Reduced Figuration

I find myself caught in a train of thought, lately. So lets...

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 19:09:49 +0100

I find myself caught in a train of thought, lately. So lets continue this, shall we? Sex is all over the place, cute is all over the place and so are skulls. It can be pretty tiring. Be it porn, Hello Kitty or Ed Hardy. And worst of all, it always sells and always has and always will. We (or I, in this case) can complain as much as we want to but there is no denying the fact that these are topics that affect our very human existence. My choice of word arrangement is no coincidence either. After sex comes cute and after cute comes death (or skulls, a little later) - or should the order rather be cute, sex and then skulls? But I digress.

Now, take a look at Jim Skull. An artist from Paris who is all over the place as well. His subject matter is as unambiguous as his moniker. Skulls. In contrast to all my usual resentment I was surprised to find my own skull nodding in agreement. It was not only the incredible craftsmanship that I saw in every one of his installations but even the form of presentation persuaded me. Everything just falls into place.

Wait, even the form of presentation? Well, yeah. But did I not write something about how pictures taken in a black/white box remove the context that might tell us about the background of the sculpture? Sure, but for every rule there is an exception, they say. In this particular case the skulls are presented as if they were masks from a distant culture. Walk into any museum of natural history and anthropology of your choice and you will find rooms after rooms that are dark black boxes with an occasional spotlight that adds to the drama of the pieces on display. So, at least for me, even these simple pictures tell a story. Not only about the inherent fascination of death that is visible here but also about the way we choose to present the artifacts of other cultures. We may claim that these are just facts on display but then again, a good show goes a long way to keep our attention, doesn’t it? And I am pretty sure I would still be amazed even if these skulls were not presented so cleverly.

Wouldn’t you love to believe that this is actually a...

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 23:39:00 +0100

Wouldn’t you love to believe that this is actually a photographic proof of a newly discovered species of forest dwellers that live in symbiosis with mushrooms? I know I would. I grew up on the countryside with a huge mysterious forest close to my parents house. Back then I wouldn’t have been surprised if I had found one of these creatures next to an old tree trunk, enjoying the late afternoon sun, nibbling on a piece of decomposing wood. This being a blog about other things than the discovery of nature’s secrets it is, of course, highly unlikely that I should write about such a critter. And still, the photo above really sets my olfactory senses tingling with memories of the soft and spicy aroma of the forest. Its as if I can almost touch the creature and feel its skin.

Yesterday I wrote a little about how many of the toys produced these days are not much more than bits of plastic intended to produce cash. Visually appealing but else there is very little. It might be that this figure by Igor San took more time to build than many of the so called “designer” toys and despite my efforts I can not find a story. So why am I posting this? Wasn’t I the one who complained about missing stories in the first place? Isn’t a figure regardless of its achievements in craftsmanship the same as any spherical shape if it doesn’t transport content? Well, maybe you got me there.

Then again, the photo actually does tell a story. Ok, not one that has any obvious plot points or a protagonist and matching antagonist but it is there. It is the marriage of the figure in the foreground and the visible nature that surrounds it. While the images taken in a light box underline the formal aspects of a sculpture, pictures such as the one above give a different insight. They can show you a natural habitat, a living area, a battlefield or any other place you can imagine. Though in the end, it actually doesn’t need to be a photo. It might just as well be a single illustration, a comic strip or just a string of words.

Doesn’t this TV look a bit sad and lonely in all its...

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:09:18 +0100

Doesn’t this TV look a bit sad and lonely in all its dustiness? And what an awful mess to leave this room in. It looks like it has not been taken care of for quite a while. But where is the toy? Where is the sculpture you may ask. Is this not a blog about these things? Sure. But today I thought about approaching the same same but different. If you have payed attention to the other toy blogs around you may recognize this picture.

