We caught up with graphic artist, Marius Bogdanas, as he prepares for the Creative Creatures exhibition later this week
 
Marius Bogdanas considers himself to be a writer in every sense of the word. Having a passion for letters since becoming a graffiti artist at a young age, Marius has developed an individual style by fusing aerosol art with calligraphy. The resulting shapes manifest themselves as a unity of urban letterforms and traditional scribal techniques.
Aerosol paint and alternative mark-making approaches add dynamic and colourful backdrops for bespoke glyphs constituting words of wisdom. The compositions are often embellished with sharp linear ornaments and esoteric symbols that carry messages aimed to make the viewer awaken his or her own soul.

Why are words so important in your artwork?
It’s not really the words but the letterforms that are of importance to me. From a young age, I have been fascinated by graffiti and my love for glyphs has remained ever since. The meanings of the words come second to me.

Why is graffiti your chosen medium?
Graffiti was my gateway to the artistic scene and, when I became a writer in my teens, it sort of became my lifestyle. I have never really managed to shake it off and now I am simply applying it to different mediums. It is also such a ubiquitous tool that is easy to use and can express so many things in various forms.

What are you hoping to convey with your art?
It seems a bit far-fetched, but my aim is to allow the viewer to feel a deep connection on an emotional level and awaken their soul. I want to make people think, smile, and be able to stare at the work for hours and interpret it in their own ways.
How did this project begin?
It’s hard to say, but I’ve always had visions – and whenever I get an opportunity to unleash my creativity, it simply flows. I guess it’s just all the things that I have learnt throughout the years which I simply throw into a big pot and boil down.
Is your choice of colour a conscious one?
I just go along with whatever comes to mind. I tend to use chrome or gold to create a direct reference to graffiti ‘pieces’ and use a lot of complementary contrasts using bold colours. My use of colour is often described by others as cosmic, and the significance would have to be that it creates immense depth.

What kind of techniques and materials do you use, and why?
Mainly, I use spray paint, brushes and acrylic markers, and combine them in various ways. For instance, the biggest pieces in the upcoming exhibition will be a ‘graffiti manuscript’ where I am going to combine traditional scribal techniques with modern aerosol art. This is something I like to call “Ancient Futurism” where I unite calligraphic principles with urban letterforms. I guess the reason for using these techniques and materials is to tell a story and show people the origins of letterforms and where they are heading in the future.
What next for you?
I am currently working on a sequel to a children’s book that I am both writing and illustrating. There are quite a few commercial projects that I am involved in and I hope it’s only a matter of time until I can do art on a full time basis.
Marius’s artwork will be showcased as part of a collective called Ideaholicks. The event, entitled Creative Creatures, will be held on Friday 20 July 2012 from 6pm at The Doodle Bar, Testbed1, 33 Parkgate Road, London SW11 4NP.

Photography and artwork by Marius A. Bogdanas