Artist Interview Gabriels May 2011
1) Give us a little background on yourself
I was born in Rome – against my will – on May 13th, 1971. I was named Paolo Gabrielli. Af-ter a servile childhood, followed by a divine adolescence, I didn’t refuse to receive the Uni-versity degree in philosophy at the University of Rome, ironically self-defined “La Sapienza”. I even toke the doctor’s degree in philosophy (aesthetics) at the University of Vienna, writing with elegant mastery of sources a dissertation entitled Sinn und Bild bei Wittgenstein und Benja-min. As a matter of fact, I have always known that in my life I would continue to dream toys – without being interested in games and players at all. 2) How long have you been an artist? What other mediums have you worked with?
I prefer to consider myself as a toy-maker. Of course I’ve always drawn surreal creatures since I was a baby. My first sculpture – I was 13 years old – was a huge pyramid made of re-alistic monster bodies, with blossoming flesh flowers, tentacles, stings, fangs and many sym-bolic meanings… I was inspired by surrealistic art and by the works of Giger. It was made of wax: I used hundreds of white candles and a bathtub with hot water.
3) What is your inspiration when sculpting with bronze? Why?
I don’t know if it’s properly an “inspiration”. I would say that is more a paradoxical process, in which three aspects suddenly, involuntarily mix and combine each other: the organic-natural form, the symbolic-archetypal form, the ironic form. I arrive at the first two forms by searching for the essential in biological life (insects, for example) and in the cultural life (my-thology, religion). I get to their synthesis through irony and its paradox. Irony consists for me in the awareness that nature and culture can’t be distinguished, that they don’t exist sepa-rately, and above all in the essential awareness that the essential doesn’t exist. This holy awareness saves all – human and non-human beings – from the pure kitsch. Irony is the chi-rurgical element of my toys.
4) What do you hope you art portrays? What message would you like your fans to re-ceive?
I don’t try to represent anything of this world. For the simple reason that it’s already in the world and I couldn’t make it better (or worse). I don’t believe in messages. But the real trag-edy is that it’s just a message…. So my message/non-message could be: don’t believe in messages. That is: look for the essential, and above all never forget that the Essential doesn’t exist (what is just the essential). I name my figures “toys”, “toys for melancholics”, just be-cause I think that Great Art is impossible today (if not in the ghostly and at the same time too material form of a great financial business). Great Art – as great philosophy – is the art which claims to exemplarity, to universal messages, to show the truth, the meaning of the world. This claim is no more plausible. The search for meaning, for sense and truth, can’t have the form of an universal message yet, but the more modest, more melancholic perspec-tive of private meaning praxis – as making toys or collecting them.
5) What got you started working in bronze? Why?
I like bronze, because it’s cold, “reflexive” (in many senses) and at the same time it’s the most “organic”, “living” metal (it oxidizes, it changes its color differently according to the environment – sea, country, city). And I like to use a classic, “monumental” material to make something very “technical” and anti-monumental (I know that my toys can seem strange al-ien devices or, disassembled, “surgery instruments for mutant women”, as in that famous movie by David Cronenberg….). I began to use bronze because I wanted to preserve my figures from the tragic end of my first wax sculpture: melted by the hot August in Rome.
6) What is your favorite piece?
For personal reasons I’m particularly fond of “The Little Necrofilator” and “A Case of Uto-pian Fetishism II”.
7) Who are your favorite artists? Who inspires you?
I like above all artists who can see and show the secret, visionary, surreal, even metaphysical aspect of “normal”, ordinary things. My ideal work could be a synthesis of Clemente Susini, Miguel Berrocal and Constantin Brancusi.
8) Tell us one interesting fact most people wouldn’t know about you.
I am a chronic liar.
9) Feel free to add anything else!
The previous sentence is not true.
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Artist Interview Matt A* (Matt Anderson) August 2010
Of course, to start we had to get down to the nitty-gritty with Matt, and here it is… I present you Matt Anderson, known in the toy world as Matt A* whom lives in the (as he puts it) “not so urban art friendly” city of Richmond, Virginia. He is still in his prime, only 32 years old (shhh… I think he sees it differently). Matt does admit he maintains a mental state of, ohhh… that of a High School Sophomore. Nothing wrong with that Matty!
Steam-punk angel: This is a custom Munny by Matt where he hand laid all gears inside. A custom brass latched rear opening on the head to replace batteries was created. Fiber optic wings and a motion switch were added. Fuller of CTU is now the proud owner.
