Memento Mori Edition Nordic Lucky Cat for Stranger Factory’s Toy Makers of Planet Earth

 

     Last year was hard, as I faced more loss than I have ever experienced before. Individuals that I looked up to, that I considered friends, and others that were my family departed this world and left me feeling kind of helpless. I didn’t write much, or make anything as I was consumed by feelings of grief that made those tasks nearly impossible. This is my way of moving past that and gaining whatever sense of closure you can ever feel. 

    When Stranger Factory asked me to be part of their Toy Makers of Planet Earth show I had a lot of different ideas that I wanted to execute, but this is the one that I kept returning to. The Memento Mori edition of my Nordic Lucky Cat figure is solid resin and painted in matte black. On the bottom of each is the name of someone that was special to me, written in gold, that I lost last year. Five figures representing five souls that have moved on to the next phase of existence. These will be available exclusively at the aforementioned show along with plenty of other artists who probably did something way more upbeat. 

    The show opens this Saturday, March 23rd, from noon - 4pm at: 

Stranger Factory Gallery

1431 NM HWY 313 Suite B

Algodones, NM 87001

Exclusive Aurora Nordic Lucky Cat for Stranger Factory

     Ya'll still collect toys? I've been a little out of the mix recently working in the digital realm, so I figured it was time to make something again that you can actually hold in your hand or throw at your annoying neighbor when they keep parking in the spot you pay for. Hope that crack in your windshield is worth not having to walk ten extra feet to your house, Carl.

    This is known as the Aurora edition. It is an exclusive to Stranger Factory's group show "Toymakers of Planet Earth" V that opens next Saturday, June 4th, in New Mexico. Now if you don't happen to live in that part of the world fear not, because the remainder of the figures will show up on www.strangerfactory.com  June 6th. They are made with UV reactive resin so they glow like crazy under a black light. These are limited to 20 pieces, come in a hand stamped muslin bag, and have been expertly produced by resin warlock Dubose Art.

"Folkvang" Edition Nordic Lucky Cats for DesignerCon

     So it occurred to me that not only have I failed to do a post about my Nordic Lucky Cats releasing next week at DesignerCon, but I never even named the edition.  Being that they are made of a translucent green and white resin all marbled together and that they are inspired by the goddess Freyja's own cats, I have decided to call this run " Folkvang".  For those of you slightly less obsessed with mythology, Folkvang is the field that houses half of the Viking warriors that die in battle (the other half of course end up in Valhalla).  There are certainly worse outcomes in the after life than hanging out with the goddess of lust and beauty for an eternity.

    They stand four inches tall, are limited to 10 pieces and can only be found at the Stranger Factory/Circus Posterus booth #2600.  They each come in a fancy cloth bag that I hand stamped with love and care just for you.  All figures were produced by DuBose Art.  

Bai Lan the Unyielding from Otto Bjornik x Stranger Factory

    When I was younger vampires would have never been a concern of mine because we kept the same hours.  No blood sucking pasty dude was a threat because I'd be wide awake and able to defend myself against any attack.  Now I'm vulnerable due to the fact that the only way I'm conscious at midnight is because I woke up and had to pee. My safety from those pointy fangs hinges on the hope that they can't enter my house unless they are invited in.  I am relying heavily on this tidbit of folklore and my highly trained battle kitten army who freak out any time someone new comes in the house and could raise the dead with the commotion they make.  So far the ability to retreat is their favorite of all the military tactics I've taught them.

    This little lady from Otto Bjornik may be tiny, but she is our best defense against the hordes of undead, or more specifically her childhood sweetheart, the previously released tiny vampire, Bai Chu.  You can take your chances with garlic and holy  water, or you can pick up this resin figure when she goes on sale this Friday, May 18th, exclusively from Stranger Factory.  Limited to only 30 pieces, each 5 inch toy comes signed and numbered from the artist and can be obtained by visiting www.strangerfactory.com.    

First Painted Edition of Orion from Brandt Peters x Unbox Industries

    I would have sworn by the year 2017 we would have all kinds of cool Terminator body parts that could shoot flames and save MP3s.  While awesome replacement parts aren't readily available at Costco, having snakes for arms like this dude would be super weird and probably not the most fun.  Could you even carry heavy stuff around, like could you get your snakes extra swole at the gym?  And shaking hands would require the person you're greeting to be bit by venomous reptiles, so good luck making friends.  You'd probably take some pretty epic Instagram pics though, which could get you sponsorships from lots of dumb companies that make weird beauty products that no one needs.  See, I took that positive and totally turned it into a negative.  I am in no way shape or form ready for snake arms.

