My interview with Mazemaster David Anson Russo was conducted at his home on Maui, Hawaii, in December of 1995. I met with him in his studio and was surprised to find every square inch of each wall covered with mazes and other creations. The amount of work this prolific artist has produced is nothing like I have ever seen. Russo has claimed to have created over one thousand mazes in the last six years.

As I sat amongst books of Maxfield Parish, Escher, Picasso, and every type of reference book known, I can see that Mr. Russo is a stickler for research and detail. His studio is reminiscent of some backroom at an old reference library with stacks of books in use, paper, paints, and five or six projects being created simultaneously. The complexity of his studio's interior is surrounded by the serene backdrop of the mountains, ocean, and swaying palm trees of the Hawaiian Islands.

My interview started with Mr. Russo showing me a video of a recent demonstration where he created a wall size maze in under six minutes. It was mesmerizing to say the least.

Jamie Kole

Q: Do you remember how old you were when you first saw a maze and what your reaction was to seeing it?

A: I don't really remember the first time. I do recall seeing designs from all over the world like decorations on the walls of mosques in the Middle East or the Celtic designs on tombstones and in books about Ireland and Scotland. My reaction was one of inventiveness. My only thoughts were how could I take these designs and create something from them, like a maze.

Q: How old were you when you realized you had this extraordinary ability to create mazes?

A: I was in my early twenties when I created a few mazes. I really enjoyed it. Ability comes from a passion and love for the task at hand.

Q: Has anyone ever taught you how to make a maze?

A: .No, I learned on my own by trial and error.