Everything you need to know about ‘green graffiti’
Believe it or not, cities across the UK are being secretly transformed by so-called guerrilla gardeners determined to transform rundown or derelict areas. That’s right, these green-fingered and somewhat rebellious artists are using a wide array of techniques to brighten up community hotspots and when they’re not planting daffodils on roundabouts or plucking weeds from parks, they can usually be spotted trying their hand at ‘green graffiti’ – but what is this eco-friendly phenomenon?
What is ‘green graffiti’?
Well, while some of us are busy buying seeds and plants from the likes of www.ashridgetrees.co.uk and transforming our own little outside spaces, guerrilla gardeners are relying on green graffiti to make the world a more interesting and aesthetically pleasing place – and what an interesting idea this is. Essentially, artists switch toxic spray paints and chemicals for natural, environmentally-friendly substances and paint designs on the walls which are designed to last without releasing dangerous fumes, hurting animals or causing too much of a multi-coloured eye-sore.
What’s in a green graffiti mixture?
There are many ways to make a green graffiti mixture, but usually it’s done by blending clumps of moss in a mixer before combining other ingredients such as yoghurt, corn syrup, water and beer to turn it into a creamy, adhesive and easy spreadable substance. This is then poured into a plastic vessel and is painted onto a moist shaded surface using a paintbrush. While some artists use stencils to help perfect their designs, others prefer a more free-hand approach. The options really are endless but the artist has to make sure the artwork is kept moist to allow the moss to re-constitute itself and grow.
Best green graffiti designs
While green graffiti is a relatively new and innovative concept, London-based artists such as Anna Garforth have already made their mark in the guerrilla gardening underworld and become renowned for their unique and interesting moss tags. Anna attaches the moss, which she grows herself, to walls using biodegradable materials and typically writes eye-catching words like ‘grow’ which look sensational when the moss starts to thrive and grow outwards from the wall.
Is green graffiti illegal?
As defacing any kind of public surface is illegal, green graffiti is technically considered an offence, but it’s fair to say that there are worse crimes out there than painting a derelict surface in a natural substance that won’t cause environmental damage. Most guerrilla gardeners are, in fact, well-to-do people who sneak out with their gloves and wellington boots in a bid to bring joy to the local people. That said, if you’re not the type that wants to be on the wrong side of the law, it’s better to practise such art in your own private space such as a back garden.
While traditional spray paint graffiti has long been considered a terrible form of vandalism which ruins the appearance of buildings, green graffiti is more thoughtful to the environment and while it won’t be to everyone’s tastes and is technically illegal, it is becoming more popular in the UK.
Category: Local News and Sport
