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Feb 28, 2006
Blaine Fontana - Animal Council @ Scribble Theory (03.04.06)
Blaine Fontana's Animal Council show opens at Scribble Theory in Santa Ana, California this coming Saturday (03.04.06) from 7:00 - 10:00 PM. The show's original paintings and three installations feature animals as only Blaine can portray them. This will be Blaine's last LA show until Gallery 1988 in June, so don't miss out!
Scribble Theory Gallery
210 N. Bush St.
Santa Ana, CA 92701
714.542.5928
Behind the Scenes of All-Star Vinyl: All Business LeBron Part One
Upper Deck's All-Star Vinyl designer toy line got off to a roaring start with the online only release of the All-Star edition of Athlete LeBron which sold out in just over an hour last Wednesday. The series is a partnership with Nike based on their popular ad campaign “The LeBrons" and will feature a figure for each of his four personas: Athlete LeBron, All Business LeBron, Wise LeBron and Kid LeBron. All four figures will be released as part of The Chosen One Edition in April. Previously we brought you behind-the-scenes for the development of Athlete LeBron. Today we start our coverage of the process of bringing All Business LeBron to 3D reality.
Today, a look at the initial sketchwork done by Upper Deck’s lead designer on the product line, Chris Brunner. As with Athlete LeBron, Chris worked from photographs provided by Nike from the commercial shoot to create the turnaround drawings which were then used to produce a sculpt. Chris talks about the progression from the work on Athlete LeBron to All Business LeBron:
It's pretty obvious that suit placement is all thats going on, cause there is some real crude and ugly drawing here- all of it just searching for those shapes. No matter how many times I've learned the hard way that simple is better, it seems like cheating. In this case I was especially wary of a simple solution, as that could look nice 2D and not translate when it got handed to Rocco. It ended up that Chris Ortega, another UD illustrator, dug out a "how to" book from the 50's that diagramed exactly where suits rest on and hang off a figure. Thank you Chris! Knowing how it worked made it easy to throw out the photo reference, find the 3 or 4 simple lines that would hold up in a sculpt, and cut all the other junk. Once the structure is solid, I just kind of go, so there's not much else to say.
Check back next week for a look at the progression of the sculpt for All Business LeBron.
Feb 27, 2006
Chris Lee x TADO Prints Available Now
The gorgeous Chris Lee x TADO limited-edition (50 total) giclee print is now available directly from Wheaty Wheat Studios. It measures 18" x 24" on moab 300gsm and comes packaged on an archival board and polybag. It can be yours for $112 within the domestic US or $130 internationally (prices include shipping) from the Wheaty Wheat Online Store.
Save Huck MAD*L's available NOW
Awww yeah... They're here! The special Save Huck MAD*Ls limited to just 100 pieces are now available directly from Wheaty Wheat Studios. The figure is $100 + $6 for domestic shipping. All proceeds go to Save Huck Gee.
DIY Infestation Custom Wabbitz Contest
We're happy to bring you the DIY Infestation Custom Wabbitz Contest in partnership with Brandon Sopinsky and Grenadegarden.com. As the creator of the Wabbitz toy, Brandon is curious to see what YOU can do with his figure. Here's how this works, download the contest template (right-click, save as), drop your inspired design on it, and then send it to grenadegarden@yahoo.com. Got more than one design you'd like to enter? No sweat, you may submit a maximum of 3 entries. Prize? The winner (chosen by Brandon) will receive a hand-made Wabbitz and a blank Wabbitz to make the winning design a reality. So get designing, the contest ends on March 30th. Once the winner is chosen, the submissions will appear on Vinyl Pulse.
DIY Infestation Custom Wabbitz Contest Prize
Contest Rules:
1. To enter submit your design on the provided Wabbitz template to
grenadegarden@yahoo.com.
2. You may submit up to 3 different designs for this contest.
3. All entries must be received by March 30th.
4. Winner will be chosen by Brandon Sopinsky, creator of the Wabbitz.
Frank Kozik's Ika Gilas - First Test Shots
Courtesty of Frank Kozik, here are pics of the first test samples of his new Ika Gilas (demon squid) kaiju vinyl figure coming from Wonderwall. The sculpt is tight and very detailed. The production colorway is still to be revealed. Stay tuned :-) Produced in Japan, these will be of the highest quality and yes, available in the United States. This is a series btw... Touma is designing the second figure.
