Can you share as much as possible about the piece and how you conceived of it?
Hollow Threat is one of my side projects, where I work on designs that are influenced by the music I listen to. The idea started in 2007, it was first a punk rock themed project, the name was actually inspired by a punk band named “Minor Threat.” I have worked on the project on and off throughout the years. to be honest with you, I couldn’t come up with something that I was happy with, so I dropped the initial idea and just worked on random stuff outside the punk circle. This piece is about a secret community that lives in my head, where you can call out your metal god with some sick guitar solos, and he will make your wishes come true. There is no violence or hate in this place, ghosts are like dogs to humans, they are bear’s best friend, and a witch casting happy spells, heals all ills. Everyone loves heavy metal here, and they celebrate it, this is Hollow Threat! :-)
If you were to describe your work to someone who’s never seen it, what would you say?
Horrifyingly Cute, Sadly Happy & Strangely Ordinary!
What’s your creative process when producing a piece of art?
Everything starts with character design for me, I sketch lots of random characters in my sketchbook first. As I develop a character, stories start to pop up, and my artwork is constructed based on the story of the character.
Would you share three unique things in your workspace that inspire you
1. My “current” jukebox setup (KECES USB DAC > Trends T-Amp > PSB Alpha B1) Yes, I’m such a audio nerd!
2. “Penguin Shaking Thingy”?! first gift from my special someone (a.k.a. MG)!
3. Sushi light above my head, I can smell sashimi now…
What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received in response to your work?
One time I got a call from a mom, who explained to me that her son loved one of my pieces at a local toy shop, he was saving for that piece, and constantly checked out the shop to make sure it was still on the wall. One day he found that the piece was gone, he was quite upset about not getting it soon enough, so this awesome mom somehow found my contact and asked me if I had any prints left, she wanted to get it for her son’s birthday! I was touched to hear the story, what a great mom!
What’s the art scene like where you live?
It’s pretty unique, we seem to be on a different planet here, so many unseen talents. The art scene is growing slowly, hopefully someday it’ll be as huge as LA or Tokyo, if only sheep could appreciate art….haha
What art is hanging on your walls at the moment?
A Hollow Threat poster, a Japanese Dream paper diorama, a Bart Simpson rolling stones cover, a Bad Religion poster, a GTA poster, and a Spongebob Poster.
What are you really into right now?
Spongebob, Nintendo games, NBA, and making my toys!
What would be on your quintessential mixtape?
Pretty much all the good punk/metal from 90s onward, Pennywise, Deftones, Thrice, NIN, TOOL the list could go on forever!
If your art was music, what would it sound like?
Pop/Punk/Metal (and a cute chick lead singer is a must! haha)
What do you have as your desktop wallpaper?
I like to keep it fresh, so usually it’s my latest work…
What websites do you check out regularly?
Mostly toy sites like Plastic & Plush, Toys r evil, Vinyl Pulse, Spanky Stokes
What are your vices/guilty pleasures?
Having too much ice cream too fast & you get this joy of a headache ><
What’s the first picture you can remember drawing as a child?
I remember imitating PEANUTS (Snoopy) when I was a little kid, making my own comic strips using existing PEANUTS characters…
If you were a dinosaur, what kind would you be and why?
Triceratops, I don’t eat uncooked meat like sashimi, and I don’t think I have the ability to BBQ if I’m a dinosaur, so I’ll just be a herbivore hehe….
What was your last memorable dream?
@$%^&!%$#…. *censored
If you had to change careers, what would be next?
Stuff that I love, something relating to music or food maybe? :P
Are there any upcoming shows or projects you’d like to share?
There are many toy ideas in my sketchbook, I’m taking my time to get them out, right now I’m finishing up a sculpture, and working on a short comic for Hollow Threat, so look out for more toys from me!
What’s your motto?
Fight till you die
