Wednesday, December 9, 2009

LEGO Moody by Elliot Cooke (Canada)

Elliot did a masterful job of creating this piece entitled 'The Brickmaster'. Our Christmas wish at Bovinyl is to see an 8 ft. high LEGO Moody ... what do you think Ellliot?

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Moody Platform in Nakanari Collection

Nakanari was born in South Taiwan and started collecting and designing toys from a very early age. What started out as a hobby has grown into a successful career. Unlike a lot of toy designers, Nakanari takes his ideas directly to the sculpting stage. Using polymer clay, he adds new features as he develops his unique characters.

His distinctive designer toys are infused with oriental style and a colorful mixture of innocence and cuteness. The 'Misfits of Nakanari' was the first toy line he created. He used two different characters to show the contrast between good and evil.

In 2004, B.B.birdy (premiere toy designer and first to launch Taiwanese designer toys) picked up his 'Misfits of Nakanari' design for his Funny Club series. That year he also began working on the Funny Club Show. He worked with over 150 international artists, travelling all over the United States and Asia.

Nakanari has exhibited with other well-known artists like Emmy Award-winning 'Teacher’s Pet' creator Gary Baseman, Tim Biskup, graffiti legend SEEN, Cameron Tiede, popular toy designer MAD, Sket One, Frank Kozik, Jada Toy Crew, X-Concept designer Chito, and Mattel’s Hot Wheel head-designer MIQ WILLMOTT.

His work has been exhibited and collected around the world. For more on Nakanari, visit his blog at www.nakanari.blogspot.com. Check earlier Bovinyl posts for his Moody custom.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Blue Diablo Moody by Reddprime (South Africa)






Bovinyl was pleased to receive this nicely executed Moody custom from our friend from the 'dark continent' - Mitchell Horn a.k.a. Reddprime. We're huge fans of Mitchell's work. He's a talented artist with a varied and vibrant imagination. He always puts everything he has into his art and is keen to experiment with new techniques and materials.

Mitchell has been drawing ever since the day he could grasp a pencil. As he grew, so did his passion for art and urban toys. He took a serious approach to art during his studies at Goldfields FET College in his native country of South Africa. While honing his skills at art school, he started to develop and create a wide range of characters (a sampling above) ... each with a unique flair that was inspired by his love for Japanese Anime.

Mitchell recently took part in a very successful group show in Germany - Bigwood Berlin Exhibition.

He finds inspiration in the work of Gus Fink, Antz81 and Nevermore.

Check out more of Mitchell's work on Flickr.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Moody Custom for SAAG Art Auction



This Moody custom was created for the upcoming art auction at the Southern Alberta Art Gallery (SAAG). Moody customs have been included in the past three auctions. This year will mark the gallery's 17th annual auction.

It's always an enjoyable evening, filled with great art, food and music.

The SAAG fosters the work of contemporary artists who challenge the boundaries, encourages broad public engagement and promotes awareness and exploration of artistic expression. The SAAG's work extends to the local community, the national realm and the international sphere.

Check out more about the SAAG at www.saag.ca.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

IWG Customs Available at Big Cartel!

There are still a number of amazing IWG customs available at BIG CARTEL. Check it out!

The customs were created for the 'Humans Beware' show that is taking place at Rocketworld in San Francisco until June 6.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

'I.W.G. is in da House' Custom for Humans Beware Show











Bovinyl is participating in the upcoming 'Humans Beware' custom show at Rocketworld in San Francisco.

The completed custom, 'I.W.G. is in da House', also utilizes the Obama platform by Jailbreak Toys.

Medium: acrylic paint, polymer clay, mixed media.

The idea: The immediate goal for the I.W.G. (Insurgents Wilderness Gruppo) was to resist human destruction and domination of their ‘natural’ habitat. They accomplish this through a variety of means, including the use of weaponry and combat. With the emergence of Barack Obama, the I.W.G. sought out the new President in an attempt to create change through political means. The headline in the San Francisco Chronicle reads “Obama Appoints I.W.G. to U.S. Fish and Wildlife”. The insurgents hope to stop the destructive human ways from inside ‘da House’.

