November 18, 2014.
TEN QUESTIONS:
What do you write? Are you in a crew?
I write OMEN. I am in several crews but Rep VC crew mostly. A local bombing crew in Montreal, Canada.
In what city did you start painting in the streets? Do you feel your work has influenced the community in return? If so, how? Is there a relationship between the artist and the community in which they work?
I started in Vancouver Canada. I think Montreal has changed lately. It is no longer affected by one artist. For many years I believe it was synonymous with graffiti. That taught people to train their eyes on abandoned spots.
Did you go to school or are you self taught?
I tried school briefly, but I’m mostly self taught.
How did you get started in the arts and why?
I was a hardcore drug addict/alcoholic. Art was my reward of not using. It has been 17 years that I have been clean. Art is giving me my life back that I had taken away with the drugs and alcohol.
How long have you been working in the streets?
For 17 years.
Who or what inspires you the most?
Expressionism. Weird, right?
What should the general public know about street art? What stereotype about street art/graffiti do you hate the most?
If you are a writer or street artist, whatever. Learn your history or you look like an idiot. Try to be original. I hate that everyone thinks graffiti artists are 16. We like doing this but it doesn't mean we will paint your fucking living room, for free! Ugh.
Are you a full time artist? Do you have a day job? Is it best to be full time artist or not worry about it and make your $$$ elsewhere, that way you can paint what and how you want, which one offers a more creative outlook?
I do this full time and it is my life/job/love/hate. I am truly blessed. Haters can hate that I don't write as much in the streets. But, at least I am a good example that there is a future for graff heads.
What are you working on now?
I am in a show in Dubai with my boy DENIAL.
What do you hope to achieve or accomplish by putting your work in the street?
Show that not only corporations control the visual aspect of what we see everyday. That there is another way to be seen by taking liberation as a personal choice.
Thanks,
OMEN
Check out more of OMEN'S work