Interview: Sicoer

Whilst on my travels around Europe in 2013, naturally I was keeping an eye out for any sick handstyles across the multiple countries I visited. When I ended up in Poland, there was one name I kept seeing that was doing constant damage with high quality tags – Sicoer. I kept making mental notes to take photos of his stuff to post on Handstyler, but of course the hustle-bustle of traveling got in the way. Months later, after I’d returned back home, I came across Sicoer’s very own blog, where he was posting images of his own handiwork – and needless to to say I was stoked I had finally come across the dude.

Fast-forward to now, and I’m pleased to not only bring you an interview with the man known as Sicoer, but also a video of him dropping some dope tags – recorded and edited by the handstyle titan himself. Be sure to check it out at the bottom of the interview!

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For those who don’t know, what’s your artist name, and where are you based?

The name is Sicoer/Sico, I’m based in Poland. I’m in JHC, ZHHS, and recently I’ve joined BYE crew.

How long have you been doing graffiti for?

Started in 1998. I had 2 years break in about 2006-2008, but I was sketchin’ and thinking about graff all this time anyway.

When did you start focusing on handstyles?

I really started to focus on it just 4 years ago. Before that I was always thinking less about handstyle – pieces and throwups were the main thing. Now it has changed, I want to reach next levels in handstyle, push the limits.

What have been your inspirations on your handstyle, both inside and outside of graffiti?

Most inspiring is what other people do, when you see something fresh it’s pushing you to practice more and be even better. Now after 15 years letters are so deep in my head that I don’t need much inspiration to be honest. It just comes out of me, I do it automatically. I’m always trying to learn something new, get new ideas about shapes and flow – repeating the same stuff is boring.

Looking at both your spray paint-based tags, and your marker-based ones, there is quite a large calligraphy influence showing. Have you always been into calligraphy or type/fonts, or is this something that just happens when you start your tags?

The calligraphy influence started not that long ago -it’s about 2 years now. Before I didn’t think to mix street tags with this kind of lettering. But when I got that idea I started to work on this a lot and it paid off – I’m happy with the results. It looks pretty good on the street! Now after a while it became more natural, comes out easier. Of course before I start a tag I think about what style to put into it.

If you could only do tags with one tool for the rest of your life, what would it be, and why?

Hard to say… but I would definitely like spray can more than markers, mops, etc. Astro or ultra fatcap would be preferable, MTN94 maybe? It has nice valve for fatcap and smells good. Or Montana Ultra Wide maybe?

Imagine how the streets would look…

The video and photos you did for Handstyler are awesome – thanks heaps for doing them! Are photography and video editing things you have always been interested in?

Photography always came along writing, and if you do the photos then obviously they should be good quality if possible. Good style isn’t gonna work on a crap photo cause you’re not gonna see it properly. Apart from that I don’t photograph anything else really. And videos are just for fun, I don’t have much skills with editing programs and don’t really feel like getting into that.

The pictures you’ve been posting as of late have shown a progression from the streets to paper and books. How has that worked out, and have you been involved in any gallery work?

I do some canvas from time to time, but don’t put it into galleries and shit – just for myself and friends.

Where can readers find more of your work online, and follow your progress?

instagram.com/sicoerbye

Any shout outs?

Be sure to follow Sicoer on Instagram!