Q n A with Maxwell McMaster

There is a sentiment that is emblematic of the Portugeuse disposition known the worldover as saudade: a deep feeling of longing; a profound nostalgia for a moment that is still present. While certainly a product of the Golden State, Maxwell McMaster’s work harkens something familiar, gentle, and nostalgia inducing with his pastel-hued scenes. Much like saudade, the Sac-Town born, LA-based artist invites viewers to revel in that feeling using airbrush-techniques (previously reserved for beachy, vacation mementos), refined and updated with soft, minimal iconography that transcends generational and visual boundaries. For his upcoming solo exhibition, “Windows,” we get an interpersonal conversation between McMaster and his work, expanding on his innermost memories while slowing down as the world is rapidly changing outside his studio.

Interview by L. Herrada-Rios

Q & A edited for clarity.

For your new solo exhibition, "Windows," you are bringing in sentimental elements into your already contemplative and serene style. What themes are you excited to be exploring for this show? Anything new or unfamiliar?

I'm thinking of the pieces as glances into my world, taking elements of my past, mostly, and painting them in a sentimental way.  The exciting thing is the sharing of a more personal narrative.  It's always in my work, although not as directly.  I'm also excited to work on some larger scale installation stuff for this show.

How has the current COVID-19 shelter-in-place ordinance affected your workflow if at all? Has it changed your relation to your work?

The Covid situation has had an enormous effect on my work.  It's allowed me to reset and reflect on the past few years and given me time to think about how I'd like to work moving forward and setting intentions for the future.  It's also helped me focus and be more present, especially with everything that's been happening on top of the already tough situation. It requires more strength and discipline to maintain focus. It's helped myself and I'm sure others out there to grow in ways we might not have otherwise. It's been humbling, to say the least.

You come from a music-oriented household, have you ever played music yourself? What have you been listening to while working on pieces for "Windows"?

I do! My dad is a musician and would sing and play guitar regularly.  He would play records for hours and was always buying up to date albums.  In the 90's, I was super into hip-hop. I was in a band called Who Cares. We had some amazing opportunities and opened for some of our heroes: Slick Rick, Hieroglyphics, The Pharcyde, Acyalone to name a few.  I still play music and still love it.  In the studio, I listen to mostly older soul, funk, jazz, and reggae.  

You've worked with installations and sculptures in the past and you mentioned that you are looking to do more of that as your career progresses. Is there any other art discipline that you would like to explore within your practice?

I really enjoy installation work. It feels more real. It's just about creating an experience and expressing oneself.  It's somehow liberating.

"Windows" will be a precursor to your curated show at First Amendment, "Connections," that will be opening up October 24th and will showcase works from peers, friends, and other connections you've collected throughout your career. In preparing for that show, I'm sure a lot of old memories

got conjured up with yourself as well as with the participating artists. Are there any valuable insights you would give your younger self if you had the opportunity and are there any major highlights from your time building your art community?

I think the most important piece of advice I would give myself is to be patient and not be so hard on yourself.  I continue to give myself this advice haha.  The difference is now I know from personal experience.  Also don't get hung up on what others are doing it's never about them in the end it's about you and what you want to express/do with your art.  As for my community, it's always about love at the end of the day some people just have love for you and are down for you and what you do and that's the most valuable thing: much more important than any of the accomplishments you could ever achieve. It's an honor to be in a position to give some of my community friends and extended family an opportunity like this. Everyone in the show has given me a boost in some way along my journey and for that I'm forever grateful. 

First Amendment would like to thank Maxwell McMaster for expanding on his upcoming exhibitions and look forward to opening “Windows” Saturday September 19th and “Connections” on October 24th. Viewing of “Windows” will start from noon to 7pm on September 19th and will be by appointment only through the month of October. To schedule a 30-minute appointment or for more information on available works, please email daniel@1amsf.com.