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This is how the Star Wars Universe would look like if Burt Banger took over ~ and a hella lazer-ride it would be too LOL! (*I'm being serious here*). Completed for TOPPS' Star Wars Galaxy Series 5 [tagged] look for these one-of-a-kind hand-drawn die-cut cards inserted randomly into trading card packs ~ And May The Fur Be With You!
From Buffalo Toys (a newly formed designer toys division of well-known French label Attakus) comes a new series of blind-boxed platform figures, dubbed "ALYENZ".
Scheduled for a two-stage release, with "ALYENZ Invasion 1" releasing in February, and "ALYENZ invasion 2" planned for a September 2010-drop, the 8cm tall vinyl figure comes in a box of 24 figurines with a RRP of US$333 per box, US$13.90 per single blind-box. [CLICK THRU for full-on cut-n-paste product details]
ALYENZ invasion 1 features work from artists: Genevieve Gauckler, Lewis Trondheim, Soldedad Bravi, Marc Caro, Run, The Black Frog, Stan, Yoann Etienne Aillaud
The collection : vinyl figurines with spicy, atomic, rustic, retro-futuristic or parodic designs, customized by famous artists coming from some of Europe’s top fashion professionals or from the worlds of graphic design, comics, cinema and of course street art, as well as a few veterans of the vinyl scene.
Main objective: Far from denying the street art world which has allowed the emergence of the designer toys worldwide phenomenon, ALYENZ offers for the first time a European vision of designer toys, associated with a desire of pointing out the most representative artists of contemporary creation.
Collecting process : Each series is composed of 9 different figurines available in blind box: each purchase is a complete surprise and collectors can trade the duplicates!
The artists : a panel of artistic figures, from Soledad Bravi, the Illustrator of ELLE Magazine, to the comics artists Philippe Buchet and Lewis Trondheim, through the graphic designer Geneviève Gauckler (who created Laurent Garnier’s sleeves) and the cult film maker Marc Caro, who makes his first foray into the world of designer toys.
Features: - Name of Toys: ALYENZ Series 1 (box including 24 figurines) - Reference: MA04 - Gencode: 3700472002409 - Designer toys collectibles are available in blind boxes - RRP (box): 237,60 € / 333 US$ (Recommended unit price: 9,90 € / 13,90 US$) - Producer: BUFFALO TOYZ (with Attakus) - Size of the figurine: 8 cm - Release date: Available!! - Material: Vinyl
ALYENZ invasion 2 – Release in September 2010 Guest Artists: Rolito Pierre la Police, Philippe Buchet, Soledad Bravi, The Black Frog, Fred Blanchard, Etienne Aillaud, Yoann
Artist Brent Nolasco shares with us the first preview of the "5-Eyed Dragon" Show by Dragatomi. Titled: Arc of Time, the artwork measures 11x14 and is acrylic on wood panel (Click on image to view bigger)
EVENT: 5-Eyed Dragon is a art and custom show featuring paintings, customs, prints and more. Artists involved also includes Southern Drawl, Betso, DrilOne, Leecifer, as well as Brent himself.
WHEN: Saturday April 10th, 2010 WHERE: Dragatomi Store Retail Outlet 2317 J Street Sacramento, CA 95816
Here is a first-look sneak peek at a giant plush-form from Manuel Heischel of cikcuk dunia fantasi, titled "fliegender freund mit 20 pyramieden" ~ completed for, and will be on show for an expo at Plaza Indonesia from March 2nd 2010.
Manuel has been pretty this year, with the upcoming Spanky Freund and custom-Droplets, appearances at Lou Belle Shop (for the Munny Custom Show), as well as a host of upcoming involvement in shows, and will be heading back down to Singapore in late-March / April for yet another gallery show! Seeya soon, Manu!
The last we saw of Mathias Bax's 2.5 inch tall DIY Ham-Sters was back in 2009, and for 2010, Mathias is making available a whole litter of the little resin-critters via his online shop @ www.urbanhamster.bigcartel.com ~ priced between US$9 - US$12 each, in a selection of pastel pinks and blues, DIYs and customs (Each ham-ster comes in a bag with nesting material).
Also, there's a chance to win yourselves some Hamsters by following Mathias on Twitter @ twitter.com/Toyarchitects and "welcoming" him, along with a hastag #resinhamsters. At the end of the week, 2 random winners who are following Mathias will each receive a DIY hamster.
