Times of Youth: For those who don’t know about you and your work, can you tell us a little about yourself?
Mathshak: I’m Mathshak. I’m 31 years old and a self-taught artist. I was born in France but now reside in Canada (Montreal) from the past three years. Since my early years, I always loved drawing for my own pleasure. I used to draw everywhere, all the time, especially on my school’s desk! Then one day, I managed to create my own drawing style after years of research and hardship. A drawing style that reflects who I am.
Times of Youth: How would you describe your work to someone who has never known about it?
Mathshak: I created my own concept that I called “gas bubbles”, by drawing circles or half circles with a dot inside, using a ultra-fine point’s marker. I work a lot on bright colors. My work requires a lot of patience and attention to details and precision. As a source of inspiration, I listen to a lot of music, creating without the fear of falling asleep! (That’s probably the reason that most of the times, people find my paintings creative and original.)
Times of Youth: What sparked your initial interest in arts?
Mathshak: What triggered my interest in the arts was my passion for graphic design. I always felt that I had to leave a trace of myself in my lifetime. I’ve always wondered, ” what will remain of me if I were to disappear tomorrow?” So I started creating my first, my second and then many more creations aimlessly, but only in the sense of leaving something behind me. There are some who would make movies, create music or produce plays at the theater, but for me it is my drawings. (It’s been growing and evolving and as I grew a passion for Art, my wife also dragged me to many museums all over the world!!!)
Times of Youth: At what age did you start doing all this work? Has your family always been supportive of this choice of career?
Mathshak: I really started to get involved in my art in my early 20’s. One day, I went for my first job, as a clerk for a outgoing calls office. 45 minutes later, I went to my manager and said to him “I don’t want to be part of your scam.” That day, I decided to fully involved myself in what I truly loved. Regarding my family, it’s clear that at the beginning it was a bit difficult because no one understood the investment, they were skeptical, but thankfully everything came in order.
Times of Youth: If not this, what else would you have taken up as your 2nd career of choice and why?
Mathshak: So for now, by not making a living of my art, my next career choice is my reality! I’m creating my “gas bubble” art in my spare time. As soon as I have an hour to spare, I scribble sketches and try to inspire myself. Sometimes, inspirations just comes to my mind at workplace and when my boss would be talking to me. I try to keep my inspiration alive and as soon as I have a chance, I create my sketches on a piece of paper. (My real choice of course would be to live my true passion)
Times of Youth: Do tell us how has your experience has been in your current field so far.
Mathshak: So far its been a great experience. People love my work for it’s originality. It’s amazing how people have supported me since the beginning. On my Facebook page (mathshak art), I have a lot of fans who like and comment on my work since many years. So when they appreciate my work, it motivates me even more. I love sharing my work with them as they inspire me tremendously.
Times of Youth: On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate yourself as an artist, honestly?
Mathshak: If I had to position myself on a scale of 1 to 10, I would honestly rate myself at the eight level. It’s hard for me to consider myself as a true artist because I always had a part of me who reminded me to keep my feet on the ground. I feel I have an artistic sensibility and it’s expressed in different ways. The day I will fully live my “gas bubble” art maybe then I will be able to give myself a higher rating closer to a 10.
Times of Youth: Which of your projects are you most proud of and why?
Mathshak: Like a parent’s love for his children, I do not have a favorite one, but if I had to pick one, it would be a drawing I created at a certain time in my personal life. The painting is “Jack and Jacques” which you see here.
Times of Youth: Where do you see yourself in next 5 years?
Mathshak: In 5 years, I still see myself in Montreal but with a little more artistic visibility. The nerve of war in Art is visibility, so I hope that in 5 years, I will be even more visible. Besides, I took the opportunity to thank Youth Time Magazine for this interview.
Times of Youth:What is one question nobody has ever asked you— that you wish they asked you?
Mathshak: Why my nickname is Mathshak?
Times of Youth: Any message to your fans or followers via TIMES OF YOUTH?
Mathshak: A huge thank you to all those who follow me from the beginning, and to those who are supporting me currently. Thank you also to all who believe in my talent, forcing me to continue. Your support has warmed my heart.
Times of Youth: Do tell us how fans can contact you to share their appreciation/feedback/suggestions.
Mathshak: You can contact or follow me on facebook page: http://www.facebook/Mathshakart
Feel free to leave me comments and I will response to all your questions! You can also join my website : http://mathshak.wix.com/mathshak
It will be my pleasure to see you on my page!
Thanks to all of you!