    While I am not responsible enough for serpent limbs, this mummy bro from Brandt Peters and Unbox Industries has adapted quite well.  This is the first painted version of Orion that's ever existed and you can welcome him into your home this Saturday (July 22nd) when he goes on sale at http://store.unboxindustries.info.  Check that site for more info as it pertains to your area of the world.

Horrible Adorables Solo Show "Matriarchy" at Stranger Factory

    I bought Sharon her first Horrible Adorables original for her birthday this year and the thing about them is that once you own one, you want and entire wall full of them.  Think about how amazing that would look in your living room:  you're just sitting there watching tv with a hundred heads of whimsical felt creatures staring back at you.  Don't be surprised if they break into song from The Muppets catalog of hits.

    This Friday, July 7th,  at Stranger Factory you can witness their latest solo show entitled "Matriarchy."  The theme centers around females in the animal kingdom who are boss ladies and the lives that revolve around them.  If you're close to Albuquerque you can check it out during the opening reception from 6-9pm, while the show itself will run until the 30th.  

Two New Shows Opening Friday at Stranger Factory

   Anyone can put on one art show with no problem, but it takes cunning, skill, and a bit of psychosis to do TWO art show openings in one place in one night.  But that's exactly what Stranger Factory is doing tomorrow night when they open Toy Makers of Planet Earth and Bats in the Belfry.  

   The first show will feature some of the top toy artists on the planet including:

Mark Nagata, Brandt Peters, Jess Hernandez, Otto Björnik, Sergey Safanov, Junker Jane, Jen Musatto, Silk and Thistle, Victoria Rose, Lana Crooks, Daniel Talone, Steve Ferrera, Scott Radke, Stan Manoukian, JShea, Eric Althin, Kathie Olivas, Sweet Bestiary, Mudmonkey, Tanya Marriott, Art Toy Maison, Vanessa Ramirez, Fanny Kao, Cassia Harries, Sumrow, Tim Lee, Joe Scarano, Aya Kakeda, Ratokim, Munktiki, SeriouslySillyK, Super Secret Fun Club, Scott Wilkowski, Psycho Scimitar, Mizna Wada, Circus Posterus, VTSS, Black Seed, Mr. Clement, and Bob Doucette

    While the second show will feature customs of Brandt Peter's The Night King figure, with interpretations by:  

Camilla d’Errico (pictured), Jellykoe, Drilone, House of Boz, Dolly Oblong, 64 Colors, Tasha Zimich, Igor Ventura, Ian Ziobrowski, Joe Whiteford, Brandan Styles, Ink Visuals, Otto Björnik, Jess Hernandez, Victoria Rose, EL DODO ALBINO, Tokyo Jesus, Kathie Olivas, Brandt Peters, Tim Lee, Joe Scarano, Cassia Harries, Karl Deuble, and SeriouslySillyK

   The opening reception for both show will happen tomorrow night (Friday, June 2nd) from 6-9pm at Stranger Factory In Albuquerque (thank God for spell check) New Mexico.

Paul Kaiju Solo Show at Stranger Factory

 

     I'll admit I know nothing about Albuquerque, New Mexico other than that's where Breaking Bad was filmed and it is also the location of Stranger Factory.  And it's the hardest city name to spell ever. You can not go into trying to type it lightly, as it will wreck every bit of confidence you have in your ability to arrange vowels and consonants like a sane person.  I'll be honest, it owned me pretty hard.

  If you happen to be in the Albuquerque area or have mad frequent flier miles and a day off from work, you should spend your Saturday at Stranger Factory to see Paul Kaiju's solo show.  And you don't have to just see it, you can also buy something super sick to bring home with you and dominate your toy shelves like a boss.  A really mean boss who spits on your union handbook and the guaranteed break times located within.  This show will easily sell out and you have to be present to purchase anything.

Pink GID Calliope and Stingy Jack from Kathie Olivas and Brandt Peters

 

    Oh my goodness I know ya'll got paid today and are trying to get rid of that dirty cash cause that stuff is filthy and there isn't enough hand sanitizer in the world to clean those kinda germs but you can't just spend it on anything lame like school supplies so I'm here to help.  See, I'm pretty much an expert in making other people money and also helping them spend it.  Neither is a great mutant power, which is why the X-Men never return my calls, but their loss is your gain cause then I have time to find things like this for you.  I also haven't slept for days.