Poddyville customs from Doktor A
Shroom
Attractor
Here's a look at Doktor A's customs of his new toy, Poddyville. I particularly like Shroom. Look into his hypnotizing eyes and you will find this simple design turning into a whimsical one.
Rupture
Patch
Feb 26, 2006
Tim Biskup's Alpha-Gaichou
Tim Biskup is rolling out his newest Alphabeast figure, Alpha-Gaichou, a 7 inch tall vinyl bird. Along with the 350 black painted version available for sale in July, Tim is offering a special set called The Foul Flock. The Foul Flock will consist of the black painted version and four other different unpainted versions: GID, Light Blue, Black and Yellow. There will only be 60 of each unpainted version and only 50 complete sets. This set can be pre-ordered on Flopdoodle's site on March 3rd @ 12:00 pm. PST. The price tag? $250 per set. How long do you think it is going to take for the set to be sold out???
Touma's Goon from WonderWall
Shrouded in secrecy, we have been slowly but surely revealing bits and pieces of Goon, Touma's next toy from Wonderwall. Well, today we have a treat for you, here are pics of the actual toy. As you can see from the flier, there are several colorways of this fella, so expect more info to flow in as the release date nears. Enjoy!!!
Frank Kozik's Bird is The Word - Final Sculpt
Here's a look at Frank Kozik's upcoming Bird is the Word vinyl bust featuring China's Chairman Mao recast as many people's favorite celluloid mouse. This is the first in a series of busts from Kozik depicting famous world dictators. The collage of pics above (from Kozik) are of the final sculpt created by Kevin Pogue. Bird is the Word measures 15" tall and will be available in 10 colorways with the first tentatively dropping around SDCC (July). This piece is simply great. First, it builds nicely on Kozik's previous work from the interest in world dictators to the the ever-present smoking theme. And perhaps more importantly, it broadens designer vinyl to include possiblities such as busts in addition to the standard figures we all love to collect. The act of taking current art forms and translating them to vinyl feels like a big step forward for the industry and the art form.
Feb 25, 2006
Exclusive Blue Berry Surprise Dr. Bombs direct from Frank Kozik
Blue Berry Dr. Bombs only direct from Frank Kozik
Frank Kozik is offering the exclusive Blue Berry Surprise 10" Dr. Bomb figure. Hurry, these will be gone in a flash (seriously). Here's the quick run-down:
- Facts: 10" limited Dr bomb-edition of 100 w/cig and 100 without
- Available ONLY direct from Frank Kozik.
- Price: 80.00 USD plus 8 dollars shipping US/ 12.00 overseas
- California Residents add 7.25% sales tax
- 70 of each style available.
- SHIP DATE 3/15 or so
- LImit: 2 each style per order
- If you want him paypal: sales@frankkozik.net
Brian Taylor's Candykiller Toy
The artist who brought us Rustboy, Brian Taylor, is about to roll out the first Candykiller toy. From logo to toy, the bunny is now a 10 inch tall toy which will be produced in association with Android 8. There will be at least 2 colorways, maybe 3. With its large orb bloody eyes and teddy bear-like body, I have a feeling he is gonna be a hot one. Where? Android 8 will definitely carry them. When? Yet to be announced. So stay tuned to VP for news as it becomes available, cause you don't want to miss out on this. Meanwhile, courtesy of Brian, here's a peek at the test sculpt and color mock-ups.
Triamese @ thinkspace
Triamese featuring new works and installation by Brooke Reidt, Kathie Olivas and Julie West will open on March 10th from 7pm to midnight at the thinkspace gallery. The show runs through April 9th giving us just enough time to check out the new paintings and custom toys by these talented artists.
Triamese
March 10th 7pm-midnight
thinkspace
657 N. Spaulding Ave.,
Los Angeles, Ca 90036
323-653-2520
Gary Baseman @ Uberbot
Gary Baseman in Florida? Yap, you read it right, on February 27th he will be giving a lecture at Rollins College, Winter Park, FL and on February 28th he will be signing at Uberbot @ 7:00pm. Make sure you attend both events for a chance to win a Gary Baseman original work A Mortal Walk with Milky!!! Receive a ticket at the lecture and bring it to the Uberbot signing, the lucky ticket holder will take home the coveted prize. You must be present to win. And folks, please send us your pics of the events. We want to see!!!
