Schmancy Blog

Made by Moxie Interview

2010-11-10T08:55:00.000-08:00

As the year winds down, Schmancy is getting hungry (you know Thanksgiving is coming up!) That's why we enlisted Moxie who is awesome. And she happened to make us very happy with her new solo show entitled "Hungry" opening this Friday night at Schmancy. 6pm! Here's a few juicy tidbits to get you excited for the show:

Schmancy: What is the collection you are showing at Schmancy this month, and what is the inspiration behind it?
Moxie: The series title is "Hungry." It's a continuation of the two piece series I created for PlushYou! LA. It's one of those concepts that took hold of my imagination and I *had* to continue exploring it.
As for inspiration, I'm not really sure. Sometimes I like to incorporate shiny garbage into my work. I did that with a doll face and the whole project took on a charming-yet-disturbing tone that makes me happy for some reason.

Schmancy: Who is your favorite person (dead or alive)?
Moxie: Roosevelt Franklin.

Schmancy: Do you have a special place where you go to create your ideas?
Moxie: Not really. Having and developing ideas is a process that happens in your noodle... and if you're really lucky, you get to take your noodle with you wherever you go.

Schmancy: What is your favorite coffee drink?
Moxie: I'm really into drip with cream and sugar right now but, I've been known to cherish an iced carmel latte with a billion shots in it now and again. My heavens, I do love the coffee. We should have some right now!

Schmancy: What color is your hair currently?
Moxie: Pink.

Schmancy: Do you have any exciting news or any upcoming events you would like to share with the world?
Moxie: I'm really happy to say that my book, "I Felt Awesome," is finally available for pre-sale. It's a labor of love, two years in the making, and I can't wait to share it with everybody. (If you take a peek at it on Amazon, you can look inside!)

Thanks Moxie - and for all you fans out there stop by the opening to meet her this friday at Schmancy!

Interview with Anna Chambers

2010-09-13T19:58:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the late post...but check out Anna's latest plush online or at Schmancy! The opening was last Friday night, but the show will be up the rest of this month!

On with the interview:

Schmancy: What inspired you for this show "Multipy"?
Anna Chambers: I first started making 2 bunnies, then I just kept going in the bunny theme, after I had them all in a row, I thought "multiply" was a fitting title.

Schmancy: When & Why did you begin making plush poo?
Anna Chambers: I started the poo dolls a long time ago, just kind of as a joke, I wanted to make something gross as cute as it could be.

Schmancy: What is the best thing about being a mom?
Anna Chambers: Best thing about being a mom is the little baby smiles I get all day, I can't get enough of her giggles.

Schmancy: Where do you picture yourself in (life or business) in five years?
Anna Chambers: In 5 years.... I'll get back to you!

Schmancy: What is your favorite sweet?
Anna Chambers: Chocolate

Schmancy: Do you have any upcoming shows/ news for the end of 2010 (or start of 2011 - eek!)?
Anna Chambers: Another plush character of mine is coming out this year, only hint: it's an animal.

Scrumdiddlyumptious

2010-08-07T17:39:00.000-07:00

Everything seems to converge at the same time... i.e. CCE's Event next weekend, LA Plush You the weekend after that... and the Scrumptious Delight Opening at Schmancy this Friday August 13th! Yep, Friday the 13th from 6-9pm-get your cool shoes on and check out the amazing Plush by artist Becky of Scrumptious Delight... Here's a little "taste" of her upcoming solo show, and some great Q&A.

Schmancy: When did you start making plush, and what inspired you?
Scrumptious: I guess the start was when I was about eight and I made miniature mice and bears from felt. I was and still am a real animal nut and always loved plush toys

Schmancy: What's your favorite "real" food?
Scrumptious: Hmmmm, favourite real food?? No big surprise, I have quite the sweet tooth and I am a big fan of marshmallows but I'm not sure if a marshmallow really counts as real food...
I eat sushi every week and really enjoy a good salad, like the green salad with pear and sheeps cheese topped with a mango lime dressing that I ate the other day...mmmmm!
I recently discovered that I am gluten intolerant and I have to admit that I really miss scones.

Schmancy: What plush food do people like the most of your scrumptious delights?
Scrumptious: I'm pretty sure that the cotton candies are the most popular item I make, followed maybe by the marshmallows.

Schmancy: Have you been anywhere recently? If so, was it fun?
Scrumptious: The last day trip that we took as a family is a must do for anyone visiting vancouver. We cycled around the sea wall at Stanley Park. We rented a trail-a-bike (like a bicycle with no front wheel that attaches to the adult bike) for my 7 year old which she loves. We stopped for icecream when we got to English Bay.
I've been working a lot recently but tomorrow I will take the day off to take the kids to Vancouver Aquarium, also a must do in Vancouver and also at Stanley Park. The marine mammals there are rescued animals who for whatever reason cannot be released back into the wild.

