Maxwell Holyoke-Hirsch is an extremely rad artist. He’s also an extremely busy one, preparing for a solo show at the Fecal Face Gallery later this year. He was nice enough to take a lil’ break from painting and answer some questions.

Favorite cereal?

Lucky Charms.

What sparked your interest in art?

My parents, Bosch Blake and Lynda Barry.

I’ve read that you are a self trained artist. What do you think the benefits of not going to art school are?

You make some raw ass shit and nothing really matters. You can sleep in if you want, be where you want when you want. I still might go to school.

You’ve been involved in art exhibitions for the past couple years. Can you describe your first exhibition? What did it feel like the first time your art was in a gallery?

I was nervous, awkward and tremendously ecstatic. I remember distinctly saying to myself, I can do better then this, this is crap.

You’ve got your second solo exhibition slated for November at the Fecal Face Gallery. Can you tell us what you have in store for the show? Are we gonna see a lot of installations or more paintings?

I got a lot of interesting artwork planned, more paintings and installation stuff. Groundbreaking imagery

I love your collaborations with Yumi Okuda. How did these collaborations come about? What was it like working with Yumi?

Thanks, I asked her if she wanted to get down on some pieces for this tiny showcase show, she said yes so I got started on a handful of work to send to her and vice versa. It was fun and easy loose, she has a keen sense of form and shape, color too.

Your an illustrator and a fine artist. What’s it like working in both areas? Which one do you prefer more?

It’s hectic and action packed, its like juggling but with mediums and ideas. I love working in both areas equally.

Any advice for upcoming artists?

Lock yourself in your room for a year and draw everyday, then make a website and update like a crazy dog, make a few hundred zines too and send them to people you want your work and yourself around. Ignite the fire in your gut, do something about it.

What’s in store for the rest of 2009?

Ruining your sleep.

Posted in Interviews by Corey Thompson