This website is about any and everything that sparks the creative genius in all of us. By profession I am a Graphic Designer, and enjoy all aspects of design. From traditional to urban from resin to vinyl, these are all great mediums and deserve to be explored. On top of that everything from music to movies from guns to graffiti.
Munky King and 3DRetro is proud to present the first vinyl figure by COOP, Lil' Mort. Based on the original painting shown recently at his solo at the Corey Helford Gallery, Lil' Mort comes with a removable scythe plenty of attitude. This piece is super exclusive and is limited to only 150 pieces, 100 to 3DRetro, and 50 to Corey Helford Members. this is made of Vinyl and stands 7" tall and is selling for $75! I saw this piece at SDCC 09 and although not a huge fan of flipping off toys, this is a cool piece, gotta love skulls!
Last night at Gunnzo, I was on hand to cover the latest release of the new Dunny series from Kidrobot! This series titled "Dunny Series 2009" had some really great designs by a ton of great artists, and the turnout for this release was more than double than the last release. I was only there for about 30min and they had already sold over 10 cases, and by the time the night was over 17 full cases were gone!
Chika, the owner of Gunnzo was so kind and had beverages and had arranged to have Ben & Jerry's on hand thanks to Ephraim of the Seaport Village location! He also brought out some of his collection to show off as well! The event was great, and a ton of people brought out their dupes as well as other misc items to trade, and there was a TON of trading going on! Everyone was in good spirits and jose2187 from the KR boards was there spreading out some AMAZING toy karma when he gave away an 8" Kozik pink hate Dunny to one lucky random collector, rock on dude, super nice of you! Be sure to CLICK THROUGH for a full photo slide show of the event!
If you get a chance check out the Gunnzo online store...they have a grip of rare items that have been long sold out everywhere...even hard to find prints!
Crewest Gallery presents From the Streets of Iran, Works on paper by urban artists in Iran Curated by Shervin Shahbazi. This exhibit is the first of its kind in the U.S. Featuring graffiti-based works on paper by ICY, SOT, FRZ, MAD, and CK1.
These artists have exhibited their work in Europe and Australia, and this is their United States debut. The artists draw inspiration from Iran’s rich heritage of calligraphy, visual arts, revolution and the state in which they live, as well as their exposure to graffiti and urban art in the West.
Their work encompasses a broad range of subject matter—from urbanism and political resistance to scenes of everyday people and the innocence of youth. Each of the artists practices their own aesthetic. In some works, detailed hand styles overlap with spray can imagery; in others, stencil work and careful attention to texture affect a stylized photorealism.
However the individual styles may differ, the works as a group resonate with hope and a determination to realize the promise of a better future from the streets of Iran. SHOW OPENS TODAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2009
A Special Event for California Arts Day at Eclectix Gallery, Friday, Oct. 2nd, From 6-8 PM Featuring - Live Painting & Drawing, Book Signing, Artisan Jewelry & Wares, Demos, Raffles, Doodles and Art-To-Go!
Meet & Greet the Artists: Ben Jelter - Born in Oslo, Norway, Ben Jelter lives in San Francisco where he works on illustration and sequential art. Ben also instructs classes on figure drawing, character design and comics at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. He will be signing copies of his graphic novel "The Tumor" and his art book "Neuroin".
Nicolas Caesar -The founder of the Scary Art Collective, member of Art, Inc. and co-founder of The Mail Art Consortium. Nicolas' illustration has been featured in the Cartoon Art Museum in SF and has been featured on Late Night with Conan O'Brien, KVIE PBS Sacramento, Sacramento's Livewire, The Bay Area's KOFY Tv20 - Creepy KOFY Movie Time, and Cleveland's The Ghoul show.
Sherwin Viray - A Bay Area native and graduate of the SF Academy of Art University. Sherwin is a veteran of the video game industry, having worked over nine years in the field. His career has led him to join forces with Totally Games, Z-Axis, Shaba Games, and Sanzaru Games Inc.
Stephanie Mufson - Artist and creator of hip, artisan jewelry: necklaces, earrings, cuffs and more! "Inside of me there lives another world. Life in that world is involved in an endless love affair with mystery, and each moment is a walk across a tightrope between light and dark. My art is a collection of snapshots and souvenirs I bring to share with others, and an invitation to join me in creating another kind of world."
Tim Sharman - Artist and Founder of the "Doof Museum of Culture and History" "I first spotted the Doof, five years ago, spray painted on a scrap of green painted plywood. To my amazement, I found out that the Doof is the inspiration for musicians, poets, and writers as well, with an impressive output of Doof music, Doof plays, Doof prose and Doof poetry."
Also enjoy the current Eclectix exhibits: "The Tattoon Show" (featuring cartoon and tattoo inspired art, by the above artists and many others) and "Somewhere In Between", a solo show by Laura Borchert. Exhibits run thru October 4th.
