ISSUE 7 | INTERVIEW | EARLY 1995
Names?
When I started I took the name “Sweetie”, but nowadays I paint under the name “Maus” and sometimes some undercover names.
How did you choose your name “Maus”?
I think that the name was there for me, so I took it! And I’ve used it since that.
How old are you?
Oh man! I’m one of the graffiti veterans in Finland. I’m more than twenty but less than thirty, believe it or not!
How long have you been painting?
Well I did my first piece in 1989 but I’ve taken pictures and checked out pieces since graf came to Finland in the blessed year 1986.
How many pieces have you done?
Well I’m not quite sure but I think 250 pieces is quite true… more or less.
Did you ever have any trouble with the police?
Once, with motion tagging, but nothing serious.
Mixing alcohol/drugs and painting, what do you think of that?
I personally don’t use drugs, but somebody might say that I’m a real heavy drinker. But I never mix my drinking and painting. I’ve done one of my pieces when I was in helluva drunk and the piece was quite ugly. So quality is never as good as without drinking, but a couple of beers are ok.
What does “style” mean to you?
I think style is the most important thing in graffiti and everyone that does pieces should create something on their own and not bite others. It’s very important that if you do pieces you always try to do different pieces and use fresh ideas. I respect more of those who change their styles, even if some of their pieces are wack and ugly than those who do the same kind of pieces all the time even if all of them are good.
What’s the best progression that’s happened in graf during these years?
The best progression in my opinion is that graffiti has developed and grown up here in Finland, and the worst might be that so many good painters have stopped.
Who do you think is nowadays the best Finnish writer?
It is hard to say… but I think “Main” is one of the best.
Do you have a funny story?
Yeah, but I’ll tell you about it in the next issue!
Future plans?
I might do a couple of trains when I’m going to Finland graffiti-tour and I hope we’re going to do Europe Tour in summer 1995.
Shout out’s/hi’s to?
Peace to all of my friends. To those who don’t like me: Fuck You!