MUNNY GRUBBERS - SHOW AND CONTEST

MUNNY GRUBBERS - SHOW AND CONTEST
Complete details @ nerviswr3k.blogspot.com

PRESS RELEASE:

Get schooled in the art of Munny customizing by a select handful of artists from around the country. We invite you to experience the vinyl toy scene as well as some AMAZING customs for yourself. [More Info]

FLYER & ARTIST LINEUP:



For more info contact: grivas78@cox.net

www.alwaysSEEN.com

SDCC 2009 PICKUPS

This was Always Seen and co.'s first year attending SDCC as professionals and we tried to focus more on providing coverage of this massive event, so in turn our pickups list wasn't as extensive as year's past but somehow we were still lucky enough to pick up the items that we really wanted. This year's pickups include: both Luck and Fortune cat Dunnys by Mr. Shane Jessup, a couple of customs from Lou Pimentel, SDCC exclusive Cosmic Pennie by Kathie Olivas, SDCC exclusive Mouse Mask by Ron English, SDCC exclusvie WWRP by IDW, and the Wooden Labbit by Amanda Visell x Frank Kozik. All in all we're very happy with what we were able to obtain and add to the collection. We've uploaded images of everything that was picked up onto flickr and created a slideshow below... enjoy!!!



SAN DIEGO
Convention Center
111 W. Harbor Dr.
San Diego, CA 92101



www.alwaysSEEN.com
www.comic-con.org

CIRCUS POSTERUS ONLINE SALE!!!

CIRCUS POSTERUS ONLINE SALE!!!
Coming soon to circusposterus.com

Info posted by Kathie Olivas:

It's almost here!!!

Circus Posterus is getting ready to make the big move from Florida to New Mexico, so we're offering our first official online sale of original drawings, customs, toys and more. We're clearing out a few old pieces, although there hasn't been too much left over, so most of what we will be offering is new...

We will have an online preview of original, one of a kind pieces starting this Saturday, June 13, 09, at noon(EST). This part of our sale will feature hand-painted custom toys and mixed media drawings on wood. The link will go live at that time and buyers can email us which pieces they are interested in, and we will respond in the order that requests are received. Those purchasing original works will also get a special preview of the toy sale...

The second part of the sale will begin on Wednesday, June 17, 09, at 4 p.m.(EST), and this will be the official "toy sale". This sale will be held online and you will be able to buy items directly through our website. We will be offering a mix of toys, hand-embellished items, and prints.

Both sales can be accessed through this link:
http://circusposterus.com/onlinesale.html

www.kathieolivas.com
www.brandtpeters.com
www.circusposterus.com

"HUMANS BEWARE" ONLINE GALLERY

The "Humans Beware" I.W.G. Custom Show opened last night and from the looks of it, the event was a great success. For those that weren't able to make it to the show's opening and view the pieces first hand, they are now available online at blue77.bigcartel.com. There's some really cool pieces still available, so be sure to stop by and check them out. Also, for complete coverage of Humans Beware, you can visit www.spankystokes.com, one of the show sponsors.

www.blue77.bigcartel.com

HUMANS BEWARE - I.W.G. CUSTOM SHOW

HUMANS BEWARE - I.W.G. CUSTOM SHOW
Opening Reception: Friday, April 10, 09 6-10 p.m.

HUMANS BEWARE presented by Drilone and Rocketworld

Opening Reception: Friday, April 10, 2009 from 6pm - 10pm – Show runs till June 6, 2009, Opening Reception with snacks and drinks

"Humans Beware" I.W.G. Custom Show “70+ Artists customizing Insurgents Wilderness Gruppo D.I.Y. Blanks” [artist lineup]

Venue:
Rocketworld - 660 22nd St, San Francisco, CA 94107


HUMAN'S BEWARE Flickr Set

source: blue77gallery.com

www.blue77gallery.com

EASTER MUNNY SHOW & CONTEST

EASTER MUNNY SHOW & CONTEST by Shoparooni
Opening Reception: Saturday, April 11, 2009 6 p.m.

Info posted by Shoparooni:

"From now until April 11 Shoparooni will be accepting custom Munnys. On April 11 our panel of judges will determine their favorites in a slew of categories ranging from "most emo" to "best dressed". In addition, Shoparooni has invited artists from all over the world to send in their own customized Munny and Mini Munny figures. All entries can be made available for sale by the artist, and, after the contest, custom Munnys will remain on display until May 1st.

