Hello My Name Is: Hemsk

Name: Hemsk
Crew: NHR
City/country: Gothenburg, Sweden.
When did you start writing? 2008/2009

Whats graffiti for you?
A very fun way to express myself and my creativity, it’s also friendships and very addictive. It’s always on my mind in someway.

Influences?
Always think this is hard to answer but definitely old school graffiti, and i’ve always liked graffiti from Denmark. But i often hear i have a New York inspired style too which is probably correct!

Tell us about your city, how is life and graffiti there?
Gothenburg is Swedens second largest city, i’m born and raised and i really enjoy living here. At the moment i think the graffiti scene is thriving. I think it feels more active than in many years, which is very fun to see! Theres a lot of talented writers with great styles.

What keeps you still writing?
Mainly because it’s so fun, but also when i see improvements in my own style, that keeps me motivated.

What first made you interested in graffiti and how did you end up on that track?
All my life i have been drawing, when i was younger i could be painting everything from cars to dinosaurs haha. I’ve always been creative, and when i started a new school in 2008 i met some classmates that introduced me to graffiti, and from there it kept going.

What trends are you seeing now in the graffiti world that you don’t like?
Too much “anti-style/hipster graff” or whatever it’s called. For me a good style is most important. But thats just my opinion!

What do you do when your not painting?
Right now i’m studying full time. Besides that i hang out with my girlfriend and our dog, friends and family. Sketching/watching series and so on.

How would you describe your style?
Probably some sort of semi-wildstyle, lots of focus on the letters and popping colour schemes. I like to experiment with new letters, i get bored when i repeat things too much.

Can you remember the first piece you did?
Yes haha. It was one day after school me and a friend went to a nearby water tower and there i made my first piece, i can remember it was red. Unfortunately i don’t have a photo.

Future plans?
Paint more, hopefully travel more and in someway have a job that’s creative.

Do you adapt your pieces and tags to the spot/surface?
Yes when i get the chance, i enjoy adapting pieces on for example a small wall, i tend to think of new connections and how to place the letters differently to fit the whole name. It’s fun!

What do you think of the new generation of writers in your city?
Hard for me to answer because i don’t personally know anyone younger than me writing. Most people i paint with are either my age or older. I know there are some good younger bombers tho. Like i said before the scene feels more active now which hopefully generates some new abilities!

What are the best and worst aspects of graffiti?
For me it’s very meditative, relaxing, creative and extremely fun. You get to meet new people and you always got graffiti in your head. I can’t think of any other “hobby” that would take up as much time. But i enjoy that! Bad things, maybe the attitude amongst some writers. Tends to be a lot of negativity and trash talking at times.

Who do you paint for?
Myself and my crew.

What writers have inspired you?
There are many. Dome, a legend here in Gothenburg, one of my all-time favourite writers. That probably goes for most writers from here haha. I can also remember that i early noticed Bates and Smash137 in some books i got when i was still a toy, and got very inspired by them. Now in the latest years through instagram i have been able to find many more. The list would be very long but i’ll name a few: Agens, Jurne, Kems and Appear37!

Can you ever feel tired of graffiti?
I don’t think so, of course i can be tired at some parts of it at times. Especially sketching, it comes and goes for me but other than that i have no problem finding the inspiration and motivation to keep on!

What do you hope that people will see and think when they se your stuff?
I hope i can inspire some people like i have been inspired by others. I want to be recognised for my letters and style!

FIVE FAVOURITES
Spraypaint: Montana Black
City: Copenhagen
Markers/pens: Uni Paint PX-30 for tags and Posca markers for canvases.
Surface: Raw concrete
Cap: At the moment, Lego cap.

Instagram: @hemsk031

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