Today I'm pleased to bring you an interview from a great artist and member, here is the second installment of the CTU's interview series...

Presenting the CTU's Dirty Dozen featuring: TroyStith



1. What name do you go by and why?
I go by my real name, but my blog and shop name Gorilla Mouth was born out of nowhere and I just got a cool mental image in my head when I heard it.

2. Why did you get into custom toy making?
I actually got into toy making when I was looking for a creative outlet outside of writing. I picked up a box of super sculpey and got to work. That's how the Lil' Luchas were born. From there I taught myself how to mold and cast resin toys. I started doing customs after that.



3. What influences / motivates your work the most?
Nature, crusty corroded metal, machinery, anything that pleases my eye really. It all starts with a spark of an idea and I go from there.

4. What is your favorite platform to work with?
I guess I should say anything KR since that's what most of my customs are built on.

5. What tools of the trade do you use?
Super Sculpey, Citadel & Vallejo acrylics, Montana sprays, resin, lots of flock, tons of glue, sculpting tools, random bits found here and there. Anything that will work with the project I'm doing.

6. Do you have any formal arts training?
Nope.



7.What other artistic mediums do you dabble in?
I'm starting to get into stencils.

8. Who are your favorite artists?
Jean Michael Basquiat, Caravaggio, Kris Kuksi, too many toy artists to name, and a whole lot more.

9.Who or what pieces do you collect?
I don't really collect actually, if I see a piece that catches my eye then I'll probably pick it up. My first vinyl was the Madvillain piece that KR did with Stonesthrow.

10. What piece of work are you most proud of?
I would have to say "Fall of Toy", it was the first custom I did with the base look
I'm using all of the time now and my first real adventure into the nature look.



11.Do you have any shows or exhibitions in the works?
I'll have two custom baby qees in the Toy2R Anniversary show at Rivet Gallery starting April 3rd. I'll be in attendance if any locals are coming out.

I'll also be in another show in April, but I can't announce that one yet

12. Do you take commissions?
Sure do. Anyone that's interested can email me at troystith@hotmail.com

The Custom Toy Union would like to thank TroyStith for his time and for sharing his work with us.

You can see more of Troy's work here:
Blog: http://www.gorillamouth.com
Shop: http://gorillamouth.bigcartel.com/

very inventive work!

i cant even begin to think of something to say i am just so blown away by these, they are absolutely incredible and simply stunning.

I love your customs. Thanks for taking the time to let us get to know you a little better.

Your work is truly innovative in the custom scene. What a big difference from writing

really love that fall of toy! you are very good on your style!

Thanks everyone! I'm really happy to be apart of this forum, so much great talent around here.

Great work Troy! I am fighting off buying your fall of toy...it is amazing
I look forward to seeing more work from you.
Jeta(legendarycustoms)

Thanks JETA He's still in my shop

Just thought I'd bump the interview. It is Troy teaser day

can't wait to see your BB Dunny

Love that stone Qee!

Thanks man! I did a prequel to it called Birth of Toy, it's on here and in my shop if you want to check it out.

great stuff man, Def. one of my favorite artist... also Dig the fact you just picked it up from nowhere and it stuck ever since...

Thanks man I really appreciate that! I guess that's how it happens sometimes. Believe me, I would of never guessed haha.