Pervasive Art : A Chit Chat with Gary Baseman
Monday February 27th 7pm to 9pm
Rollins College l Bush Auditorium
1000 Holt Ave.
Winter Park, FL 32789
Überbot : Store Signing Event
Tuesday February 28th 7pm to 9pm
Winter Park Village
480 N. Orlando Avenue
Suite 126
Winter Park, FL 32789
phone: 407.788.UBER
Feb 24, 2006
Treeson from Crazy Label
Treeson created by Bubi Au Yeung for Crazy Label
One of the coolest parts of working on Vinyl Pulse is reading our mail and learning about cool artists and brand new toy projects from all over. More and more creative people are turning to art toys as a new outlet for their talents. Treeson created by Bubi Au Yeung is the first vinyl toy project from Crazy Label based in Hong Kong. This cute and kind forest creature with the misfortune of having a branch growing out of his heart first appeared in Au Yeung's illustrated story about his friendship and adventures with a little boy, Ren. Crazy Label hopes to complete the production of the standing Treeson figure (5" tall) for an initial release at this year's Taipei Toy Festival (~ July). Beyond the undeniably cute character, one key standout feature of this figure is the heavily textured surface which is a departue from the smooth surfaces of most designer vinyl toys. More details on this one as we get closer to the release date.
We're curious about your take on this new toy. Post away!
10" Trexi Customs Invading NYC (3.17 - 3.18.06)
We've already reported on the huge Trexi Invades NYC event at Toy Qube on March 17 and 18th. In addition to the release of the TQ Exclusive JLed 10" Trexi, talented artists from all over the globe have lent their skills to one-of-a-kind custom 10" Trexis. Here's a look at the work of three of these awesome designers:
Akira Wakui
Akira Wakui is best known for his true customs: one-of-a-kind robot sculptures. He's featured in a very nice article in the current issue of Playtimes (#13). While both designs are nice, the Sun custom seems to best represent his signature style.
Koa
Koa is well-known to toy fans for work on production 3" Trexis, upcoming 8" Dunnys and the upcoming Mini MAD*Ls. This 10-inch custom carries the signature style of deformed and exaggerated body features quite nicely.
Skwak
Sometimes I'm convinced Skwak translates to eye-bleed. Skwak's free-handed urban inspired designs flow with intricate and interwoven detail that challenge the viewer's expectation of what is possible. Now, if only production techniques could catch up...
"El Panda Revealed!" Part 8
After his final round of tweaks, Monster5 completed the official sculpt of Muttpop's El Panda figure.To better illustrate how the final figure will look, Monster5 painted the panda patterns around the figure's eyes and mouth. So, what do you think? Some of you may have seen a painted prototype of El Panda from Toy Fair and let me just say there are lots more to see!! Check back next week for an "artsier" showcase of the final sculpt!
Sodi Pop by John K. coming from Thunderdog
Thunderdog Studios unveiled several new original upcoming toys at Fuse Gallery during the recent Toy Fair in NYC. While pics of these pieces have been on the forums and such, many of these new sculpts seem to be getting lost in the shuffle a bit. So we're going to focus on them individually rather than as a group.
From John K., the creator of the beloved and often maligned Ren and Stimpy, comes Sodi Pop. Standing a towering 24" tall this nude female figure is pretty striking. While there's certainly some shock value in the piece, I think it offers more than that. The design is quite distinct with a face flush with a wacky perhaps slightly wicked personality. Finally, the slender shape coupled with the huge size (24 inches) results in a vinyl piece with a very different vibe from a great deal of what's currently being produced. I'm just wondering how to display this piece -- not sure an Ikea Detolf will cut it unless I give her a dedicated one ;-)
Feb 23, 2006
MCA Death Ape Print
Check out MCA's Death Ape print exclusive to Future Plastik. The first in a series of prints from Future Plastik, this one is limited to 30 hand-numbered prints on textured 210gsm watercolour paper and measures 26cm x 21.5cm (10.2 x 8.4 inches). Love MCA's toys? Now you can own the art as well. Get it from Future Plastik for £13.99.
