One of the things I love about interviewing other artists is that it's not me in the hot seat having to answer questions. That and artists usually have some very insightful things to say if you give them a little space to say it- although most like their work to speak for themselves. John Gonzales is no exception but he agreed to an interview and I am glad because he is a really humorous guy and super  talented.
I had seen his work online and it was so clean and sharp I thought I was looking at computer generated graphics. It wasn't until I got to see  his work in real life that I discovered these were paintings, these were very detailed and how cool..he uses wood! He is also a master at the computer art, but let's get to the interview....

1. How long have you been creating art?

Well like most every artist I guess since I realized it came easy. I grew up skating so at an early age I learned to screen print and that opened the flood gates of the realization and ability to create anything I wanted with my hands. From there painting, sculpting, computer graphics, 3D modeling and concept design  were just easy tools to let my hands create what runs around in my head, trying to get out.

2. How have computers affected your art? (I.E. graphic technology, etc)

Computers are an AMAZING weapon that help wield this magic wand of power. The only down side is that they can dangerously give me more options and open a new avenue of ideas that get on my “to create“ list.
For inspiration, it's the greatest library i've ever known. Growing up without them, it was a struggle and treasure hunt to discover those odd gems of inspiration that tempt you to seek out danger. Now we live in such a wonderfully connected cyber society that lets me see and TALK TO some amazing people and artists, without which I never would have known about.
Stylistically, it’s so much fun to cross digital techniques with analogue style and vice versa so I for one welcome our electronic extensions. Being a 3D modeler and concept artist, it’s exciting to see where we are going and how else we get to express ourselves with new super secret robot technology being advanced every day.

3. Tell me about some of the symbology you use in your work, I notice there are a lot of girls, animals, skulls, broken hearts and tentacles...

In truth it’s all from dreams of some day having an electric heart….but this is a story for another time. Buy me a beer and give me your soul for an hour and I’ll tell you a story of a boy and a wolf in a dangerous land called DiabloTexas. Where broken hearted sasquatch battle cyclopsed gargantuans over the dum dum trees and the secret ghosts whisper songs to sleep by.
For now it’s just simple branding so you’ll never forget the tease of things to come. Creating these images are a selfish expression of things that I like and because these images have such an impact on my mind, I tend to use them over and over creating a predominate visual to help my desire to show you what I see.

4. How did you get into modding toys? (Modding is geek speak for "modifying")

I've always had a fascination with toys and models. Still to this day I have both all over my house and even just picked a new model kit of Big Daddy Roth's Beatnik Bandit, to build. Once I found out that artist I respected and admired were creating on vinyl platform toys, I just had to get in on that. The three dimensional appeal of bringing your 2 dimensional piece of work to such a different shape of canvas is too tempting to not explore or experiment with and lets you see something from so many different angles.

5. Who/What are some of your inspirations?

Music is the biggest influence and inspiration that regulates 90% of my actions. I wanted to name drop some great artists to impress you but I'll be honest about the work that comes from my musical daydreams.

6. What brought you to use the materials you use?

I've settled on acrylics by hand and anything digitally. Acrylics because it was just what I've always had around me so this question actually made me wonder why I haven't moved on to oils or some other medium. Ask me that question in a year and we'll see how I've challenged myself.
Digitally it's just what's hot at the moment. To stay ahead of the game you have to learn both nurbs and polygon modeling along with whatever digital paint program is updating their system to win your love.

7. What are some of the challenges you face as an artist?

I would have to say exposure is the greatest challenge so far. You can fill your closet all day long with art but if you want people to see it or buy it, you HAVE to be more active about your physical and internet presence in the art community.
And as much as social media is there to help that, it's gets tougher to get someone's attention within your 140 characters of fame. We're moving so fast, people simply retweet (reblog, repost, retc.) their favorite art of yours and it's up to us to grab them by the hand as they speed by to let them know they can own a piece of art and not forget you in their feed as they hit the refresh button. I have a cyber dream and you are always in it....refresh.

8. Favorite Mexican food?

Migas. No contest. I'm always on the hunt for a good plate. I'm extremely picky though and only two people have ever impressed me. My mother and my best friend.....but i'll gladly accept your challenge any day.

9. Upcoming shows, super John Gonzalez news, lay it on me

Actually there is no big explosion from DiabloTexas at the moment. After spending so much time working on expensive gallery pieces, I want to spend some time working on smaller, more affordable pieces. I'm going to make shirts, stickers, buttons, screen prints and smaller art so more people have a chance at owning something from me.
Oh, there are secret projects that I have planned...but it's so much more fun to just kiss you and let you THINK you're going home with me. Romancing you is half the magic.

Now check out John's work at his website   http://diablotexas.com  and that Migas challenge sounds real...who has the best Migas in town? Why does it feel like this summer has been one big Diablo Texas? When are we going to get some rain? All these questions and more can be answered if you stay tuned to my blog!