Posts Tagged ‘TOYS’
BIO:
Frank Kozik was born in Madrid, Spain in 1962. At the age of 14, he moved to the United States and settled in Austin Texas.
Credited with single handedly reviving the “lost” art of the concert poster, Frank’s creative career grew largely out of his enthusiasm for Austin’s growing underground rock scene in the mid-eighties. Starting with black and white flyers for friends bands posted on telephone polls, his reputation grew as an artist who’s work was graphically compelling as well as culturally gripping. With hundreds of full-color, limited edition, silk screened posters under his belt for such renowned artists as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, The Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Beastie Boys, he has also been the subject of many magazine articles such as Newsweek, Rolling Stone, Spin, and Details.
Not limited to the rock world, Frank has also done work for Nike, BASF, Slim Jim and MTV. His newest venture, fkozik.com, is an interactive site dedicated to creating a place for fans to go as well as purchase his art, both of which are firmly dedicated to producing the ultimate in collectible show posters and prints.
INTERVIEW:
Frank, I have loved your work from the gig art days right on up to your current days in vinyl. When I first found out that you were an avid toy collector, as I am I was so super stoked. So in your opinion, what is it about toys which make us collector’s go metal for them?
Well..they are sort of perfect. Cool to look at, you can touch them, you can put them anywhere..much more fun than a drawing or a painting.
Can you describe the feeling you had the first time you ever saw a vinyl toy?
‘what the hell is that I WANT IT”
What makes Frank Kozik want to get up in the morning?
Fear and greed…oh and having to pee.
I’ve heard that you are really into political pop art pieces, especially the busts. What is it about those particular pieces that get you jazzed up?
I love political art and really tacky social realism art…so this is my version of that.
What artists are you currently into?
Lately I have been really fascinated with 1960’s and 1970’s logos and lettering on commercial vehicles and race cars.
In my mind there is something seriously cool about the concept that a “toy” can be a 3 dimensional piece of art. However, there are some out there which say that “designer or
vinyl toys” are not art, simply a fad. What are your thoughts on this?
Not a fad..I think it’s a very new interesting form of pop art. And its here to stay.
How many toys do you have in your own personal collection?
Maybe 1000
What can we expect from Mr. Frank Kozik in 2011?
More of everything basically..new political busts, more cute stuff.
Frank, when I look at your work past and present, I see a lot of dark humour in it. Is that intentional just to fuck with people (lol) or is it just you being you?
That’s me making myself laugh alittle.
What one toy do you currently NOT have that you MUST have?
One of the 3 foot tall Playge Squadts at the rotofugi gallery in Chicago.
Can you name one positive thing about being an artist and one negative thing about being an artist?
Positive: no boss, work when you feel like it.
Negative: shit costs money so you have to work all the time.
Frank, you once stated that you were sick and tired of the music scene, and it began to get old for you so you decided to get out. Do you believe you will ever get tired of the toy scene?
Not really, as it is totally different and basically just involves internal fantasies and not rooms full of people.
Frank you are always on the Kidrobot boards interacting with fans and fellow collectors, which I think is fucking wicked, seriously. Some artists out there today are “too busy”
to make the time for their fan base, which I think is pretty sad. Why do you believe fan interaction is important?
It only seems fair. I haven’t been on the forums much lately, but still answer all meassgaes and emails, and always will.
There is a false stigma about being an artist, which is still prevalent today. Society will have you believe that in order to be considered a true artist you must live in poverty in a
hovel somewhere. They would have you believe if you take money for you art you are a “sell out.” What are your thoughts on this?
I used to be broke. It sucked, having money is much more fun.
One of your more prolific pieces and one of my favourites is the bust you did of Mao with the Mickey Mouse ears. I think it’s quite tongue and cheek. Can you share the thought process behind it?
Well…all the toys: Made In China..so..
Any final thoughts, do you have any upcoming events or shows which you would like to plug?
Comiccon in San Diego in July 2011….will be there all 5 days!
