Episode 68 with Graffiti & Street Artist Oh Pandah

In Episode 68 Derek is joined by Panda - a Glasgow based street artist. This is the first time Panda has put his face to an interview! Panda shares his emotional journey from growing up skateboarding in Paisley to a decade of excessive partying and working in bars to recently getting sober and using that energy to developing his art and "Big Heid's". The Big Heid's are visible all across Glasgow and loved by many. Panda references his early years and implies the Big Heid's are influenced by The Beano, The Simpsons and can be reflective of the faces witnessed during those years of partying. Panda talks about SWG3 in Glasgow and their Yardworks Festival which showcases local graffiti artists & his own project Colour Ways Glasgow CIC which was founded in May 2020. This artist led organisation aims to support and promote graffiti and street art within Glasgow. Panda reflects on a youth group he was involved with ran by Darren McGarvey / Loki and how that has encouraged him to support other youth groups now. The pair discuss how graffiti is viewed by the wider public, the language that is used when describing graffiti and the elements of control in a society that is built on fear. Panda talks about the power of graffiti and street art, the first time he painted during the night in a public place and the money wasted by Glasgow City Council on removing art that isn't deemed offensive. Enjoy. DW!