This is not an ordinary room. It is one of many on a deserted island that once was a coal mining facility. It is being said that the workers and their families stationed there just left one day. Although very hastily leaving most of their belongings behind… But did they really leave or was there something else at work? A conspiracy? Maybe they found something that was buried there a long time ago…

A perfect setting for a horror story, right? Cthulu , for example, comes right to my mind. But what has all of this got to do with toys? Well, story, of course. Something that has been married to toys for ever. There are probably only very few children on this planet that do not have a story for every toy they own. Stories that are sometimes (but not always) connected to what the producers had in mind. But is this really necessary? Necessary, probably not. But on the other hand toys and sculpture in general can not convey anything beyond their form and painting. For this to work the view needs to have heard a background story first. Case in point, I have a toy standing here on my desk that I found in a pile of furniture and other things that a family left behind after they moved out of their apartment. It looks like a soldier and the armor is covered with skulls. The paint job is odd because one half is camouflage and the other side is plain white. What is it? Who is this supposed to be? I have no idea and the only reason why I took the toy with me were its crazy look and the fact that is was for free.

But back to the topic. Toys without stories do not do much for me. Kidrobot and many other companies churn out tons of little boxed blobs of plastic out every year but very seldomly do they (or the designers) ever offer any kind of story. As I said, a story is not necessary but I find the shapes of many toys (and especially platform toys) very repetitive and boring. For me this is the reason why I love the work of Carlos Enriquez Gonzales, Cris Rose, Bob Conge, Matt Doughty and other creatives who care enough to add more than just paint to the surface of figures. Don’t get me wrong, I have bought toys just for the visual appeal but a lot of times knowing a story (one that I couldn’t have thought of myself) makes a sculpture so much more interesting. This is exactly the reason why it is so compelling to collect Ultramen figures, Transformers and other merchandise. Having lived through the adventures of the heroes and villains makes me identify with the toys on completely different level.

Btw, if you click on the image above you will find out the rest about the TV and the coal mining island and its missing inhabitants.

Review #002: Scrubghost Hobo Heart

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 23:48:02 +0100

I believe it must have been right before Christmas when I stumbled across a post by the user GERMS on the skullbrain board announcing resin toys that he had created. I fell in love with what I saw there and decided on a whim that I needed one of these sculptures. Fortunately there were still some left and at $35 they were quite a steal.

This is the picture that got me interested and made me buy the figure. I loved the golden shimmer and the contrast of blue, green and red on the textured surface.

Well, a few weeks later a box from Australia arrived. Among the contents not only the figure (bagged with header card) but also some other cool swag such as a printed, numbered and signed reproduction of the picture above, another print and a tiny piece of bark…

The day of arrival was a beautiful sunny day. One of a few among many snowy and overcast days without a ray of light at all. At least it seems that way in retrospect. I would have photographed the toy in front of a white background as I usually do but this time I decided that it might be nice to take it outside. Especially since this fellow never had seen any snow before in his entire life. What an opportunity.

As you can see the colors differ quite a bit from the one above. It becomes evident that the figure has been lit with a very yellow light at that time. The gold sheen is missing under the cold norther light in Germany. I must admit that I was a bit confused at first when I took the toy out of the box but it did not take long and I loved this version just as much.

The sculpt may seem raw a first but it is indeed quite refined. Except for the end of the arms where normally hands would be. It seems that during the casting process air bubbles got stuck there. The remaining holes where fixed with a bit of what seems to be milliput or a similar product. Some people might see this as a downside but I do not. As I said in an earlier post, I appreciate these little imperfections. And since this is not a factory produced toy of a robot that has a shiny surface it actually adds to the personality of the figure.

Other than that the surface is very smooth and it is the application of the paint that gives this toy its gritty look. It feels very solid and massive and it has a wonderful weight that I miss in vinyl toys a lot. The figure does not stand on its own, so for this reason the delivery also contained a small metal base plate that features a similar color scheme with splattered paint. Here is where another gimmick of this toy comes into play. Instead of peg inserted points of articulation the sculpture uses magnets. There is one in the right foot, one at the hip and one in the neck. When I read about this I was worried that the magnets might be just about strong enough to keep the whole thing together. Yet, I was surprised to find out that these are quite tough and there was need to be concerned about it falling apart. Take a close look at the following image and you will be able to spot the one in the foot.