    Look how pretty that swirly pink vinyl is on these Stingy Jack and Calliope figures.  And it's not just decorative, cause those suckers glow in the dark!  It's an added bonus that will hopefully intrigue your cats while you're trying to sleep at night so they stop biting your toes.  You can get these two figures from Brandt Peters and Kathie Olivas when they go on sale later today at noon pacific time from www.circusposterus.com or n person at Stranger Factory.  They're limited to just 32 pieces of each, which is nuts.
    

Mini Glow in the Dark Seated Boo and Kuma Set from Brandt Peters X Kathie Olivas

    Sharon and I recently went to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and stayed at a haunted bed and breakfast. For those of you who don't know, Gettysburg was the site of the bloodiest battle in the American Civil War and has become a hot spot for people ghost hunting.  Not that we were there for that reason, but if we were gonna pay the same price to stay at the Econo Lodge then the prospect of seeing some restless souls was like a bonus deal.  The place had become a hospital after the battle to treat the wounded so we thought the chances were high we might have an otherworldly encounter.  That night we heard a lot of weird sounds, bits of conversations, and what sounded like boots walking  across the hardwood floors just in front of the bed, but we weren't treated to any visuals.  Not that I'm upset that I didn't wake up to a soldier's blood soaked face leaning over mine.  I'd never live it down if I screamed like a girl.

    There's easier ways to see ghosts than to traipse around old battlefields or haunted houses.  You can just buy them.  Ain't this a great time to be alive?  Kathie Olivas and Brandt Peters are all set to release this glow in the dark set of figures ready to bring some mini spookiness to the comfort of your own home.  Each seated Boo and Kuma set glow in blue to let you know that they're active at night opening all of your cabinets and rearranging your collectibles.  Get em when they go on sale Wednesday, July 20th at noon pacific time only from http://www.circusposterus.com.

Bai Chu (Li Fu Edition) from Otto Bjornik X Stranger Factory

    When you think about traditional American horror films, the terror is usually confined to one specific area.  It could be a town, or an abandoned camp, or a haunted house, but generally if you can remove yourself from the scene you will live to see the sequel.  Not so much with Asian horror, as those bad dudes follow you around like they attached a GPS to your behind.  No matter where you go once you've come into contact with something that wants to kill you it's too late.   Kind of like shaking hands with a Juggalo.

     Stranger Factory will be unleashing these adorable yet somewhat deadly vampire figures from Otto Bjornik on Friday, May 20th in this exclusive colorway.  He comes with a removable magnetic talisman that helps calm his thirst for blood, is limited to only 35 pieces, and there's a special 1 in 7 gold chase figure as seen below.  Snatch one up when they go on sale through http://www.circusposterus.com.

   

The Debut of The Night King from Brandt Peters X Cardboard Spaceship

    I have a confession to make:  I've never been in the attic of my house.  Sharon and I have owned this thing for nearly six years and my eyes have never gazed upon the pink insulation; my lungs have never breathed in the unnaturally humid air.  I have no idea what is up there, and I tried looking once, but the access point is just a hole with a board over it sans ladder.  We have high top kitchen chairs that I used to stand on but they weren't tall enough to grant me even a peek.  I have grand notions of there being something profound up there, but it's probably filled with nothing but weird animal droppings and maybe a human skull or two.

   Now I have lived in a house before that had bats living in the attic but I only found that out when they came out and hung from the curtains in our kitchen.  I like bats though, and I love this new Night King figure from Brandt Peters X Cardboard Spaceship.  This dude is debuting on Friday, May 6th in two different colorways, Candy Corn and Half Dead and every one purchased through www.strangerfactory.com comes signed by Brandt.  Oh, and this figure is eight inches tall and sells for only $58.  That's a deal, son!!!!

Stranger Factory Presents: Paul Kaiju

    You know what I hate: art critics.  And I hate the people that stand in front of museum paintings and wax philosophical about how an artist was struggling with a bout of hemorhoids and how if affected the troubled faces of the people he painted.  Who gives a crap (pun intended).  Nickelback may be singing about the deepest stuff that would forever change the way I look at the world but until their music becomes anything other than the sonic equivalent of sports sandals I'll never know the difference.  I like art that looks cool; that I can wake up every morning excited to look at.  I like to be aesthetically pleased.

