Welcome to “Get to Know” where we interview both established and emerging Artists from across the globe and take a moment to go deeper and learn about their thoughts, processes, experience and creative approach.
Today we feature MEME
Sponsored graffiti artist and skateboarder Meme hails from Northern California and has lived in Sacramento, Oakland, San Diego, Las Vegas, Atlanta, Lake Tahoe, and Nevada City. In her teens, whilst skateboarding at a skate park in Truckee, California, she fell in love with some colorful graffiti on a freight train and has never looked back.
Meme started skateboarding at the young age of 15. As a female skater in what is still a male-dominated world, Meme experienced negativity from her male counterparts which made her consider quitting skating altogether, but she held strong and persevered and – even after suffering some major injuries – became committed to skateboarding around the United States. Soon she could add graffiti to the list of loves, and her travels to skateboard and paint took her to destinations outside the US.
After many years of being a graffiti writer Meme experienced the same type of mans-club attitude that she had found in the skateboarding world. Enthusiastic, outgoing and motivated to start something positive that would combine all of her passions, Meme began to formulate ideas to turn the negatives into positives and started creating an all-female group who would get together, skate, paint, travel empower and support one another as women and artists. That was the beginning of Few and Far. With global support and that has driven Meme and the group, the organization now has 21 international members who paint murals together around the world and skateboard together across the US. Every year creates new opportunities and Few and Far is now heralded as a women-powered force to be reckoned with in both graffiti and skateboarding circles.
Meme strives to improve the world around her through activism and art. In 2015 she set out to help teach children in Indonesia how paint a large sized mural, and with help from another artist, Meme provided paint water and food to the 15 children. While staying in Bali she met two young barefoot girls playing with a skateboard in the street, by the end of the day, with her help they were able to push and stand on their boards. These small special moments keep Meme pursuing her goals of empowering women through art and skateboarding. Recent mural projects have taken her to Cuba, Mexico, Canada, “Japan Spain, France and soon India.
MEME also holds the unique accolade of being the very the first female graffiti writer sponsored by Monster Energy.
Hey MEME, thank you for jumping on. Where are you now?
Traveling
Where do you call home?
Richmond Va, USA
Is there any particular way that you like to describe your work?
I feel like my graff doing a funky dance, like my personality I’m upbeat and energetic.
How did your journey as a creative start?
Growing up in abusive home having a rough childhood graffiti and skateboarding helped me get through the hard times. I wasn’t an artist as a kid, I skated before I got into tagging from being a little hoodlum. From tagging that led me into doing art and murals. I definitely feel tagging and bombing is a form of art. I’m so grateful for having these outlets in my life.
What kind of painting do you like most?
I just love painting either it be legal or illegal.
How would you describe your studio?
It’s a room in my house I made into a studio with lots of good lighting and happy houseplants.
What is your process when creating?
For fine art I like cleaning my house, smoking a little weed, put good podcast on and start painting. I love learning while creating.
What are your tools of choice?
Spray paint, I use brushes and tape for my fine art.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
World culture is so inspiring for me.
What do you enjoy most about your life at the moment?
Traveling as a sponsored artist, living freelance. I’m so grateful for my sponsors!! I’m able to share opportunities with others and communities. Coming from a rough childhood and a poor family and little opportunities. I would have never thought this would have been an option for me.
Is there anything that you wish was different?
If anything was different I may not be who I am today. So, No.
Is there anything you wish you knew before you got started on your path as an Artist?
I wish I had business training, computer skills, I also wish I had some type of art classes. I struggle with these things daily.
Has you style changed or developed over time?
Yes, I feel practice improves over time. I’m a bit of a slow learner but I’m feeling good about my direction my style and art is developing and evolving.
How do you go from transforming an idea into a piece?
I used to try to paint different styles every piece just to switch it, to keep it fresh. Now I’m trying more of one piecing style to perfect it. Get it down and start doing more wild, saucy stuff.
How do you approach a big project?
As far as Few And Far murals go. I put a lot of planning into projects, Vision boards , write out plans with intense details, phone meetings, visual mock ups etc.
What has been one of your favourite projects/pieces so far?
I just love painting and working with kids, anything that is positive. Painting with my crew Few and Far is always super fun!!
Are there any common themes in your work?
Classic graffiti techniques and colors.
Do you ever experience creative blocks and how do you work through?
Yes, when times get rough it’s difficult for me to draw or create art. But painting on streets or trains really helps me get back to a good headspace.
What do you think you’d be doing now if you had decided to take a different career path?
I actually do have a small business I run so I have something to fall back on. This is what I was supposed to be doing…
Was there a pivotal moment when you decided to follow your path as an artist?
I’m not sure I ever made that conscience decision, I just never stopped painting.
What did it take to become a full time artist?
Putting my truth and soul into my work.
What are some of the challenges you have faced as an artist?
Struggling with self doubt and jealous people.
Have you ever had a moment when you questioned your career as an artist?
All the time
What are some of the things you like to get up to when you’re not creating?
I love to skateboard, I don’t skate as much as I would like to. I also dig being out in nature any time I can be outside I’m so happy. I have about 100 house plants, I really love plants and animals.
What are your thoughts on social media?
Too much of anything is never good but nothing wrong with using it as a tool for business and to connect with like minded people is cool.
Do you have any essential tech/apps/devices that you use day to day?
I’m not very good with technology but I’d like to learn.
Where are some of your favourite places you have visited and what do you like about them?
I love traveling the world! So far I loved Cuba and Indonesia the most in my travels. Recently I went to Japan and China that was fun. Asia in general is special to me.
Who are some of your favourite artists?
My list of artists is a bit too long but I’m mostly inspired by female artists and just nice people…
If you’re cocky and ego driven person I don’t care how good you are. I’m not going to appreciate your work.
What are your plans for the future?
Creating a F&F book, organizing mural events, fighting for social justice, trying to make the world a better place, traveling to India to paint end of the year, Staying focused on my art , practicing more self love and growing my spirituality.
What advice would you give to a young artist following in your steps?
Do you and trust your struggle!! Everything will work out when you are true to yourself.
Is there anyone you’d like to give a shout out to?
Thank you to my family, friends, followers and supporters!
Also to those who stayed by my side and believed in me and continue to love and support me…I love you all!! HUGE Thank you Ironlak for supporting F&F for many years! We are very grateful.
Thank you to my sponsors!! CBS CREW & My dog Clyde.
Where can people find you online?
Website: fewandfarwomen.com
Instagram: @memersweets @fewandfarwomen