ANYONE can bring or send in a Munny! All you have to do is fill out this form, agree to the terms of submission, and get it to us before the show! We would like all custom Munnys to be at the store by April 6th, but we'll take submissions all the way up to the day of the show! That means you can roll in on April 11th with your custom Munny if you want! Be warned, judging will take place promptly at 8 pm! So if you want to be eligible for prizes and glory, you'd better get us your Munny no later than 7 pm!..." [direct link]

Address:
Shoparooni
15813 Waterloo Road, Suite 5
Cleveland, Ohio 44110
216-383-3633(shop)

source: shoparooni.com

www.shoparooni.com

MINOSU USHI-ONI by HUCK GEE

MINOSU USHI-ONI by Huck Gee

Info posted by Huck Gee:

Coming this Friday, February 20th, 2009 at Noon PST, Huck unleashes his Year of the Ox set. We're revisiting the world of Gold Life for this bull headed, golden armored, hammer wielding, skull crushing beastie: the legendary Minosu Ushi-Oni. According to mythos, he is the sole guardian of the secret mountain retreat of the Glorious Soaring Munks, patrolling the labyrinth-like grounds on his massive golden bull. Few have dared to trespass, and none have walked away with their heads intact... although, if you listen to what some say, Raku has seen the inside of those grounds and lived to tell the tale. Each figure is numbered, signed, and comes with shown accessories. Due to the nature of the materials, some differences should be expected in each figure. 10 figures in this set, $800 per figure. [direct link]

Limit one figure per customer.

Huck's Ebay Store (Noon PDT, Friday 02/20)


THE NEW GOLDEN TICKET A/Ps by Huck Gee

Also this Friday at Noon we are releasing Huck's alternate colorway Dunny Series 5 Golden Ticket artist proofs. As some of you may have heard, due to a factory/warehouse snafu, the original Golden Ticket Dunnys from Series 5 were accidentally shipped out to customers prematurely. To fix this error Kidrobot and Huck ran another colorway of the Golden Ticket Dunny, shown below in all his blurred out Golden glory. Why blurred? Because nobody has seen him yet, and I'm not quite sure when Kidrobot will be shipping these out to Golden Ticket holders. So, just to keep that surprise, somewhat still a surprise for them.... we blurrily present: The Great Glorious Soaring Golden Grandfather Munk! Each figure is signed and numbered, only 25 AP 3" Dunnys in this set, $100 per figure.
[direct link]

Limit one figure per customer.

Huck's Ebay Store (Noon PDT, Friday 02/20)

source: huckgee.com

www.huckgee.com

FEATURED ARTIST: PATRICK FRANCISCO

Patrick Francisco is an up and coming artist out of New York. I found out about him while browsing other art related blogs and forums. His artwork represents what a lot of artists try to achieve when getting into this craft. With the use of crisp, sharp lines, and well thought out designs, he produces life-like creations on many different platforms, including designer toys, wood panels, and he's even painted on vinyl records. Regardless of what platform he uses, the results are always very good. Patrick has become one of my favorite artists and I am definitely looking forward to what he has in store for the new year! Don't take my word for it though, visit his site: patrickfrancisco.com to see exactly what I'm talking about.

Patrick Francisco is also featured on spankystokes.com. HERE



I sent Patrick a couple of questions about himself and his artwork and he was nice enough to answer them. Click through to read more...



How's it going sir? How did you find out about designer toys?
Going real well, thanks for getting in touch. I've been a fan of your site for a while. I always knew toys were being customized but it wasn't until I went to see a friend's work at APW's World of Imagination Show that I saw any in person - and I was really blown away by the works. I immediately bought some munny and created my "Pantless Bunch".

When did you realize that design/art was something you wanted to pursue for a living?
I've always been drawn to art but during large parts of my life I didn't seriously pursue it. So many times I've gone back and forth trying to decide if I should chase my art dreams or buckle down and live a "normal" life. Only recently have I really made a commitment to go all out and create work I'm really happy with.

