The Digest | New Jersey Magazine
Issue link: https://magazines.vuenj.com/i/1513959
at is, except for his cheeky custom colors. With names like "Pink Cocaine," "Malibu," and "Albondigas," Gondek's work in custom colors is derived from his background as a freelance illustrator. "Digital colors can get exactly what you want. Early on, the colors I wanted weren't available." So, he made–and continues to–make his own. Will a custom paint collection be down the line? Maybe, he replies. A trailblazer in his own right, Gondek branched out on his own this past year aer spending the past 7-8 years working with galleries. He has found the experience "quite liberating" and while he is quick to state the advantages of having the backing of a gallery, he believes there is a "shi in the art community" and that galleries will need to make necessary changes to grow with the changing times. One way that Gondek continues to push forward progress in the art world is with his five year old podcast, "Clean Break." He shares, "when I first moved to California, I found it so hard to break into the art community. More successful artists kept their cards close to their chests. As I was spending time with different artists and having these emerging conversations, I decided to record them." His own questions and struggles around breaking into the art scene drove the motivation behind the podcast, which sees Gondek "dealing with the business of the art world." It is his hope that the "Clean Break" podcast will show "there is no real blueprint, but here is how to be a successful artist" from the advice and insight of those who have gone before. With a new year rising, Gondek looks forward to the release of new pieces, more podcast episodes, and states that his hope for the future is "to stay the course." Aer a decade in the art world, he reflects on his journey up until now. "When I first became successful, I was always afraid of it going away," he admits. But now, he has some sage advice, applicable to many across a spectrum of careers and interests. "You have to remember to not compare yourself to other people. No matter where you are, you should be sharing your work. Be vocal. Open your mouths, share, make stuff every day." For more information and to shop his works, visit www.mattgondek.com. VUE ON | ARTISTS 60 VUENJ.COM