When and how did you realize McCarty Photoworks was the path for you?
Honestly, having my own studio was always the path. It just took a few years of working for various companies to build my confidence and skill set. In early 2003, everything just clicked, and I finally took a leap of faith. To look back now, I couldn’t imagine any other path. The life I’ve chosen can be challenging at times, but it’s also more rewarding than anything else I’ve ever done.

HOW DO YOU CREATE OR AQUIRE TOYS THAT ARE EXCLUSIVLY USED AS SUBJECTS?
To date, the toys I’ve shot aren’t exclusive subjects. The beauty is that they are plastic and plush works of art, made by a variety of brilliant designers. Anyone can buy them. I’m extremely fortunate and honored to have
close relationships with many artists and art-toy companies. All but a few of my photos involve direct collaboration, even if that’s just having a toy sent along with character information.

As for toys that are exclusive subjects, that’s the next chapter. I’m working on a new fine art series that’s going to have characters designed and built specifically for the it. I’m then going to shoot for several
months, documenting the reality of the characters’ imagined world. This probably won’t come as a surprise, but it’s an enormously expensive endeavor. I’ve had some generous support thus far, but I anticipate another
six months to a year of fundraising before the project fully gets off the ground.

HAS THERE BEEN A TOY THAT REALLY TESTED AND PUSHED YOUR ABILITIES?
Every setup is so different that it’s hard to say. There are a lot of things that factor into what makes a shoot challenging or relatively easy, such as location and weather. The toy can add to the frustration though.

Ashley Wood’s “Bertie the World War Robot” stands out in recent memory. I was given a prototype to shoot, and the accessories were made of solid resin. The joints were a little loose to begin with, and the added weight
made it impossible for him to hold a pose. Normally, I’d use a wax adhesive to shore it up, but it was worthless in the heat of Death Valley. So in the moments before taking an exposure, Bertie would randomly decide to throw down his rocket launcher. It took a good ten minutes to erase the marks in the sand and re-position him. This happened a couple of times.

I NOTICE A LOT OF YOUR WORK IS SET IN THE OUTDOORS…
Just about all of it these days is shot on location, so much so that my “studio” is a home office. On the rare occasion that I’m shooting on a set, I rent a space.

Studio work was almost all that I did back in art school, and I still enjoy the control a set offers. But it’s hard to compare to the act of discovery that happens on location. The photo is more of a reaction to and blending of
realities.

WHAT CAMERA DO YOU PREFER TO WORK WITH?
It depends on the shoot and location. If it’s practical, I’ll use a medium format or 4×5 camera plus digital back. Both involve a fair amount of setup time and ideal conditions. More often than not, I’ll go with a digital SLR
and tilt-shift lens. It gives a lot of flexibility to take the camera into some harsh environments and extreme angles.

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR 2009?
The biggest goal is the release of my first book being published by Baby Tattoo. It was originally set to debut in July, but it’s been pushed back to accommodate some really cool developments. Not spilling the beans just yet, but I’m insanely psyched about who’s writing the introduction.

I’m also excited to start working on the new fine art project I mentioned. It’s been years in the making, and I’ve devoted a lot of myself to getting it made.

DO YOU FEEL THE RECENT POPULARITY OF RESIN TOYS WILL BRING BACK LOCALIZATION OF TOYS?
It’s never gone away on the art-toy level. A successful piece will always reflect the artist and in turn the culture perspective they have. Zoveck is a great example in Mexico of designers that really pull from a local identity.

ON THE MAINSTREAM SIDE OF THINGS, WHICH STAR WARS CHARACTER WOULD YOU LIKE  TO WORK WITH?
I immediately had visions of Yoda giving me shit for bitching about carrying heavy gear. I could be as whiny as Luke sans the force.

WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE ARTISTS?
My super political yet true answer is that my favorite artists are the ones I   get to work with. I don’t want to collaborate with anyone that I don’t admire.

WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO COLLABORATE WITH?
Hmm, that’s a tough one. There’s a big list. Towards the top is KAWS.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SNEAKER/SHOE BRAND?
I spend most of my time in super comfy, indestructible work shoes like KEEN’s, but given the opportunity I gravitate towards PUMA’s or classic PF Flyers. Really though, I don’t have a favorite. There is so much insanely cool shoe design happening right now. It’s a treat when toys and shoes
combine.

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE SUPER HERO?
Hong Kong Phooey!!!

FAVORITE COUNTRY TO VISIT?
I’m dying to get over to Japan and Hong Kong, but then Europe calls to me as well. I lived and worked in Italy for a little while, and I’d love to get back there and be a tourist.

MUSIC TO LIVE BY?
There might be too much to list. I’ve got really random tastes from Paul Simon to The Pixies. I love it all though. Let’s see what the next five songs are on iTunes…

1. Sister Morphine – Rolling Stones
2. Break-A-Way – Irma Thomas
3. Johnny Was – Stiff Little Fingers
4. Never Going Back Again – Fleetwood Mac
5. Sprite – Freezepop

THANK YOU, FOR THE INTERVIEW AND YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO ART TOYS!
Thank you again!!  It’s been a real pleasure!!

Keep up with Brian McCarty and McCarty Photoworks at brianmccarty.com & mccartyphotoworks.com