So I decided to start posting about certain artists that are... well... AWESOME! These are artists that have been an inspiration to me and whose craft can only enhance the world of designer toy art. The first artist that I would like to feature is Kevin Gosselin. Who's Kevin Gosselin, you say? Well, if you have to ask that you haven't been reading some of the well known blogs. Here are some background cliff notes. Influenced by sci-fi and fantasy art, comic books, anime, the masters and a barrage of contemporary artists, Kevin hails from Northwood, New Hampshire but now calls Seattle, Washington his home. He has his bachelors in Fine Art and Illustration and will run circles around you, literally. He has completed 10 marathons, three 50k's and one 50 mile ultramarathon. Personally, hearing the words ultra and marathon combined just sounds crazy. But the only thing crazy about Kevin is his sculpting skills. To find out a bit more about Kevin, he was kind enough to answer a few question.
Joseph: First off, thank you Kevin for taking the time to answer a few questions. So I actually caught wind of you late last year when John Stokes did a post of your Coarse Jaws "Samurai Pain" custom. Your attention to detail and design floored me. I was an instant fan. Do you remember your first sculpture and can you describe that experience?
Kevin: My first sculpt. I believe it was at a cub scout den meeting and someone gave me a knife and a bar of white soap. I whittled it away to nothing and ever since then I've retained my dissatisfaction with everything I work on. I remember being fascinated by the idea that I could reveal some new shape within a square block.
Joseph: You have customized a variety of designer toys, from Kidrobot Munny and Dunny, Coarse Jaws and Paws, Sketchbot to Mad*L. Is there one that's your favorite to work on and is there a designer toy you haven't worked on which you are wanting to try?
Kevin: I think the Munny is by far my favorite because it's simply a platform and doesn't carry much baggage to it. KidRobot really knew what they were doing when they created the Munny. It's like a cute vinyl mannequin waiting to be given character. Other toys in the designer scene bring their own personality to the table and that narrows the possibilities of creativity. I still enjoy working on other toys, as they present more of a challenge. Also, the only time I get to handle high end toys is when someone sends one to me for customization. If I had the choice of customizing anything it might be a Teddy Trooper. I've never done one and missed a chance to buy one cheap a while back. I regret that.
Joseph: Working on other peoples designer toys is fun, but do you ever want to make your own figure to produce to the masses for them to customize?
Kevin: Absolutely. When I first got into this scene I knew I had to establish myself a reputation. Collectors within the vinyl scene like to collect within their paradigm. Meaning of course, they want a cool looking Munny, Dunny etc to work within their existing collection. They collect the line more than they collect the artist. As an artist you don't have to be a name but just make a cool custom. It's an amazing scene for a young artist to get their feet wet and build a reputation. And I feel like I'm nearly there, where I can maybe start making my own stuff and maybe people will buy it cause it's me. maybe, we'll see soon I suppose. I have a BIG project coming up that's taken a lot of my time and I've got big hopes for it. But make no mistake about it, I love doing commissions. I like the interaction between my clients. The only limitations is that a commission isn't as profitable which is why I have begun to work deals out with my clients to make casts off their originals.
Joseph: You have talked about your stance on helping other artists and even created a sculpting tutorial on your blog to help people out. Let me just say THANK YOU for that. Were there any artists that lent you a helping hand as you were developing your craft?
Kevin: You're very welcome. And I just want to note that it's an old tutorial now, and I've learned much more. I've been meaning to make another. As for the question, Emphatically, Yes. I went to art school so for sure I had my instructors there. But that was for illustration. And I've worked in a props shop where I had my mentor Ivan. But most of what I do now is all "self taught." I talk shop with other artists but aside from a few tidbits here and there (fplus, ArgonautResins), I've just had to do a lot of googling. But what's self taught? I mean really? Without the generosity of thousands of other artists willing to post their techniques online I'd know nothing. I mean anyone who thinks that they are completely self taught is lying to themselves and others unless they can prove to me that they grew up with wolves. That's why when people ask me how I did something I tell them. I've spent countless hours searching and searching for techniques and materials. For instance. After years and years of trying to figure out the right varnish to use on a figure and never having a solid solution, just last week I discovered that what I really should be using is a water based polyurethane. I've never seen this mentioned in regards to working on statues of any kind, and trust me, I've spent lots of time looking. But all of a sudden I typed in the right key words into google and there it was. Really? So I bought some and have yet to used, but I'm excited to finally have a solution. J.W. etc.'s water based Polyurethane Varnish, I'll let you know how it works out. But I digress to make a point. That I'm still learning, and sometimes it's really frustrating as an artist to struggle without any help. So why be that jackass who stands in some one's way. I have this silly notion that when someone asks me for help, I give it to them, it's just how I was raised. Maybe it's naive, but I don't care. In fact, I love it so much, this summer I'll be teaching a 2 week course at the University of Washington to high school kids on what it is I do. I'm excited and terrified all at the same time. So if you know anyone in the Seattle area, let them know.
Joseph: When it comes to designer toys, one of the current top dogs is Huck Gee. He has mentioned you as one of the current artists that he's keeping tabs on. How does that make you feel as a toy designer, that someone like Huck digs your designs? Are there any artists that you keep tabs on?
Kevin: How does it make me feel? Makes me feel super grateful that he would be so generous. I don't think there's any debate out there that Huck is the most successful toy customizer out there. Look at his KidRobot series. Sold out super fast. Who but Huck could do that? And look at his toys. They're amazing. Huck will continue to be an inspiration to me and my goal is to reach that level. I've a long ways to go. So the idea that he digs my designs, or at the very least says he does, it's very generous. It helps build that reputation I told you I'm seeking. As for me keeping tabs on other artists, well, I like a few for sure. My two favorite artists in this scene, for their personality and their work are Fplus and Chauskoski. They're tops in my books. But there are a lot of others I admire. Artmymind, Ardabus, Rubber, Nervis Wrek, the list could go on forever. Really I think I admire anyone who pursues their passion, and I think there's room for everyone.
Joseph: This past week you're "Amun-ny Ra" custom Munnys were teased, and they look fantastic! When and where can people go to purchase them and what else can we expect from you this year?
Kevin: Thanks, and thanks again for asking. I'll be dropping them Saturday 14th at 10 am PST at my online shop http://kgosselinart.bigcartel.com/
Joseph: Well Kevin, before I let you go, can you tell us where people can see/purchase/learn about your stuff? Twitter, Facebook, blogs etc...
Kevin: Sure thing. Everything can be found at kgosselinart.com you can find all the links including facebook, twitter, flickr, my soul etc.
Joseph: Any final thoughts or last words for our readers?
Kevin: To those who have purchased my work and those who want to, THANK YOU. I can not fully express the feeling of joy I get that even though I think my work is sub par, for some intangible reason you appreciate it. You make it possible for me to continue justifying this crazy notion of being an artist.
And to those of you who wish to be an artist, here are some words I gave to a young artist a few days ago:
"Keep working and never allow yourself to get discouraged. The single biggest thing you need in this business is the determination to press forward and continue to learn. Contrary to popular belief, art is not a talent but an acquired skill. It takes lots of practice, but the more you do it, the better you will become. It is very much like exercise. So practice, practice, practice and if you want it, you'll succeed. Oh, and have fun ;-)"
Joseph: Wise words from someone who will surely be a major player in this designer toy game. So check out his blog for everything Kevin Gosselin. Thank you Kevin once again for your time.
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