Matt Vardy, AKA Scarce, is a Nottingham artist

whose style is a blend of bold, gritty street art and unapologetic skate culture that's as fearless as his words. For years now, Scarce has been transforming Nottingham’s landscape, carving out his own niche. Though many might label him a graffiti artist, Scarce sees himself simply as a creative, someone who doesn’t let titles define his work or his worth.

“I’ve grown up around graff,” he says, but he’s not concerned with fitting into any box.

Raised in a tough environment, he embraces the meaning behind his name—‘scarce’ or ‘lacking’—to symbolise the scarcity he experienced growing up. Drawing alongside his father, a talented artist who passed away when Matt was just ten, his path has been clear. “I’m here to carry on his legacy and create my own.”

With nearly two decades of skateboarding, Scarce’s work is shaped by the skate scene—a community as much about the grind as the art he pours onto the city walls. As he reflects on his processes, he shares a piece of advice for artists and skaters making their first steps into the game: “It’s simple, you want something you don’t ever fucking stop.”

Words: Kieran Poole

IN CONVERSATION WITH:
Matt Vardy / AKA SCARCE 

“I’ll paint whatever I want, and it'll be the dog’s bollocks either way.” - Scarce

What drew you to art, and how has your approach evolved?

Matt: Art’s in my blood mate. My dad was a very talented artist, and by the grand age of three, I was picking up pens and paintbrushes and following his footsteps; he was a G, passed away when I was 10, bless him, bless me, life got tough. Growing up, it just felt right to lean into street art—a bit more raw and real, like I wanted to be. I was on this planet not only to carry on his legacy but to perfect my own and ride with the times; organically tuning into street art is a fine example of going with the times.

Do you consider yourself a graffiti artist or something broader?

I don't label myself a graffiti artist. I'd say I'm just a creative artist. I grew up around the graffiti—OGs who've been painting for decades. I've always looked up to them, and they’ve definitely inspired me. Some hardcore graffiti writers might call you a "toy" if you’re not deep in the game, but I say screw that. I’ll paint whatever I want, and it'll be the dog’sbollocks either way. No one’s gonna shit on my shine.

How does skateboarding influence your creative process and your art?

I've been skateboarding for nearly 20 years, so it's in my blood too! It's not even conscious at this point, but skate culture and the whole vibe around it has shaped my work over the years. That gnarly skate rat, young Matthew—that energy is still coming through in my work today. It's all about freedom and pushing boundaries, and that carries over into my art, too.

Are there any specific spots in Nottingham that are meaningful to you as an artist and skater?

Oh, man, Chilwell Olympia skatepark, for sure. It's not around anymore, but that place was my roots—the training ground for a young skater back in the day. RIP Chilwell ramps! Aside from that, Maple Street, Sneinton Market… I could go on. I’ve been pushing wood on these streets and parks for years. And as for art, my recent mural opposite Nottingham Contemporary means the world to me. I’ve lived here my whole life, and to paint in a place that’s part of my journey—it's become part of my legacy.

What advice would you give to young artists or skaters trying to make their mark?

It’s simple: you want something, don’t ever fucking stop. Skateboarding isn’t easy, and

neither is making it as an artist, but if you’re not practicing, painting, or learning, then you’re not moving forward. Keep your foot on the fucking gas. Progress doesn’t happen by accident.

What is your process for creating a new piece?

It varies. Sometimes, it’s as cliché as a lightbulb going off in my noggin, like, "Boom! I’ve got an idea I need to bring into the real world." Other times, I find inspiration in the most random stuff. I can visualize the finished piece in my mind before I even start—it's almost like watching it come to life behind my eyelids. All I have to do is make it happen.

How have you seen graffiti and street art change in Nottingham over the years?

There’s definitely more of it now than when I was growing up, which is great! Cities can be so grey and dull, so I don’tknow why you wouldn’t want colour on every corner? Nottingham may be small, but what we put out is massive. The talent here is wild. Over the years, I want to see the city get even more colourful and accepting of all the crazy talent around here. Fuck the monotony of grey life—Nottingham deserves a splash of colour to put a smile on people’s faces.

What do you hope people feel or think when they encounter your art on the streets?

I hope there's a mix of reactions—people loving it and going, "Fuck, Matt, that’s sick!" while others might feel uncomfortable or even confused. That’s art to me; you don’t want every Barry and his dog loving your work. Stir things up a bit; be the reason for a debate or a conversation. If I can make someone’s day and leave another scratching their head, that’s art in my eyes.

Follow Matt on Instagram:

@scarce____xx/