Thanks Frank, it was really great to have the opportunity to speak with you. I wish you much continued success and have fun at Comiccon.
BIO:
Amanda Visell’s fine art career sprouted from continuing failure. A high school drop out and Cal Arts reject, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in traditional animation eventually finding her way to stop motion animation as a designer and sculptor, working on stylized projects for shows like The Simpsons and the feature film Elf. The challenge of mastering new tools and techniques in this medium taught her to be able to visualize her own style. She has been exhibiting her paintings and sculptures internationally since 2005 including Disneyland USA and has created a thriving world of characters as designer toys.
INTERVIEW:
On your blog it would appear that your artistic career seemingly sprouted from “failure.” Could you please explain to the readers of WOOSAAH how you were able to take a perceived failure and turn it into such wonderful success? What is your secret recipe?
On success? I dunno I guess I think that’s imaginary. I work hard, and I work hard to be able to work hard.
What or Whom inspires you as an artist?
Lotsa stuff, currently japanese/swedish design combos, pastries, wallpaper.
Amanda what is your opinion on the current vinyl toy scene? Which artist’s work resonates with you?
I think I have an f*ing huge Bwana Spoons collection. If he was in Tiger Beat I would have a poster of him.
Are vinyl toys/designer toys art or toys?
Yes.
Amanda I am a huge fan of your “Girls” posters, especially the one featuring a young girl dressed as a Knight riding a steed. The main caption reads “I CAN SAVE MYSELF” strong words indeed. Where did the idea for this super rad concept originate? And why do you believe it’s such an important message to send to females of all ages?
I feel shitty about just making art that just appeals to me. Im trying to use what little voice I have to make an impression, a positive one. I think it suits me to make posters instead of yelling at parents in grocery stores. Although I do that too.
Amanda, I have read that you are a bit of a “cheesehead” you know a person who loves her cheese. What are your top five favourtie cheeses?
Well, Im not a pro, but I can tell you some good cheese experiences. -hot goat cheese on a salad-halloumi-pretzels with hot cheese sauce in the mall. Shout out to south hill!-apple cheddar pie-sharp cold cheddar.
How did you get hooked up with Kidrobot?
I was working my usual corner, when I noticed this car kept driving by. Not unusual, but the car itself was flat white and smelled like plastic. They were just asking directions, but I made them pay my fee for the whole night. The rest is magic.
Amanda, what are some of the new and interesting projects you are currently working on?
topsy turvy croc, concrete multiplane sculptures.
Tell us about SWITCHEROO, who are they and how did it come about?
Switch and eroo are mortal enemies thrown together out of mutual hatred for being employed. Michelle and I have a similar story, only in ours she started as my boss.
What makes you happy?
Boy, million dollar question. The house from Parent Trap.
What makes you sad?
Uhhh, this question is kind of a downer.
Do you have a favourite piece of art which you have created? Do you have one that is near and dear to you?
Of my own, no. Michelle has made some ceramics that I take, like for real take, I love them.
Are you a collector of anything?
Dog bites, some toys, some art, pens out of ink, ex friends.
Amanda, I am so loving your “Never Smile At A Crocodile” piece! Mostly cause I really dig alligators and crocs, gecco’s and other weird animals. I really wanted to own that but the cash flow was low. On the Switcheroo site you dictated some very specific conditions to consider prior to purchase. I think it was a rather bold and cool idea. What was the reasoning behind it?
Can’t talk about this one.
When you actually have some time to yourself and your not working, how does Amanda Visell like to spend her day?
I dont know but that would be an interesting day. Actually if I have an extended break (like a day) I tend to compulsively draw. Also tv. and google.
You’ve worked in various art mediums over the years, which one do you enjoy the most or are you the most comfortable working with?
Eh, I like being able to switch it up. Everything gets redundant.
What pisses you off?
That is a looong list. I really hate bad customer service.
Best gift anyone has ever given you ever?
Love.
If you were not an artist what profession could you see yourself in?
Well my actual jobs were projectionist, video store clerk, bouncer, hostess.