    I would straight lose my mind if I could see this Paul Kaiju show at Stranger Factory.  The place is going to be filled with his monstrous creations and I would bet money no one tries to impress their date by explaining the political significance of a Mockbat in these troubling times.  They're just gonna smack themselves to stop the trance it puts them in and try to buy it before anyone else can.  The show opens Saturday, March 19th and will only be visible for a few days.  If you're interested in buying something I would get there opening night because anyone who collects toys would punch their own grandmother to own one of the pieces.  Don't worry, my grandma is tough and a few knuckles to the jaw ain't gonna slow her down.

Icebox Pocket Sideshow Chibi Figures from Circus Posterus

    Where were these little dudes when I was digging my car out of the snow and ice a few days ago?  They look primed for the frozen outdoors and I'm sure I could have found them some tiny shovels in just their size to help with the work.  Shoveling snow feels like a curse, but having little elf-sized helpers would probably make it at least mildly amusing.

    Circus Posterus is unleashing the latest in their series of Pocket Sideshow figures this Friday and they perfectly capture the more magical side of the season we are in.  Featuring designs from Kathie Olivas, Brandt Peters, Chris Ryniak, and Amanda Louise Spayd, these little dudes will make you feel much less hateful to the ice that has encased your wife's car until the spring thaw.

http://www.circusposterus.com

Mini Plasma Seated Boo and Kuma from Kathie Olivas x Brandt Peters

    My Christmas gift giving philosophy is this: I never buy people stuff they need, only things I don't think they'd buy for themselves but would totally want.  Right now we need to get our washing machine fixed, but I'm not gonna be surprise my wife with a trip to the basement to show her the new agitator wrapped up with a bow on it.  That's dumb, and a sure fire way to being forced to sleep underneath the porch with the family of chipmunks that reside there.  Though it has been unseasonably warm as of late, and the idea of chipmunks sleeping next to me is reeeeeeaaaaallllly cute, I'd probably die.  

     For the toy/art lover in your life things couldn't be any easier when it comes to gift giving.  They practically smack you over the head with everything they love.   How about this nice set of figures from Kathie Olivas and Brandt Peters?  These resin guys are cast in a dark, see through resin and feature hand painted faces.  You can buy them individually for $65 each or as a set for $120 (which saves you some money for those of you playing along at home).  Only 50 of each were produced and they're available right now from www.circusposterus.com.  

Stingy Jack Swirl from Brandt Peters

    "Be still my heart, for thou beatest too fast at the sight of marbled vinyl!!!!!!"  That was taken from an unreleased Shakespearian play about a cobbler whose real dream was to one day produce multi colored vinyl toys to win over the nobleman's daughter, until she was tragically killed by a rogue gang of circus clowns and he spent the rest of his life becoming Batman and avenging her death.  I found it on The Bard's official Tumblr, which he somehow still updates much in the way Tupac still releases new music from beyond the grave.  Supposedly JJ Abrams has signed on to direct as he wants to focus on art pieces after Star Wars.  Can't learn this crap on TMZ.

    Now that it's become painfully obvious I've taken too much of my medication this morning let us quickly get to the facts before I really lose it.  Brandt Peters' Stingy Jack is not only sporting a killer swirl of colors that I love in a completely non platonic way, but he also glows in the dark!!!!!!  It's almost too much goodness.  And they're very limited with only 50 available worldwide and only half of those in North America via Circus Posterus this Saturday, November 14th (Tomenosuke will take care of the rest of the earth.)  A few will also be available at Designer Con booth #519.  

Help Kickstart the "Calliope" Stop Motion Film from Circus Posterus

    The work of Kathie Olivas and Brandt Peters has always occupied a twisted world much different than any we know.  They've shown you glimpses through their various toy and print releases, but you've been left to use your own imagination to fill in the blanks.  Now they have the opportunity to take their creativity to the next level, encompassing not only sight but sound, in a stop motion animated film.

    The thing about stop motion is that even for a short film it is very expensive to produce.  If you've ever seen a behind the scenes feature on how they're made then you have an appreciation for the amount of work that goes into it.  That's why they have launched a Kickstarter campaign to help, literally, bring this whole project to life.  There are some pretty killer rewards for the art and toy collector alike, featuring exclusive figures, prints, and much much more.  Take a gander below at some of the crazy stuff you could own while helping to make this film.  Support the campaign at this link.