Shawnimals Pocket Porks Week 2 Winner
We got ourselves a winner for Shawnimals Pocket Porks Week 2 contest. The winner is Jon ( jkgriffi...) and if you are him, you must respond within 72 hours of our notification. Thanks to all who entered!!!
Mini MAD*L Series 1: Artists
By now you've probably seen photos of the Mini MADL poster from Wheaty Wheat Studios' booth at Toy Fair. We knew that these were going to be hot, but wow some of these designs are sweet. This series features a great collection of artists, many new (relatively) to designer toys:
1st Row (l to r): Brandt Peters,
KOA
, zoya (madbox.com), Brian Morris aka oooOOOooo
2nd Row (l to r): Kathie Olivas,
Joey Potts,
HONK, chase
3rd Row (l to r): Shawnimals
, Jesse Hernandez
and Tyson Summers, chase
Not pictured on the poster are 2 chase figures currently shrouded in dark mystery. According to MAD, one is by a dope UK artist. And the other, well... you'll just have to wait! The hope is to have these out for SDCC but that's a guesstimate and could easily slip based on the production process. Will there be a series 2? Yes, if the first batch sells well! We're really looking forward to these as are no doubt many many folks!
Hi-Fructose Vol.3
With Vol 2. hitting the streets, Hi-Fructose will kick out Vol.3 Under the Counter Culture this summer. If you are yet a subscriber, do it now!!! Why take the chance of missing out??? Here's a sneak peek of what to expect.
*Mark Ryden: Interview, gallery, and photos of his bizarre curio collection
* The art and toys of Jim Woodring & Interview
*Chris Ware's hand made mechanical wonders and art feature.
*A mind blending Pixel Art feature
* Designer toy Exposes
*Another specially created D.I.Y. Paper pattern and more yet to be revealed.
PLUS! A special Viewmaster® Photo Reel featuring the latest toy photos from photographer Brian McCarty (in 3-D) will be included in each magazine (Shots include Sam Flores' new Vinyl figure "Fatima," Jeremy Fish's "Turtle Camper"and more.).
Feb 22, 2006
Dr. soPHDr. from Dr. Romanelli and SOPHNET
Shawnimals Pocket Porks Week 3
Shawnimals Pocket Pork mini-plushes will be available in about a month exclusively at Myplasticheart. The dumpling-shaped Pocket Porks will come randomly assorted in blind "pints" - chinese take-out containers. Each pint will contain 3 Pocket Porks. There are a total of 5 varieties, 3 regular porks, 1 rare and 1 über rare. We'll be unveiling the first four in the Pocket Pork Series here on Vinyl Pulse, one per week. After each of the four are revealed, the Pocket Porks will be available at MPH limited to just 100 pints (300 total porks). These cute lil' guys are perfect desktop toys and cube buddies :-)
This week's Pocket Pork is the Spicy Sticker Pork. Can you take the heat?
Want to win this week's AP Pint featuring the Spicy Sticker Pork + stickers and buttons? You know the drill... Submit a comment and be sure to enter a valid email address (also, you can keep your email address away from prying eyes if you also enter a website on the comment form -- like www.itsasecret.com). This week's Pocket Pork contest ends on Tuesday, February 28th @ 8 PM Pacific. Check back next Wednesday to see and have a chance to win the next Pocket Pork variety.
Contest Rules
1. One entry per person; multiple entries disqualifies you.
2. Deadline to enter by: February 28th, 2006 8:00pm (PST)
3. Enter with valid email address
4. Shipping within Continental US is covered; shipping anywhere else is paid by winner
5. Winner must respond to VP's notification within 72 hours
6. One prize per person
Jeff Soto: Supernova @ Jonathan LeVine Gallery
Last weekend was the opening weekend of Jeff Soto's first solo exhibition Supernova at Jonathan LeVine Gallery.
On display were 25 new works, which carried a common theme of the
battle fought between humans and nature. Darker than his previous
works, Jeff is exploring new understandings of this age old conundrum,
how to achieve peace without war? How to co-exist without extinction of
either side? His paintings explore the question of whether there is hope for our
future. Here's a brief teaser of his latest work. Check out the show page to see all of the Supernova pieces.
