ORIGINAL-FAKE: NEW WEBSITE DESIGN

Be sure to visit the newly re-designed Original-Fake website at www.original-fake.com. The website now includes an archived gallery as well as an upcoming releases section. In my opinion, I think the new design is great!!! There's an abundance of new content and the layout is alot more interactive for its viewers. Just like many others who collect art, I'm a very big fan of Kaws so I'll definitely be checking the new website often for updates.

www.original-fake.com

MAD TOY DESIGN: DUNNY CONCEPTS

Posted above are a handful of concept designs that toy designer MAD submitted to kidrobot for a future Dunny release. In total, MAD submitted about 11 concept designs and even though all of them are great only one or two will actually make it into production. I really enjoy seeing the creative process that goes into completing a design project like this... And in this case, MAD put in alot of work!!! Thanks for sharing this with us MAD!!!



COMPLETE LIST OF DUNNY CONCEPTS BY MAD!!!

source: madtoydesign.com

www.madtoydesign.com

METROPARK AND OBEY PRESENT: PUBLIC WORKS

METROPARK AND OBEY PRESENT: PUBLIC WORKS
Design Contest hosted by MetroPark and Obey

Info posted by MetroPark:

MetroPark and Obey present: Public Works
Third Annual Art Contest

Use your imagination to make a statement with any art form you choose. Everyone is encouraged to create. Painting, drawing, photography, and sculpture are just a partial list of options. The winners of the "Public Works" contest will have their designs produced exclusively by Obey for MetroPark. Everyone will have a chance to vote on their favorite submissions. One men's grand prize and one women's grand prize will be chosen by MetroPark and Obey. Designs must be submitted by June 30th 2009.

"PUBLIC WORKS" CONTEST DETAILS!!!

www.metroparkusa.com/publicworks

HAPPY HOLIDAYS from PATRICK FRANCISCO

Artist Patrick Francisco sent me this really cool holiday e-card and I thought I'd share it with the rest of you. Don't forget to right click and save, and while you're at it be sure to check out Patrick's site: www.patrickfrancisco.com. I wish everyone a Happy Holidays aswell and you can thank me later.

www.patrickfrancisco.com

NEW CUSTOM by HUCK GEE

COLONIAL LIFE - CORPORAL "THUNDERSTICKS" ANSON
Colonial Life - UTCMC - ZOR Dread Squad

Info posted by Huck Gee:

"Coming this Friday, December 12th, 2008 at Noon PST, Huck releases the next figure in the UTCMC Colonial Life series: CPL R.H. 'Thundersticks' Anson. One of the original core members of the infamous ZOR Dread Squad. These guys (and gals) are the best of the best, the anything goes, whatever it takes, no matter the body count, United Terran Colonies clean up crew... 10 custom hand painted Corporal 'Thundersticks' Anson Munnys. Each is signed and numbered (on breast plate and shoulder pad) 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, $750 per figure."

Limit one figure per customer.

Huck's Ebay Store (Noon PST, Friday 12/12)



www.huckgee.com

HUCK GEE's Latest Custom

Colonial Life - "Sgt. Vasquez" Custom Munny
Designed by Huck Gee

Info posted by Huck Gee:

"Coming this Friday, November 21st, 2008 at Noon PST, Huck releases his newest creation. Set in a new world, Colonial Life, we present one of UTCMC's finest, Sergeant Vasquez. Leader of the infamous ZOR Dread Squad. These guys (and gals) are the best of the best, the anything goes, whatever it takes, collateral damage be damned United Terran Colonies clean up crew... 10 custom hand painted Sgt. Vasquez Munnys. Each is signed and numbered (on breast plate and shoulder pad) 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, $750 per figure.

Limit one figure per customer."



www.huckgee.com

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

KIDROBOT Sample Sale in NYC

KIDROBOT SAMPLE SALE
Discounts are as much as 60-70 percent off big kid toys and hoodies.

Where: 261 W. 36th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves., 2nd flr.
When: 11/11/08-11/14/08

www.kidrobot.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

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

FEATURED ARTIST: LOU PIMENTEL

I recently discovered the works of Lou Pimentel through a sales thread he had on an art message board. I heard of his name before, but never actually looked into his work. I'm so glad I clicked into that sales thread because not only did I get to see some extremely beautiful artwork, but I also got to meet one of the coolest and most down to earth artist in the industry. I haven't talked to Lou in person but the messages we've exchanged just gives me the vibe that he's one really cool cat and his attitude reflects his artwork... You can literally hang some of his pieces in a newborn baby's room. I dig the cherry theme alot, cause in my opinion everything is better with cherries on top. Lou is pretty versatile though, he also has a lot of work aimed at the more mature audience. I recently picked up my first commission from him and plan to pick up more. I'm also going to get some of his work in The Art Gallery, so be on the look out for that... Thanks again Lou!!!



www.lou-pimentel.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

KAWS x PHARRELL: KAWS BLITZ Pendant

KAWS recently designed a pendant for Pharrell. It's an iced out version of his Kaws Blitz figure. I want one but know damn well I probably can't afford it... Either way I think the design came out great.





Thanks for showing me this Saiko.

www.kawsone.com

My first custom: Mr. SEVEN in MUNNY form

Mr. SEVEN Custom AP by MOODSWING7



Mr. SEVEN was done a year ago in a small run of about 5. I posted them up for sale and they sold pretty quick. This is the first and only custom I'll probably ever do. The only one I have left is the AP and I won't be letting it go for awhile. I want to bring Mr. SEVEN to life on prints and other platforms, but I still need to find the right artist to help me do so... As of right now, this is all you're gonna see of him as a toy.

I do have some shirt designs of Mr. SEVEN in the works and they'll be available exclusively on this site. I'll be working with Nikejerk on this project so be on the lookout for that.







Some info on Mr. SEVEN:

Mr. SEVEN is sort of like my alter ego. He's masked so he can pretty much say and do whatever he wants. He's neither a hero or a villain, in fact his mask and uniform change depending on what he gets himself into. He's gets lucky alot though and it gets him out of some deep shit... Lucky Mr. SEVEN.

www.alwaysSEEN.com