Interview: Sammy Bats

What is your name and how old are you?
Samantha Bats, 19.

Where were you born and where do you live now?
Here.

How does where you live affect your art?
This question requires a PHD length answer – because Perth is changing at the moment. The abridged version is that I’m ignoring everything around me when making decisions about my own image and art. I don’t say that in a spiteful way at all, but there is a lot of bullshit that, to me, makes little sense.

Are there any downsides to this medium?
Uncommissioned public art is the enemy for this city.

What makes your work unique and truly your own?
I don’t have a Facebook fan page.

Has your style changed over time?
I have creative ADHD. My style changes every ten seconds at the moment. I assume it will calm down over time. I don’t think hard about it. I use the same themes, concepts, tongue in cheek humour and hatred of stencils to bring it together.

What kinds of ideas and things are you working on at the moment?
HAHA, oh boy. Okay, ready? Naked fire-extinguisher bombing, 3D boogle eye canvases, custom N64 covers, releasing films on VHS, arcade machine exhibitions, faking publicity, comic book murals etc – don’t copy me; I will sue.

Tell us a little about your creative process.
Contemplate suicide at the thought of working fulltime.

How would you describe your style
ART ANTIART, POPULAR ANTISTYLE 90’S PS1 TOY TRAINS

Favourite venue to exhibit?
The street sans permission.

When can we see you next (upcoming exhibitions/mural work/whatever)
Murals in the city for FORM, A Sydney show with art genius JOE42, A group show launch for LOSERUNIT4 and I’m working towards my solo “KAWAII KORE 64”. Loser Unit is also making a documentary about me due out next year, apparently.