We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Punkmetender a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
PUNKMETENDER, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
As a contemporary artist, I keep my creativity alive by embracing life fully and staying endlessly curious. I find inspiration in the world around me, traveling to new places, immersing myself in diverse cultures, and learning from every encounter. I treat mistakes not as failures but as opportunities to grow, allowing my art to evolve organically. Every moment becomes a canvas for exploration, and I never shy away from taking risks or pushing boundaries. By staying open to experiences and continuously challenging myself, I ensure my work reflects a vibrant, ever-evolving perspective, celebrating the beauty of imperfection and possibility.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am Romain Lefebvre, professionally known as Punk Me Tender, a French-born artist who relocated to Los Angeles in the early 2000s. My artistic journey began under the mentorship of Thierry Guetta, also known as Mr. Brainwash, with whom I collaborated for over fifteen years, creating street art and participating in exhibitions worldwide.
In 2016, I embarked on a solo venture, adopting the moniker Punk Me Tender—a homage to my influences, Daft Punk and Elvis Presley. Initially focusing on graffiti and street art, my work evolved to include fine art and mural installations. Butterflies have become a central motif in my creations, symbolizing freedom, spirit, and beauty.
My art has been showcased in various exhibitions,
Through my art, I aim to challenge societal norms and emphasize desire as a powerful driving force in the human soul. By blending street art, photography, and multi-dimensional mediums, I celebrate women, fashion, and style, offering a modern perspective that encourages viewers to reject old stereotypes and embrace new perceptions.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Success as an artist requires three essential skills. First, learning: always stay curious and open to new techniques and ideas to refine your craft and evolve. Second, hard work: consistent effort and dedication are crucial to overcoming challenges and achieving your goals. Lastly, belief in yourself: trust your vision, embrace risks, and use mistakes as opportunities to grow.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I allow myself to feel sad for five minutes—to acknowledge the weight of it all. But then, that sadness transforms into a powerful force within me. I sit down, clear my mind, and lay everything out in front of me. I tackle each issue, one by one, with determination and focus until they are resolved. This process not only brings clarity but also gives me a deep sense of self-satisfaction, knowing I’ve turned chaos into order and used challenges to fuel my growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://punkmetender.com
- Instagram: @punkmetender
- Facebook: @punkmetender
- Twitter: @punkmetender
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgvLVLM6Q5jcPwTbCtx8dIg
Image Credits
picture credit punkmetender
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