Ascending the Art Scene

Before Romain Lefebvre became well known for his edgy approach to art, he got his feet wet polishing and perfecting his distinctive design now known as Punkmetender through street art.

The native of France immigrated to Los Angeles nearly 25 years ago and was introduced to the concept of street art by Thierry Guetta, better known as Mr. Brainwash. For the next decade, the two artists became world travelers receiving inspiration through art shows before Lefebvre decided to venture out on his own in 2016.

“I wanted to find a name that described me the best and didn’t want something ordinary,” he said. “I wanted to do a comprised name. Daft Punk is one of my major influences. Punk music bends the rules. I’m French and I have a realness to my craft. I also looked at icons like Elvis Presley. The song ‘Love Me Tender’ is very emotional. The title brings so much emotion when you say it. It’s like a yin and yang type thing.”

Over time, Lefebvre gained nationwide attention for his color-filled creations, inspirational designs, and unapologetic spirit. Today, with a celebrity clientele, Lefebvre says the creative process he developed over the years allows him to receive design inspiration wherever he goes.

“It’s just like inspiration from life in general where you really don’t have a process,” he said. “I live a life of an artist. I am more connected to fashion, music, and interior design, but I find inspiration from any type of situation. I have a big inspiration from fashion design.” Designers who inspired him along the way include Jean Paul Gaultier and Alexander McQueen.

When did Lefebvre know he wanted to pursue art as a career? “There is no point of knowing or becoming an artist; you just are,” he said. “From there, you then build your craft and become a professional artist. Because I am 100% connected to my craft, I live, eat, and breathe my art. I think that’s what makes it unique.” His emotional pieces now include a collection of brightly colored fine art, mural installations, and even sculptures.

“Music inspires me how they break the rules,” he said. “Artists like to create something unique about themselves. They create something that can inspire you not on the surface but in your soul and have an emotional tie to it. I think you can get an emotion of feelings from my art. If it makes you happy, and you see my piece on the wall and it gives you a smile, that makes me happy. I think the worst thing you can do is make something that no one feels about.”

One of Lefebvre’s most distinctive subjects is the butterfly, which has been a constant in his artwork throughout the years. “For me, butterflies represent the evolution of who I am as a person and artist,” he said. “They fly around and land on your shoulder. I connect to it. I like to fly around. I have an open mind and I like to go anywhere the wind blows.”

Lefebvre’s evolving collection boasts a colorful collaboration of street art with cutting-edge fashion. “My art is colorful, happy, shiny and sexy,” he said.

Lefebvre’s artistic talent has spilled over to the tattoo realm as well. “About 10 years ago, I bought a tattoo machine and started tattooing myself,” he said. “I have done maybe 20 on myself. My favorite tattoo is one that my son did. He wrote his name on my shoulder when he was seven. My whole back, arms, and legs are tattooed.”

Lefebvre believes getting a tattoo is a personal journey.

“There may be a period of time when you don’t get any and then you get four to six in a month,” he said. “It’s a reflection of a period in your life. I like looking at mine and thinking back during that period of time in my life.”

Lefebvre’s artworks are vivid and summon conversation, and as he looks toward the future the dialogue just might head to new heights. “I am always working on new things and always keep going,” he said. “My ultimate goal is the masterpiece, something like a tower or monument. I’d like to create a piece of art that can be a part of life for people.”

For now, he has a curated fashion line that features one-of-a-kind pieces, like the hand-painted, diamond-dust finished Nike Air Force 1 shoes featured in his collection.

When it comes to advice for budding artists, Lefebvre says, “Never give up and always believe in yourself.”

Lefebvre will also soon introduce his first ever photography creation that has been in the works since the inception of Punkmetender.

Known as “Monochrome Drip,” the artistic collection is designed to showcase the sensual connection between the female form and art using monochromatic body painting. According to his Instagram page @punkmetender, “The single color of the dripping paint emphasizes the purity and simplicity of the body’s natural beauty, while also highlighting the fluidity and movement inherent in the human form. This collection seeks to strip away the distractions of multiple colors, focusing instead on the elegance and grace of each curve and contour. By using one color, the series invites viewers to appreciate the subtle interplay between light, shadow, and texture, creating a striking and evocative visual experience that celebrates the intimate connection between body and art.”