Hello, Otto Schade can you introduce yourself?
Hello. Well, I am a Chilean urban artist based in London, UK. Since 2006.
I love Art and expressing myself via different media.
You have an architecture degree, and you worked as an architect and urban sculptor for a while; why did you choose to become a street artist?
Well, being an urban sculptor was something I did with a colleague architect when we took part in a public competition, and we won that prize in Chile, so we have to build it.
A year later, we built another one in an Urban Sculpture Bienal.
In relation to architecture, I got my own practice in Chile with 2 colleagues, doing well, but I didn’t have much time to paint. Then, after moving to the UK, and after working in different big practices in London, like Benoy, Civicart, and Zaha Hadid. I decided to pursue art after losing my job as an architect during the 2008 recession. I met a graffiti friend who encouraged me to paint on the streets because my artwork with this ribbons style was very unique. Then I got recognized wherever I was painting with this style.
Do you remember what your first piece of street art was?
« Hunted by the System”: a stencil of a bar code and a tiger hunting a zebra in between the bars.
It was illegally painted in Old Street Over the Kebabs, where Banksy had previously painted something, which I didn’t know.
Do you believe that the knowledge you gained during your architectural studies and your previous roles aids you in the creation of your works?
Yes. I have been drawing since I was 4 years old. But when you study Architecture your mind is getting opened easily and the possible thoughts, increase.
The fact that Architecture manages the 3D space, gives the option to represent spaces in your artwork.
How would you describe your style?
I got 2 different styles:
One is the sunset with some silhouettes. These are more political; I try to give a message behind them. This kind of work was also created to paint illegal spots because they are quick to paint.
The other style is more related to ribbons, where I create different shapes with ribbons. I use ribbons on many surfaces. It also means connecting. So is very meaningful.
Given that you’ve lived in three different countries (Chile, your home country; Germany; and England since 2006), does the culture of each of these places influence your work as a painter?
Absolutely. The mix of cultures is very interesting.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I get my inspiration from different things on a normal day.
Sometimes I start drawing something, and suddenly it becomes something better.
Or sometimes I get a thought, and then I represent it physically somehow.
I get also inspired by some Artists, we can say from M.C Escher, Dali, Magritte, Beksinsky, to Banksy.
What is the message you want to convey through your work?
The message is the one that each of us sees. In the beginning, you want to say something, but sometimes you get feedback from the people about the piece you did somewhere, and they get a different message. Sometimes there are very interesting and powerful ones. So, I think you need to be open-minded and flexible with all the interpretations behind it.
You had the chance to participate in some of the biggest art festivals around the world. What was your favorite festival, and why?
Sand, Sea, and Spray in Blackpool was a really good one. We were around 40 artists from different countries and with different styles, all together, having fun painting and enjoying our time there. And it was during those five years that I had the most opportunities to interact with all of these artists and Blackpool residents.
Upfest is also a fascinating festival, but due to its size with loads of Artists, it was difficult to interact with all of them.
Most festivals have something unique to offer, and the organizers do their best to keep you comfortable.
In your opinion, what are the pros and cons of social media for Street Art artists?
Nothing is wrong with social media. It is a tool for Artists to show and promote their work.
We are not just wall artists. We also paint on canvases, and we make prints to live.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to become a street artist?
The important thing here is the willingness to express yourself. If you use a canvas, paper, or a wall, it doesn’t matter. Just, do it.
What are some of your upcoming projects?
I am starting to work on small sculptures with my ribbon style. At the same time, I am waiting for some feedback for some shows upcoming in the UK, Germany, and France.
Aside from the book I hope to finish this year, I’m also going to start tattooing my artwork on the skin.
Last question: Do you have any film, series, or book recommendations?
I like horror movies, so I can recommend Psycho 1 by Alfred Hitchcock.
In relation to the book, I really liked Siddhartha.
You can discover or rediscover my other Street Art interviews here.
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