Next up in our Fibre Femmes interview extravaganza is Melbourne based Kiwi artist, Fresh Chop. Those with a keen eye will have spotted her delightful pieces about the place, often with more than a hint at her New Zealand roots.

Like many of the other artists involved in the show, Fresh Chop is, well, fresh, and its this showcasing of new talent that is such an exciting part of any show. As awesome as it is to see the work of those we know and love presented for our viewing pleasure, the opportunity to experience what may be the next round of amazing Melbourne street art is one that we are grateful for, and not to be missed. For now, however, let the lovely Fresh Chop give you some insight into her methods, inspirations and thoughts on home.

Another Kiwi in Melbourne, excellent! Do your NZ roots have much influence on your work? I spy the use of some kiwi iconography…?

For sure, 100%, I’m definitely trying to represent over here by putting some classic kiwi images and natives out there, and also pay a bit of homage to famous and or influential kiwis throughout time – like Janet Frame, Billy T James and even Sir Edmond Hillary. I have the biggest love in my heart for Aotearoa, and although I live in and love Melbourne, it’s my way of bringing home to me.

And the wee pixilated pop icons?

These were a bit of a fun idea mainly created in excel to work into cross stitches, a couple of which I’ll have displayed in the Fibre Femmes exhibition. I never had gameboys or Nintendo, or even computer games growing up, not that that was a hardship, but I guess it’s just my inner eight year old boy coming out!

I was back in NZ recently, and was so excited to see the street scene growing. What are your thoughts on the scene back home, do you see yourself doing any work there anytime soon?

There does seem to be a very influential up and coming street art buzz in NZ, particularly in the North Island. I spent a lot of time in Christchurch and saw some pretty awesome graff pieces along the train lines there, and some ace little stencils popping up, but can’t really comment over all as I grew up in a pretty remote area on a sheep station. I do know however how much kiwi expats are representing here in Melbourne, Drab, Ha Ha and Snotrag to name an awesome few…always proud to hear and see what Kiwis are doing offshore. I really wanted to do some paste-ups when I was home last in Christchurch but due to the earthquake I didn’t really get the chance unfortunately. When I head home to Wanaka/Queenstown at the end of the year I’m definitely planning on leaving my mark!

I did notice a lack of paste up’s being done around NZ, which has been your most common way of getting things up on the street. What about paste ups works for you?

Yeah I haven’t really seen much if any pasteup stuff from NZ but there are some pretty ace stencil artists in the woodwork. .. one Auckland based chick called Flox has amazing stuff using some kiwi icons, like the fantail, in her work – which is really stunning. Next time I’m back I’ll definitely be keeping a keen eye on the scene. In terms of why I choose to use paste-ups for my street art, well, simply, I really like the look, and coming from a graphic design background, I like the whole design and cutting aspect of it – plus it’s a lot faster to throw up in tricky places … sometimes you aren’t quick enough, like when I got caught pasting on someone’s door in Collingwood – they were like “what are you doing” – me, caught like a rabbit in headlights was all like “uh..uh..um street art” to that they said “well can you do it on our door?!”. Gold.

We at Invurt are all pretty excited for the Fibre Femme show coming up. What has been your inspiration for the upcoming show, any particular theme you’re running with?

Its one of the most exciting things I think I’ve ever done! Even my mum’s excited trying to throw in some last minute ideas! Cute. I don’t really stick to any particular theme or style just a mish mash of what ever I’m thinking or ideas that come at the time, trailing some stuff and putting it out there…most of its very kiwi that’s a given.

It’s a pretty unique line up of artists for the show. Do you think the grouping of female artists brings a different dimension/character to the show?

SUCH an awesome line up of artists and people. I definitely think that bringing a whole group of female artists, with such unique and different styles, will attribute to an overall feel … just coming together in these prior weeks, as well, there is a really excitableenergy when we’re all together, its fun, and almost like being school kids again. Perhaps that will come out in the exhibition – we’ll just have to wait and see!

You’ve done a wee bit of work alongside Doctor and Kaffeine, who are also in the show. Has working alongside others had an influence on the work you have been producing?

Yeah love working with these two, they have some incredible stuff which definitely rubs of on me a bit, both offer a lot of encouragement. I think in some ways we all inspire each other and brainstorm ideas. Of course just going out on missions together is just plain kid like fun! Doctor and I are thinking about doing a small collab for FF so watch this space!

Was there a certain moment when you thought, right, art time – or has creativity always been a part of you? What else inspires you?

I think a bit of both actually. I come from a very artistic family, and grew up with an older sister who used to take me for long walks up to the caves on the farm to draw, and paint pictures – some of which are still there, then I went on to study graphic design back in 2000, but after not working in the industry, and moving back and forth to Australia, the space for creativity got lost along the way. It really is through meeting like minded people like doctor and getting out exploring many abandoned buildings that I started to feel creatively inspired again and brave enough to give street art a go.

How do you see your work continuing to grow on the street? Is there a new direction in the pipeline, big adventures on the cards, or are you happy with the journey it’s taking so far?

There are just so many ideas at the moment – you will most definitely see a lot more of my stuff out there … the journey that I’m taking with it all now will really develop as I try new things, and with such a wide spanning theme, well, the possibilities are endless.

what I’m really trying to do here is create a home away from home, one shore to another …

Check out more from Fresh-Chop at her Facebook page, and for me details on the Fibre Femme show head to their Facebook event page or Surface Pop Up Gallery.