What is the meaning behind "Chimps in pajamas"???
I gave underwear to my first munny to add a humorous element since the face looked so serious. The juxtaposition of moodiness with a comedic twist just worked. It's a theme found in my earlier work like "Bricktop with Piglet" - and it will find its way in future work, I'm sure. I kept on giving underpants to toys because aside from being a funny accessory, it makes the chimp relate-able on a human level. They are really more expressions of the human condition than they are true chimp representations.

Besides art... Is there anything else you have a passion for and are relatively good at?
I've had jobs (both permanent and freelance) that required production, retouching, or design for print. Outside of that and my artwork, I am pretty much useless, haha.

Have you ever painted drunk and what was the results? lol.
Recently, a friend and I had drinks until we were so happy, we decided to visit an old professor that holds a life drawing session. I haven't seen him in years, but liquid courage and boredom brought us over for a visit. We quickly agreed that attending the session was a buzz-kill. I was drawing with a booze inspired confidence but the grotesque results will not be made public - ever!

Blank Mad*L, Munny or Dunny? Out of the 3 Which platform is your favorite?
The munny and dunny are pretty cool to work with since the anatomy is straight forward, but my pick would be the madl. It really is a unique platform with its odd proportions and contrast between rounded and angular shapes. And I just love the wide leaning stance with an attitude.

What can we look forward to with regards to yourself and your artwork?
I'm not sure if I can say for what or who specifically but I am working on a large number of sketch cards that will be out in early 2009. I am also starting a series of paintings for shows this Spring. The first is a group show in March for C. Emerson Fine Arts called "Under the Influence II". The curator, Lori Johns, has some inspiring artists participating in the show. In May, I will be showing other works at APW Gallery in NYC. It's planned as a solo show, but if I find an artist that I think is a good fit, I wouldn't mind sharing the space. As for toys, I was just invited to a show that will involve customizing a wooden DIY platform called ILLAZILLA. The designer of this toy, TNES, is an awesome artist in his own right and the new figure is a very unique one. The coming months will reveal my best work yet.

Thanks Patrick!!!
Thanks, Always SEEN.



www.patrickfrancisco.com

NOCTURNAL @ CARDBOARD SPACESHIP - Show Recap

The Nocturnal Show at Cardboard Spaceship opened last night, where both Kathie Olivas and Brandt Peters unveiled new breathe-taking solo and collaborative efforts. The artwork being showcased ranged from various paintings, prints, and vinyl figures in all sizes, all the way up to a collaborated 4 ft. Qee that was as big as it was amazing... Even with most pieces already sold through Cardboard Spaceship's preview list, the turnout was still great with fans of all ages lined up not only to get doodles and sketches but were also waiting for their opportunity to meet both artists. From what I've seen, Kathie and Brandt are really passionate about their work and are very good to their fans, as they signed and doodled on pretty much everything that was placed in front of them. Kudos to the Cardboard Spaceship crew as well; by far some of the best people in the retail business, not only did they host an outstanding show, but they made sure every customer was well taken care of... Thanks again Nick!!!



To see the complete flickr set for Nocturnal CLICK HERE

www.brandtpeters.com
www.miserychildren.com
www.cardboardspaceship.net

Artworks by PON

Channel1 is hosting a solo show by artist Pon. The show is called "Droppin Shit Like A Pigeon." Pon hails from Queens, NY and is known for having pigeons in most if not all of his artwork. At times it's actually the focal point of his design. I can assure you that there will be plenty of pigeons at this gathering. If you're in the Connecticut area be sure to stop by and check out this show. Pon surely won't disappoint.

Location: 220 State St. New Haven, CT 06511
Opening: 11.21.08, 6-8 PM
Phone: 1-888-SHOP-CH1

www.feedthepigeons.net
www.channel1online.com

IMAGINARY FRIENDS @ Gallery1988SF

IMAGINARY FRIENDS
Hosted by Gallery1988SF
Opening Reception: 11/07/08, 7-10 PM

Artist Lineup: Andrew Bell, Cherri Wood, Israel Sanchez, Ken Garduno, Scott Campbell and Yoskay Yammamoto

www.gallery1988.com

KATHIE OLIVAS and BRANDT PETERS: NOCTURNAL

Kathie Olivas and Brandt Peters: Nocturnal
Opening Reception: 12.12.08
Cardboard Spaceship, Santa Cruz CA.
Phone: 831 227-9270

