Although Gumballhead is a prominent figure in many of your pieces, he's not the only subject. Can you speak about some of your pieces unrelated to Gumballhead?
The Gumballhead the Cat paintings, as well as the comics, are commentary on the myth of freedom and an abstract of the endless grinding struggle of life. They're a lot less funny when you look at 'em that way.
The Stanley Roberts paintings are just me ripping off Cindy Sherman's Untitled Film Stills. Stanley has witnessed some sort of crime or wrongdoing, and the series goes on with him reacting to various aspects of what has occurred: Stan following someone, or being followed, or simply being paranoid about what has happened. I also paint brightly colored naked women on thrift store finds, because I love bright colors.
How does your approach to art differ from piece to piece? Do you set guidelines or rules for yourself when working on different paintings or comics?
I approach all my painting the same. I don't use black, white or brown in my work, which often leaves Gumballhead's cigarette looking like a crayon. I try to stay away from pop-culture references. I got asked by so many people to do a Dr. Who themed painting that I overrode my anti-pop-culture reference stance and did a painting based on Law & Order. Because if I'm going to do a painting based on a goddamn TV show, it's gonna be on one I fucking watch!
Is there an overarching narrative between Gumballhead stories?
Yes there is. I plan on starting up a webcomic one of these days, and the stories will be wound together there.
How do you feel about Gumball the cat, the main character of Cartoon Network's The Amazing World of Gumball? Do you feel cheated out of well-deserved royalties?
What am I, Walt fucking Disney? There's no way in hell I'm going to get uptight over a kids show, especially one so well made. If Gumball grows up, turns yellow, gets a round head, starts smoking and drinking, and gets into fist fights all the time, then I'll be upset. The only thing I don't like about that show is that it's never on when I can watch it.
So you're a fan of Gumball? What other modern cartoons, if any, are worth watching?
What am I, the fucking TV Guide? Look for yourself.
Can you tell us a little more about what to expect at this week's art show? Also, why St. Charles?
EXPECT TO BE DAZZLED BY MY DELIGHTFUL ARTWORK! Or delighted by my dazzling artwork, or some shit like that.
Why St. Charles? Is that what you just said? Why St. Charles? I'LL SHOW YOU WHY SAINT MOTHERFUCKING CHARLES YOU FUCKING CANDY ASSED TWERP!
The BLASPHEMOUS CARTOONIST MUST BE HANGED show! Art by ROB SYERS October 2 - 4 The Old Millstream Inn 912 South Main Street St. Charles 63301 4 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Follow artist Rob Syers through Gumballhead's Facebook or Twitter page.
