Talented graffiti artist Paco Graff tells Caroline Lindsay about the oldest art form in the world.
Although graffiti artist Paco Graff grew up in the south of France, he moved to Dundee in 1999, working at Helm Training where he helped teenagers from the city to find careers. “They loved it when I drew their names and in exchange they taught me Dundonian,” Paco recalls with a smile.
Around 10 years ago, he decided to become self employed to concentrate more on his art, something he’d enjoyed since he was a teenager – although his parents weren’t quite so impressed.
“Back then we used to hide cans of paint from our parents,” recalls Paco, who particularly specialises in painting wildlife, especially birds, and 3D graffiti.
“You could say graffiti is one of the oldest art form in the world, making and leaving a mark on a wall. I don’t think any genre of art can be classed as ‘proper’ – artists all over the world are experimenting and expressing themselves in many ways using many techniques and materials.”
He uses spray paint to create large and detailed pieces in a relatively short time.
“In most of my mural work, I do some prep including sketches on paper first, then I draw it out, freehand, straight on the wall using spray paint, following my design from the paper. But I do also love, when I paint for fun, to freestyle my piece of 3D writing on the wall without having to follow a design from paper,” he says.
“There are lots of places where we can paint legally, without getting in trouble as well as at big events like the Dundee Graffiti Jam and Yardworks in Glasgow,” he continues.
Paco has been busy with commissions, including eye-catching murals for Fife Zoo.
“In fact,” he reveals, “I’ve been so busy I didn’t even make it to France this summer as I had to much work on, and thought I would try a Scottish summer for once.
“And as you will know, it was a very wet one which meant not being able to finish some work on time,” he smiles ruefully.
Commissions can vary from people’s homes, kids’ bedrooms and garden walls to businesses, pubs, restaurants, distilleries and garages.
“Strachans Tyres on the Hawkhill and McIvers Motor Mechanics in Bellfield Street are just a couple of the places in Dundee. Gyms are popular too, councils for public art, schools, youth groups, prisons, hospitals… the list goes on and on and I’m so grateful to everyone who has given me work and space.”
Paco is proud to be part of the Dundee, and Scottish, creative scene.
“There are so many very talented people, and I have made many friends along the way.,” he smiles.
“I have a couple of exciting projects happening in Dundee soon so keep your eyes peeled.
“But I do need to do my homework first, get the pencils out and get some drawings done…”
To see more of Paco’s work or to get in touch, visit his Facebook page or Insta @pacograff