www.cardboardspaceship.net

FEATURED ARTIST: GRIMSHEEP

Grimsheep was one of the very first artists I requested a commission from. The moment I saw his work, I was hooked and knew I needed to get something done... From what I've seen so far Grimsheep likes to re-create comic book and movie characters while adding his very own artistic twist. His designs are extremely detailed and could be passed off as production pieces. My personal favorites are the Batman and Skull Squadron Customs. I really enjoy Grim's work and hope to get more stuff done in the future... If you get a chance be sure to check out Grimsheep's site: www.grimsheep.net. While you're there, feel free to hit him up for a commission or two like I did... LOL.

I wanted to know more about one of my favorite artists so I hit Grimsheep with a quick Q & A. Click through to read more...



AS: How's it going sir?
Grimsheep: It's going good, thanks.

AS: How'd you come up wit the name Grimsheep?
Grimsheep: I needed a name for an online game about 15 years ago. It's basically a combination of a local Montreal band "GrimSkunk", and the song "Sheep", by Pink Floyd. I liked the sound of it, and it was never taken when I tried to sign up anywhere online, so it stuck.

AS: How long have you been doing art/design work and what inspires you?
Grimsheep: I really hate when people answer a question like this... but, it seems like as long as I can remember. Getting paid, maybe 11 or 12 years. As for what inspires me... too many comics, cartoons, movies, and toys to mention, and these days there is just so much art, and artistic communities on the internet that I wouldn't know where to begin. Books currently sitting on my desk include some by Frazetta, Geiger, and Hokusai.

AS: Do you have a name for your particular style of art?
Grimsheep: Nope.

AS: When I look on your site I see a lot of web based design stuff... Do you design websites as well?
Grimsheep: Yeah, I worked as a web designer for a couple years. Now I do my own stuff and the occasional freelance job.

AS: You're a gamer huh? xbox or ps3?
Grimsheep: PC mostly, but I do have a Wii. I'm holding out for a redesign and another price drop, and then I'll grab a PS3. I loved my PS2

AS: Truth or Dare??? When asked this... Which one do you normally choose?
Grimsheep: I normally try to avoid Truth or Dare. No good can come from Truth or Dare.

AS: What can we look forward to, in regards to your work? Any upcoming projects? Future releases?
Grimsheep: I'm trying very hard to get pieces done in time for the Midwest Plushform Show which is raising money to buy Pocket Ninjas for Toys for Tots, and for the Delicious Drips 10" MADL competition. I'm also going to try to get a Skull Squadron series done in time for the holidays.

AS: Thanks for taking the time out GRIM... Oh and thanks for the new Stormtrooper Custom.
Grimsheep: My Pleasure.

Random Thoughts and the Latest Pickups

Dunny Series 5 Golden Ticket

I started this blog a little over two months ago... It was basically created as a way for me to stay up to date with toys, fine arts and shows as well as let me ramble on about my thoughts on art in general. When I first started, I really didn't think it was gonna be anything at all, I mean everybody has a blog nowadays... I thought maybe a couple of my friends would check it every once in awhile and make fun of me for my grammatical errors and mis-spelled words. I'm not a skilled writer at all and at times I actually have trouble surveying my thoughts to say what I really want to say...

Throughout this whole process I've realized the importance of not only networking, but networking with the right individuals. I've been lucky enough to meet people who not only share the same interests as me but who also have a genuine concern about myself and the site's well being. I've dealt with some really shady characters in the past, individuals who only wanted to benefit and not contribute anything in return. Right now ALWAYS SEEN is in a very good place. I've surrounded myself with exceptional personalities, beautiful people who motivate me everyday!!! I'm not gonna name names but you all know who you are... I wanna take this time out to say THANK YOU and I really appreciate everything!!!

Now onto the pickups...



"The Red Hand Gang" Custom by Huck Gee
My boy JustinJ aka Mr. FLC hooked this one up for RETAIL!!! Thanks man!!!


Puto Barrelman AP #09/30 by Huck Gee
I sniped this one from Huck's eBay store... Sold out in 8 seconds!!!


