The Smiling Art

 Tim & Mabel@Smile Maker－"HK Urban Canvas" Graffiti Art Team

Why did you set up “Smile Maker”?
Tim + Mabel: We believe that art improves lives and is good for our souls. We hope that when people see our work on the walls it makes them smile and helps spread positivity.
 

What do you need to be a good graffiti artist?
Tim: Hard work and an open, creative mind.
 

What is the most difficult thing about creating a piece of graffiti art?
Tim: Remembering to bring enough colours to create a complete work on the street!
 

What is your most memorable artwork?
Tim: My first piece. I didn’t dare to do graffiti on the street at that point, so I asked a shop owner if he would let me have a try on his shutter. This made me happy for a whole month!
 

What does Community Art mean to you?
Tim: For me, there has to be a connection between the art, the people and the community. The form and message of the artwork also has to balance the identity of artist and the acceptance of the community. We need to put aside our own values and approach the community neutrally and openly. This is the best way to promote community arts and strengthen people’s sense of community.

Mabel:Community art is more about the aesthetics of relationships. It’s not important that the outcome is a piece of artwork. It’s about the interactions that take place when people engage in art. Arts can be nourished in the community and even expanded to others places.
 

Who is your favourite artist?
Tim: Bruce Lee. His philosophy about life has had a great impact on me. Especially his thoughts on “balance”. I’m still exploring his work, but his thoughts have helped me a lot, both creatively and in my daily life.

Mabel: Martin Handford. I read his book “Where’s Wally” when I was small and it had a big influence on my habits and interests. He made me realise that we can tell stories with visual images, without using words. If we really use our powers of observation in our daily lives, we can always find small things that make us happy.