Monster Masks: A Lompoc artist leans into the creep factor with the help of a 3D pen and his love of characters

You know that friend who’s always game for a little spooky fun, even in the middle of spring? That’s Lompoc artist Joe Cerny. According to the *Santa Maria Sun*, Cerny is crafting seriously creepy masks using a 3D pen and his deep love for character design—think monsters that look like they crawled straight out of a midnight movie. He’s been showing his work at the Lompoc Art Walks, and honestly, it’s the kind of local creativity that makes our corner of the 805 so special. It’s not every day you see art that’s both high-tech and delightfully eerie.

What really caught my eye, though, is Cerny’s attitude. He told the *Sun* he’s “so over” being scared of trying new things that might flop. That’s a message that hits home for so many of us here in Santa Maria—whether you’re a farmer trying a new crop, a small business owner rolling the dice, or just someone thinking about picking up a hobby. If you’re heading up to Lompoc for the next Art Walk, keep an eye out for his booth. And if you see him, tell him a neighbor from down the 101 says: keep making the weird stuff. It matters.