Schmancy: What other events do you have coming up this year that you want to share?
Scrumptious: Other events...hmmm I should really get on and organise for the holiday season...
I just finished making a life-sized plush bicycle for the Bicycle Arts Festival in Vancouver this weekend and I will be sending pieces for both Plush You LA and Plush You in Seattle. The Plushteam have a collective show at Hot Pop in Milwaukee in January...the theme is Candyland...right up my street!
As for holiday season shows, I'm not too sure yet...I would like to do some local stuff and maybe Urban Craft Uprising....

Interview with LeDoux!

2010-07-05T12:31:00.000-07:00

With the holiday weekend it was shocking to realize that we will have Jesse LeDoux at Schmancy THIS FRIDAY!! So stop by and check out his fabulous show "Perfect Forecast," but for now here is an interview with Jesse!

Schmancy: How much do you get to travel for work?
Jesse: For a while I was traveling quite a lot. So much, in fact, that I got elite frequent flier status. However, I've stuck pretty close to home lately, which has been a nice change. Typically, the grass is always greener, though with traveling, I've found myself content with wherever I currently am. If I'm at home, I'm happy being home. And if I'm away, I'm pretty excited to be away.

Schmancy: So true! So where is your favorite place?
Jesse: As for favorite places, I really miss Japan a lot. I think about its various charms frequently. I'd really love to be someplace warm right now. Anyplace warm right now. Even the NW, if it would ever heat up. TURN IT UP, Mother Nature! I've got some swimming to do!

Schmancy: Swimming is a bit chilly in Seattle, but yes let's hope this change in weather will stay in the 70's! Hmm...so where is your secret hideout in the city?
Jesse: Oh c'mon! It wouldn't be much of a secret if I told you, would it? To be honest, I prefer exploring new places instead of frequenting favorite places. I want to know other people's secret hideouts.

Schmancy: Ah darn it I tried to trick ya! Oh well...What's your favorite kind of sweet/candy?
Jesse: I-C-E C-R-E-A-M. Fruity flavors in the summer, chocolately/carmelly ones in the winter. Unless boozy flavors are an option. Those trump all. I had a bourbon chocolate ice cream cone last year that had me wishing I had skipped dinner.

Schmancy: yum. I just had sour cream icecream, it was interesting and making me want some of your bourbon chocolate...Onto more important things like, when you were young what did you want to "do" with your life?
Jesse: I recently found a "Time Capsule" questionnaire that I did when I was 10 years old. It said I wanted to be a cartoonist. I suppose I'm not too far off.

Schmancy: WOW! that's pretty rad - I actually wanted to be a cartoonist for Disney (this was before all the CGI though...) Do you have any secret talents (the amazing artwork isn't secret!)
Jesse: More secrets, eh? I have an uncanny ability of putting my foot in my mouth. Put me in any social situation. Within a half hour, I'll have insulted someone, embarrassed myself, or inadvertently made an ill fated joke that falls flat and could be construed as dirty. And frequently, I can do it in the first 10 seconds. If social awkwardness were a career, my assistant's assistant would be doing this interview as I golf from my helicopter hovering above my penthouse.

Schmancy: I'd like to see that! What's your favorite thing to do during the Seattle summer?
Jesse: I really enjoy swimming. Not lap swimming, but SWIMMING swimming. Cannonballs, Donald Ducks, and backflopping while attempting 1-and-a-halfs. That's summer fun.

Schmancy: back to that swimming eh? Might need to take a tropical vacation! Do you have any events/exciting news to tell all the schmancy fans?
Jesse: I have this show at Schmancy that you may have heard about. In August, Patent Pending (which is my poster company I share with Jeff Kleinsmith) is having a big 11 year retrospective show at the Design Commission in Pioneer Square. I was going to have work in a show at the MADRE Contemporary Art Museum in Italy this Autumn, but due to shifting politics in Italy, their funding got cut (which is a HUGE bummer!). I'm also part of a large (and currently top secret) group show in L.A. in October that will be pretty crazy. There are some other things on the horizon, but it's too early to squeal about that. Sign up for my mailing list or follow me on Twitter and you can be the first to hear the squeals.

You can sign up on Jesse's mailing list here: Sign Up! But make sure to check out his new work at Schmancy this Friday July 9 from 6-9pm

Plush Pickles

2010-06-09T13:17:00.000-07:00

Everyone admired and wanted the jar of pickles in last year's Plush You show. Now you can get your own pickle!

Latest Plush Exclusive

2010-06-09T13:10:00.000-07:00

Now online and in the store!

Interview with Tim Miller

2010-06-06T17:07:00.000-07:00

the artist for June is Tim Miller!
Check out his work this Friday June 11 from 6-9pm, and of course meet the artist!

Schmancy: Please explain a bit what your show at schmancy is focused on:
Tim Miller: The show focuses on the bright side of sorrow.

Schmancy: What would your last meal be if you were on death row?
Tim Miller: Something that comes with a steak knife.

Schmancy: What/Who inspires you?
Tim Miller: Waves, animation, race cars, office supply stores.

Schmancy: What's your typical rainy day activity?
Tim Miller: I tend to sit on the couch, draw in my sketchbook, drink tea and think too much.

Schmancy: Do you have any big news for 2010?
Tim Miller: I don't know if I have any big news, but I'm working on reconnecting with the Seattle animation community and working on working on [sic] some more animation.

