I was introduced to Matthew Waldman, the founder of NOOKA by Janne Kyttanen (a pioneer of 3D printing, whose studio, Freedom of Creation, I shot previously for Where They Create). NOOKA is a future-centric watch company who design alternative ways of telling time. Matthew is a true Japanophile, and he connected me to a lot of the interesting artists that I met in Japan. Many of the toys and objects in his studio came from the time that he spent there.
WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT I WOULD BE SURPRISED TO FIND IN YOUR SPACE?
The 190cm tall Gigantor / Tetsujin#28 figure seems to be the thing that surprises and delights visitors. I got him in Japan in the 1990s!
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL WORKSPACE IN THREE WORDS…
Light-filled, open, stimulating.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF IN THE SPACE?
I have a pretty awesome collection of design related books, designer toys [urban vinyl] and art.
WHAT CAN YOU SEE OUTSIDE YOUR WINDOWS?
The Chrysler building!
WHAT THEMES DO YOU PURSUE IN YOUR WORK?
Universal language, monoculture, linguistics of form and design, and technoprogressivism.
WHAT IS YOUR DREAM PROJECT?
To work on creating a synthetic global language would be one. Getting acquired by a huge multinational company and taking NOOKA to the next level is another.
FAVOURITE SONG/BAND WHILE WORKING?
I’m OBSESSED with always having new music to listen to. from this past year, I’d have to say my favorite band to listen to and work are the PAINTED PALMS of San Francisco. I also highly recommend seeing their live show, awesome! But generally, electronica and synthpop are my go-to.
WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN AND FROM WHOM?
I was told a Buddhist quote by a famous illustrator friend: misery is easy, happiness is hard work.
WHAT IS YOUR MOST IMPORTANT ARTIST’S TOOL?
An open mind.
WHAT MINDSET/MOOD DO YOU MAKE YOUR BEST ART/WORK?
When I’m in motion.
WHEN YOU DAYDREAM IN YOUR SPACE AND JUST LOSE YOURSELF IN THOUGHT, WHAT ARE YOU THINKING OR WORRYING ABOUT?
I worry that technology won’t progress fast enough to return me to a younger physical body and grant immortality. I daydream of meeting aliens from other worlds.
www.nooka.com
Where They’ is a visual documentation of the creative environments of artist & people, that meet during my travels, of homes and studios.
Subscribe to my email newsletter full of inspiring stories about my journey that continues.