What piece of art, painting, sculpture, etc has made the biggest impact on you as a person?
I took a terrible class once on color theory, the teacher pointed out that everything man made has been touched by an artist.
Can you tell WOOSAAH about your artistic process?
I dont think there’s an equation. Then it’d be math.
Amanda I would like to take this opportunity to thank you very much for agreeing to conduct this interview with WOOSAAH, it has been my priviliage. You are an extremely talented artists and the first lady to represent on this zine, Woo-Hoo!? In closing do you have anything you would like to say?
mmmmmm. no.
Thanks!
A Suckadelic Interview With The Man, The Legend, The Artist, The Sucklord
Posted on: January 10, 2011
Gay Storm Trooper
Beyond all the self-generated hype around Suckadelic products, the Sucklord’s thoughtful and scathing social commentary and unassailable geek-cread all add up to the making of a legendary brand. I really dig bootleg toys, like the shit which comes out of Mexico or the Czech Republic, China. I think for me the main attraction is because those toys are imperfect and have flaws, and so do I. The flaws are what make the toys interesting.
and let the rebels hire me to some more dirt for them.
structure and requires sacrifice. I’m not sure everybody is suited to this lifestyle.
Smurfs
Spiderman and His Amazing Friends
Dungeons and Dragons
Pac-Man
Wacky Racers
Superfriends
Wheelie and the Chopper Bunch
Josie and the Pussycats in Outer Space
FAMILY GUY + KIDROBOT= YEAH!!!
Posted on: January 4, 2011
Can it really be true? Is the Family Guy going to be next for Kidrobot and us fans? According to various other sites dedicated to the love of vinyl AND Big Bad Toy Store it just maybe.
I have enjoyed the antics of this good ol American family for many years now, and to see them done up in Kidrobot fashion would be so sweet, I can hardly wait. At this point it’s all in the rumour mill, I don’t know of any exact drop dates or anything but as mentioned prior Big Bad Toy Store is apparently taking pre-orders. I suppose the only way to find out is to hit the Kidrobot forums and check out Big Bad Toy Store.
HAPPY NEW YEAR INDEED!
–ELLE ROLLINZ–
The Art Of The Sucklord
Posted on: December 29, 2010
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Opening Party: January 11, 2011, 6pm
Closing Party: January 23, 2011, 3pm OPEN EVERYDAY 11pm-6pm
521 W 23RD ST, NEW YORK, NY 10011 The Boo-Hooray Gallery reluctantly announces the first SUCKADELIC retrospective gallery exhibition. Intentionally confusing, misleading, disappointing and really funny, the limited edition parodies of action figures reverberate with a vicious wit and are oddly eyeball-pleasing in the manner of all kinds of toothsome 20th/21st century collage and montage art.
The toys and their aggressively situationist piss-take packaging comment on pop culture commodification and the consumer habits of compulsively shopping kidults: The very process that made KAWS, Takashi Murakami, and Michael Lau art-stars on the Art Basel Miami/Armory Show/Venice Biennale tip.
One of the most respected despised and influential figures in the art toy movement for the past decade, the SUCKLORD has been producing handmade bootleg action figures in very limited runs, each selling out immediately. As the plot thickens, the work of the SUCKLORD is widely collected in fine art circles, and has been auctioned at Christie’s, Freeman’s and Phillips.
This exhibition marks the first time the entire SUCKADELIC catalogue will be exhibited in one place. For the duration of the exhibit, a SUCKADELIC SUCK-SHOPPE pop-up store will be open. Original artwork, sculptures, silk- screens and paintings will also be for sale.
The work presented in this exhibit is a documentation of my struggle to reach the top of a sinister pyramid scheme; A culture-jacking enterprise where ruthless-yet-compelling super-criminals compete for the imaginations of fickle consumers and a relentless media machine.
– Excerpt from the SUCKLORD’s artist statement
The 100 page exhibition catalogue will be available as a limited edition of 500 numbered copies. A deluxe signed limited edition catalogue of 50 copies with an exclusively created SUCKADELIC figure will also be available.