Conclusion: The “Scrubghost Hobo Heart” and the other releases out of this series are unique and one-offs. All pieces have been sold and so far I have not seen any more of them available. I am happy that I seized the opportunity. The one I have is surely a wonderful addition to my collection that I have yet to grow tired of looking at. I can only recommend keeping an eye out for new ones here.

Having featured some cute creations the last days I was going to...

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 22:55:00 +0100

Having featured some cute creations the last days I was going to post something more elaborate today. Until came across this: a resin figure that Bubi Au Yeung of Treeson fame created at the end of 2009. The character is apparently called “Ghostb” and according to the creator he’s been around for a while already and producing him in resin was a project that Bubi AuYeung wanted to tackle for quite a while already. Now, all this is not really my focus but instead that phrase up in the top right corner: “I am not perfect”. Is it an excuse? Or is it a self-assertive statement? I don’t know (except that Ghostb seems very confident in this picture) but it is this ambivalence that got me thinking. I make my own toys as well and I am a horrible perfectionist. I can spend hours, even days, on the tiniest details and a lot of times I am rather dissatisfied with the outcome of my attempts. Well, why? I guess mostly because I am a perfectionist. Wouldn’t it be easier to realize that, indeed, I am not perfect and that perfection is the one thing I will never achieve? And yes, it is the imperfection that gives so many resin toys their charm and personality. Look at the toys of Hello, Brute or LeMerde, for example. These are all but perfectly round shapes (as we see in so many vinyl platform toys). They live through the personality of their creators and the realization that nothing ever is really perfect. Especially not if you use your own hands. So, if you ever thought about making something yourself but were discouraged by all the seemingly perfect around you, start right away because it’s the little mistakes that make life worth living (and interesting at that).

I suppose the number of plush/softie creators must be a lot...

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 22:53:00 +0100

I suppose the number of plush/softie creators must be a lot higher than those who use other materials than cloth for their sculptures. But that is just a wild guess because I have the impression that I happen to see more of these. Another wild guess, even possibly prejudiced and risky, would be that most of them are female. And since soft is something that is also quite often associated with nice many of those toys are very cute. When looking at plush creatures I sometimes feel like I am wading through a pool filled with warm, thick and incredibly sweet molasses. It is good and all that but I keep missing the salt. Or the edge. Or the character. Or the idiosyncrasy. Meet Ping Yu, a Chinese graphic designer living and working in Tokyo and full-time mama, doll-maker as well as etsy-person who produces cute clothy creatures that I really enjoy. Particularly this cacat#1.

Some day I want to write a real good article. One that is full...

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 22:35:38 +0100

Some day I want to write a real good article. One that is full of criticism that just rings true and leaves everybody nodding in agreement. One that addresses why we need more toys/sculptures/figures full of personality instead of platform this platform that, reduced to most common denominator so that every one can change it to their hearts content. Today is not that day. In fact it may never arrive. Sure, I get tired of seeing the same thing over and over again. I got into designer toys and all the stuff around 2005 and even back then it was already quite well on its way of becoming mainstream. Still, the days that I get excited about almost every toy that is going to be released are over. Wow, I realize I must sound like a grumpy old fart. Haha. Och well,… No, but really, my dissatisfaction with this business is one reason that drives this blog. How come that all these silly ghosts & monsters haven’t found their way around the community, yet? Why do I get the impression that its become all money and a lot less fun. I was going to invest some hope into the resin movement but I find myself sighing even there. I want more people with crazy and wild ideas. Wonderful idiosyncratic shapes and characters that tell stories that I couldn’t have come up with myself. So there you have it, I want more and more and more (thanks for making me realize, Chris Crocker), and then (((sam))) comes around with these. Simple, clean shapes, utterly reduced in their form, but full of fun. Yes, I want more.

