REKA One is part of the Everfresh Studio, which also consists of Meggs, Phibs and The Tooth, to name a couple of them. They terrorize the streets and back alleys of Melbourne with their clever creations and colorful designs. I had a Q&A with REKA One and dived into the underground art scene of Melbourne to see what’s cooking down under. Not in the literal sense, of course… nevermind, silly joke. Do read on.

PERSONAL INFO:

Name[s]: Reka One

Age: 20 something

Country of Origin: Australia

Genre: Graffiti, Free-hand

Forms of Art: Graffiti

Mediums used: Pen, Markers, Brush, Spraypaint, Blood

THE SERIOUS BIT:

FM: Hi Reka, thank you for taking some time off. Just out of curiosity, what does REKA mean or stand for?

REKA: The word Reka was chosen for a few reasons. The first was it’s literal meaning. To Rek and Destroy shit. I thought it was cool at the time when I was starting out bombing. Reka was also chosen for its letters. The R and the K compliments each other. So does the E and the A. Its has a nice flow to the word and a sense of balance. Reka these days is all about Love and creation. Ha ha.

FM: Do you know that in my language, REKA means “to create”? Now there’s something extra for you to boast about!;) Speaking of create, you create some of the most interesting graffiti and street art. I notice you love using animals. Tells us a little about how this came about?

REKA: When I started drawing characters I looked up to cartoonists like Vaughn bode and Walt Disney for inspiration. The Bold clean lines really appealed to me. I grew up listening to Hip hop so my first characters were Bode-esque B-Boy characters with fat shoes. Slowly I wanted to change my content and used Nature as a main influence. Animals were always fun to draw because they had such interesting features which could be blended with human elements to create these weird looking forest dwelling creatures.

FM: What’s your take on the current situation in Melbourne, where they are planning to ban Graffiti? [At the time of writting, anyway.]

REKA: Graffiti isn’t being banned in Melbourne. There have been however, a lot of new laws and restrictions put into place making it easier for the cops to search you and also tougher penalties if you get caught. It isn’t going to stop 99% of street artists in Melbourne though. The Melbourne city council is allowing “legal” alleyways in the city where you can paint. I think the greater community is starting to embrace this new form of art. Graffit wouldnt be the same without its illegal side. Tagging was the birth of Graffiti as we know it.

FM: Who’s your favourite street artist? I’m sure you’ve met some of them and a lot of them are really cool and nice, but in terms of artwork, technique and ideas, who would you say takes the cake?

REKA: I’d have to say Barry Mcgee or Doze Green. They are very modest and cool interesting people. Their artwork is very impressive and original. There’s a lot more to name though…

FM: Does your artwork and designs have meanings, or are they just random thoughts and ideas?

REKA: Most my artwork has an underlining theme running through all of them but I try to keep it random at times. I enjoy painting allot more when I freestyle it. Most of the time good ideas pop up on the way. Symbolism is important to me to convey my concept and theme.

FM: Has life always been this good? Tell us a lil about your background please. Like when did you first start drawing, to the time you realized that you could make a living outta this…

REKA: I was always creative since i was a young pup. I even made my own comic books. I was brought up in Melbourne with a strong creative family. My art teacher at school opened my eyes to contemporary and modern art and then it just took off from there. I am a self taught artist but i do have a degree in graphic design. When I started doing graffiti and street art I had no plans on doing it for a living. As the years went by and my enthusiasm and dedication increased I realized I should be taking my art to the galleries and the rest is history…

FM: Which parts of the world have you worked at, and where can I find your stuff?

REKA: I’m mainly based in Melbourne but I have travelled and painted in most parts of Asia and Japan. I plan to make it over to America and Europe later this year. hopefully!

FM: I’m going to ask you a question that Jon Burgerman asked me once: does getting paid to doodle | stencil | paint outside on the streets still make you a street artist? Where do you draw the line?

REKA: The second you put your work up on the streets “illegally” id class you as a street artist. It doesn’t matter what medium it is. I think the action itself is “street art”. Its still art at the same time… just on the street!! You still have to build a reputation for yourself to be called a true street artist though.

FM: What are your plans down the line in terms of career?

REKA: I want to concentrate on exhibiting my artwork overseas and start designing vinyl toys. I’m happy where I am at this stage. I’m in no hurry.

THE POTSHOTS SECTION:

FM: Have you been to Asia, and would you come if there was a major exhibition?

REKA: Yes. I’ve been to allot of asian countries. I’d come over if I was involved in a major exhibition. Good excuse for a change of scenery.

FM: What do you do in your spare time?

REKA: I enjoy painting my name on your property

FM: What are the five things you’d take with you to a deserted island with no electricity?

REKA: “How To” Book, knife, matches, surf board, spray-paint!

FM: Has your work ever been ripped off before by a big corporation or tee design company?

REKA: Not that I’m aware of. I know allot of friends whose had that happen to them.

FM: If you have some time, could you please sketch a self portrait, posing next to Buddha?

REKA: Gimme a sec!

FM: Any Last Words?

REKA: Graffiti saved my life…

Webbie’s:

www.rekaone.com

www.everfreshstudio.com

www.thisisvandalism.com