Pegasus Stencil Art

Pegasus, the stencil artist behind numerous north London buzzing art works is finally sitting back and opening up, telling us all about his rapid success in the street art scene. Find out what drives him and how it all started.

(ISSA) -What you choose to drink? Coffee, Tea, Beer, Soda or something else?

(Pegasus) – I cannot function without my coffee first thing in the morning. Throughout the day I stick to water and Apple Juice. When I go home to the States I indulge in Root Beer and Mountain Dew.

-Introduce yourself to us 🙂

Howdy, I am Pegasus 😉

– Where does your tag name come from?

I have always been fascinated by mythical animals, my favourite being the Pegasus. I have also been insulted a lot being told I have a long horse face so I guess it works.

-How do you define yourself? Artist? Street artist? Anything else?

I am just an artist. I don’t get caught up in the Street art vs Graffiti politics.

– How did it all start for you, and what is it nowadays?

The day Amy Winehouse passed away I ran to the art shop with intensions of buying a canvas and painting a tribute piece to leave outside her home. After spending about an hour in the art shop, I was about to pay when I looked up at the shelf behind the till full of spray cans. I put everything back and bought a black can of spray paint instead. A few hours later I was in Camden spraying my winged Amy image. It was then I realised I really liked the idea of painting on the streets. I spent months hanging out at skate parks watching graffiti and stencil artists paint and picked up a few tips. 4 years on I am a lot more confident but still learning every day.

-What is the first thing you do when you get up in the morning?

I might as well tell you my entire pre work morning. I snooze for about an hour before I actually get up. Then I stumble to the kitchen and make myself a cup of coffee, let the dogs out into the garden, turn the radio on, jump in the shower, have another cup of coffee, look at the clock and realise I am due at work in 20 minutes (luckily I work 10 minutes away) grab everything in a mad rush and run out the door.

-Street art is mostly a visually stimulating form of art. To add one more sense to it, what music would you pick to accompany your art work?

Madonna is my biggest inspiration so I always listen to her when I am designing. A lot of my work is based on lyrics from her songs.

-In all forms of art, inspiration is crucial. What inspires you?

It is always so random. It can be a news feed, film, songs, books, conversations with people but as previously mentioned a lot of inspiration comes from Madonna.

-Before going to paint, what is on your check list to take along?

Rubber gloves, mask, spray caps, spray paints, stencils, nail varnish remover (for those little mistakes) ear buds, masking tape and camera.

-Do you have an artist you admire and what for?

There are so many but above all I love Andy Warhol. He was a trend setter and a genius of his time.

-Which cities do you think are the most inspirational in Street Art?

I love the street art scene in Berlin! I did a Jessica rabbit piece while I was there and I wish I had done more. I met a few artists there and they were very supportive and welcoming. I also love Amsterdam and of course London.

-Do you have other passions apart from art?

Of course. I love cycling. My best friend and I go on cycling trips across the UK every year.

-What is your wildest project that you dream of achieving some day?

My wildest dream will never happen because that would involve painting on the Hollywood sign in Los Angeles. Next best thing would be to design album artwork for Madonna. Mr Brainwash landed himself the gig a few years ago on her celebrations cover… that lucky boy!

-Does your art include symbolisms, messages or repeated patterns?

I try to send positive and uplifting messages through my work. I like to put my subjects in positions where it appears as though they have written a message on the wall. I guess this is the most common pattern in my work.

-What is your reaction when you realise someone has vandalised your creation?

It annoys me for a few seconds but I try not to dwell on it. I have had a few of my pieces destroyed in north London recently. I don’t know if it is a personal attack or if it is territorial but I am afraid I am here for the long run.

-What do you think people first think or feel when they see one of your works on the street?

I would hope they feel uplifted or it puts a smile on their face. I have had many emails from people who have come across my work for the first time after a shit day of work, a break up, death in the family etc and have said my images made them feel happy for that moment in their day.

– If you were a world leader what would you change?

God there are so many things, I could write a book on what I would change. I will only mention one point which affects myself and that would be to rethink the way immigration laws affect millions of families around the world. Being American and falling in love with someone who is English, It was hard enough to migrate over to be with my partner but as of 2012 laws have been changed stopping immediate family members being able to join you in the UK. It puts you in a very difficult situation tearing you between your life partner and family….. so I guess I would make the rules a bit more lenient.

– Is there a question you think is important but no one ever asked you?

Not one person has ever asked me the names of my two dogs… their names are Sailor and Sienna. On a serious note I am an open book and am always happy to answer any question thrown at me, I have had almost every sensible question asked.

-Do you have any interesting creative plans for the future?

The only confirmed near future plan I can discuss is a trip to Memphis to paint an Elvis mural across the road from Graceland. Very excited about that.

It’s been great to get to know more about the mind and person behind such talented and inspiring works. Thank you !

‘’I Support Street Art’’ team.

Browse Pegasus Art Gallery.

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