Get inspired to get sculptural with paint by Canadian artist, Dason Luo (@heyitsdason). He’s a pro at creating 3D food paintings that look so good you’ll want to eat them! He answered loads of questions below, so check it out to get to know him better.
What’s a creative project you’ve done that you weren’t sure how it would turn out?
Definitely Ponyo’s Ramen, the first episode of my animated food series. Initially, I thought it would be just another video with the usual level of engagement—but it turned out to be anything but ordinary. The episode went viral, garnering millions of views across all platforms. Viewers were so captivated by the texture, vibrant colours, and kawaii charm, that every episode afterward received the same overwhelming response and enthusiasm.
How do you come up with creative ideas?
My ideas come to me subconsciously—I don’t usually sit down and sketch directly from my imagination. Instead, I find inspiration during my fun time by watching my favourite food and art creators and exploring whatever catches my eye on my feed. Once an idea sparks, I add it to my to-do list and let it simmer. When it’s time to create, I dive into Google to research and further develop the concept, shaping it into something unique.
When was the last time you had a buzz after you created something?
The last time I felt a creative buzz was when I tried using silicone moulds to create 3D objects. Moulds completely expanded the possibilities of incorporating dimension into my work. Since paint and modelling paste are traditionally used in a 2D context, moulds allowed me to create life-like 3D objects, such as waffles and tarts.
Around the same time, I also experimented with a brush to shape boiled eggs. It might sound trivial, but it was truly life changing. This technique made sculpting significantly easier and faster, allowing me to create smooth, refined surfaces with much greater efficiency.
We know you’re into texture painting and food-inspired creations! What draws you to this kind of art?
I’ve explored various art forms like abstract, landscape, illustration, and pop art, but I never found consistent enjoyment in them. More often than not, I’d hit a creative block, feeling uninspired and bored with my style. Then, I discovered food art and content creation, and it completely transformed my artistic journey. It opened up endless possibilities, allowing me to create series that not only excite me but also resonate with my followers. Using paint as a 3D medium adds an extra layer of challenge—and that’s something I love. I never know if something will work or how it will turn out.
What would you do if you had infinite time and money?
If I had infinite time and money, I’d dive into every possible form of creative expression—even ones I might already know I wouldn’t enjoy. I love experiencing and learning new things, and I find exploration incredibly valuable. It’s through trying different forms of art that you discover what you truly enjoy and excel at. Plus, the skills and lessons you pick up along the way often enrich both your creative journey and practice.
What’s a creative habit you had to unlearn?
A habit I had to unlearn was rushing through the early stages of a project. When I have a painting idea, my instinct is to dive straight into creating it. While this often works out well, there are times when the final result doesn’t meet my expectations. To address this, I’ve started dedicating more time to ideating and sketching. For large projects, I now make detailed plans before beginning the final piece, which ensures the outcome is what I wanted.
If you had no time frame, what would you love to create?
This is a tricky question. I usually don’t spend a lot of time on the actual painting—most pieces take only a few hours. However, if I had no time frame, I’d love to create 3D-painted tables complete with full dishes, drinks, and cutlery. It would require countless hours of sculpting life-sized objects and even more time for drying, but the result would be worth it! I imagine this would be displayed in a gallery, where people could walk around in awe of the diverse arrangement of realistic-looking food.
What time period or decade would you go back to for creative inspiration?
I don’t often draw direct inspiration from past art movements, but when I hit a creative block, I’d definitely turn to the 1950s and 60s pop art. The vibrant colours, iconic subjects, and bold imagery are incredibly inspiring.
How does being a social media artist influence what you make?
A lot of the time, I have to create art that performs well on social media. As both an artist and a creator, finding a balance between what I want to create and what my audience wants is essential for thriving online. Luckily for me, 9 times out of 10, the art I put out into the world resonates with both me and my audience.
If you could only use 3 paint shades for the rest of time, what shades would you pick?
This is a tough one. I love color and always enjoy exploring new combinations, but if I had to choose three shades for the rest of time, they would be Cerulean blue, forest green, and golden yellow. These are three of my favorite colors, and I incorporate them into almost every one of my paintings, whether through mixing with other pigments or directly from the palette.
Okay, now we’re hungry! Jokes aside, Dason has taught us that it’s so worth experimenting with different mediums and styles. That being said, what’s your next project gonna be?
See more about @heyitsdason by checking out our gallery, where his art journey is featured. Stock up on 3D art supplies like Modelling Paste, Impasto, Sand Texture Medium, and Acrylic Paint to have a go at making tasty creations! If you feel inspired to make something, #montmarteart or tag us @montmarteart on Instagram or Facebook. We’d love to see what you come up with.
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