etsy shop of stickers, chalk, envelopes, and a small knitted piece. That could be a good starter for a newcomer. I also suggest doing installations in the morning. There's not many people out and it's less sketchy than doing it at night.

Thank you so much to Mary for sharing her creativity with us and for inspiring us in street art.
Please go over and visit Mary's blog for some inspiration, but be warned you will lose an evening.......