GraffitiStreet finally caught up with the unstoppable Belgian street artist Joachim. Constantly painting indoors and outdoors his passion and energy is infectious… he can’t stop and he won’t stop… and that’s fine by us! Joachim takes five and sits down for a chat with the GraffitiStreet team…

GraffitiStreet

When and at what age did you begin your interest with art?

Joachim

As far as I can remember I have always been interested in art. My grandmother always took me to exhibitions and shows when I was a kid. Many people ask me when I started drawing or painting… but I’ve never started, I just never stopped!

Street Artist Joachim

 

GraffitiStreet

When did you first get involved within the urban art scene?

Joachim

When I was about 6 years old, I sat on a tram in Antwerp city, I remember when we passed a wall full of oldschool graffiti. It immediately caught my attention, I remember that I thought,…this is what I want to do! Later, when I went to art school, I must have been then about 15 years old, I met some graffiti writers. I became friends with them and they took me on their journeys… then it really started!

Street Artist Joachim

GraffitiStreet

How much does your art affect or influence your everyday life?

Joachim

It affects my daily life completely! this is my daily life! every second of the day I’m doing art, even if I’m not doing it … I dream about it! You could even say that other commitments, such as buying food or paying bills, things that other people find normal, slows me down… if it was up to me I would never eat again! :)

Street Artist Joachim

GraffitiStreet

When was the first time you painted a wall?

Joachim

It must have happened the first year I was in art school. When I was 15 I think . I remember I had two graffiti cans. Not a good brand! bad car paint from the local DIY store. It was very ugly what I painted that night! I thought… this will never work out for me!

Joachim and KShit Street Art Collaboration Heerlen

GraffitiStreet

When did people start noticing your artwork?

Joachim

Difficult question, I think that first piece stood out immediately, but in a negative way! hahaha ! No seriously…I dont know? I think that has happened over the last few years.

Street Artist Joachim solo show, Antwerp

Street Artist Joachim, London

GraffitiStreet

You have many styles, do you see constant change is growth or your constant need to try new things?

Joachim

I do not feel I have to try new things, it is an unconscious process. I just paint and create things. The less I have to think of it, the better the result will be. I’m very productive and I evolve. Compare it with a child who grows up … Day after day they look the same, because you are confronted with it daily. but if you have not seen the child for a year, then can look suddenly very different .

Street Artist Joachim

GraffitiStreet

What are the different challenges you are confronted with when painting murals in the street vs painting works for the gallery?

Joachim

My work on canvas is different from what I do on walls. I use the same elements, but it’s a different process. I feel that I can experiment more on canvas. if you paint on walls it has to be right from the first time! especially on private walls… you can not afford to Fk it up… everyone sees a wall immediately.
In my studio, I am safe, and no one can see me work .. a work on canvas only comes out when I think it’s ready, a work on the street get immediately exposed.
I think thats the difference.

Street Artist Joachim

Street Artist Joachim

GraffitiStreet

You curated LIER UP in Lier to bring street art to your home town... how are you finding that?

Joachim

LIER UP has now truly begun! and I think it’s great! Finally some street art in my hometown! that really was missing here! the preparations took a long time… about a year, because everything had to be done legally, licenses, permits, etc …it has also given me some stress but I’m glad I can paint walls, and people are excited … so at the end of the day it is all worth it!

Street Artist Joachim

GraffitiStreet

I see you and Nils Westergard up some very high ladders! Do heights worry you?

Joachim

I’m not too keen on heights. Sometimes I think, why am I doing this to myself? sometimes I’m afraid, but that only lasts five minutes …then it seems to go naturally, but I have to keep using my mind though… because the fact remains, if you fall down from eight meters, then you have a problem! but I do not take unnecessary risks … or thats what I keep telling myself anyway!

Street Artist Joachim

LIER UP Street Art Project – Joachim and Nils Westergard

Street Artist Joachim

GraffitiStreet

Where would you like to paint? any place or festival?

Joachim

I’m not so interested about festivals, but I would like to paint in New York one day. That city has always fascinated me and furthermore, New York is one of the cities where graffiti was born as we know it today. There are already people in NY who have a painting by me….even the Beastie Boys have one! So… it will not be long now before I go to there.

Street Artist Joachim

Street Artist Joachim

GraffitiStreet

Beastie boys rock!! Are there any other role models or artists who have inspired you?

Joachim

If I have to mention one artist, then I say Keith Haring! He did what I do, but in essence! a colour area with a black line around it. He was a genius! last time I went to an exhibition of Keith Haring in Rotterdam it was the best show so far! I also read his biography a few weeks ago. Now I appreciate him and his work even more!

Street Artist Joachim

GraffitiStreet

For LIER UP you collaborate with 11 other street artists. If you had the choice to collaborate with another artist number 12 (dead or alive), who would it be and why?

Joachim

Keith Haring! no doubt! for the reasons I have just spoke about.

GraffitiStreet

What do you do when your not painting? Do you ever stop!!

Joachim

No, I never stop … If I do not paint, then I probably sleep … but as I said, even then, I dream about it… Sometimes I think I am exaggerating!

Street Artist Joachim

Street Artist Joachim

Street Artist Joachim

GraffitiStreet

What music do you listen to when you paint and is it different to when your outside or inside?

Joachim

I always listen to the Beastie Boys! in my studio and outside, their music is always good! It always puts me in a good flow! There is humor in their music, but also anger and truth. Their music also inspires me … sometimes they sing a word or phrase. I then write down and use in my work. A lot of music on the radio annoys me! so much that it makes me mad sometimes! I have already destroyed a few radios by throwing a graffiti can at it or something like that, haha! If there is bad music coming out of the speakers, I really can not paint!

Street Artist Joachim

Thank you Joachim for a great interview….  Eat Sleep Paint Repeat!

“When I’m filthy, tired, and have nearly died a couple of times, that’s when I know it’s been a good day”

Joachim

Want to get a slice of Joachim in your home? Look no further as we’ve got some amazing screen prints and originals in store. Check it out here.