Gustaf Rooth - Mary Fleener

Gustaf Rooth: Planet Rooth

Gustaf Rooth is a furniture designer and founder of North Park's monthly art walk, Ray at Night as well as owner of Planet Rooth Studios on Ray Street. Rooth arrived in San Diego with his family from Malmö, Sweden, when he was 8. After finishing high school here, he returned to Sweden, where he earned his bachelor's degree in industrial design from the University of Malmoe. He studied woodworking, manufacturing, metal fabrication, welding and business. Rooth became involved in Sweden's art world and also traveled extensively through Europe and Morocco. Eleven years after leaving San Diego, Rooth returned in 1999. He is immersed in creating furniture and curating art shows at Planet Rooth. He is most gratified by his role in giving artists a start by hosting their first show and supporting North Park's burgeoning art scene. Also noteworthy, Rooth helped the North Park Main Street business association secure grant money to repair sidewalks, plant trees and purchase benches and trash receptacles.

Question #1 What is your highlight Visual art experience from the last year?

#1 "On June 28th, this summer, I did a group show in Malmö, Sweden with 6 artists from 4 countries. Combining 5 different contrasting mediums, in a highly artisan friendly country highlighted my year within the visual arts. Meeting so many artists from different backgrounds, while all working together, only added to this highlight. Truly unique! Back at home we hold the second Saturday of each month Ray at Night, which hums with creative, ambling energy. More than 40 eclectic galleries, cafés and retail shops invite gatherings and conversation. With live music, dance and spoken-word performances, this vibrant scene attracts larger and larger crowds."

Question #2 What is your vision of the future of the Visual arts for San Diego?

#2 "Influential people need to be educated in the process of purchasing art, actively. That is, the people of SD need to not just be a part of the visual experience, they need to embrace it and make it a formal routine to support their favorite artisans by collecting, creating a cultural experience to enhance their lives as well as the artists with which they engage. I will continue to enhance the visual arts in SD by proactively making this point."