Moody Platform Takes Flight

Bovinyl is currently working on its next platform, 'Winged Moody'. We've talked about creating a flying bovine for quite some time and finally got around to working on our first prototype. The 'Winged Moody' provides the artist with a wider range of customizing options. We think that the wings definitely add a totally new dimension to the Moody platform.

For more information on the Moody platform toy, visit www.bovinyl.ca.

Moody inspired stencil art by Jason Trotter

Stencil artist, Jason Trotter, sent us images of a Moody/cosmonaut inspired art that he recently completed. The image has been stenciled onto an 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of Garnet 60-grit sandpaper. The unique application of black ink over the speckled, grainy surface of the sandpaper is very effective. He's hoping to transfer the same image, only much larger, onto a brick wall sometime soon.

Jason has been producing large format stencils for the past decade. He draws his inspiration from other contemporary stencil artists such as Banksy and Shepard Fairey. He recently completed a number of commission pieces for the municipality of Lethbridge. The pieces were stenciled on expanded metal sheets and were installed on the sides of historic buildings. The subject matter for his pieces ranges from historic iconic images to more contemporary images such as Lucha Libre.

His latest stencil project, large-scale postage stamp forms on wood, is currently on display at the Penny Coffee House gallery in downtown Lethbridge.

Moody by Cuban Artist, Manuel, Arrives in Canada

Well-known Cuban artist, Manuel, has completed work on his Moody custom for our 'around the world with Moody' group show that will take place at the Art Gallery of Calgary (AGC).

We were very excited to see the completed custom when it arrived from Cuba via Fredericton, NB.

To date, artists from 14 countries have completed customs for shows in both Canada and the United States. The project will culminate with the AGC show in the Spring of 2011.

Cuban artists are unfamiliar with the designer vinyl art toy movement, however Manuel has shown that a blank platform art toy can provide an opportunity for brilliant and colorful artistic expression.

Many thanks go out to Manuel who found time in his hectic schedule to apply his talents to a Moody platform. His unique and colorful style translated perfectly to the Moody canvas. As well, many thanks to his manager, Guillermo, for putting everything together and for his ongoing communication over the past year and a half.

Manuel works in a variety of media - printmaking, painting, ceramics, murals, etc. I've included one of his colorful prints as a backdrop to the Moody custom.

Check out the way Manuel incorporates a bird figure (a Moody horn becomes a beak) between the horns in the top version image.

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.

Moody Custom by Michael Canich

Twilight Moody Master Altar of Death

Another amazing Moody custom created by the talented Michael Canich. Michael has applied his skills to a number of platforms over the years and we were very pleased that he decided to work on a Moody. Michael would be the first to admit that he struggles with applying his unique style to 3D forms, however he definitely succeeded with our platform. We love this piece! For the most part, Michael works in a restricted palette (black on white), however in this case, the purple background creates an eerie, Burtonesque, feel. We'd love to see his characters translated into art toys. Make sure to check out more of his art at www.uselessweaponry.blogspot.com. Michael is always pushing the boundaries with his art and we can't wait to see more from him.

GelaSkins design by Aaron Keeling for Bovinyl

Aaron Keeling created this cool 'Ghost Moody' GelaSkins design for Bovinyl. GelaSkins are removable covers for customizing and protecting portable devices such as this one for an HTC Hero android phone. The 'skin' is made out of a 3M adhesive that make GelaSkins easy to apply with no residue left behind. The adhesive allows you to reposition the skin so you can easily get a perfect fit. The GelaSkins material contains patented micro-channels that prevent air bubbles from forming which translates into easy application. For more information about GelaSkins, visit www.gelaskins.com.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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.

I.C.U. Moody Featured in YouTube Video

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!