Via the tumblr-blog of Mr. lebeat I came across this cool...

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 20:00:15 +0100

Via the tumblr-blog of Mr. lebeat I came across this cool picture of a customized ginger root. Sadly, I can not find out who actually made it, except for the fact that it seems to have been posted to facebook before that. photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net Either way, it is a testament to the fact that you do not need a blobby shape of vinyl to start customizing and creating characters. A sharp eye and understanding of form (paired with a decent visual memory) is all you need.

I first came across the sculptures of Colin Christian through an...

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 20:13:00 +0100

I first came across the sculptures of Colin Christian through an email (containing the “Bunny Sees Boobs” installation) by one of my teachers at art school some months ago. Since then I always wanted to feature some of the work here. His newest show (together with S.A.S.) opened February 3rd at the Opera Gallery in London and it is titled “inner space”. I particularly enjoy the pieces of the exhibition, even more than some of Colin’s earlier work. In an interview with Hi-Fructose earlier this year he said that for the show he wanted to strip down some of his forms and explore ideas in a less representative manner thereby freeing his imagination. His approach was to restrict the use of color and focus on line and texture encompassing his interests in nature, science and sexuality.

Oh, by the way, that sculpture in the picture is almost twice the height of a normal human!

I must admit that I am a bit surprised that this wonderful...

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 20:43:00 +0100

I must admit that I am a bit surprised that this wonderful sculpture by Daniel Elson has not been sold, yet (update: it has been sold, nice!). Not only is it charmingly cute and well made but it is also quite reasonable in its pricing for $200 - especially considering that this piece is unique and hand made. Oh, now I see people raising their eyebrows because this sculpture is not really big (5”) but then you go out and buy a $80 6” piece of plastic that has been produced by machines, is made of plastic and comes in a quantity of 500 pieces? I am sorry if I sound a bit cynical here but sometimes I get a bit irritated by the pricing policies in this so called art form. The economy may not be the best at the moment but even before that people were bitching about the high prices that some artists ask for their objects. In part I do agree, when the prices rise above a certain value that is, but on the other hand it seems to me that most people do not see that an artist has as much right to make a living from his craft than everybody else. The time, experience and love that goes into creating such an object may not be visible at first glance but that doesn’t make it unreasonable to ask for a bit more than just the value of the materials used. Now go out and give some love to a good artist. (^__^)

It must have been about two months ago that I came across these...

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 19:43:21 +0100

It must have been about two months ago that I came across these wonderfully handcrafted wooden toys by Josh Finkle. Even without any background knowledge to these cute figures it is not hard to imagine all the time, patience and craftsmanship that must have gone in to creating these. Yet, when you take a closer look and realize that these are not just some imaginary animals but extinct ones it gives the whole product an interesting twist. To really illustrate the point Josh took the time to create a well thought out packaging design (not shown here) that shows where on the planet these animals lived and the reason behind their extinction. It seems many toy designers these days do not see the opportunities that a good box art offers and it is something I would like to see more often.

I first came across Joe Sorren’s work on Hi-Fructose and...

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 20:16:01 +0100

I first came across Joe Sorren’s work on Hi-Fructose and although he is primarily a painter some of his work has also been realized in the form of three-dimensional objects. This particular bronze sculpture really made me smile with glee. It is titled “Mr. Kurabi’s Tales Of Lovely-ness And All Things Eaten”. Even though the title does explain a bit of what can be seen, it is not really necessary to know in my opinion. The face of the girl is so full of wonder, and dreamy absentmindedness that I immediately start to think about what it might be that the little fellow next to her (Mr. Kurabi, probably) is actually telling her.

A few days ago a good friend of mine alerted me to the art of...

