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Your Space Or Mine

Joe Cruz

A few weeks ago we gave you a sneak peek into our collaboration with one of the hottest talents in the world of graphics, Joe Cruz. This is part of our ongoing, Your Space Or Mine project, which provides a platform for artists and creatives on the street, allowing us to move away from the land of advertising and flex our creative muscles. The collaboration sees our agency group support Joe as he showcases his work in London with larger than life pieces that are not only big on colour, but also imagination.

04.07.16

Words by BUILDHOLLYWOOD

We’re excited to announce that more of his creations have been popping up around Shoreditch and Soho, so keep your eyes peeled if you’re passing through. We caught up with Joe to have a chat about the collaboration and see what makes him tick.

What is your view on using the street as a canvas?

I think it can be extremely powerful and immediate. The street is the general public’s domain, they are my audience,  I like to think of my work as a political statement.

What is the inspiration behind the work you have done for the collaboration?

It is simple and beautiful – a celebration of youth culture, femininity, sexuality and gender.

How would you best describe your style of art?

Bold, colourful and intuitive.

Where do you find inspiration?

I draw the majority of my inspiration from what I find in libraries and galleries, but inspiration can strike in everyday life just walking around on the streets.

What tools do you use for your work?

Soft pastels, acrylic paint, indian ink and photocopying techniques.

What would be your ultimate goal be as an artist?

To be able to create work for the rest of my life and not sit still, I want to continue to push my practice and develop. I never want to stop learning.

What style of music do you mostly listen to when you work?

A mix, depends how I feel, genres I like are soul, hip-hop, disco, pop and folk.

Do you have any advice for aspiring artists?

Believe in yourself, do not give up on your work not matter what set backs you have in life.

What projects have you worked on recently?

I have been developing my work into moving image with the production company Strange Beast and have created artwork for Jones’ new album and singles. In my personal work, I have been experimenting, using a softer colour palette, which offers a new perspective on the subjects I work with.

Whats next?

I have several exciting projects in the pipeline, which I am looking forward to working on. I plan to travel abroad at some point in the near future to draw inspiration from other people, places and cultures so my work can continue to evolve.

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