Ler - Graffiti Artist Interview

November 2009

Interview with Ler, a graffiti artist from Spain with a "surreal" style who paints with the Lacoma7 Crew.

Graffiti piece by Ler - León, Spain (2009)

How old are you?

30.

Where are you based?

Actually in León, North Spain.

When did you begin painting graffiti?

1993.

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

There used to be a lot of graff in my area in those days, I just met the right people at the right time… special thanks to Esau, an old-school writer who introduced me in this world.

How did you choose the name Ler?

It's in relation with my family.

Do you write under any other names?

Not really, when I'm doing "bombing" I usually write under my crew name.

Graffiti piece by Ler - León, Spain (2009)

Graffiti piece by Lacoma7 - Madrid, Spain (2008)

Do you write with any crews and if so which ones?

Yes, LC7 Crew, my old one.

How would you describe your style?

Well… people say that I have a particular style, don't really know how to define it, maybe a bit surreal?

Where did you paint your first piece?

Near Madrid.

Have you done many collaborations with artists overseas or travelled abroad for your art and if so then where is the most exciting or interesting place you have painted?

I have painted with so many people from different countries. Places and people are pretty different outside your home country… Italy is one of them that changed my life, but not only because of graffiti.

Graffiti piece by Ler - London (2008)

Graffiti piece by Ler - Tamworth (2008)

The scene is pretty big here and there are a lot of writers and people doing nice shit, I just miss a positive relationship between us all because there are a lot of "big heads" and "trendies".
Ler

What are your feelings on the graffiti and street art scenes in Spain at present?

The scene is pretty big here and there are a lot of writers and people doing nice shit, I just miss a positive relationship between us all because there are a lot of "big heads" and "trendies". People are more into "image" than into "life reality", like everywhere.

Have you done much commercial work and if so what would you say was your most well known piece?

I have done many commissions for different companies and people but don't really have a most well known piece to be honest.

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

Not very active between 1993 and 1997 in the graff scene but I spent this period enjoying life! Maybe this was my "little break"?

What are your thoughts on graffiti being just a likely to be found in a gallery as on the streets these days?

Graffiti is in the streets… on the other hand it's nice to see some stuff in a gallery, but it's a different perception and feeling from the original idea.

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

I had some stuff in little local galleries, nothing special.

Graffiti piece by Lacoma7 - Madrid, Spain (2008)

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

Both, it depends on the situation but graffiti changed my life though!

There seems to have been a sudden surge of interest in graffiti and street art recently, why do you think this is?

It's Society mate, fashion and money… capitalism is everywhere!

Free thinking is the key for me, this is not something that you can control, just enjoy.
Ler

There is a very fine line between those who see graffiti as art and those who see it as vandalism, what are your views on this?

People can think whatever they want, graffiti bureaucracy! Free thinking is the key for me, this is not something that you can control, just enjoy.

Do you paint legal or illegal pieces?

Both.

Have you ever felt the long arm of the law' because of your art and if so can you tell us about it?

Yes, but nothing really serious. There was a period that I knew every "pig" in my area spending a few times in court or in the police station and so I developed a strong running sense! As a teenager you have to live this kind of thing, at least in my country, to appreciate what's going on.

Do you try to keep your identity anonymous where possible?

Yes, especially in some places.

Graffiti piece by Ler - Madrid, Spain (2009)

Graffiti piece by Ler - León, Spain (2009)

What is the biggest risk you have ever taken for your art?

Risking my life a few times.

Where is the most obscure place you have ever left a tag or piece?

In an abandoned prison in Madrid, much history in there.

Which other artists work do you admire?

If we're talking about graffiti, I grew up with stuff from "Muelle" (R.I.P.) and afterwards FX Crew, Mac Crew, CNS Crew and many more. I admire so many people, not just graffiti writers…

Which other artist would you most like to work with if you were given the chance?

Always with good people, I don't care about anything else.

What is your preferred medium for making marks with?

Spraypaint.

What is your colour of choice?

It depends on the day, my mood… all colours are good enough, it just depends the way you mix them.

What is your favourite surface to paint on?

Concrete, but I enjoy all surfaces.

Do you have a favourite piece of all time?

A few of them, some big walls from back in the day.

Can you tell us one thing about you which most people wouldn't know?

Nothing special, I'm just a normal person trying to survive in this jungle.

Graffiti piece by Ler - León, Spain (2009)

Graffiti piece by Ler - Madrid, Spain (2009)

What kind of music are you into?

Actually in everything that I consider good music, my favourite one is rap music (especially French stuff) but reggae/dancehall, flamenco, arabic, techno, elektro, punk and so on.

What is the last album you bought?

Honestly I can't remember, the Internet is my free shop! In Spain is pretty difficult to find music from outside.

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

I'm doing a big commission for a new building in Leon… who knows about the future! hope to paint until the end of my life!

Anything else you would like to add?

Special thanks and much love and respect to all my people! Carpe diem.