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 22:13:00 +0100

A few days ago a good friend of mine alerted me to the art of Nick Van Woert who lives in Brooklyn, NY. Among his many works this untitled bust particularly arose my interest. The materials that were used are listed as plaster bust and plastic but this still leaves me wondering how he made it. What I really enjoy about this sculpture is the fact that it leaves me a lot of room for my imagination and while still retaining elements that I can identify, e.g. the shoulders of the bust. It makes me imagine all sorts of surreal stories of fantasy and science-fiction. I’d love to put this sculpture next to a panel of Moebius’ “40 Days dans le Desert B”. I can only recommend digging around his website a bit. There some other works that are just as good (look for the dipstick pieces).

Reduced Figuration is finally back. First, I was very busy and...

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:04:17 +0100

Reduced Figuration is finally back. First, I was very busy and couldn’t keep the blog running at its usual pace. Second, I started thinking about a redesign and other format changes. So, here it is. The new gimmick? One artist and/or sculpture per day. One gem a day. One sweet candy, hand chosen by yours truly for slow and good digestion. No information overload.

With that being said. Let’s dive right in. When I saw this resin sculpture titled “Lesley” of my fellow countryman Andreas Krapf I know it had to be the one to revive this wee blog with. I found it on the October Toys Forum and was impressed immediately. Hell, I’ll even go as far and admit that the cock on this thing made me smile. This is one proud fella. You know why. Hehehe. Seriously though, apart from the big grin, the nerdy glasses, horns and the big dick this plastic toy also shines in execution. I am looking forward to seeing more by Andreas.

To my knowledge this is still available and can be bought at denada for 390€. There are other toys available as well.

Thank you everyone for making 2009 a very successful year for me...

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 17:24:25 +0100

Thank you everyone for making 2009 a very successful year for me and this wee blog. Thank you dear readers for being loyal. Thank you dear artists for making great art. All the best to all of you from me, Karl Diesel, Brent Sparr, Jilian West and Taro Kern. We will take a rest and will return in 2010 with new energy and a stuffed belly. Cheers!

Never let the looks deceive you of the character that lies...

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 20:36:31 +0100

Never let the looks deceive you of the character that lies beneath. Makkinoso’s newest character may look all friendly and welcoming but he has a heart as hard as metal. Matter of fact “Steelheart” is his name and he come and gone already. So if you feel like you should own one of these you either need to track down one of the lucky three buyers or you can pester the artist himself. Maybe he’ll make more…

Look at this. This is what I get for not checking all my sources...

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 17:07:12 +0100

Look at this. This is what I get for not checking all my sources regularly. Turns out this and a few other figures by skullbrain board member GERMS have been announced already more than two weeks ago. I totally dig these wild and weird creatures that look like humanoid aliens. This one has the odd title “Hobo Heart” and to my amazement it is still available. Check the store because there is even more for very little money - especially considering these are hand made and unique.

Wow, look at this. What is it? Is that a bear that swallowed a...

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 17:45:00 +0100

Wow, look at this. What is it? Is that a bear that swallowed a wooden rocket that his beaver friend is going to ride to the moon? I do not know. The sculpture is titled “Rebirth” so maybe there is something different going on… Either way, that textured surface is maddening. It must have taken ages to complete. Mr. Mathew Plater aka map-map must have an incredible amount of patience for such kind of work.

You cannot deny the fact that toy figures have become quite...

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 17:34:31 +0100

You cannot deny the fact that toy figures have become quite popular in the last few years. Just as well you cannot deny the fact that riding fixed gear bikes has become rather hip. So why not combine the two facts into a third? You cannot deny that this is a pretty amazing sculpture of hipness. Not only is the toy articulate like every good toy should be but every part on this bike work just like in RealLife™. Visit the blog of coolrain for more of all the aforementioned.

Suppose you were still lying on the aforementioned beach...

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:26:40 +0100

Suppose you were still lying on the aforementioned beach enjoying a white russian (because the white coldness of winter has to be celebrated somehow, right?) and then suddenly you feel a soft bumb in your lap and you look in a combination of amazement and disgust at this incredible nightmarish ceramic sculpture by Kate D. MacDowell. And then you wake up and everything is still grey, cold and rainy outside.