Artist Interview – Ling
Firstly who are you and where are you from?
Ling ID GH. I grew up in Greensborough, Melbourne on the Hurstbridge Line. Reflecting on that, it was a great area to have a childhood. Lots of parkland, good friends, a generally solid community and lots of Graffiti.
How do you think this affected you on your journey towards being a graffiti artist?
I always had a keen interest in art and started drawing / sketching from a young age although didn’t really turn to graffiti until I was older. Growing up on the Hurstbridge line meant that I was exposed to a lot of high quality graffiti which was really motivating. Being able to see the level people could operate at and the results that were possible always meant that I was pushing to improve my game.
When/How did you know you wanted to be a graffiti writer?
I’m not sure I can pinpoint an exact moment. Graffiti was something that I got interested in through my late teens and it just grew from there. It eventually got to the point where it was the one constant in my life and I felt that I wanted to continue to do it forever. Being realistic about it meant that I knew I’d have to quit my job and have a crack at doing full-time… Since then I haven’t looked back.
How did you learn to do what you do?
From friends, personal interests and repetition. I’m lucky enough to be surrounded by some amazingly talented artists that are more than happy to discuss techniques, concepts, new ideas and share information.
What is your dream project?
I guess this changes from day to day and whether I’m looking at it from an art project perspective or graffiti purist perspective.
The New York MTA will always have a place for all graffiti writers but at the moment I’d like to tackle something bigger for my “Allure of Gold” series… A boat or a Plane would be nice.
Your favourite or most inspirational place/spot you have painted at?
New York City Subway without a doubt
What/Who are some of the inspirations for you and your art?
There is a constant stream from everywhere. Especially with social media. The things I look at primarily is 80’s and 90’s pop culture that I grew up with and a lot of fine art / portraiture. From a graffiti point of view I look at everything to see what’s happening but always go back to the classic New York subway graffiti of the late 70’s / Early 80’s.
Did this help guide you to where you are today?
Yes and No – It’s important to look to the past and take on board as many lessons as possible so as not to make the same mistakes and better understand your own processes.
That said, I’ve always tried to do things my own way which is a bit of a double edged sword. I think it took a long time for me to get a grasp on my own style and to produce work that I’m genuinely happy with.
Tell us a little about how you like to work. (Alone, with others, in phases, details, etc…)
I’m pretty comfortable working in any scenario although often work alone or with minimal people. This is normally due to either wanting to produce something very specific and wanting to control the end to end process or a bi-product of not wanting to organise groups of people… sometimes it’s easier to just go get shit done on your own.
What direction do you feel your art is going?
My primary goal at the moment is to further my studio work / develop my style on canvas and in turn use that to develop how I approach painting on walls.
What’s the biggest misconception the general public have of graffiti artists?
I think the biggest misconception is that it’s a lesser art or that legality equates to artistic merit.
The negative connotations with stylised lettering and the use of a spray can is pretty frustrating.
Whilst they might be delivered illegally it doesn’t mean there isn’t artistic merit in the action or skill in the delivery and overall outcome.
What are your thoughts on the whole graffiti vs street art?
People like to create drama when it’s no needed. There’s definitely a bully mentality behind a lot of it which just leads to negative outcomes for all.
If street artists want to exist in the streets then there is a general need to understand and work within the same guidelines as writers (don’t cap, have some respect and humility etc.).
That said, writers shouldn’t be capping things for no good reason and without knowing someones history (a lot of the best artists are / were writers with a strong history).
If you could share a message with the next generation of graffiti artists, what would it be?
Learn the history, put in the work, don’t be a dick, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
There any up and coming artists that we should keep an eye out for?
Priest RCA just had an Exhibition which was really nice… keen to see what he produces next.
Any shouts out you would like to give?
ID + GH… and my friends and family in general.
Thank you very much for your time and we look forward to seeing more of your amazing work.
You can find more of Ling’s work at:
