Enjoy DRYPNZ

Whether you’re a Graf head or fine art lover, DRYPNZ is surely a more than welcome immigrant to Wellington City. Born Portsmouth, England 21ish years ago, he spent his youth following his parents around the globe. After stints in Israel, the Marshall Islands and the Caribbean he moved to Nelson, where he painted his first piece under a bridge. A few years back he made the move north, crossing the strait to settle in Wellington, gracing the capital city streets and galleries with his surreal graffiti scapes and dark quirky characters. Member of German based KKP Crew, he describes his style as a mix of ‘European and South American Urban Contemporary Street Art.’

DRYPNZ IS… A name that came out of mine and my brother’s heads, derived from liking fire, ie: pyro.

BEFORE I WAS IN NZ I… Was all over the show from a young age… Starting in the UK, but ended up here in NZ in 2005, nice move to get away from ‘World Politics.’

AOTEAROA IS… Now my home. A permanent resident and looking to get citizenship so staying out of foreseeable trouble.

MY GRAFFITI & MY… Life seem to be one and the same at the moment, pushing my work on the street and as a fine art, and this past year has made me realise it might stay that way. Getting to show in Melbourne thanks to my good friend Foothead! And maybe up in Sydney doing something with Beastman at Oxford Art Factory… Both in August… Mmm. Drypppls are spreading, I didn’t think they were smart enough, but I’m glad to have the opportunity.

WELLINGTON CITY SHOULD… House more artists that work on the street. And it seems in the last six months things are taking off in this little big city. Makes me smile and the quality is rising with it. A healthy city with a lot of potential, and it’s been my home since 2006.

I THINK THE BEST WAY TO… See the world is through many eyes. I feel like an old ranting man most of the time but use that in my work so as a singular member of society I try to realise that even though I rant, I might not mean what I saw but try to see things from different angles. This makes up the personalities of each drypppl. I find myself having a few different ways of acting or reacting to situations but i try to use it instead worrying about being a weirdo.

INSPIRATION COMES FROM… Trying to be inspired by everything, but I turn off a lot, though human interaction is a big thing for me. Social stereotypes and how we relate to each other in society. The idea of evolution… It goes on.

THE BEST ADVICE I EVER GOT WAS… Buck up when I am down… I draw i guess. Or just relax and become hypnotised by the television.

WHEN I AM UP… I paint, I finalise sketches and go and paint on the street. I see friends and have a good laugh, but that’s what puts me on an up.

BEFORE I DIE… I would like to meet more people, say “hi” to the ones I’ve not seen in years a few more times and paint a little more.

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