Thursday, October 7, 2010

Ego - Eventually You Run Out Of Tomorrows...

For those of you who know me, I've probably either shown you a picture of a piece I previously purchased by Ego, or you've seen the real thing at my house. It is one of my favorite pieces, & has even earned a permanent spot on my "art wall". My house is full of art, but it takes something really special to secure a place in that little nook.

Well, Lord Ego has a new show that opened tonight at the Flatcolor Gallery in Seattle. I was lucky enough to get a preview of the collection this morning before the opening & scored one of his new works (which I didn't even realize at the time was the show piece for the exhibition). I am thoroughly psyched to have it join my art wall once the show closes, & I'm sure I'll be showing pics of it too. In the meantime, enjoy the preview pics HERE & tell 'em Skillcrane sent you.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Pricing Artwork For Sale


I saw this video on YouTube, & found that it is extremely helpful for the new artist all the way to the most established. Many people wrestle with how to price their work, & it is nice to see someone give a piece by piece breakdown to compare how he derives at his prices. Hope you get as much from it as I did!

Friday, May 21, 2010

Double Damn. (Giger's Birth Machine Sculpture)

Anybody who knows me fairly well knows that I am a huge HR Giger fan. One of my favorite paintings by him is "Birth Machine". It is a remarkable statement that resonates long after viewing the piece. Today I discovered that there is a full-size sculpture outside of the HR Giger Museum in Switzerland. I am marveling in it's majesty...

(sound Hallelujah chorus)

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Palehorse Smashes! (Picks Jaw Up Off Ground)

Christos Mysterio Jr

Our Lady Of Lucha Libre

I have been a huge fan of graphic designer/artist Chris Parks (aka Palehorse) for a while now, ever since I first saw his "Christos Mysterio Jr"/"Our Lady Of Lucha Libre" series through the website Zazzle. I immediately picked the 2 prints up since they were insanely cheap, & have been in love with his work since then. Apparently he has set the bar to epic heights, with his new exhibition "Gods & Monsters". Check out this video (& pay attention to "The Kracken" as well as the MASSIVE spraypaint/vinyl collaboration with Allen Hampton)...


Some pics from the show...
"The Kracken"

Pale Horse--Allen Hampton Collab

Chris Parks stands next to the collab piece

Pale Horse--Allen Hampton Collab

Finally, take the studio tour here (older video):

Go visit Chris here:
Website
Buy Prints On Zazzle

Monday, May 10, 2010

Frank Frazetta: R.I.P.

Self Portrait

While looking around for Frank Frazetta artwork online today, I found out the sad news that the legendary fantasy artist has passed away. He has been in steadily declining health for many months, & had been spending his last few months surrounded by the family that he loved dearly. Sadly, Mr Frazetta had been in the news recently due to a legal battle stemming from an incident that put his son in jail for theft of millions of dollars of his father's art, which may or may not have been authorized by Frazetta Sr himself. Thankfully the issue was resolved amongst the family members, without it having to go to court. While Frazetta may no longer be here, his artwork will live on forever, & the Frank Frazetta Museum will continue to house a permanent collection for all who want to take the trek, & a source for authorized, inexpensive prints for those who can't, but still want to help contribute to keeping the museum open for years to come.


Here are some of my favorite Frazetta pieces...
Dark Kingdom

Death Dealer

Savage Pellucidar

The Huntress

Fire & Ice

Cat Girl

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

The Art Of Leon Botha

"The Flow Of Time"

Unless you've been in the midst of a self-imposed media ban for the last few months, it is hard to escape the wave of blissful mania that has followed the South African rap-rave sensations Die Antwoord. Since they were unleashed upon an unsuspecting world via a seemingly harmless Boing Boing post, millions have adopted the group as their new favorites. If you are like me, you've watched the "Enter The Ninja" video ad naseum since then. Between insanely catchy beats, helium filled vocals, ironic haircuts, gangsta posturing & an enigmatic figure substituting for their perpetually-missing in action DJ, you can't help but sit up & take notice.

