Ahead of the release of Gary Stranger's exclusive limited edition print Give and Take - Copper, we sat down with the renowned typographic artist to learn about its inspiration and the processes that brought it to life. Starting out as a graffiti artist in the mid-1990s, Gary is now celebrated across the world for his sleek and distinctive typographic pieces that elevate words, chosen for their visual power, with his careful hand-drawn and painted type.
Give and Take - Copper by Gary Stranger
What was the inspiration behind Give and Take? What does it express?
Give and Take is the basis for everything in life. Without it, everything comes to an end.
How did Give and Take, end up in its final form?
The form is designed to be representative of the loop, refreshing constantly. The words are balanced and have equal weight and merit in the design-such as they do in life.
What do you want viewers to take away from your work?
I make the work because it helps me to engage with the world to do so. The words and my committing them to form are a method of communicating my sentiment on a theme - a type of therapy.
What do you enjoy about printing? Has your printing practice changed over the years?
I love the screen printing process. I am grateful to the print studio (Tin Dogs) for allowing me to be involved in the process as much or as little as I see fit. Over the years and many editions we have made together, the prints have become more technical and the opportunity for experimentation has allowed for finishes and effects that help to convey the message of the artwork.
You started out writing graffiti - does this experience play a role in the works you create today?
I think so. Graffiti is a game of efficiency - being able to get over your name or message in as creative a way as possible in the least amount of time. The fundamental point of my artwork is that, conveying a sentiment in as few words as possible but in an aesthetically pleasing manner.
Head to Gary's artist page here to get your hands on the much-anticipated Give and Take - Copper and stay up to date with his latest releases.