Mike Grey aka Nebulon5 shares with us the upcoming release of "THREE'S THE MAGIC NUMBER" featuring 3 custom Koibitos via his blog @ www.nebulon5.blogspot.com on March 3rd 2010 (Time TBC). Priced at US$175 each (plus shipping $5 US / $10 elsewhere) and available in three colorways:
- Bluegill Waterbelly - Rainbow Sherbet - Violets are Blue
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Jason Atomic offers up hand-painted characters in environments / scenes for his participation for TOPPS' Star Wars Galaxy Series 5 trading card series [tagged], in both landscaped and portrait layouts from the die-cut "Darth Maul" and "Clone Trooper" cards, that are randomly inserted into packs. CLICK THRU for slideshowed-peeps of Jason's pre-production sketches prior to final artwork on cards (which makes cool art-pieces all by themselves too, IMHO), as well as a wee Q&A about the making-of!
TOYSREVIL: What was the conceptual theme for this series of cards? As compared to your previous year's?
JASON ATOMIC: Topps & Sucklord had asked me if I could feature characters from the expanded SW universe this time round. They probably expected me to sketch from toys again but I only have the ones from the first trilogy.
The solution I came up with was to take a leaf out of Len Bellinger's book & work directly from the films themselves.
Focusing mainly on the 3 newest movies I worked from DVD, being used to working from life I found paused images a bit too static so I worked out how to loop a few frames at a time & sketched like that.
[15 x images in slideshow above / CLICK for full-screen viewing]
TOYSREVIL: What do you plan to do with the pre-production sketches? How did that come about in the first place?
JASON ATOMIC: I've never really worked from DVD like this before so once I knew I had been selected for SWG5 I started training on sheets of coloured paper.
In response to several requests from collectors I'll be putting some of those up on Ebay in the next week, just sorting out some new scans this afternoon in fact ;)
These are ballpen & acrylic on 10x15" sheets of coloured paper. They are not as worked into as the cards, which had multiple layers of varnish & paint, but do give a very good idea of my creative process.
There have also been some enquiries as to wether I'll be doing another set of LP size die-cut recreations, the short answer is yes. If anyone is interested they should get in touch.
PRODUCT-OVERVIEW: MikuStars PUP [tagged] stands 6 inches tall and features 6 points of articulation. Priced at US$40 per figure (inclusive worldwide shipping) and available in 3 basic colorways (Pink, White Grey Helmets), MikuStars PUP can be purchased online via =27:fool's. MikuStars PUP is designed by Alan Ng of Double Line, and is produced and manufactured by G999.
TOYSREVIL had the pleasure of receiving the White-Helmeted Mikustars PUP and you can CLICK THRU for toy-snaps and personal impressions, to perhaps help in your purchasing considerations.
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DE-BOXING MIKUSTARS-PUP: Contained within the utilitarian printed brown box lies a separate styrofoam-box which held the resin figure firmly into place, accessible by stripping away the sticky-tape holding the two-halves of the foam-box in place. A little "red arrow" sticker shows you which way is "UP". Within it is the entire figure, with a separate plastic bag for the helmet, which sits over another which covers the main figure.
(Note: the illustration on the box is by designer / Mikustars-creator Alan Ng, and may not be what you will find in regular boxes ~ thanks, Alan!)
As much as I do appreciate and enjoy a spiffy display and/or packaging box, sometimes straight-up utilitarian works for me as well, mindful of the cost of production, especially an indie (and respectful) outfit G999 is, IMHO. So this works pretty well for me. Hassle-free is always a big plus too haha
[Above: Standard box for Mikustars PUP]
[4 x images in slideshow above / CLICK for full-screen viewing]
MIKUSTARS-PUP-FIGURE: I was surprised that the figure was as "big" as it came (still unable to grasp the notion of "inches" even when I blog about them) ~ perhaps an illusion I had previously experienced while see the figure-form online, "cute = small" ... but no doubts here, as Mikustars PUP stood well by itself.
The weight of the resin figure in-hand was a plus for me (Admittedly, I do like my toys with a bit of heft). The helmet was the highlight of the figure (IMHO) ~ feeling smooth and looking shiny-sleek. Although I have to admit, some of the paint-apps were not as clean, predominantly at the base of the figure and joints, but that is upon closer inspection ~ on a display stand, perhaps they would be negligible.
