MAXWELL McMASTER JUXTAPOZ.COM 133the school, I was super impressed by the student
work. I wasn’t aware of the Art Center’s legacy or
alumni, I just wanted to learn what those students
were learning. It was a transformative experience
and I feel fortunate to have studied under the
amazing artists and designers who teach there.
You've dabbled a bit in muralism and
installation art, which especially compliments
the paintings so well in situ. Do you like
working on different scales like that?
When I’m working on a mural, that particular
situation makes me think a lot more about the
viewer. Is it a gallery, a restaurant, a street? How
will it be viewed and from what distance? I enjoy
working on murals because it’s an application of
an artwork that activates a space. A mural serves
a slightly different purpose, and a lot of mine
serve as a backdrop to enhance the experience of
a space. I enjoy mining that connection.
As for installations, I’m really having a lot of
fun. It’s freeing not to be limited to a canvas.
I’m not tied to one medium, and it opens up the
possibilities for creating anything I want. To be
honest, I’m most excited about this new direction.
I like being able to create without the pressure of
selling. It’s a bonus, an excuse to push my work.
It’s created to be experienced, and that’s it.
In your past work and some shows you have had,
I noticed this almost perfection in the work; it felt
almost digital. In Natural High, you got a little....
loose? A little intentional in almost breaking
your rules. What pushed you into that direction?
One of the most important things for me is to evolve.
I constantly get caught in the battle between what
works or staying in the safe zone, but I get most
excited and satisfied when I make something fresh.
The exploration is the fun. It keeps me making art.
My process can weigh me down at times, and I was
looking to create work that felt a little more direct,
intuitive, and fun.
I read in a recent interview you did about the
Natural High show that the works you make
might be a reaction to your own melancholy.
What is your reaction to know that so many
people are expressing this sort of love and
optimism when they see your work?
I understand that is the intention, but does
it still strike you as a fascinating extension
to your process?
Yeah, totally. I think it’s awesome to leave
someone with a good feeling. It’s too easy to
be negative in this world. I think it’s more of a
challenge to express optimism and hope.What do you want the viewer to see in your work?
What is a reaction that you are seeking fromothers, or that you may even seek for yourself?
I want people to feel what I feel when I walk into
a gallery or museum. Lightness. Almost like a
stress release or an escape from reality. Sort of this
feeling of, "I’m happy this exists."What do you have lined up in 2019?
Still sorting it out, but really looking forward to it.
I have a couple shows in the works and an exciting
video project. Overall, I just want to keep growing
and improving.maxwellmcmaster.comAbove: Dreamlover, Acrylic on wood panel, 12” x 18”, 2017
"Is it a gallery,
a restaurant,
a street? How
will it be viewed
and from what
distance?"