Andy Seize - Graffiti Artist Interview

August 2007

Interview with Andy Seize, a UK graffiti artist who began painting in 1985. Andy speaks about his commercial work and fashion customisations.

How old are you?

38

How long have you been painting / writing?

I started in 1985.

How did you get into graffiti and what made you start painting?

I loved it as soon as I saw it on Hip-Hop History.

What names do you write under?

Seize

How did you choose the name Seize?

My sister gave me the name, as I loved fighting at school.

What is your inspiration?

My mum & family.

Are there any other artists out there whose work you admire?

• Seen
• Dondi (R.I.P.)
• Keith Haring
• Mode 2
• Frank Stella
• James Rosenquist
• Jeff Koons
• Roy Lichenstein

Have you done many collaborations with artists overseas and do you often travel overseas to paint?

I have travelled overseas to work, but I like to paint with my British brothers.

Where is the most exciting or interesting place you have painted?

New York.

Where did you paint your first piece?

Popham Estate, Islington.

Graffiti has become a full-time career for you now, was it a long journey to get to this stage

Oh yeah! Too long, but worth the trip.

Is there any one point in your career you would class as 'your big break'?

No! I'm still looking for it thanks.

What was your first commercial piece?

Mural painted for Red Hot And Movin, commissioned by Snub Productions.

How did you get into creating customised clothing and the fashion industry?

I just wanted to create something a bit different at the time.

Can anyone request a customised item from you?

Yes.

How long did the customised VW Beetle take you to do?

2 hours.

I notice on your site that you except commissions from film directors, has your work ever appeared on film?

Oh yeah! Red Hot And Movin, shown on Channel 4 TV.

Have you ever had your work displayed in a gallery and if so is there any one exhibition that stands out from all the rest?

Darling Muse Gallery, Kuala Lumpur.

What do you think of the way graffiti is just as likely to be found in a gallery as on the streets these days?

Good stuff! Graff needs progression along with every day life.

Graff needs progression along with every day life.

Andy Seize

Do you prefer doing legal or illegal pieces?

Legal

Is there a certain 'buzz' you get when doing an illegal piece and do you get the same feeling when doing a legal piece?

No I like to paint large murals! I get a buzz from setting myself new challenges, I'm sorry but illegal work does not interest me.

Have you ever 'felt the long arm of the law' because of your art?

Yes

What is your preferred medium for making marks with?

• Aerosol
• Pencil
• Acrylic
• Oil paint
• Household emulsion

Do you see yourself as an artist or a graffiti writer?

I consider myself to be both.

Do you have a favourite piece of all time?

My favourite piece is called "London Town", it's a painting on canvas 6ft x 4ft done using acylic paint, aerosol and airbrush.

No2 is Seize piece done in Golbourne Road Hall Of Fame

What kind of music are you into?

I have a varied taste in music.

What is the last album you bought?

Mutya Buena.

Do you go to art exhibitions and if so what was the last exhibition you went to?

Futura and Jose Parla.

I recently went to see the Jeff Koons exhibition at Gagosian Gallery, Kings Cross… it rocked!

What are you working on currently and what plans do you have for the future?

I'm working on paintings. I'm hoping to exhibit soon and have my work seen, I will keep you posted.

What question would you like to put to the next person I interview?

What drives you?

Anything else you would like to add?

Have a nice day!!

For further information about Andy Seize please visit:

Andy Seize Profile

Andy Seize Website

Andy Seize Blog

Andy Seize MySpace Page

Andy Seize Flickr Photostream

Andy Seize YouTube Channel

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