This fortnight I'm thrilled to introduce you to an artist who's bringing serious street art credentials to our Bay.
Szabotage's journey from London's spray-painted furniture to Hong Kong's illicit jungle walls – and now to transforming Torquay's public spaces – is a masterclass in following your creative obsession wherever it leads.
Szabotage, Torquay Harbour, Torbaydos
What is your street art origin story? Did you start with permission or… let us say… without it?
"I started by making art alongside my career as an interior architect, but then my art took over. In London I began spray painting furniture and canvases and became obsessed with mastering the spray can. I had two canvas exhibitions in London, and then when I moved to Hong Kong I began creating on the streets, both illicitly and legally.
In the beginning it was easier to do what you needed to do rather than try to get permission. We would explore abandoned buildings and I would often paint in full daylight too because you need big walls to practise on. I once painted a massive koi fish on the ground covering around 30m², which you can still spot on Google Earth."
What is the most ridiculous place you have ever wanted to paint but could not?
"In Hong Kong there is a lot of jungle and every now and then a giant retaining wall appears supporting steep mountains and preventing landslides. They make the perfect canvas, high up, visible to everyone and incredibly dangerous. I would plan the piece carefully because it was so exposed but painting in the dark and trekking through snake filled jungle always put me off doing it."
What is the weirdest reaction you have had from the public to your work?
"Not weird but definitely amusing. When I started painting the Preston mural a woman sped past on her mobility scooter and yelled "That is crap." Four hours later she came back, stopped and said "Wow. I am sorry. That is really nice." Thank goodness."
Where in Torbay would you love to paint?
"Torbay is stunning. I have already captured much of it on canvas including Paignton and Torquay harbours, Cockington and more. But there are some massive blank walls around here calling out for art. The side of the flats near the Grand Hotel, a wall in Torquay town, another at Tweenaway lights in Paignton… the list goes on."
How has the urban art scene changed since you started?
"When I began social media was in its infancy. Now it has completely changed the scene in terms of exposure, sharing and building community. The skill level of artists today is incredible and what people are creating now is amazing."
What are you working on right now? Are there any exciting projects in the pipeline?
"I am finishing the huge mural on Factory Row in Torquay which has been an amazing project working with local residents and getting people involved in painting. I am also adding a poem by one of the residents.
I have been painting festive windows around Preston and I am about to create a piece at Arena for Salcombe Brewery. Next year I have several projects lined up including more car themed work and pop ups combining my passion for art and automotive design."
Do you have any upcoming events, exhibitions or live painting sessions where people can catch you in action?
"Yes. We are taking part in two Christmas Markets this year and I will be painting bespoke baubles live.
Totnes Christmas Market Tuesday 9 December and Tuesday 16 December, evening events Exeter Christmas Market Friday 12 December to Sunday 14 December Friday 10am to 4pm with additional times to be confirmed"
Where is the best place for people to meet you or see your work?
"Come see us at the Christmas Markets. You can also find my work at Sienna Editions at The Gallery on Belgrave Road in Torquay. You can make a private appointment through our website to view originals and prints at
szabotage.co.uk
And if you are heading to Hong Kong we have a couple of galleries there too."
Szabotage Preston Mural
What strikes me most about Szabotage's journey is the evolution from necessity-driven guerrilla art to community-engaged public murals.
That Preston mural story perfectly captures the transformation street art has undergone – from misunderstood rebellion to celebrated public enhancement. The mobility scooter critic's change of heart in just four hours mirrors how our community is learning to embrace bold, contemporary art in our public spaces.
The Factory Row project exemplifies what excites me most about Torbay's emerging arts scene – artists working directly with residents, transforming spaces collaboratively, even incorporating their poetry. This isn't art imposed on communities; it's art created with them.
If you're curious about seeing spray can mastery in action, catch Szabotage at the upcoming Christmas markets painting bespoke baubles. Or better yet, take a wander around Preston or Factory Row to see the larger works that are quietly transforming our urban landscape into something more colourful, more bold, and decidedly more interesting.
If you'd like to be featured in our Artist Spotlight series or know of local creative projects we should cover, drop me a line athannah@print2wall.co.uk
