Read the full interview in issue three.

Named one of the 100 most creative people in entertainment; artist, painter, toy designer and TV/movie producer Gary Baseman is a serious force in the art world.  His work appeals to adults, children and all those in between leaving much interpretation to the imagination.  Humorous, playful and dark on occasion you just never really know what to expect when taking in his iconic images. So, you can understand why we were stoked to get a few minutes of busy Mr. Baseman’s mind.

How would you describe your work?

My work is all about desire. Desire, longing, lust,  and control or lack of control. I try to keep my art playful. And true. I love creating my own surreal work of iconic characters that play a role in understanding the human condition. I describe the overall art that I do as Pervasive Art. The definition of Pervasive Art is that as long as an artist stays true to their esthetic and has a strong message you can put your art on anything, and break down the walls of all media. You can create a painting, do an installation, do graffiti, produce a vinyl toy, fashion, products etc. Pervasive means that something is perceived everywhere and that is true with our art. It blurs the lines between fine art and commercial art…it is the art of our generation. It is everywhere art.

Did you have a defining moment in your career when you realized you made it as an artist?

I couldn’t say I had one defining moment.  I cannotremember a time in my life that I ever wanted to be anything but an artist. As a child, it was what defined me.  My father, working as an electrician would take me out on jobs with him, and I would have no interest in anything but my art. In fact, I was this precocious 7 year old who would tell his father when he tried to show me how to do some electrical work…”Dad, I’m an artist.” I am never comfortable in my position. As an artist, one needs to always grow and take risks. I do feel good having perspective on things. I guess I see events as milestones. Like my first cover to the NY Times book review. My first Time magazine illustration. My first TV commercial. My first New Yorker cover. My first animated pilot. My first Emmy Award. My first solo gallery show. I think you get the idea.

Your work is on everything from board games to lunch kits; I mean it’s really not an uncommon occurrence to see someone walking around with some Baseman art on it. When did you first decide to put your art out commercially, and was it something you had to think about?

I always wanted to take over the world, but only if I could take over the world with good and smart art.  I seem to work backwards. Start very legit by working with very prestigious commercial publications and work my way down to the gutter. I love the challenge of conquering new media. But actually, I just love to create and surprise myself with what I do.

Are there any other products you would like to see your work displayed on?

I want to produce anything that feels right. Like chandeliers. Furniture. Clothing. Virtual worlds. Real world towns. Homes. Amusement parks. Condoms. Wine. Anything that is right. And a few that are wrong.

How did you get involved in the vinyl toy craze?

Well, I collected old toys, especially composition toys and mannequin heads and hands for years. I was going to Japan with my friends, Mark Ryden and Tim Biskup. We collaborated on a series of paintings for a show. And when we were there, I was introduced to the folks at Sony Creative and started the first Dunce Series. I also met Conor Libby of Critterbox one year and loved what he was doing.

Your Disney series, Teachers Pet, was really successful, even brought you a couple of Emmys; any thoughts of pursuing another animated series?

Actually, three Emmys but who is counting. I do want to experiment with animation someday. All in the right time. I feel many of my painting shows may find new life as a moving animated character.

What is a typical day for you?

I don’t have a typical day…okay, if I am in LA, I wake up and go online to handle any initial business. Then, I love to go to breakfast to start. During breakfast, I will sketch. Then come back to the studio to paint or take meetings. I seem to be traveling a lot. Actually, while I am doing this interview, I am in Rio. I flew to Sao Paulo to be in a group show that my NYC gallery, Jonathan Levine curated. I have done speaking engagements and exhibitions this last year in Sweden, Taiwan, Ireland, Barcelona, Brazil, Norway, all over the US and Canada. This year I am supposed to go to Australia, London, Chile, Russia, and Mexico. I hope.

How long does it take to complete an average piece of art?

I don’t know. I usually am working on many at a time. Maybe a week. Smaller pieces less.

What are you working on now, and what can we expect to see in the future?

I am finishing up a new book based on my solo SF Show, I Melt in your Presence. The book will be called Dying of Thirst. It will be filled with my nymphs and their imaginary best friends. My Venison book is out now. I have some new Hotchachacha devils coming out. The long awaited Pink version with the most amazing pink box and we are working on small versions of him too. Hotchachacha is a little devil that deflowers angels by stealing their halos. I am also trying to turn my new ChouChou character into a figure somehow. ChouChous take all the girls negative energy and hate, abosorbs it, and oozes it out as creamy gooey love.

Any advice for any aspiring illustrators out there?

My best advice is good luck. Develop a thick skin when you show your work, but have an open heart to find your personal voice.

www.garybaseman.com