Graffiti artist turns anger into therapy

James Mayle, owner of imageskool.com explains why the art of Graffiti can actually help in building confidence for teens.

According to the imageskool website: "Mural projects can help engage young people in an artistic activity that will promote self-expression, teamwork, and ownership and pride in their work and their local environment."

James is an artist and designer and formed Imageskool in 2004 with his wife Emma.

"During the lockdown, I did graffiti artwork in a lot of restaurants," James said, explaining that lockdown has been a great opportunity for businesses to redecorate.

But like many people during the Covid-19 pandemic, during the first lockdown, the restrictions prevented James from completing murals for businesses.

"There was a woman who owned a dance studio who really wanted me to paint it, but I wasn't taking any risks, I wasn't going to work until I was allowed to.

"But once I started painting again, you could see that business owners were looking for ways to cheer up the atmosphere."

The Imp mural, Lincoln De Ja Vu restaurant, Harlow The Tattooed arms, Lincoln

Paloma Picasso, fashion designer and daughter of Pablo Picasso says: “I’ve heard my work called ‘bold’ and ‘graffiti-like,’ but for me, it is always instinctual. I start with a shape or a colour and go from there”.

Graffiti is displayed through much more than a wall. It can be displayed in fashion and in technology too. It allows for healing and self-expression and that's a vital part of human nature.

James finished a tribute last year with four teenagers for their friend, who sadly took his own life.

Tribute pieces for a young boy who lost his life to suicide.

James not only provides children with help in choosing the right path but takes them on a journey of self-expression to help them grieve too.

"I have worked in alternative education settings, behavioral schools, and with children who are in justice service," said James.

"I remember going to a children's home to work with the kids and at the end, someone asked how I got on with one child, he said that the child never talks to anybody. Well, he talked to me," James said, laughing.

A manager from the children's home later contacted Mr Mayle exclaiming that the young boy had been talking more and giving people eye contact: "she attributed my graffiti session to his change in behaviour," James said.

Seeing graffiti murals in businesses or on streets can be inspiring and thought-provoking for people, it can also enforce change worldwide.

According to Global Citizen in Dakar, Senegal, "Some of Dakar's most famous graffiti artists have used their talent to promote important social issues. In doing so, the artists have succeeded in transforming the community's understanding of things like good health and gender equality."

Around the world, Graffiti artists employ themselves as the voice for people without one, and people like James inspire people to find their voices from a young age.

What do you think of Graffiti art?