Monday, April 24, 2017

Toy Snake Factory at Screaming Sky


Last Thursday, April 27th I will be showing a new body of work in a solo show at Screaming Sky

Opening Last Thursday in April at 2025 NE Alberta.

I will have some toy snakes I made as well as a healthy serving of paintings, not all of which are snake themed.

If you think about it, snake skin boots are the ultimate insult (to snakes).

I had a dream that I was working in a toy snake factory. I will spare you sleep inducing details that come along with explaining a dream, but just to say that that is where the impulse to make this show started. The form of a snake is horrifically simple and perfect. They are basically a head and a tail. There might be a neck involved too. And godbless'em they have no time for funny business.

I'm of the school of thought that the best toys are simple. The least amount of moving parts a toy has the more your imagination is activated. Beyond the evolutionary effects, I think snakes effect our imagination for a similar reason. They aren't creepy because they can fly and shoot lasers out of their eyes, they are creepy because they do so much with so little.

It's interesting to me that snakes have been villainized and overused to represent evil. Don't get me wrong, I think snakes deserve the space they demand, I just think you need to trust a snake to be a snake. Snakes can be viscerally frightening for good reason. With my show I want to disarm people with the cuteness of a toy snake though, and I enjoy the juxtaposition of something so menacing being a toy for a child.

Considering all of that, making a toy of something so simple has its challenges. I was tempted to follow a number of classic designs including the "mixed nuts" gag rout, but found my original design was most consistent with the material I use, hearty construction, and my vision for the visual and comfortable tactile feel I was going for. I hope this body of work doesn't evoke fear, but instead encourages wonder and informed respect. An approach I strive for with all aspects of life.

Saturday, October 1, 2016

The Real Story of Ruth the Tooth, Book Kickstarter.

The Kickstarter for my first book "The Real Story of Ruth the Tooth" is launched! It is going to be 3D (naturally) and it will have a READ-ALONG-RECORD! This is going to be a great project and there's a tun of great rewards including the Book/Record, hand carved wooden teeth, coloring book, and so much more.
Please visit the
KICKSTARTER PAGE
for more details and to help this thing get made.

Thursday, June 2, 2016

Crafty Wonderland Spring Art and Craft Market and Lookie House

I will be bringing Lookie House to Craft wonderlands Spring Market! come take your picture and draw a picture of Lookie House for a chance to win prizes. This Saturday only. June 4th 2016. 10-6pm at the Oregon Convention Center.



Our Oregon at the Lincoln City Cultural Center

This is the second show of three this year that I will be within spitting distance of the Pacific Ocean, and I am super proud to be sharing the walls with these 4 fine fellows. This dynamic show, features 5 artists: Justin “Scrappers” Morrison, Brett Superstar, Ben Soeby, Jesse Narens and me Tripper Dungan will be showing their raw talents at the PJ Chessman Gallery at the Lincoln City Cultural Center. Opening June 10th, 2016.

Monday, May 30, 2016

P;ear of Portland Oregon is having an awesome group show First Thursday in June (6-2-2016). The theme is B Movies and it is sure to please, with a great roster of known Portland artists and P:ear youth. Come enjoy the art, grab a slice of Sizzle Pie and support the amazing youth project that is P:ear!

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Not Unexpected Anymore

Arna Miller and I will be showing new work at Sally Centigrade at Lairimy square in Denver CO. Arna is super talented, you should check it out just for that fact alone, but you'll be able to see my work as a bonus of corse. Art will be available for viewing and purchase May 12-June 11, BUT the opening is Thursday May 19th 2016.
1423 Larimer St downstairs walkway Denver CA.


Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Hi-Fructose Magazine Print Feature


I've loved reading Hi-Fructose magazine ever since I picked up a copy about a decade ago (I think it was the one featuring an article on Camilla Rose Garcia). I am so honored to be featured among their carefully planned, highly curated, and inspiring pages. It comes out April 1st 2016. Grab yourself a copy. You will not be dissatisfied.
Preview here.