If you show up on opening night, you’ll have the opportunity to meet the characters from the SUCKADELIC Universe. We can not guarantee a pleasant experience: the SUCKLORD, his nemesis Vectar the Intolerable and their cast of super-villains don’t really get along and have been prone to serious falling-outs, resulting in laser gun- battles and sulking.
The exhibition is curated by Johan Kugelberg and Simeon Lipman.
Boo-Hooray is the pop-up/parasite gallery curated by (mostly) Johan Kugelberg that once in a while shows up in New York or Tokyo or London or Paris or Stockholm or hey maybe your hometown?
Boo-Hooray: boo-hooray.com/suckadelic
SUCKADELIC website: suckadelic.com Meet the SUCKLORD: http://boo-hooray.com/suckadelic/meet-the-sucklord/ |
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THE HISTORY OF LEGO
Posted on: December 28, 2010
For many many Christmas’s my sister and I would unwrap one of the top toys of all time. Yup, you guessed it, LEGO. LEGO is one of those classic toys that has retained the core essences of what it is but yet has managed to evolve over the decades. To me, LEGO draws on ones imagination and creativitiy. It allows a child to express themselves and have fun at the same time. This year in keeping with the Christmas traditions of years gone by, I bought my son Noah his first LEGO set!
When I came across this video I couldn’t help but want to share it with all of you. If you have not seen the fellas of THAT NEW TOY SMELL I would suggest checking them out on Youtube. They do alot of great reviews etc.
–ELLE ROLLINZ–
Sup peoples, I wanted to share with you something I came across which I thought was so f’**king cool. For years I’ve been a dedicated toy fan, of all genre really. But just as importantly I have been a fan of the man they call Coop. So when I found this little vid I was completely floored, impressed and my heart was generally left with a warm fuzzy feeling. So, I thought why not post it for all to see.
–ELLE ROLLINZ–
VINYL VS. VINYL
Posted on: December 5, 2010
To the common ear vinyl toys could mean any number of things, an old rubber duck, a battered up robot found at the bottom of an old toy box, antiques, whatever. BUT to a hardcore collector of plastic it means much, much more. This posting is not for the collectors out there who already know what you like and who you like. Nah, this post is for the noobie. A person who has just opened up their newborn eyes to the world of vinyl art.
The question most noobs want to know is, is there a difference between urban vinyl and designer vinyl? Or are the two terms interchangeable? Well in fact there is an actual difference between the two Mr. Noob. Okay so as I understand it the difference is as follows;
URBAN VINYL
Urban vinyl is a type of vinyl toy that could be considered more of an action figure. Both designer vinyl and urban vinyl are both commissioned pieces of original designs by well-known artists, are produced in limited editions, and are usually marketed towards the adult collector. Urban vinyl figures are mainly designed by musicians, DJ’s, Illustrators, and graffiti artists who usually come from an urban geographical location or have some connection with it. Urban vinyl also draws a lot of its inspiration from the youth driven markets of hip hop culture as well as the pop culture scene in general. This particular type of vinyl toy was first brought to the public’s attention in the 1990’s by artists such as Michael Lau.
DESIGNER VINYL
Designer vinyl toys are commissioned by artists who have a background in graphic design, lowbrow art, illustration, or are simply self tought. Like the urban vinyl toys, the designer toys made their first appearances in the 1990’s and the most recognizable toys are the Qee’s, Dunny’s and Munny’s just to name a few. Some of the more well-known names in the designer toy arena are ToyR2 and artist Frank Kozik for example. There are many others, but it would be quite the list if I were to name them all here, and the list is continuing to grow everyday.
The long and shot of the vinyl wars in my opinion is one should collect what speaks to one’s heart. Thank goodness there is enough choice available in today’s market place. The joy one derives from owning a piece of art which doubles as a frickin toy gives me a plastic orgasm, and there is no better feeling than achieving the big O!
-ELLE
Check this shit out!!!!
–ELLE-
woosaah 