Rawbie Thring
Who are you and how did you start making art? Why do you make art?
Moshi Moshi. My name is Rawbie Thring, a graphic designer/artist residing in Waterloo Ontario. I would have to say everything stated during my days in BMX. I had read an article in BMX Action magazine about screen printing. I immediatley got my art teacher to teach me how to do that. I then created a company making number plates called Spyder Designs. From there I started a zine called Freestlye Zone and it was featured in an international magazine. That opened many doors for me in the world of freestyle BMX and skateboarding. I loved the art and graphics happening in that space and knew that was exactly what I wanted to do. I have always had a love for POP art. Then I began designing skateboard and snowboard graphics as well as t-shirts. I love when something I design has a positive affect on other people.
What do you do to get into your creative zone?
Honestly, I’d have to say movement, exploring. Sometimes it is simply walking around a city and taking it all in. Sometimes it’s hoping in my Jeep and heading out on the highway going somewhere. Anywhere. Oh and having a great playlist buzzing never hurts. This is what gets me creatively flowing.
What is your inspiration? Or how has your personal experience influenced your creativity?
You’re gonna laugh, but everything and anything. It could be the lines on a wall created by the bricks or the way water darkens the sand when you throw it on the beach. There is inspration everywhere you look.
What is your most important artists’ tool, the one thing you couldn’t imagine creating without?
My brain. It allows my to see things differently. I’d be lost without that ability. It could be seeing something in passing or even over hearing something somebody say’s. And that’s when an idea gets ignited.
How has your practice changed over the past 2 years?
Mobility. Leaving the agency life allowed me to work anywhere. I did a road trip to Portland and Seattle. I’d stop along the way at coffee shops to do alterations or updates to projects I was working on. It was brilliant.
What is your dream creative project or dream team collaboration?
Dream project has always been to do a music video or a feature.
Who are your biggest influences (art, music, film, socials, activism etc)?
If we are talking graphic design, deffinatley Andy Jenkins from Freestylin’ Magazine, Neville Brody and David Carson. When it comes to artist I love the work done by Sheppard Fairy, Andy Warhol and Banksy. As for film, deffinately Spike Jonze. 100%.
What is the role of an artist in society?
Without art, life would be dull and boring. Artist’s help eliminate that problem.
Do you have any tips or practices to share with people who are making the lifestyle shift towards zero-waste and sustainable practices?
Do whatever is obtainable for your sustainable practices. Don’t set the bar too high and thus never get started.
What is the highlight of collaborating with Wrappr for you?
The fact that Wrappr uses real artists is brilliant. This supports the artist and spreads the creativity everywhere.
What is your favourite way to use a Wrappr? Bonus points for originality!
To use it as a wrist band. One can never have too many wrist bands.
