#Playsam500 Customs Now On Sale @ Super7 / A Message from Gary Ham
Check out customs for the Playam500 show @ Super7 currently available to purchase via Super7Store.com (those not listed most probably means they have been 'Sold', or might have been pulled from the line-up), and as well check out the customs via the Super7 Flickr (reposted here below). TOYSREVIL has featured numerous customs and previews in the past, and you can check them out by clicking #Playsam500.
This post has come at an unfortunately "late" juncture post-opening of the show, where a lot of words (sometimes heated) on how it was run have been exchanged, discussed and reported on, in websites and forums. There was even discussion on the actual percentage of the proceeds going for the intended charity, where perhaps each individual piece carried differing percentages.
In short, what started if off was that a series of custom submissions were not displayed on opening night (seen from posted gallery pics and tweets - how devastatingly 'fast' information is these days, is alarming lol), and questions have been asked why that happened, and the replies has been less than satisfactory according to some artists. Fingers had since been pointed to the curator for the woes, and even the venue for hosting the event, for their lack of involvement on promoting the event itself. Regardless of intent and/or effect, this has left quite a blemish in the scene, unfortunately.
I had spoke to one of the persons affected by the snafu offline (in preparation for this post) at the on-set of the storm when tweets shone a light to the problems, and he has since provided us with some words, and I have since chosen to post his response and not delve further into the situation:
My sincere thanks to Gary for coming forward with the above statement, and his courage for doing so. And as much as this post seemed like "cursory-acknowledgement" of such an event (of that I do not deny, and have struggled to even think of posting this in the first place), but I reckon let this be a lesson learnt for everyone, and let it not overshadow the efforts of other customizers, whom have contributed their time, efforts and skills, for this item to benefit "charity".
This post has come at an unfortunately "late" juncture post-opening of the show, where a lot of words (sometimes heated) on how it was run have been exchanged, discussed and reported on, in websites and forums. There was even discussion on the actual percentage of the proceeds going for the intended charity, where perhaps each individual piece carried differing percentages.
In short, what started if off was that a series of custom submissions were not displayed on opening night (seen from posted gallery pics and tweets - how devastatingly 'fast' information is these days, is alarming lol), and questions have been asked why that happened, and the replies has been less than satisfactory according to some artists. Fingers had since been pointed to the curator for the woes, and even the venue for hosting the event, for their lack of involvement on promoting the event itself. Regardless of intent and/or effect, this has left quite a blemish in the scene, unfortunately.
I had spoke to one of the persons affected by the snafu offline (in preparation for this post) at the on-set of the storm when tweets shone a light to the problems, and he has since provided us with some words, and I have since chosen to post his response and not delve further into the situation:
"I've heard stories of custom shows going bad, but up until this event I had not experienced it first hand and can say it sucked. I put a lot of thought, time and effort into the donated custom and hearing it was not put on display was a punch in the gut. I can't say I will have fond memories of this event, but there is a positive side to this and I prefer to look at that right now. Artists and future events will benefit from this experience. A note to artists out there...don't just accept any offer that comes your way. Before you agree to anything, ask however many questions you need to ensure your time and efforts are going to be respected and worth while. And for curators approaching artists, present them with as many details as you can. Supply a break down of percentages between artist and venue. Make mention of how the event is to be promoted and where. How will the artists be paid, when, and what happens to the custom should it not sell.
I also want to say that despite this debacle, the show began with good intentions and I would like to believe it can end better than it started. Proceeds are to go to The World Childhood Foundation, so please do not let what occurred deter anyone from wanting to purchase one of the many great customs." ~shared artist Gary Ham
My sincere thanks to Gary for coming forward with the above statement, and his courage for doing so. And as much as this post seemed like "cursory-acknowledgement" of such an event (of that I do not deny, and have struggled to even think of posting this in the first place), but I reckon let this be a lesson learnt for everyone, and let it not overshadow the efforts of other customizers, whom have contributed their time, efforts and skills, for this item to benefit "charity".
