Today we’d like to introduce you to Joey Maas.
Hi Joey, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota but spent my formative years in the 80s in rural South Dakota. I always felt like I was a misplaced city kid, Luckily I was able to spend summers in the Twin Cities and fell in love with shopping malls, skateboarding, punk rock, and 80’s pop culture. I discovered a local punk scene in nearby Rapid City, South Dakota. It wasn’t a big city by any means, but the people and the culture of that small scene really gave me a DIY ethos that still hangs on today. I played in a punk band that moved to Seattle in the 90s, where I joined a number of other bands and worked as a bike messenger for about 10 years. Between touring in bands, and bike messengering, you could say I saw it all. My 20s were complete insanity. I couldn’t afford nice things, so I started painting to somewhat beautify my world, never thinking that I would ever show them in public. In 2008, a friend convinced me to do a show, and I sold everything. I thought, “Well, I guess I know what I’m doing now”.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not. I think every artist has the “beginners luck” thing, where all your friends are supportive that you’re doing something new, but that goes away pretty quick. Then you’re left with navigating the art scene, which is far more exclusive than the music scene, and coming from the punk rock / DIY background, I have an aversion to schmoozing and ass-kissing. It might not be the best approach to the art world, but for more than a decade I’ve spent my time doing what I love, and for that I’m thankful.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in Pop Art portrait work, with an emphasis on fashion and retro pop culture, mostly stemming from my love of shopping malls, arcades, and the popular Memphis design aesthetic of my formative years. I’m heavily influenced by Patrick Nagel, and Andy Takakjian, who did a lot of the Vision Skateboards graphics in the mid to late 80s. Both of those influences are pretty apparent in my work. I’m really excited about my current series “Faultlines”, which is a collection of pieces based on fractured beauty and the volatile world of celebrity and fashion. It’s been a huge catalyst for my creative spirit and is totally in tune with my influences. It keeps building, and really happy with how it’s been shaping out.
What’s next?
I have a solo show coming up at The Roost in Cathedral City, opening Tuesday, March 7th. It’ll be the first time all of the “Faultlines” pieces will be shown together, and probably with a few from my upcoming series titled, “Loose Lips, and Sinking Ships”. It’s much of the same influence, but it maybe goes a little darker, all while being emblazoned with bright colors and neon.
Pricing:
- Most painting are $2200, Acrylic and resin on wood panel.
Contact Info:
- Website: joeymaas.com
- Instagram: joey__division