Leon Botha, On The Set Of Die Antwoord's "Enter The Ninja" Video

The enigmatic figure in question is artist Leon Botha. I'll say this once, & once only, since otherwise I would be the only person who hasn't felt it necessary to preface discussions of Leon by mentioning, is that he has the extremely rare disease known as Progeria. I could get into details (see Wikipedia for that), but let's just say it is a real concern. I hate to even mention it because it has absolutely no bearing on whether or not the man is a gifted artist. Not in that "he's good for a guy who [fill in the blank]" type way either. The man is just plain talented. While he may not be able to blend into a crowd easily, he really distinguishes himself even further from the pack by rising to the top with his work.

"Midnight Marauders"

A huge portion of Leon's work originates from his love of hip-hop (mostly of the American variety), & that passion shines through, informing the pieces in the sense that they have a lyrical flow that many artists are never able to effectively capture.

"Liquid Sword/Caduceus/Chakras"

Added to the fact that it appears that nothing Botha does is done without seeking deeper meaning, he wears his spirituality on his sleeve. (read: not necessarily "religion"). He peeks behind the veneer & instead seeks to further understand the unifying principles of the universe. Beyond the initial impressions that one reaches on cursory glance, each painting tells a multi-layered story that must be pondered before finally reaching a conclusion.

"Flower Of Life"

Time is also a recurrent theme in Botha's work, & being that he is a bit of a medical miracle, he understands better than most that we do not have infinity to explore our Earthly vessels. Time can either be our biggest ally or our biggest enemy, but it is up to us to decide. Applying this knowledge, he is energized by this defining principle.

"Guardian Through The Duat"


(The video accompaniment to the painting)

He is also acutely aware of the theories of transcendence & legacy, which he actively explores throughout his body of work. Instead of me trying to paraphrase, I'd rather let the man speak for himself:



At the ripe old age of 24, Leon has accomplished more than most people have in their lifetime. He's achieved wild internet fame, he's collaborated on a t-shirt project, & he recently wrapped up his third gallery show (his first two were solo exhibitions while his most recent was a collaboration with photographer Gordon Clark).

"Angels Of Polarity" (Collaboration with Gordon Clark)

To top it off, I would be entirely remiss if I didn't mention that besides the gift of the brush, Leon is a sick turntablist, cutting & slicing through the South African underground hip-hop scene for the last several years under the alias DJ Solarize. Watching this clip makes me realize just how much I need to bust out my own tables & practice...



I'm pretty sure this cat has perfected Mantis Style. Speaking of...

"Mantis Style"

There's one thing that can be certain, the future is open wide for Leon, & I guarantee he's not going to let the opportunity slip through the cracks.


Pay him a visit at the following:


Website
Flickr
YouTube
Facebook
Wiki Wiki Wiki

Friday, February 26, 2010

Jo Morphett - J (Lady Avengers)

Just picked up another canvas piece from the very talented Jo Morphett on Etsy today, this time featuring the lovely ladies from The Avengers. I chose the letter J for obvious reasons...

Can't wait to see it in person. Woo-hoo!

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Glenn Danzig Has A Black Eye/King George Has No Posse

I totally forgot about these until yesterday. A series of stickers I designed about 4 years ago as a joke to send in to (& which later appeared on) obeygiant.com.

The first sticker was designed in reference to an altercation that took place between Glenn Danzig & one of the guys from North Side Kings, who knocked Danzig out with one punch.

For those curious, see the gloriously awesome video below:



The next 2 stickers were about our then-current administration, particularly the bumbling fuckwit who called himself our fearless leader. I still pretty much feel the same way, though thankfully he's not still leading the country into Hell any longer. Don't get me started on how disappointed I am in the current administration though..

Words Of Advice...

Bill Hicks has been dead for over a decade & a half, but his words still ring as true today as they did when he originally spoke them. While most thought of him as a comic, he was seen by many (myself included) as a prophet of sorts. He spoke universal truths that generations down the line could glean knowledge from. He regularly made light of these diatribes in the middle of his sets, jokingly promising to take the audience back to "Dick Joke Island" by the end. Before we parachuted back to the island, Hicks managed to impart possibly the most important advice anyone could ever listen to...



Next, a surrogate sage for myself, Mr William Seward Burroughs. I found out on my birthday in 1997 that he had passed away just 4 days prior & was crushed for months. Despite his many faults & the hard living of an addict, he managed to live until the ripe old age of 87, & he spoke some of the most important words ever mumbled by any human being during his time on this planet. The man dropped gems like a jeweler. If you are not familiar with him, do yourself a favor...

