Sergio Odeith has always shown an interest for drawing but it was when he started traveling around Portugal, leaving his hometown of Carcavelos that he discovered graffiti and its movement. He first sketched on street walls and train tracks and his passion for drawing had found a purpose. Odeith became internationally recognized for mural art in 2005 with his anamorphic series.
Soon after he started his graffiti work, Odeith got the opportunity to paint large scale murals in Damaia, Carcavelos and in many social housing neighbourhoods such as Cova da Moura, 6 de Maio and Santa Filomena. The Portuguese street artist moved to London in 2008 after closing his tattoo studio. I sat down with him to ask him about his experience.
Art Report’s London Correspondent (Sarah Barlondo): How was your experience in London? Did you work as an artist there?
Sergio Odeith: My experience in London was awesome. I worked as a tattoo and street artist there.
SB: Are you thinking about working as a tattoo artist again?
Odeith: Definitely not. I felt too limited as a tattoo artist. Since I left school really young, it was really hard to make a living as an artist at the beginning, but it was always my objective. I still have tons of work to do, but I think I made that dream come true.
SB: Did you do graffiti as a kid?
SO: When I was younger there were no magazines or internet about graffiti so it was a bit difficult to know what graffiti was. Since I saw it for the first time I never stopped doing it.
SB: The realism and composition really stand out through your incredible technique. How did you come to your obscure style you call “sombre 3D?”
Odeith: I had a special interest in perspective and shading early on. Sometimes I use my computer generated images to preview what the shadows will look like, others I just freestyles. I got tired of traditional 3D graffiti and always looked to reach a new level. People can see it live but you always keep some secret tricks for yourself.
SB: Do you know what you want to paint and then decide on the location or the other way around?
Odeith: I used to freestyle more but nowadays I try to make each piece something special, so I try to do some homework before I hit the walls.
“I don’t have a special long-term dream, just be able to keep doing my art as long as I can.”
SB: Do you have any 2016 resolutions?
Odeith: I just want to keep painting and doing what I am doing, always trying to improve and still impress my followers.
SB: What is one skill you wish you had?
Odeith: Swimming.
Now based in Lisbon and painting full-time, Odeith has created large scale murals for companies such as the London Shell, Kingsmill, the Coca-Cola Company, Estradas de Portugal, Samsung, Sport Lisboa and Benfica (football club).
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