b'colourf ul p eop lebehind the maskA popular street artist strikes out on his own.T hose who live in Auckland, Wellington andrecommend Resene. If its outside mural work it standsBelow left: Some of Christchurch will recognise the work before histhe test of time. If its interior work the nish is alwaysAndrews interiorname. Chances are youve walked past theperfect. It simply is the best product. wall art.painted creatures and cheeky, stylised objects on yourPerhaps tting for an artist with a post-graduateBelow right: Andrew daily walk or drivestreet art that brings character todiploma in science, hes also having a lot of funwith one of his otherwise bland, blank public buildings and a smile toexperimenting with various Resene specialist products. commissions at the I locals. With Resene Write-on Wall Paint, he sees potentialLove Ugly headquarters The artist is Andrew J Steel who, for the past decade,for a colouring-in wall that allows the public toin Auckland. has worked with another street artist under the aliascollaborate and bring colour to his painted outlinesBMD. Hailing from New Plymouth, BMD gained a strongtime and time again. A simple wipe and the canvas is following in the underground art scene, painting theirclean and ready to go again. Hes also experimenting messages, often political but always fun to look at,with Resene Waterborne Aquapel, water-repellent across forgotten walls and discarded buildings. Sooncoatingwhich protects concrete from the natural they were taking their paint cans and rollers across Neweffects of waterpainting the pavements with art that Zealand, Australia and Bali, getting aboard scaffoldingstays invisible until the rain falls. and creating sky-high murals.Its important to take time to be creative, instead of BMD disbanded last year, giving Andrew the chancegetting too busy with the administration of making art to step out from behind his painters mask (he was rarelyhappen, says Andrew.seen in the media without it, preferring for the art toVisit other peoples studios and meet with other speak for itself) and allowing for the respect and calibreartists and creators. Go to the library. I consciously make of his work to open doors to new projects. And thetime to read a book or draw during the week.doors have been opening. Private commissions haveAnd his advice to those street artists seeking it? Roll come thick and fast from residents who appreciate hisup your sleeves and get right into it. Start drawing lots, work. And his signature creatures and objects nowand working with people rather than against people.Resenedecorate the walls of design studios, cafes andWalk down the street and meet the community andHalf Duck Egg Bluerestaurants alike, including the stylish headquarters ofengage them, and show them your drawings. You mayResenefashion label I Love Ugly. get a lot of nos. But if youre hungry enough, one yesGumbootPresenting a more public image means that youngermay be the start of something great. artists have easier access to advice from Andrew, whowordsLeigh Stocktonwholeheartedly recommends Resene, the perfect paintpictures Matt Queree, for his art. People ask what I use and I alwaysSee www.andrewjsteel.com. Bryce Carleton37'