[5 x images in slideshow above / CLICK for full-screen viewing]
ARTICULATION: The figure touts "6-points-of-articulation", which includes arms, legs and waist (excluding removable helmet, which would be an "accessory"). The joints for them are via pegs slotted / inserted into rubber (or silicon?) grooves set-in within the main body. Straight-up pull and out (no "pop" or "locks"). No articulation at the wrists, I'm afraid.
Now, I have not tried to muck-about with the "strength" of said-pegs, but the seem sturdy enough ~ although I would not recommend you chuck the figure about (who would anyways? hahaha Don't let your kid play with it tho, he/she might munch on the arms and legs :p).
One plus point for this is that it may well be helpful for any attempts at customizing / painting the toy, but in the long run, as long as the "rubber-holders" hold, then tis all good.
And if you plan on getting all 3 of the designs, you can even swap about their parts! [PEEP]
TRE-SUMMARY: A swell alternative figure to get, if you so happened to have missed out on it's earlier incarnation in 1/6th-scale (from Boredomsqueezer / PEEP) with such that the headsculpt and helmet are iconic to, and a welcomed addition to a collection that differs from current heavy-urban-styled offerings in the toy-world, IMHO. The innocence in the (deceptive, perhaps?) simplicity of the design and character, provides it with a fresh perspective of toy figurines.
MikuStars PUP are also physically available via Toystation in Hng Kong and Paradie Toy Land in Taiwan (address below).
Hong Kong: Toystation, B37-B38 Basement, 107-111 Argyle Street, Mong Kok. Kowloon, Hong Kong (旺角亞皆老街107-111號皆旺商場地庫B37-B38號) Tel:(852) 23989341
Taiwan: Paradise Toy Land, No.17, Lane 187, Sec.1, Dun Hua S.Rd, Taipei, Taiwan (台北市敦化南路一段187巷17號) Tel: (886) 02-2776-6624
EVENT: Rivet presents "The Decadence of Decay" featuring the 3D artwork of Amanda Louise Spayd and Cris Rose ~ with an opening reception on Saturday, March 6th (from 7-10pm). Artist Amanda L. Spayd will be in attendance. Complimentary beverages provided by Magic Hat. Exhibition will be on display March 6 through March 31. (For any additional information, please visit the show page here & contact Laura @ laura [at] rivetgallery.com for interest in artwork.)
I've become quite a drooling-fan of Amanda's work, with her last series of creations for Curiosities melting my eyes and heart, and now with this 2-person show with Cris? Decay has never felt so glorious and beautiful, IMHO ... CLICK THRU for a wee preview of works to be expected from Amanda (FYI: 10 new creations awaits), as well as a Q&A on "decadence" and "decay".
TOYSREVIL: What can folks expect from you for the upcoming show? Any particular theme you are going for? (besides the obvious name of the show :p)
AMANDA SPAYD: I think people can expect a little more direct personality from my work this time. There will be a lot of the usual unsettling blank stares, crooked teeth, and creepy-cute, but also some guys interacting with the world around them. Some of them have props they're interacting with, or find themselves in situations they can't remedy. That's something I'd like to continue exploring.
[Titled: "Now What?"]
TOYSREVIL: How much does "decay" inspire you?
AMANDA SPAYD: A lot! I am a big collector of antique objects - not just because of what they are, but also the incredibly interesting patina of age that accumulates. Wood scratches and darkens, porcelain glazes chip, metal goes dark and rusty. I find all that very aesthetically pleasing, and constantly scour antique shops and such places for interesting things to buy. I collect a lot of old medical trappings, ratty old stuffed toys, and of course, objects to use in my artwork, for my creations to interact with, or wear.
[Titled: "Prince of Darkness"]
TOYSREVIL: How should the world be better served? In Decay? or Decadence?
AMANDA SPAYD: I think it would be well-served to realize that just because something is old, or a little ugly, or not the newest model, does not mean it's outlived its usefulness. We're very quick to jump onto the next big thing after such a short time using the current big thing - I think that my obsession with antique technology and the "old way" of doing things has made me notice it more. I love technology - don't try to part me from my laptop! But I also believe very strongly in being mindful of where our resources come from, and how they are spent, and doing that as wisely as possible.
TOYSREVIL: Methinks the art-world is better served with the existence of you and your creations, Amanda! Looking forward to seeing the rest of your creations, for the show and beyond!
