Bjarni Wark is HAPPY DECAY

💎 Urban Beautician & Good Vibes Generator 💎

I was born in Kurri Kurri, grew up in the hills of Main Arm, out the back of Mullumbimby which is inland from Byron Bay. Today I live in the quaint town of Moruya.

My name of birth is Bjarni Wark but for when it comes to street art and illustration work I have flipped it to HAPPY DECAY.

Why HAPPY DECAY?

It’s a play on the words, the idea of bringing happiness through street art to areas of the environment that are decaying.

Also, HAPPY DECAY is easier to say and remember then Bjarni Wark.

In 1997 I graduated from Art school & bounced around galleries but today the streets have become my gallery, making easy aceess for everyone.
HAPPY DECAY – Bjarni Wark

street artist bjarni wark — Keeping it clean on the streets

Where I Came From Artistically

Throughout my teenage years, it was common for me to be sketching ideas and drawings in my sketchbooks. After completing high school and doing some worldly traveling I got sold on the idea of going to art school in Canberra.

I graduated with a first-class honors degree from the Graphic Investigation Workshop.

After graduating I took up a year’s alumni residency with the Australian National University. Upon completing that I was invited and participated in working in a fine arts book/letterpress studio in New York for a 3 month period.

One of my true love’s is etching, a traditional form of illustration you could say. I was heavily influenced by the renaissance period. I’d tweak it a bit to include modern-day quirkiness which flows into my work today as a street artist.

etchings — Etchings I made while at the School or Art in Canberra (left) and living in Japan (right).

After about 5 years of trying to stitch it all together making a living from art, a few friends had suggested looking into Graphic Design. I could see the opportunity there to use some of my creativity and illustration skills and get an actual paid position.

As a Street Artist / Illustrator

bjarni wark — Posing in my studio with my cat.

Today as a street artist/illustrator I focus on working with urban environments & objects down to small book-sized Editorial Illustration. I have a diverse skill set of styles that can be applied to a wide range of requirements.