Of course, with every artist we just had to know when he began his venture into the art world… you know, what made him pick up that brush or whatever medium he was using when he lost his artistic virginity:
“I've always been into art ever since I was young, around 9 or 10 years, I mainly stuck with drawing. I don't know exactly what got me started into drawing. I would say it came pretty early and about that time I figured out that whatever it was that I was looking at, If I had a pen or pencil , then my hand would follow what my eyes saw. I still do that to this day with my sculpting. I try not to over complicate it with worrying about how am I going to sculpt a face or a part, I just try to mentally break it down into certain shapes. Everything comes from some basic shape. As far as what got me into the urban art scene, I'd have to say it was one person. A pretty good friend of mine, JP, he’s always been there like a brother. One day we had some brews at his house and he was rambling on about his pretty good collection of vinyl customs and what not and I couldn't help but rag on him. I couldn't believe a grown man collected "Dolls'" haha. And shortly after that he had pointed out the " Munny" I picked one up and have been turning customs out ever since. That was about 3 yrs ago now. And to this day he doesn't let me live it down that he may collect them but I'm the one making ‘Dolls’.”
Hey, just think Matt, maybe one day (if he doesn’t already) JP will own one of YOUR so called, dolls. For the record, I see them as beautiful pieces of art which anyone including your BFF would be proud to have as a part of their vinyl Kollection.What the world really wants to know is how your art/toy career has affected your social/personal life?
“The Art/toy scene has started to slowly change my personal life. I never was a very friendly, outgoing guy and I had a tendency to just keep to myself cuz mainly I just wasn't good with people. But it is quite the opposite now. Every day I meet someone new and interesting and its awesome how many of you share the same interest as I do. It’s actually encouraging me to keep doing what I do because no matter who you, are or where you are from the many people in the urban art scene, whether you're the customizer, collector, or you just write about all that it’s about, we all have the common interest and everyone is supportive of the next person. It’s like one big happy family haha. The art/toy life has also helped me take more dramatic chances with my artwork. Being pastel colorblind really puts a damper on things for me when it comes to painting but meeting some of the awesome artist I have and seeing what they are able to put out and also knowing how many of them out there are actually colorblind, hell it’s good to know I'm not the only weird one haha so those unnamed artist have helped me look past that and apparently I put out some good stuff haha”
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| Rusty the RC Munny: This uber awesome custom Munny is REMOTE CONTROLLED! With movable arms and head and custom wired up glass eyes he is sure to impress even the most seasoned of Kollectors. The eyes actually light up red and using the control system you are able to adjust just how bright or dimly he looks at you. |
Who Who and what are your biggest influences? What drives you?
“I would have to say my biggest "drives" are my son, the amazement on his face whenever I complete or am just working on a custom , keep me pushing on to come up with more creative ways to do them. My fiancée also keeps me going. She is very supportive with everything I do even though some of it she may not understand. Also our family and friends have been very supportive as well. And of course all the other artist and people that take interest in my work keep me pushing on to come up with great customs. There are plenty of artist that influence me and to be honest I just plain envy some of the work they manage to do. Rsin Art, Luke Chueh, Cris Rose, Hugh Rose etc. I look at the stuff these people put out and it makes me strive to be better than I am now.”
Seriously, I have to say that was one of the most refreshing things I have heard in a while. The first two things you accredited were your child and your fiancée, that is beyond sweet and shows another dedication that’s should be first and foremost, and obviously to you it is. How have you come to become a toy customizer?
“I basically started the toy customizing because Simple putting things onto paper wasn't good enough anymore. I wanted to make my art more dimensional.”
What is the one custom you did that just seems to stand out as 'the one' in your mind?
“I'm not sure I have just one piece that stands out as "The one". I've done a couple customs that have managed to sweep in and catch everyone off guard. The first being my steam-punk work, then I progressed to my Remote controlled Munny and my Poof, the not so magic dragon Raffy that puffs smoke and now to my latest K.I.T.T. Celsius with sound, lights, and robotics. They are all pretty unique I think.”
Yes! Your figures are definitely unique to your style, PLEASE, PLEASE don’t change that. That is what makes Matt A*! Okay Matt, what’s your day job? Do you hope to one day leave that behind and maintain your livelihood as a full time artist?
“I am a Vehicle Wrap specialist as my day job. Pretty much work with vinyl all day and night I suppose. It’s cool because I have turned a lot of vehicles of every kind into pieces of art as well But I would have to say I do hope to one day leave it behind and just focus on my artwork, Doesn't every artist? But for now i just don't think it’s feasible for me. Being a starving artist doesn't exactly keep a roof over our heads haha.”
The edible art concept truly is unique. Have you ever thought of taking that concept just a step further and opening up a bakery? Why or why not?
