Today we’d like to introduce you to Denny Pascasio aka Gutterdoodles.
Denny, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’d have to say my colorful story recently got a restart and reboot over the past 3 years.
In 2020 I was residing in LA and things were a little different with the powerful pandemic haunting the globe. The world had way more of digital felt spin, especially since we were all living on our phones and computers full time.
We were all steady online! And this was the time I’d say, the art world got a vamped up new high beam of shine and support! It had everyone being creative from home, sharing their art and projects via the social media universe, whilst connecting with true sincere engagement!
That was around the time my gutterworks’ really got cooking with growth! Commissions and projects were on a full roll for me, but with the world being on lockdown and all… the physical real-time connections were at a ‘null and void’ point.
It wasn’t until I moved to Palm Springs, that my work, mind, and body got fueled up with royal inspiration from this beautiful art-powered desert valley!
I’ve made friends and family with so many incredible artists and folks! And I even started showcasing my works at events like the Perez Art District art walks, some amazing group shows, and just overall taking in and enjoying, a great abundance of awesome creative opportunities with my fellow desert artist!
It’s truly a dream of a place to be for me and my art journey!
This real-time connection with the land and the people was something I believe I was missing. Especially when I was running head down in LA, and trying to connect further with the art realm from a screen and some wifi!
It’s truly a gift to be here creating and growing with the rest of the land!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Oh, it’s been a roller coaster of a road to say the least!
Last year was a heavy learning one for me, just going through the motions of life, all while riding the extreme waves of the desert summer and winter seasons.
There’s been some real bummer times, like dealing with the pups we love immensely, getting into some surprise emergency room-level health issues. Followed by our amazing cat Kiki of 19 years of age passing on Christmas.
(RIP KIKI YOU BEAUTY LEGEND)
Not to mention, the regular up’s and down’s life can hit you from near and far.
But for me, it’s about powering through it all with positive energy, and expressive creating.
I think that’s why my work is kind of in a middle evolutionary period. Because now, after all the things I’ve been through and experienced… my work has more messaging behind it.
To reference Pokémon, it’s like I was working with an innocent blissful clear Charmander brain, but now I’ve found a language to express myself further with my works’.
So I’m understanding myself a little more, and having a more raw fiery Charmeleon way of expressing it now with my personal works!
I’m not quite in full torching Charizard with my creative power and thinking aligned, but I can see myself getting there. And I’m very hyped to be working toward it!
The up’s and down’s on this wild road; tough as they may be… have made me stronger, more open!
I’m excited to see what’s happening next! And using that force’ to continue working on bigger ideas, learning a bunch and taking in more to experience and express through my gutterworks’!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
A reason I title my work/go by the moniker of ‘Gutterdoodles’ is because not only does it come from the top (of my head)’…
But also, a gutter always has way more in than just leaves and water it’s built to catch. That’s kind of how me and my works spill out!
I’m a mixed media artist, that likes to leave colorful stains on all forms of surface. Whether that be canvas or wood, to paper and cardboard! Sheesh, even clothing!
I like to spill out works with paint, markers, pen, charcoal and anything else that leaves a mark, scratch or stain!
I even play around with sculpting when I get the chance!
My language of art-making was built from youthful years of cartoons, comics, and backyard imagination!
It’s like a “toon-influenced contemporary” style, I’d say! And cartoons are a timeless power of expression because we all grow up at least seeing or learning from a cartoon, comic, or kids book at some point!
And it’s digestible in same way that, toons and doodles are! But it can’t be forgotten that even toons and doodles hold depth in meaning and messaging.
Social and political cartoons hold a heavy weight, even in a light-hearted square in the Sunday paper funnies.
I like my work to ride the line of both realms because the colors, smiles and wide eyes pull you in! And yes they’re still very open to interpretation but there is a mess of inspirational stories, feelings, and meanings powered through the works as well!
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My advice for finding a mentor and just overall networking is, just get out there!
The best thing about art is, unlike other facets of creation… art is completely transparent.
If you make something, even if you feel like it’s wildly weird, different or far out… there’s a 99.9% chance that you will and can find a community who is just as passionate about it, down for it as your are, and creating/supporting it!
And it’s in those spaces and places, that you will connect with some real hearts! From folks just starting out, to the powerfully experienced.
They’re all out here in this art realm! And more times than not, someone is down to help, give words, and support!
You may even find yourself being a mentor to a new creative or group! And in that, you can find some self-mentorship and growth just in trying to be a good example for another!
That’s what I’ve found for me on my journey so far! Engaging with art forums online & through hashtags helped me build my inner circle.
While meeting up at local galleries, events, and shows has truly gifted me a ton of real-time mentors and channels of groups to connect, learn and grow with!
So don’t be afraid! Share your work, heart and energy! And all you need will come and follow!
Contact Info:
- Website: Gutterdoodles.com
- Instagram: @gutterdoodles
- Facebook: Gutterdoodles
- Twitter: @gutterdoodlez
