Thinkspace presents GOOPMASSTA ‘Leader of the Pack‘ in The Doghouse Gallery.
Our interview with GoopMassta shares his life outside of the studio, which skill/superpower he would choose and what would be on the menu for his ultimate 5 fantasy dinner guests.
My main theme was playing off the irony of the dog house itself while embracing it at the same time. The main piece I created ‘Smokin’ Bones Poker Club‘ presented the most challenges. I wanted to recreate the well known dog poker scene painting while maintaining its familiarity, but incorporating my character, giving it my style, while still pushing myself with different painting techniques.
What themes were you exploring in this body of work? Did you have a piece that was particularly challenging?
What does a day in the studio look like for you? How do you structure your days? Do you have any rituals that help you tap into a creative flow?
I’m an early riser, so as soon as the light shines through the window into my eyes in the morning I wake up ready and happy to be able to have another day to create and experience the world. I have a vision board where I have all my projects up so I can see everything all at once – upcoming shows, sculpture ideas, mural sketches, etc. I wouldn’t say I have a set structure to my days, I like to do what feels good and go with the flow, while of course keeping in mind any deadlines, commissions or upcoming projects. As far as rituals go I’m a traditional style artist – I still like to conceptualize my ideas into reality using pencil and paper.
What is your most favorite and least favorite part of the creative process?
Who are some of your creative influences? Why do they inspire you?
My favorite part is actively working on any of my projects; when you really get into it and completely lose yourself. The creative flow just takes over and it’s a blissful and surreal feeling that seems like it will never end. My least favorite part is the real end – the clean up. Having to pick up all the pieces, clean up spills, spots, messes. I’m already tired and exhausted, but it’s got to get done to get ready for the next one. I would say that I am creatively influenced by many different aspects of the world – people, passion, the environment, music, architecture, you name – you can find inspiration from it. It’s not about why something inspires me, it’s about the feeling and the drive it gives me to pursue what I want and love to do.
If you could have any skill or topic downloaded into your brain, what would you want to be able to do / be an expert at?
Easy – finance. I would like to download how to be a financial expert, so that I can have complete financial freedom. Not only to support myself and my family, but to also be able to give back and help others as well.
What do you hope viewers take away or experience while viewing your work?
For this particular show and its pieces I want viewers to experience the irony of “being in the dog house” and really see how I embraced the theme not only in a literal way but also in a figurative way as well and to appreciate the different points-of-view I showed through my body of work.
How do you like to enjoy your time outside of the studio? Do you celebrate the completion of a body of work?
Honestly, I spend all my time working. When I am not in the studio I’m at a show, or event, or out painting a wall. I’m constantly trying to build up my brand and showcase my character to the world. And I’m always celebrating! ABC baby (always be celebrating)! I’m grateful for my career, the people I’ve met along the way and everywhere it has taken me, as well as the different opportunities it has provided for me. And that is how I get to enjoy my life.
If you could collaborate with any artists in any sort of medium (i.e. movies, music, painting) who would you collaborate with, and what would you be making?
I would choose to collaborate with Murakami. He has helped push characters to be in the limelight, allowing for a broader audience to appreciate them. I also enjoy his kawaii style and the way he markets and brands himself. Our collab would definitely be some type of iconic sculpture.
Who would be on the guest list if you could throw a dinner party for five people, dead or alive? What would be on the menu? What would be the icebreaker question?
My guest list for my dinner party would be Walt Disney, Jim Henson, Murakami, Bernini, and Nigo. My appetizer course would be oysters and a seafood tower or beef tartar in case someone doesn’t care for seafood. Followed by a main course of a pistachio crusted rack of lamb topped with caviar alongside pureed parsnips and glazed carrots. For the dessert course I would serve a delectable creme brulee. My icebreaker question would be – What is something you attribute to your success that could help others who are trying to reach their dreams and goals?
What was in your musical rotation during the development of this body of work?
For this body of work my music varied from Big L, Charles Bradley, Action Bronson, Mulatu Astatke and the list can go on and on. I like to switch up my music depending on the way I’m feeling and vibes the music is giving me.
Exhibition on view August 5 – August 26, 2023 on Saturdays only at The Courtyard from 12 PM – 6 PM at:
Thinkspace Projects
4207 W. Jefferson Blvd.
Los Angeles, California 90016
