From her strikingly expressive stickers and wheatpastes to her distinctly alluring mural art and paintings, Eye Sticker creates a wonderfully diverse range of visually seductive artworks. I was delighted to recently have the opportunity to interview the talented artist.
When and where did you first get up?
It was in 2020 on the streets of the Village, where I was living at the time. I put up a sticker of an eye. That was the first time I ever shared anything in a public space.
What inspired you to do so?
It was something that I’d always wanted to do. And during the pandemic, I finally had the time to do it. I love street art, and I wanted to be part of the scene.
And why an eye? What inspired that?
Picasso’s masterpiece Guernica inspired it. I was drawn to its eye.
Have you any preferred surfaces?
I love smooth surfaces – as smooth as possible – in high traffic spots. I like hitting the Williamsburg Bridge
Would you rather work with permission or without it when you’re out on the streets?
Without it! I love making art anywhere, but if what I’m doing is legal, it doesn’t feel like street art.
Does any specific work you shared on the streets stand out to you?
My most meaningful one was the Trump troll wheatpaste. I designed it back in 2020. It was the biggest street art piece I’d done to date and getting it out there made me feel like a real street artist.
What about experiences or encounters while getting up? Have you any particularly memorable ones?
Yes! I was about to put up a new piece at Freeman Alley late at night when a homeless woman with luggage approached me. Something about her terrified me. I started to run and she ran after me. I then tried to distract her by pointing to the sky. I said, “Hey, look at that!” She did and I quickly made my escape!
Do you prefer working alone or with others?
I generally like to work alone, but I like collaborating with other artists on stickers. Among the artists I’ve collaborated with are Chris RWK and ButtSup.
Have you exhibited your work in gallery settings? If so, where?
Yes! I’ve exhibited in several places. Among them are: 17 Frost, Artel, All Street, The Glass Box Gallery, 188 Allan Street and One Art Space.
Have you any particular cultural influences?
Urban architecture and urban life, in general, are my biggest influence. I used to work as an architect.
How do you feel about the movement of street art and graffiti into galleries?
I like it! It gives me an opportunity to meet new people who have similar sensibilities.
And have you any feelings — positive or negative — regarding the engagement of graffiti and street artists with the corporate world?
I have no problem at all with it, so long as what is being promoted aligns with my values. It’s great for artists to get to do what they love to do and get paid for it!
How does your family feel about what you are doing?
They’re my biggest fans.
What percentage of your time is devoted to art?
100%. I also work as a designer.
Have you any other avid interests?
Vegan food.
How do you feel about the role of social media in this scene?
I hate that we artists need to engage with it.
Have you a formal art education? If so, do you value it?
Yes. I studied Architecture at Shenkar College in Tel Aviv. And I do value it because it helped me develop a good sense of design.
When you paint murals – as you’ve begun to do recently – do you work with a sketch-in-hand or just let it flow?
I work with a sketch, but I would like to be more spontaneous.
Are you generally satisfied with your finished piece?
Yup! I won’t stop working on it until I am.
How important is commercial success to you at this point in your career?
At this point it isn’t important. Right now my focus is on gaining experience.
Are there any particular challenges that you’ve had to overcome these past few years?
Yes. I was sick with Lyme disease for over two years. It affected every aspect of my life, including my art. It made my art darker.
As an American/Moroccan/Israeli artist, how have the recent events in the Middle East impacted you?
It took me over a month to overcome the initial shock as to what happened in Israel on October 7. My entire body was in a state of shock. And once the reality had set in, I felt I had to get a message out on the streets. Inspired by the kidnapped posters I began seeing taped onto all kinds of surfaces, I designed my own featuring a real baby who had been kidnapped – covered by a strip of tape. I then began posting them in public spaces.
What’s ahead?
More solo shows and more large murals. It’s been wonderful to paint on the streets here in Downtown Brooklyn and to have the opportunity to engage with passersby who have shown me so much love!
Note: You can find out more about Eye Sticker and visit her shop here.
Eye Sticker interview conducted by Lois Stavsky with Rachel Alban and edited by Lois Stavsky
Photo credits: 1. 6, 7 & 8 Lois Stavsky; 3, 4 & 5 courtesy Eye Sticker
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