Eclectix Gallery, 10082 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito, CA 94530 Voted “Best Gallery” in the Bay Area by SF Chronicle’s ‘Best of the BayList’ For Hours and More - Please go to: http://www.eclectix.com
What would vinyl and collectible toys be without the Hong Kong explosion? Enter Michael Lau… the artist who was instrumental in defining a new category of collectible figures. In the ten short years since the first Hong Kong ToyCon set fans abuzz, Michael Lau has become an icon.
In a constantly evolving culture, as we find explosive growth in the global vinyl marketplace, one name that has stood the test of time is Hong Kong toy pioneer, Michael Lau. MINDstyle is proud to announce Gardener 10th by Michael Lau – his first ever USA exhibition.
Gardener 10th by Michael Lau is a celebration of his amazing body of work! The event surrounding his 10th anniversary provides an inside look into a unique subculture and an intimate portrait of the man responsible for a collectible figures revolution. Vinyl toys are here to stay, and Michael Lau has masterfully created a blueprint that will be followed for years to come. His work and collaborations, ranging from Nike to Colette to Maharishi, and now MINDstyle, are a who’s who list of pop culture brands that illustrate where this all started and how it has continued to grow. To best understand the movement, we need look no further than the last decade of Michael’s work and the environment he created for the Gardeners.
Michael’s world combines the ideals of music and art that emerged from the street. His characters are based on “real life,” yet translated into his own vision, style and approach. It’s about the freedom and lifestyle of skateboarding and action sports; along with the relation of his characters to each of us. As he has grown into one of the most influential artists in the domestic and international street and vinyl culture, Michael Lau and his crazysmiles company have also become one of the most relevant sources of information about the toy scene around the world. Among his collectors are “heads” and celebrities, who themselves have a tremendous influence on this very unique subculture that flirts with mainstream popularity while cannily avoiding over-saturation.
These days the demand for vinyl has made it harder for quality to match quantity. But Michael Lau remains independent by limiting his production and continuing his hands-on approach to every step of the production of his brand. He not only creates his own concept art, but actually sculpts and paints his figures for production. Overseeing his Hong Kong-based team on every aspect, from packaging to sales, Michael epitomizes a rare breed of visionaries able to connect with an audience that has remained loyal over the years.
Gardener 10th by Michael Lau is a look at the artist and what he does. Through his sketches, drawings, paintings and custom figures, the exhibition captures the essence of the art and toys of one of this generation’s finest toy makers. Art toys are all about the translation and connection each of us has with an artist based on a common set of ideals and experiences expressed visually.
With the vinyl movement constantly evolving, it’s hard to provide a definitive look, but a measure of understanding can be gained in this retrospective of the art toy scene explosion through one of its originals. His first ever exhibition and appearance in the United States documents ten years of Gardeners and celebrates the vision and creativity of Michael Lau.
MINDstyle presents Gardener 10TH by Michael Lau De La Barracuda 7769 Melrose Avenue Los Angeles, California 90046 USA Telephone: (323) 852-7179
Limited Exhibition Dates: September 30th to October 3rd 2009 Daily: 6:00PM to 9:00PM With support from Belvedre Vodka, Red Bull, The Standard Hotel and Zinc.
Schedule of Events: Wednesday, September 30, 2009 Presented by Slamxhype Gardener 10th Exhibition & Art Toy Release
Thursday, October 1, 2009 Presented by The Hundreds Gardener 10th Exhibition & Art Toy Release
Friday, October 2, 2009 Customer Appreciation Day Presented by De La Barracuda Gardener 10th Exhibition & Art Toy Release (Michael Lau will be available to meet fans and autographs)
Saturday, October 3, 2009 Presented by Friends of Nike Gardener 10th Exhibition & Nike Shoes/Art Toy Release
He’s getting angry. We don’t think you’d like him very much when he gets angry. Due to a gamma radiation explosion near Muttpop labs, the latest line of our signature TEQUILA masked luchador figures is looking green. Muttpop inc. the company that brought you figures like EL PANDA and the RED DEMON brings you THE INCREDIBLE TEQUILA! TEQUILA the incredible edition sports a green physique, stands at a hulking 8.25 inches and comes equipped with a swiveling head and removable poncho. Look out for this monstrosity to drop September 15th.You’d better move fast though, at a suggested retail price of $75 and a limited edition of 400, the INCREDIBLE TEQUILA will be gone faster than you can say TEQUILA SMASH!
Muttpop inc. is the renowned toy company that has been showcased in film and media outlets such as: "30 Rock" (Tequila Original), "L Word" (El Panda) and the Movie "Funny People" (Red Demon). For more information on Muttpop and the INCREDIBLE TEQUILA visit their website at www.muttpop.com.
