Pop Art Goes 3D

I am a fan of many things. While John Waters maybe on top of that list, I also adore other things. For instance, I love pop art. I am a huge Warhol fan and I love reading about The factory, Brigid Berlin, Edie Sedgwick, and Billy Name. Recently I came across an amazing artist that specializes in 3D pop art. His pieces are amazing to say the least. He really takes pride in his work and pays careful attention to detail while not overdoing it. The artists name is Joshua Zaitz and he is the Etsy shop owner of Popsic Art. Joshua is one of the may talented people that I have met through The Etsy Massacre.

I recently chatted with Joshua and here is what I learned about him!

Some basic info:

My name is Joshua Zaitz and for a little over six years now I have been creating whimsical 3D pop art of musicians, celebrities, iconic images and famous places.

I am happily married to my wife Coleen. We live in New Jersey. When I'm not creating artwork I am a grant write for the Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs.

1. What kind of art do you make and sell on Etsy?

I create whimsical 3D pop art of musicians, celebrities, iconic images and famous places.

The artwork features vibrant colors and fun themes.

2. How long have you been creating these pieces?

A little over 6 years

3. Where do you get your inspiration from?

I love colorful pop artwork. I get my inspiration from products you can find everywhere (Dunkin Donuts, Coca-Cola). I'm also a huge movie and music fan. I love creating artwork of some of my favorite musicians and movies. I guess you can say I draw my inspiration from everything pop culture.

4. How would you describe your process?

Each piece of art offers viewers a unique 3-D experience.

Hand-cut pieces are glued layer by layer to the background picture.

Since every piece of artwork I create is hand-cut, constructed and embellished differently, collectors of my artwork each receive a unique piece of art.

5. What is your favorite piece currently for sale in your shop and why?

It's so, so hard to choose. Each piece I like in it's own, unique way. But here are some of my current favorites:

                                                                     Twilight Zone

                                                                     Frankenberry

                                                                      Jerry Garcia


6. Are you working on anything new that you would like to share?

Continuing on my love of everything pop culture -- and my new found love for breakfast cereals -- I've recently started to created 3D pop art pieces based on breakfast cereal mascots. So far I've completed Frankenberry, Boo Berry and Count Chocula.

Check out this section in his shop!

I hope to have some others completed soon. Certainly Captain Crunch would be on the top of my list.

7. What advice would you give to a new seller on Etsy?

Etsy is a fantastic market place for selling artwork. As of now, I honestly feel Etsy is the best option for handmade selling on the internet. Sure the site has its pros and cons -- as do most things in life -- but new sellers should just hang in there. It took my months to make my first sale.

8. Do you do custom work? Like if someone were to ask for a piece featuring an image of Divine from Pink Flamingos? hint hint.... ;)

One of my favorite things to create is custom artwork. I adore making 3D pop artwork of newlyweds, couples and families.
Check out this section in his shop!

9. Since you are apart of the Etsy Massacre Team, what is your favorite horror movie?

There are so many horror movies I love. But off the top of my head some of my favorites are the original A Nightmare on Elm Street, Human Centipede, Hostel, and Dawn of the Dead (2004). I'm sure I'm forgetting a few. If I had to choose an absolut favorite I guess I'd have to go with The Shining.

Folks can also find me and my artwork on the following websites:

Website: www.PopsicArt.com
Blog: popsicart.blogspot.com/
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/popsic.art