Show opens on Friday, April 10, 2009 (6-10 p.m.) and runs until June 6, 2009. Opening reception with snacks and drinks.

Venue - Rocketworld (660 - 22nd Street, San Franciso)

For more information about the show, visit - http://www.blue77gallery.com/shows/iwg/.

Creator of the I.W.G. Series and owner of Rocketworld, Patrick Ma, is working alongside artist/customizer DrilOne. Their goal is to put on one heck of a custom show.

The platform being used will be various blank I.W.G. figures, which includes bears, rhinos, rhinos on vespas, bears on vespas, and many more. This show features over 70+ artists, including: Angry Woebots, Apina, Betso, Brent Nolasco, Cris Rose, Ckawkees, El Maz, D-Lux, FAS, Jeremiah Ketner, Jim Koch, Keith Poon, Leecifer, Lou Pimental, Motorbot, Okedoki, Paulkaiju, PhuEk, Reactor 88, Toybotstudios and many, many more.

Part of the proceeds from purchases made at Rocketworld are donated to a variety of non-profit groups and organizations such as the Gorilla Foundation, International Rhino Foundation, Zoo Conservation Outreach Group, Friends of the Sea Otter and the World Wildlife Fund. When time permits, Patrick spends time in the field with wildlife groups.

To read more about Patrick and Rocketworld, visit www.rocketworld.org.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

I.C.U. Moody Lands In Chicago
















The designer vinyl art toy movement is alive and well in the 'Windy City'. Urban art toy destination, Rotofugi, is leading the way with featured artists and designers. Rotofugi has definitely paved the way for other designer vinyl stores in the area. I.C.U. felt right at home amongst the incredible selection of toys, art, fashion and customs.

I.C.U. Moody took the opportunity to check out the sites in 'Chi-town'. The highlights during the brief stay were Rotofugi, Millenium Park, Sears Tower, The Art Institute of Chicago, Palmer House Hotel and, 'oh yeah', the incredible deep-dish pizza . The Palmer House is a hidden gem and is a must see. It has been restored ($150 million investment) to its orginal character and charm.

We'll be transforming the 'I.C.U. Chicago' images into a new YouTube video. Watch for it!

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Bovinyl/Ted Stilson Participating in the 'Humans Beware' I.W.G. Custom Show in San Francisco


I will be participating in the upcoming I.W.G. (Insurgents Wilderness Gruppo) custom show at Rocketworld in San Francisco.

I'm a huge fan of Rocketworld and can't wait to start working on one of their platform toys.

Creator of the I.W.G. Series and owner of Rocketworld, Patrick Ma, is working alongside artist/customizer DrilOne. Their goal is to put on one heck of a custom show.

The platform being used will be various blank I.W.G. figures, which includes bears, rhinos, rhinos on vespas, bears on vespas, and many more. This show features over 60 artists, including: Angry Woebots, Apina, Betso, Brent Nolasco, Cris Rose, Ckawkees, El Maz, D-Lux, FAS, Jeremiah Ketner, Jim Koch, Keith Poon, Leecifer, Lou Pimental, Motorbot, Okedoki, Paulkaiju, PhuEk, Reactor 88, Toybotstudios and many, many more.

The army of I.W.G. figures will definitely dampen some diapers.

Opening reception starts on April 10th at Rocketworld in San Francisco.

Part of the proceeds from purchases made at Rocketworld are donated to a variety of non-profit groups and organizations such as the Gorilla Foundation, International Rhino Foundation, Zoo Conservation Outreach Group, Friends of the Sea Otter and the World Wildlife Fund. When time permits, Patrick spends time in the field with wildlife groups.

