Rone Interview 2014
Rone, started with humble beginnings decorating skateparks in the early 2000’s and is now an internationally celebrated street artist. Originally from Geelong, Rone moved to Melbourne and started painting murals on the walls that line the streets and lane ways of Melbourne. The Everfresh crew was soon formed and still work from their studio in Collingwood. His work finds a special place between decay and beauty. He enjoys the effect of natures elements gradually wearing away murals. Most known for his large scale mural portraits, the women’s faces he paints are both knowing and haunting. You’ll now find his work in major cities such as; New York, Paris, Tokyo, London, Porta Vila, Berlin plus many more.
This week i was lucky enough to have him answer my questions…
Janni: So we know you discovered your love for street art through skateboarding. Was there one piece in particular that sparked your creativity?
Rone: I think it would have been something by Jim Phillips. That really got me into skateboard graphics.
J: Your freehand portraits are so magical. The women all have this look in their eyes… they look like they know what they want. They’re calm, powerful and influential. If you could use them to send one message to the world, what would you say?
R: I don’t think this is something I can quantify in words. I am a terrible writer at the best of times. This is why I think i’m better at painting my message.
Rone’s latest work at Art Basel– Miami. Photo by James Hartley.
Hawaii is pretty nice. Even if all goes wrong, you are still in Hawaii…
J: The faces you paint are so soft and feminine. It’s a beautiful contrast against the hard and sometimes battered walls they appear on. What about the walls you choose makes you choose them?
R: I don’t always get the the choice of walls, but when I do I go for the hardest/uneven surface. A wall with character, a wall that has a story to tell. When I paint over these kinds of surfaces It gives the view a sense of a story the wall has to tell.
Mural in Penang 2014. Photo from Upper Playground.
J: Which is your most memorable mural? Why?
R: In Porta Vila, Vanuatu I asked to paint a wall last minute, when I was there in 2011. Within minutes I had a dozen local kids who wanted to help. It was an amazing way to be embraced by a new culture.
J: Your murals can be seen all over the world. What is your favourite country to work in? And what inspires you most about that country?
R: I’m not sure if I really have a favourite, but Hawaii is pretty nice. Even if all goes wrong, you are still in Hawaii…
J: Do you have any travel plans for the near future?
R: Always. I go back to Vanuatu next week, then London early next year.
J: Out of pure curiosity… How did the Everfresh Crew come together?
R: Everfresh came together simply by a few like minded artists needing a space to work from and hang out. I could tell you much more but you might be better to hunt down a copy of our book.
Inside the Everfreshstudio- Photo from: Everfresh Studio.
J: You are an inspiration to many Australian artists, including myself! Who is your favourite Australian artist or who inspires you most? And why?
R: Anthony Lister has been a constant inspiration. Even before ‘street art’ was a thing in the publics mind, Lister was exhibiting works internationally and paved the way for many artist like myself.
J: What are some current tunes that are inspiring you?
R: I’m currently listening to a lot of blues after driving down the Mississippi. Stuff along the lines of John Lee Hooker.
J: What’s your dream project? And what’s your dream collaboration- (can be anyone, from any time!)
R: NASA, lets paint something on Mars.
J:Do you have any words of advice for aspiring artists/ street artists?
R: My best advice for those who paint on the street would be: don’t paint over other peoples work. No matter what you think of it. It’s like stepping on someones toes and not saying sorry, it’s just seen as rude & ignorant. Respect gets respect.
Keep on top of Rone’s movements at: http://r-o-n-e.com
A big thank you from the bluethumb team!