Amanda Spayd, a resident of semi-rural Northern Ohio, is a designer, artist, and fragrance alchemist. Her love of texture, antiques, color, and the natural world, combined with an obsessive attention to detail are used to their full advantage when creating her mixed-media sculptures. At once endearing and unsettling, her fabric creatures evoke ideas of cast-off children's toys and ill-concieved taxidermy experiments with human teeth. Amanda creates environments for many of her creatures, giving them permanent homes which hold decorations, related objects, and their personal accoutrements on display.
When she's not sitting in front of her hand-cranked antique sewing machine, painting glass eyes, or boiling up homemade black walnut dye in the backyard, Amanda can be found trolling antique stores for beautifully decayed objects, formulating handmade perfumes and soaps, brewing the perfect cup of coffee, or playing a vintage analog synthesizer in her husband's music project.
Doktor A shares with us a beaut of a commissioned custom (by a private collector) featuring the Skullskin form (originally designed by Ajee / tagged). CLICK THRU for more peeks of the 11 inch tall RUPTURE GIRL (made of vinyl and led) ~ who may well be a "potential Dragon Con attendee" says Doktor A, "Sort of a Rupture Cosplay I guess." ~ Now that's a lady I'd like to meet! :)
Opening Saturday March 6th @ Super7 Florida is "Things Doll Apart" featuring works by Brigitte Coovert, which will include her Zombuki line of doll-creations and Blythe doll-customs, and original Kokeshi customs, as well as photography (shown left will be one of the prints on show).
Admitted, I've always had a wee "thing" for Blythe-dolls (yes, I have single Blythe in my collection with oddles of clothes and accessories >.<) and seeing custom-dolls is a (not-so-secret anymore) treat for me personally, especially with gorgeous work from Brigitte! CLICK THRU for more preview-peeks + a Q&A!
Note that the first 20 people to arrive will get free swag bags. Also note that all work will be made available through the the Super7 Florida online shop after opening night through the end of the display period. Things Doll Apart exhibits thru March 26th, 2010.
Super7 Florida 720 2nd Street North St. Petersburg, Florida 33701
[Above: A print that will be on-show at "Things Doll Apart"]
TOYSREVIL: What is the "Things Doll Apart" show-theme? What goes into the creation of your creations?
BRIGITTE: Everything I create is so hybridized that they all end up being lots of different things, all those things become something else entirely, but I feel like the ghosts of the original styles always remain. The two Blythes created for the show, DeeDee (Tweedledee) and DumDum (Tweedledum), are based off of the Alice in Wonderland characters, but reborn with a Rococo slash French Courtesan twist to them.
[Above-left: DeeDee / Above-right: DumDum]
TOYSREVIL: Magnificently lush! What else can folks look forward to at "Things Doll Apart"? (Love the show-title, btw).
BRIGITTE: I'm also bringing along a number of small kokeshi "families" like the Luxe Family, which are like a field of flowers mixed with steampunk; monocles made up of glitter and pearls gears.
From Buffalo Toys (a newly formed designer toys division of well-known French label Attakus) comes a new series of blind-boxed platform figures, dubbed "ALYENZ".
Features:
Artist Brent Nolasco shares with us the first preview of the "5-Eyed Dragon" Show by Dragatomi. Titled: Arc of Time, the artwork measures 11x14 and is acrylic on wood panel (Click on image to view bigger)
Here is a first-look sneak peek at a giant plush-form from Manuel Heischel of cikcuk dunia fantasi, titled "fliegender freund mit 20 pyramieden" ~ completed for, and will be on show for an expo at Plaza Indonesia from March 2nd 2010.
Mike Grey aka Nebulon5 shares with us the upcoming release of "THREE'S THE MAGIC NUMBER" featuring 3 custom Koibitos via his blog @ www.nebulon5.blogspot.com on March 3rd 2010 (Time TBC). Priced at US$175 each (plus shipping $5 US / $10 elsewhere) and available in three colorways:
Links
ABOUT AMANDA LOUISE SPAYED:
Opening Saturday March 6th @ Super7 Florida is "Things Doll Apart" featuring works by Brigitte Coovert, which will include her Zombuki line of doll-creations and Blythe doll-customs, and original Kokeshi customs, as well as photography (shown left will be one of the prints on show).