Miss November 1978 by Paul Pope
I think I was the only one to buy this at KRSF but who cares... I love this piece. lol


Bounty Hunter x Kaws - OF Exclusive Kaws Kun (White)
I think I overpaid for this but I needed it... This is a stock picture mine's still sealed for now.

www.alwaysSEEN.com

Newest Custom by HUCK GEE

The Red Hand Gang

Huck Gee you can't be SERIOUS!!! How does this guy do it???!!! No seriously... All we get is quality custom after quality custom!!! These pics were just posted on Huck's flickr so if you check his site you should be able to find more info.





www.huckgee.com

Savage Series by Angry Woebots

Angry Woebots has done it again with his latest custom series drop... The Savage Series is a run of about 5 Dunnys painted up as Rabid Pandas with knives, crowns on their heads and lots of blood. They've been posted on Woes blog as "coming soon" but half are already gone. Thanks for the heads up mfmunny, I'm definitely gonna try and get one for myself.





Prices for these customs are yet to be determined.
To see the entire Savage Series on Woebots blog click HERE.

www.armyofsnipers.com

Gallery1988 SF presents Monster Art Rally

Gallery1988 SF presents Monster Art Rally
Location: 1173 Sutter St., San Francisco, CA 94109
Show opening: 10.10.08

Info provided by Gallery1988 SF:

"Monster Art Rally" is coming soon to Gallery1988 San Francisco.

The show will feature plush and custom vinyls, all with a monster theme. The show opens October 10 and runs through November 1, 2008.

Monsters were created by... 12Punt3, 2Cents, Adrian Pina, Anna Chambers, Beastlies, Brandt Peters, Buff Monster, Bytedust, Cameron Tiede, Chet Zar, Chocolate Log Industries, Crump, Crystal Bedford, Dan Goodsell, DGPH, Doktor A, Dr. Bao-NVC Crew, El Maz & Lina Britton, Eyebone, Forestprints, Heidi Kenney, Jake Henzler, Jamous, Jayson Thiessen, Jeff McMillan, Jellibat, Jen Rarey, Jesse Hernandez, Jon Schiller, Jumble Bugs, Kano, Kathie Olivas, Koadzn, Lana Crooks, Laura Granlund, Leecifer, Little Dear, Lost Monster, Mad L, Maoma, Mister Funky, Monster Factory, Morninglori, Motor Bot, Mycryptonauts, Rebelwookiee, Serena Kuhl, Sewing Stars, Sok-O, Spasmodica, Steff Bomb, Suicide Kittens, Tapetentiere and Tim Tsui.

There will also be a limited number of original paintings and prints in the show.

The opening reception will be Friday, October 10th from 7-10PM at Gallery1988 San Francisco. There will also be live city-crushing monsters, courtesy of Kaiju Big Battel(www.kaiju.com)!

Check out some of the show artwork...


Benny & Red Bird Custom
Designed by Brandt Peters


Da Minci Custom
Designed by Tim Tsui


Fatima and Mad*L Customs
Designed by Leecifer


Mad*L Custom
Designed by Kano

www.gallery1988.com

Opening of INTROVERT EXTROVERT by SCRIBE

Introvert Extrovert by Scribe @ Cardboard Spaceship
Show Opening 09.05.08











This was an amazing show opening by Scribe... Most if not all the pieces are sold already!!! Introvert Extrovert will run through the end of this month, stop by at Cardboard Spaceship and check it out... You won't be disappointed.

flickr set

www.scribeswalk.com
www.cardboardspaceship.net

SCRIBE @ Cardboard Spaceship

On Sept. 5th, artist Scribe will be showcasing some work at Cardboard Spaceship. The show is called "Introvert Extrovert, A Journey Through The Resound Fields." This is something that you do not want to miss!!! I only previewed a few pieces and I'm already amazed... Don't take my word for it though, let the pictures speak for themselves...










See more by clicking here.

Most, if not all, of these pieces are for sale. You can contact the wonderful folks at Cardboard Spaceship if you're interested in making a purchase. Once again the date for Scribe's show is Sept. 05th... Do not sleep!!!

The address is:
803 Pacific Ave.
Santa Cruz CA. 95060

For more info you can check: cardboardspaceship.net

Pics courtesy of cardboardspaceship.net

www.scribeswalk.com