Bewitching 5 Opens at Stranger Factory Tomorrow

    I love Halloween.  Not that I actively participate in it per se, but I love it because I don't have to decorate.  The inside of my house already looks like Charles Manson got a sweet foreclosure deal on Pee Wee's Playhouse, so I'm prepared all year long.  I even have a black cat, so my Halloween game is strong.  The outside of my house doesn't ever change, but I figure that's scarier than any fake cobwebs or skeletons you could put outside.  When the weirdos don't advertise it really makes you wonder what's going on inside.  I never understood why Anton LaVey had painted his house black.  If I was him I would have really freaked people out by planting sunflowers and having some plastic squirrels in a mock chase scene running up the facade.  Then when one of the neighbors comes over to borrow the lawn mower they really aren't expecting the craziness you have going on.  Those are precious moments you only get one shot at and I relish them.

    Every once in a while I get reeeeeeeal jealous about an art show I am unable to attend and it is guaranteed every year that Bewitching at Stranger Factory will be one of them.  This is the fifth installment of the ever-popular Halloween group show and it will feature amazing work from these artists:
            Paul Kaiju, Travis Lampe, Amanda Louise Spayd, Chris Ryniak, Kathie Olivas, Brandt Peters, Scott Radke, Jay Hallopeter, Andrew Bell, Kelly Tunstall, Alison Bamcat, Kirsitna Drake, Donald Ross/Scribe, Alisa Ross/40 Threads, Brandon Styles, Jen Musatto, TADO, Max Lehman, Matt Duncan/Creeptoons, Stefani Rabideaux/Fika Art, Daniel Talone, Richard Page/UMETOYS, Desiree Chung, Keely Richman, Splurrt, Joe Scarano, Robert Hoggard, Stan Manoukian, Josh Stebbins, Kelly Denato, Tim Lee, Peter Hague, Karl Deuble, Valeri Blossom and many more!

    The opening reception is tomorrow, October 2, from 6-9 pm and you're gonna wanna bring plenty of cash to get your home ready for the season with some killer original art.  

"Candy Gore" Custom Show featuring Brandt Peters x Mutant Vinyl Hardcore Opens Tonight at Stranger Factory

    There's sooooooo many custom toy shows out there every week that I can barely keep up with them.  Not that it's a bad thing, it's just I have to go to work eventually and can't begin to tell you about all of them, let alone attend them.  But let me tell you something, I would smack the teeth out of your grandma to be at Stranger Factory tonight when the Candy Gore show opens.  Brandt Peters and Mutant Vinyl Hardcore are bringing the plastic pain for this show and there hasn't been one piece that they've teased that I didn't want to own.  Seriously, there is no toy show that's gonna be better this year and if you're lucky enough to be in attendance you need to know how jealous I am of you.   I am so jealous I would put your mom in the Camel Clutch until she testified in open court that my legal name was the Iron Sheik.

     Now, the show itself doesn't start until 6pm, but if you want to purchase one of the insane pieces on display, and trust me you do, then you need to get your hind parts there at 11am and register for the lottery.  Here's some info of how that is gonna go down:

– You can sign up for the lottery starting Friday, August 7th at 11am when Stranger Factory opens

– You may start viewing the opening of Candy Gore at 6pm August 7th

– Random drawing order to purchase work begins at 6:15pm August, 7th

– When your name is drawn, you may choose 1 piece of work by each artist: Brandt Peters and Mutant Vinyl Hardcore totaling 2 pieces for your turn

– When all names have been drawn, a second round of names drawn will begin allowing 1 piece of work by each artist: Brandt Peters and Mutant Vinyl Hardcore totaling 2 pieces second round

"Clementine" from Kathie Olivas x Tomenosuke Available Now

    Let me tell you something: you wish you had a rabbit hand puppet.  You wish you could take your puppet around, give people sweet little rabbit kisses on their face, and then see how long it takes you to get arrested for being a weirdo.  You're making your mother cry with all these shenanigans, you know.  But I ain't your momma, so keep living the dream, my friends.

    Clementine from Kathie Olivas x Tomenosuke could totes get away with giving random people kisses with her bunny pal, because she looks the complete part.  A little bit whimsical, a little bit spooky, and made completely out of sweet Japanese sofubi.   Being plastic and inanimate makes your behavior way more acceptable.

   This little lady is available right now for residents of North America by visiting www.strangerfactory.com.  People in other parts of the world have to get theirs from www.tomenosuke.com.