DEATHTEQs by Klav9 & Getting To Know The Toy Customizer
Kevin Derken AKA Klav9 shares with us a headsup for his latest toy-custom drop, and it is fueled with dopeness! Witness the release of DEATHTEQs into the toy-wild! These one-off customs number 10 pieces in total, and are currently available online here for US$150 each.
*At time of this post, more than HALF of the pieces have since been snapped up, so stay sharp, folks!
Scroll thru for more snaps (WIPs and finals), words from Kevin about his work for this line-up (and the "future" of DeathTEQs...), AND get to know the artist a little bit more... :)
ABOUT DEATHTEQs: "Ever since my release of custom Teq63's from Martian Toys and Quiccs in February, I have had a steady stream of requests from Quiccs collectors. But, the teq63 blanks are virtually impossible to find, so I started with the UKIUK blank from Martian and Gorgocho, which uses the same body of the Teq63. The hand sculpted skulls are cast in resin and attached with a magnet so they pivot."
"The first series of 10, are one off (even though 2 have the same paint scheme), numbered and signed. They are hand painted with lacquer and oil paint (as usual) and still fit within the original packaging. Most were just almost random choices on colors, however one is a copy of my favorite vintage sofubi wrestling toy: skull star."
"Once I posted a photo of the unpainted version on instagram, there have been a steady stream of interest. I have held 5 to be released thru public sale on creeping death robot club, while the others were reserved before paint. Depending on how the release goes, I may do a pre order for series 2, or they may end up at my booth for DCon..."
ABOUT THE ARTIST: "I go by Klav and/or Kevin Derken. Instagram: @klav9 / website (store): www.creepingdeathrobotclub.com / not so updated blog: www.a1-plastik.com
I have a degree in sculpture (BFA) and have spent the last 20 years working as an art handler for a museum at a large university. I currently work full time at the museum and spend about 4-6 hours a day working on toys. About 6 years ago, I started working on japanese Sci fi models called Maschinen Krieger, designed by Kow Yokoyama. I was drawn to the mix of organic shapes and mechanical parts. I became obsessed and learned as many japanese painting techniques as possible and within a year, I was introduced to Kow in Tokyo. The following year, I won the annual "Kow Yokoyama Award" (best in show) at a Maschinen Krieger Convention in Tokyo. A few years later I was featured (6 pages) in Hobby Japan for my work within the Ma.K. universe. "
"At the height of my model career, I met Carlos East (Beast Brothers) thru a friend. He tried to talk me in to customizing toys, and gave me some munny blanks. I dabbled here and there, but never really broke thru so I stayed with modeling. A sculpture I made was turned into a character for an upcoming german sci fi movie called "Violent Starr" along with another work which is also in the movie (still in editing)... "
"Fast forward to 2017... Somehow I got invited to the first Five Points Festival and didn't hesitate at the chance for a new audience. Even thou I wasn't really making "toys" at the time, I live an hour outside of New York City so it seemed like it was worth the gamble. I brought 60 models, sculptures and toys to the festival and sold about 1/3 of them. I was extremely surprised by the reaction to my work, so as soon as the festival was over, I jumped into the toy world with both feet and never looked back. I've had collaborations with Toyboom, Martian Toys, Madmonk1869, Naomi Knaff and Quiccs, current collaborations with Anatoy, Red Hot Style, and Kaijuone. This summer at the 2nd Five Points Fest, I brought 80 pieces and sold 72 of them including 2 King Korpse customs. I was also nominated for Custom of the Year (fan) for a Huck Gee blank at the DTA's and was invited to the DTA Dunny Show."
"I've been in various shows at Mothership Gallery in Philadelphia, Clutter Gallery, and have some pieces at GallerieF in Chicago. I will be exhibiting at DCon in November and will have a piece in the (not yet announced) King Korpse custom show from Instinctoy at Tokyo Comic Con in December.
I turn 45 in October, have a wife and 2 kids, and I still skateboard almost every day." - shared Kevin Derken.