“I do like the concept of turning art into cakes and such. I figure if I can sculpt clay then there's not much difference in sculpting any other material I suppose. I don't know about the whole bakery scene, cooking really isn't my thing. Besides you can only push custom cakes so far before they aren't edible anymore haha. But I do make Custom cakes by request it is still fun to do. I'll have more of those to come in the future so keep up with my site.”
OOH! Will do! Guys… if you have a kid…. Keep this guy’s website and email info handy! One of the first things I thought when I saw his edible art was “Oh! Cody is turning 5 this month… wonder if I could do something like this!” What piece of advice do you give any and all aspiring artists/customizers, etc just entering the scene?
“Advice? hmm, there's not much I can say that others haven't already and that most everyone hasn't heard. So I'll just say, Do what seems to be next to impossible to do for you, but approach it with an attitude of complete ease. Those will be your best and the works you will be best known for. Don't limit yourself.”
Well Said my friend, well said. Thank you Matt for taking the time out to answer some questions for KollectibleKulture and our friends!
Wanna learn more about Matt A*, see more work... maybe snatch something up? You can check out his WEBSITE, or EMAIL him. Check back with him often to see what's new.
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Artist Interview Joseph McSween (2H) July 2010
Meet Joseph McSween (2H). This Seattle, WA based based Fine artist/ Illustrator/Graphic Designer has got more talent in one thumb than he knows what to do with! "His work explores a love for the female figure juxtaposed with rich textured layers seeking to reflect the emotion and inspiration found in the urban environment of modern society." I stumbled across some of his works and instantly wanted to know more about this man of many talents, what he does, why... all the stuff you wanna know too, but don't ask. So sit back, get your read on, and enjoy the art work.
-So Joe, how did it all begin?
"I was born in 83 the same year Mario dropped on Nintendo, My mom and my pops are both artists so I kinda fell into that from being around creative influences. So I've always been drawing and making things, but then I got into graffiti when I was 14 in like 8th grade. Then I moved to Seattle to pursue my art, I got into graphic design but eventually fell in love with painting. I think I haven't had a normal people job in 2 years now, which was the goal all along."-Normal people jobs are over-rated, trust me... I work one! ;) Alright, so then what in the world inspires
you?
"Girls, graffiti, street art,nature,rust, girls,music,girls."
-Okay, so I'm noticing a theme here..... but let's get down to the nitty gritty, who is the biggest influence
over you and your work?
"I would say I'm the biggest influence over my work cause I'm such a picky moody bitch sometimes when it comes to painting. It's like everything has to be perfect in order for me to be able to get in the zone and get work done. I usually prefer to work at night when there's not a lot of distractions. I like to look at all kinds of art daily but I usually get most inspired by nature and urban decay. I've always valued other artists creative individuality. I like artists with there own unique style and process. I wouldn't be able to list them all here cause the list is 10 years worth of people."
-Yes, the same old stuff gets tedious and boring, it's nice to have your own niche in the rat race, for sure.
So you usually prefer to work at night, not too many distractions? Honestly, how often are you in the
studio working?
"I'm a big procrastinator, but lately I'm trying to work more and more. I don't really have a choice it's been so busy and I have to meet tight deadlines. I'm usually busting ass all night right before a show to get everything done haha."
-Well then, what have you been busting ass working on, if I might ask?
"It's been pretty crazy lately, I just got done working on shows in Oakland, London, and Escondido.I found out the other day Amazon just took some of my work off the street and added it to there corporate art collection. They hung me and my friends street work in there new Seattle headquarters. They were tearing down buildings that we painted to build there new HQ and they saved the art and installed it. That was kinda weird and random haha. My next projects are a big solo show coming up in September at Ronin Gallery in L.A., catching up on a bunch of painting commissions, Artwork for a indie movie out of Sao Paulo Brazil,releasing a laser etched laptop skin with Karvt, a print for The Poster Cause Project, clothes, and whatever else pops up. I'm sure I'm missing some stuff haha."
-There's usually a favorite piece or technique. What's been your favorite?
"Usually the last piece I finished was the favorite, they tend to progress a little each time so I like them more and more. I just painted a 10' canvas that was pretty fun."
-So you know your fans want to know, when and where can they see your art/meet you?
"I'm usually stomping around the streets in Seattle but the next time we can meet up would be at my solo show in September in L.A."
-OOH! Keep me/us posted... will have to come say hi! Alright, to wrap this thing up, just one more
thing.... what is one interesting or random fact about you most people don't know?
"I'm colorblind. Also I finished this interview and it's the 4th of July I'm gonna go blow stuff up and get my drink on!"
-Happy 4th of July Joe! Thanks for your time, hopefully KollectibleKulture will see you in LA in
September!
To learn more about Joe and his works, please visit his website
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