To read more about Patrick and Rocketworld, visit www.rocketworld.org.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Cuban Artist, Manuel, Working on Moody Custom





Well-known Cuban artist, Manuel, has started working on his Moody custom for an upcoming group show in Canada. Although Cuban artists are unfamiliar with the designer vinyl art toy movement, Manuel has shown that even 3D blank canvases can provide an opportunity for artistic expression.

We are very excited to see the completed custom and are very thankful that Manuel has made time to fit this custom into his hectic schedule. His unique and colorful style are quite evident in this piece.

Manuel's 'gatto' has definitely taken a curious liking to this unfamiliar object that has found its way into the studio.

Manuel Hernandez Valdes was born in Cuba in 1943. He has been a participating artist in many major events in Havana. His paintings have also been shown in Belgium, Mexico, Germany and Spain.

In addition to his reputation as a painter, he is also known as a cartoonist, ceramist, illustrator and humorist.

He has been honored with the Pablo Picasso Medal of UNESCO and the Journalism Prize - National Jose Marti.

His works are found in important private collections such as:

- Danielle Mitterrand Foundation
- Geraldine Chaplin Collection
- Mario Benedetti Collection

His paintings are very representative of the Cuban art that idealizes the human body and integrates nature - planting sugar cane, banana, tobacco etc. His characters reflect the gentleness and happiness of the Cuban rural-living environment.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Moody Does Cuba!




Once again, Moody escaped the harsh winter weather - this time travelling to the warm, lush and colorful island of Cuba.

It is a beautiful country and the people are passionate and full of life. They express their diverse culture through dance, music and art.

Cuba is a unique country and visitors are treated to a way of life that is a blend of old and new. At times you feel as if you have taken a step back in time - old cars, horse carts, crumbling architecture and no cell phones. It is an extremely interesting place that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.

Although we had some fun with Moody, we also took the time to visit a number of galleries and meet some talented artists. One of those artists, 'Manuel', has agreed to work on a Moody for one of our upcoming group shows.

Manuel Hernandez Valdes was born in Cuba in 1943. He has been a participating artist in many major events in Havana. His paintings have also been shown in Belgium, Mexico, Germany and Spain.

In addition to his reputation as a painter, he is also known as a cartoonist, ceramist, illustrator and humorist.

He has been honored with the Pablo Picasso Medal of UNESCO and the Journalism Prize - National Jose Marti.His works are found in important private collections such as:
- Danielle Mitterrand Foundation - Geraldine Chaplin Collection - Mario Benedetti Collection

His paintings are very representative of the Cuban art that idealizes the human body and integrates nature - planting sugar cane, banana, tobacco etc. His characters reflect the gentleness and happiness of the Cuban rural-living environment.

VIVA CUBA ... Moody Takes a Vacation!

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Huichol (wee-chol) Moody Custom











A blank Moody took the long journey from Canada to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and came back adorned in colorful beadwork applied by a Huichol Indian by the name of Roberto.

To create bead art, the Huichol Indians place a thin layer of beeswax with pine resin onto a hollowed out gourd or other form. Small, colorful beads made from glass are then picked up with a long needle and pressed into the wax. Using complex designs and symbols, the result is stunning.

Each piece tells a unique story about the legacy of their tribe, while each symbol is a representation of the many facets of their 'animism' religion.

Huichol beadwork originated as an art form long before the Spaniards set foot in Mexico. Bone, clay, coral, jade, pyrite, shell, stone turquoise and seeds colored with insect and vegetable dyes were utilized instead of the glass seed beads used today. The seed beads are finer and smaller and, as a result, more detailed work is being created. These beads are very similar to those that were brought to the mountains of Mexico by missionaries in the 18 century.

You can find Huichol bead work done in both traditional and contemporary designs. Because of the small number of artists and the individual creativity, no two pieces of bead art are alike.
Although some of the Huichol Indians create bead art for pleasure, most use the art to help generate income for the tribes.

Today, you can find a few Huichol Indians willing and eager to embrace modern life but most prefer to remain tucked away in their remote mountains where they work by hand with natural materials to create some of the most amazing pieces of art found in the world.