Fans and collectors not available to attend the inaugural D23 Expo in Anaheim, CA can now pre-order Disney's Tron inspired "The Black Hole" V.I.N.CENT. art toy collectible (ATC) figure from MINDstyle. V.I.N.CENT. is sized at over 10" tall and masterfully painted in metallic blue color tones. The edition size is open to pre-orders during the production period -- starting today with orders being taken until 5:00PM (PDT), Monday, September 14, 2009. SRP: USD $130. Once production is closed, the figures will no longer be available direct, except on a very limited basis at select retailers. To order by email: info@mindstyle.com
Alright guys, for a limited time only Sket One is have a HUGE sale on his ebay store HERE. There are all kinds of rare items and alot are over 50% off, so don't sleep on this folks, all kinds of great stuff! I am really diggin his Dolbee, and you can't go wrong with the amazing Buckeye Rot!
For the fifth year, Scion auctions off an unprecedented collection of contemporary works to benefit charities and non-profits that support independent artistic expression. The Installation 5 Tour collection features literal and non-literal self-portraits of varying cost by international art luminaries, with 100 percent of the proceeds aiding Creative Capital, the premier national artist support organization (www.creativecapital.org). Audiences around the world can begin bidding Sept. 12 when the Installation Tour auction goes live on ArtNet at http://www.ArtNet.com/scion.html. The auction closes on Sept. 30.
After traveling through Detroit, Art Basel in Miami, Phoenix, Minneapolis, New York, San Jose, Philadelphia and Portland, the tour concludes at Scion’s 4,2000 square foot gallery in Culver City. The exhibition will be available for viewing and bidding from the gallery on Sept. 12 through Sept. 30. Artwork values range from $100 to $17,000 and bidding will begin at 25% of the art’s estimated worth.
“It is an absolute honor to work with these incredible artists in support of visionary arts non-profit organizations,” says Jeri Yoshizu, Scion sales and promotion manager. “Since we launched the Installation Tour in 2003, we’ve raised more than $190,000 for art-related charities and look forward to continuing our support of exciting and impactful contemporary art.”
“Scion Installation 5: Self Portraits” features established and respected artists, including the godfather of stencil art, Blek le Rat, and Devo’s Mark Mothersbaugh, alongside other notable and up-and-coming photographers, painters and video artists.
With Self Portraits By: AJ Fosik, Alex Hornest, Andrew Schoultz, Angela Boatwright, Asylum, Blek Le Rat, Christina M. Felice, Codak, David Choe, David O'Brien, Edwin Ushiro, El Yem, Eriberto Oriol, Eye One, Francesco LoCastro, French, Ian Lynam, J.Shea, Jamel Shabazz, Jeff Soto, Kelsey Brookes, Kofie, Lisa Alisa, Logan Hicks, Mark Mothersbaugh, Nicholas Harper, Patrick Martinez, Peter Beste, Peter Glover, Retna, Rick Rodney, Rob Abeyta, Jr., Ron English, Saber, Sage Vaughn, Skypage, Something In The Universe, Souther Salazar, Stormie Mills, Tessar Lo, Todd Tourso, Too Tall Jahmal, Usugrow, Will Barras, Yoskay Yamamoto
September 12th - September 30th, 2009
Scion Installation LA Gallery 3521 Helms Ave. (at National), Culver City, CA 90232
**OPENING EVENT** September 12th, 2009 | 7PM - 10PM
Shawnimals is very excited to be a part of this year's indie-designer showcase Renegade Craft Fair. We'll have a really rad booth this year, including some all-new plush. That's right: EXCLUSIVES! In fact, we're using the Fair to kick-off a special Moustache project. What else will be there? Read on...
All-new Moustachio plush!
Our all-new Kidrobot 3-inch Dunny!
Hand-painted and hand-drawn artworks
Special edition prints
Very rad, very special 1-inch buttons made of GOLD and Glow-in-the-Dark
Of course, Shawnimal will be on hand signing things if you'd like
And much, much more...
In addition to this awesomeness, we'll also have some promos happening. For instance:
If you spend $40: You get a FREE Ninjatown Micro Plush box and a Wee Ninja sticker!
If you spend $100: You get a FREE Fliggins letterpress print and a Pocket Ninja plush! Crazy, right?
Please note: These promo items are while supplies last, coupon combos are OK, promo combos are not (you get one promo or the other). Thanks!
The 7th Annual Renegade Craft Fair in Chicago September 12 + 13, 2009 from 11am - 7pm Division St. between Damen Ave. and Paulina St. Shawnimals booth: Number 9 (closer to Damen Ave.)
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Munky King and 3DRetro is proud to present the first vinyl figure by COOP, Lil' Mort. Based on the original painting shown recently at his solo at the Corey Helford Gallery, Lil' Mort comes with a removable scythe plenty of attitude. This piece is super exclusive and is limited to only 150 pieces, 100 to 3DRetro, and 50 to Corey Helford Members. this is made of Vinyl and stands 7" tall and is selling for $75! I saw this piece at SDCC 09 and although not a huge fan of flipping off toys, this is a cool piece, gotta love skulls!
