If New York City has a pulse, Greg Lamarche knows its rhythm by heart. Born and raised in NYC, Lamarche is a pioneering collage artist whose work pulls straight from the raw energy of graffiti, the grit of subway culture, and the visual chaos of urban life.

Known for his precisely hand‑cut paper collages, Lamarche abstracts graffiti’s visual language—letters fractured, fonts stacked, colors clashing and colliding—until graphic design and fine art meet in one loud, elegant conversation. His work doesn’t whisper. It hits.

With roots in early graffiti culture, a background in graphic design, and features in major publications including The New York Times and Juxtapoz, Lamarche represents what happens when street credibility meets studio discipline. This is art forged by the city—and still fueled by it.

Below, we tap in with Greg Lamarche to talk early memories, creative influence, subway inspiration, and why letters still run the show.

Artist Q&A: Greg Lamarche

What is your artist name you like to go by?

Greg Lamarche

What’s one of your earliest memories of making art?

My first memories of consciously making artwork was when I was about 12 or 13 and I would make collages with burnt out firework wrappers that I would scavenge from the schoolyard near my house.

How did you discover your creative voice?

My parents were my first inspirations. They introduced me to artists and took me to galleries and museums at a very impressionable age. Even back then I made the decision that this is what I wanted to do.

Who or what influenced your development as an artist?

Again, I would have to say my parents who were both art history majors. My mom made collages and my father was a draftsman so watching them was a big influence.

Tell us about your current series.

At any given time, I’m working on a bunch of different projects. That said, I am working on a series of collages, paintings and assemblage pieces to create a subway themed show that is inspired by all the ideas I get from riding the subway.

What themes or ideas keep appearing in your work?

Letters, letters, letters and the different compositions and shapes they create. What might surprise people about you as an artist?

 I love to cook.

How has your environment shaped your work?

Definitely growing up in NYC has been a big part of how I see things and is still a constant source of inspiration. 

What do you enjoy most about creating art today?

Life as an artist comes with many challenges for sure but the fact that I get to create as my job is still a privilege and a joy.

 What inspires you outside of painting?

 Nature and music.

What do you hope people take away from your work?

I want people to see something new and in some cases I try to create things that people have never seen before.  Also if I can inspire people along the way that’s priceless.

Any last words?

When are we painting?

How Greg Lamarche Sets the Standard

Greg Lamarche isn’t chasing trends—he helped build the visual language they borrow from. His work stands at the intersection of graffiti history, collage innovation, and New York’s relentless creative grind. It’s proof that letters aren’t just characters—they’re architecture, movement, and attitude.

For artists pushing layers, surfaces, and systems, Lamarche’s journey is a reminder: the city teaches you everything—if you’re paying attention.

See Greg’s Work. Tap Into the Community.

Want more from Greg Lamarche? You can check out his full body of work, background, and latest projects on his Artist Profile page (link to Greg’s artist page)—a closer look at the layers, letters, and legacy that define his craft.

And if Greg’s journey hits home, don’t stop there. Head over to the Rust‑O Community page to discover more artists leaving their mark.