Friday, February 12, 2010

Ego - La Calavera

Just got off the phone with Cris, the owner of the Flat Color Gallery, & this beautiful baby is making its way from his personal collection to me tomorrow. Can't wait to see it in person!

11" x 13" (including frame)
Mixed Media
2007

See more about the show HERE:

Unikprodukt - Land Of The Dead (7'' Vinyl Triptych)

My pic. Proper color shown. I really like the way the pink is the color of the drip. I'm thinking of how to frame this. Maybe a red velvet backing in a black frame?

NOTE: glare is courtesy of my camera's flash.

Friday, February 5, 2010

Need To Think Of An Excuse To Visit San Francisco...

Was on David Choe's site earlier & saw a link to a hotel he painted a room in, called the Hotel Des Arts in San Francisco. What an amazing concept. The hotel has a full-on art gallery for monthly openings, the rooftop hosts concerts during the receptions & they also have quite a few "Painted Rooms" by some of the best up & coming urban art talents in the bay area.

Now all I need to do is find an excuse to visit SF, & I'll be staying in a different artist room each night. Called the hotel a few minutes ago, & the rates are fantastic too.

Rooms by David Choe, Sam Flores, Shepard Fairey/Tricia Choi, Buff Monster, Jeremy Fish, Dave Kinsey, Vinyl Killer & many more. Can't wait to go!

More details HERE.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Robert Del Naja - Death Disco (Blue) (Revisited)


Oh.. My.. Jeebus.

It arrived.

It is beautiful.

More pics once it is framed.

'Nuff said...

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Avenger Bird by Jo Morphett

My newest piece, courtesy of a recent trip to Etsy.

"Avenger Bird", an original mixed media on canvas featuring vintage comics from the 1980s.

Size: 8" x 8" x 3/4"

"Avenger Bird" has a textured background in deep blues with comic collage on the gallery edges. It is sealed with a satin gloss finish for a bit of shine. Signed & dated on the back.

Fun Upcycled Comic Art! Damaged comics repurposed into a unique collectible!

Art On Etsy

All found via Etsy...

"Our Lady Of Hayworth" by Jason Rowland

"Sad Johnny on wood v2.0" by Jason Rowland

"Aquaman Conundrum" by Jason Rowland

"Muhammad Ali" by wespiermarini

"Little Pilot Skullington" by Sir Mitchell

"Centurio Americanus" by Sir Mitchell

"Icons Of The Empire 1" by Sir Mitchell

Portrait Suit Case X-Large by soule

"Disney Bambi In Kyoto Japan" Giclee by Takuma Yoshida

Michael Jackson & ET: "Friends Forever" by Ezra Li

"Abraham Lincoln Zombie" by Ezra Li

"Jackson Undead" by Ezra Li

"Hamilton Undead" by Ezra Li

"George Washington Zombie" by Ezra Li

"William S Burroughs" by Oliver Lake (lakeillustration)

"Lenny Bruce" by Oliver Lake (lakeillustration)

"Black Metal Angel" from recycled skateboard by Klutch

"Assist" by Iosua Tai Taeoalii

"Addiction To Comfort" by Iosua Tai Taeoalii

"Allocate Our Air" by Iosua Tai Taeoalii

"Not A Worry In The World" by Iosua Tai Taeoalii

George Clinton on Vinyl Record by Mizu (Green)

"Day Of Roses 1" by Christy Schwathe

Original Tar Painting (Folk Figure) by Julie Steiner

"Lunar Phases" by Grasp

Mixed Media Graffiti Bird 4 by Indiandollartworks

"Will They Ever Know" by Jenn Cole

Original One Off Screenprint by Jo |Zi| Ge

"Flatland BMX" Mixed Media Skateboards by Dan (numberthirtytwo)

Bill Hicks Stenciled Skateboard by Dan (numberthirtytwo)

"Johnny Cash Flippin' The Bird" by pointblankdesign

"Robert Johnson - Hellhound On My Trail" by pointblankdesign

"love. shoot" by nontrendy

"All Points In Between" by James Jimenez

"Endless" Set Of Four Blank-ees by Lauren Perry

"Stencil Number 15" by twentyfourblackbirds

"Umbrella Assassin" by GCrackle