“My Dad was a carpenter and the hardest grafter I've ever known. He told me once to 'Let the tools do the work' and I think that has always stayed with me "

So tell us, who is Epod?  

I was born just outside London and grew up on an estate surrounded by high-rise flats. From an early age, I had a fascination to draw and loved the industrial architecture that was familiar to me and I began to draw futuristic landscapes inspired by the environment I lived in. I’m Epod an artist. I paint both in the studio and on the street. 

You have a very unique style and is clearly individual. what would you describe it as? Is this a clear vision you had from the get go?  

I would say my work is a fusion between graffiti, futurism, fashion and fine art. As a kid I was massively into concept art for films, particularly sci-fi and futurist visionary work like Star Wars, Bladerunner and 2001. I also grew up reading 2000AD comics and manga and these styles and genres have always been something that have interested and inspired my work. That early fascination has been something that has stayed with me throughout my life. As a got into music in my teens, hip-hop and graffiti culture became the mortar for all of these creative elements and essentially the springboard in tying everything together and creating my style.  

Walls or Canvas? 

I love both. Canvases are typically worked on in my studio and I love working in my studio, its my most favourite place and where most of my ideas are spawned, but equally I love to paint on walls too. I always find walls create challenges and new techniques that you can never plan for and subsequently these techniques then get transferred to the studio which over time I have found is invaluable. I love the vibe of painting on a wall I enjoy the interaction I get from public who connect with my work - especially people that get inspired from it.

In your opinion has street art succeeded in attaining a unique and reputable position in contemporary art?    

I think because street art is so broad that for sure it maintains it’s reputation as there are so many different styles around that it always keeps the movement fresh. As long as there is originality in individuality, it will always be at the forefront of contemporary art in my opinion.

What’s integral to the work of an artist? 

Being around other artists and evolving your style. Stepping outside of your comfort zone will always pay off, no matter how hard it feels to do at the time, I’ve found that it opens new avenues, ideas and visions. I think being open to inspiration outside of art helps me see the wider picture too such as film, music, fashion, nature and travelling.

Do you have any dislikes about the art world?   

Yes, and probably too many to describe on here :) I tend to keep my head down and not get eaten up by all the negatives that surround the art world. Let's just say that there is a huge amount of scum and B***shit that will always be at the surface of a hugely creative pond. It will always be that way so I just do what enjoy and try not to be led. I benefit from being around and painting with people with positive energy and when I find people of the opposite I try to avoid as they'll bring them down with you. 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?  

My Dad was a carpenter and the hardest grafter I've ever known. He told me once to 'Let the tools do the work' and I think that has always stayed with me. My most enjoyable pieces are always the result of where I have let the paint do the work. It completely goes down the line, be it the media you use, the style of paintbrush you paint with, how blunt your pencil is, what kind of spray cap you have on your can. The concept will be inside my head but it's down to the tools that I use to make the marks I want to make.

What and where would be your dream commission? 

I worked briefly in Tokyo a few years ago and I was hugely inspired by the place. I had so many ideas when I returned and it literally kicked my work into overdrive. I would love to have a commission there some day soon. Here's hoping! ;)