Interview with the Man Behind Man Made Monsters

2010-05-10T22:26:00.000-07:00

This Month we have the artist Stefvan from Man Made Monsters with us... here are some random questions and answers!

Schmancy (S): What is your inspiration for this show?
ManMadeMonsters (MMM): Repercussions of bad decision making, self loathing. For every women I fell in love with, may it be for 10 years or 10 seconds. Lack of sleep and great sex.

S: Name your favorite country and why - have you ever visited it?
MMM: 10 years ago I would have said Barcelona, Spain, just to skateboard.
But now I would say Tokyo, Japan. I feel like it would be visiting 10 years into the future. I have never been to either unfortunately.

S: What is your favorite creature/animal?
MMM:I don't have say a favorite, but here are couple
Killer whale with a comb over
Cactapuss
Pandas
Fruit bats
Koalas
Meman

S: What do you have coming up this year you'd like us to know about?
MMM: I have been added to a wonderful festival known as Urban Craft Uprising! July 10th and 11th at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall. 305 Harrison Street
Seattle, WA 98109 (206) 684-7200. Over 100 vendors!! Big time!!! Have another show coming up at NW Throw backs, June 14th. (1205 E Pike. St. Seattle, WA 98122 (206) 402-4855) Thats gonna be super fun! After all that, my first full blown themed show at Retro fit, Aug.12th (1419 12th Avenue, Seattle - (206) 568-4663). Theme is called Endangered Species, some real and made up!! Mostly made up. But what ever doesn't sell is going to get painted over after the month is up, so it's up to people to save these species. Around 5 species are gonna be there and about 10 to 20 of each species. All one of a kind!! Also spreading the word of some of the coolest artist I know on STOKKUR.NET. Other than that I will be lurking around waiting for my moment to have a run at world domination. Muahahahaha!!

S: Are you a dog or cat person?
MMM: As long as they are friendly and like to chill, they both cool with me. None of this acting like I don't exist unless I have food. That shit is not cool!!

Can't wait to see everyone at the show opening- This Friday May 14 from 6-9pm!!

April Artist -- Laura Berger Interview

2010-04-05T21:02:00.000-07:00

For the month of April Schmancy is showing artist Laura Berger! She won’t be able to make the opening show, but we’ll still be around from 6-8pm this Friday April 9 at Schmancy! Here is a fun interview with the artist:

Schmancy (s): Your artwork is really creative and cheerful; does it reflect your personality?

Laura Berger (lb): I hope so! Well, I'm a person, so of course I'm not always cheerful. But I definitely try to maintain a high level of fun & creativity in my life, all around.

s: That’s great to hear! You live in Chicago, what is the best thing about the city?
lb: The best thing about Chicago for me is the amazing & diverse restaurant scene. I really really like going out to eat. I do it too much. I also love being 8 blocks away from lovely Lake Michigan, which is big enough for me to (sort of) pretend it's an ocean. The people here are also really down to earth & friendly for a big city. That was 3 best things, but oh well.

s: Well, we have the Puget Sound which we pretend is our ocean! Schmancy has been selling your prints for the past few months and everyone loves them! Do you plan to have new prints for this show?

lb: Thank you! Yes, I made 4 new digital prints of some new illustrations to go along with the paintings for the show...

s: Awesome! Can’t wait to see them, so, what is your favorite dessert? And why?

lb: My favorite dessert is cheese. I'm being totally serious. I usually don't crave sweets all that much, but I have met very few cheeses that I didn't like.

s: Mmmmm, cheese! Yum! Do you have any favorite spots/places to gain insight and/or inspiration for your artwork?

lb: I think my favorite spots for inspiration are my car and my bed. Did that sound weird? I get a lot of ideas when I'm driving. Driving clears my mind; I really enjoy a good road trip. Many of my ideas also come to me either right before I fall asleep or in my dreams. I also like leaving & get a lot of inspiration from traveling.

s: A bit weird, but I suppose it depends on the bed! I’ve contemplated living in the windy city, but what is the absolute best thing to do on a rainy/snowy Chicago day?

lb: This would probably involve beverages of some variety. Coffee shop sitting with a nice friend or a nice book or a nice window to stare out...or a good beer at the Hopleaf, my favorite Belgian pub...or (more than likely) sitting and painting or drawing all day with a cup of tea. I really like this crazy smoky tea called Lapsang Souchong. It tastes like campfires.

s: That sounds like a good time...and a bit like Seattle! Thanks for talking with Schmancy, and can’t wait for your solo show to open this Friday!!!

Interview with Tomonster!

2010-03-04T17:11:00.000-08:00

The month of March should always be called "March Monsters" and to celebrate that new fact we have Tomonster aka Tomoko. Here's an interview with her on her upcoming solo show at Schmancy from March 13-April 8, 2010.

Schmancy: How long have you been painting?
Tomoko: I've been drawing all my life. I always love drawing and painting. I started painting seriously about 6 or 7 years ago. I was painting for fun and people like them! So I was like "WOW! Really? That's awesome!!"

Schmancy: That always seems like the best way to start! You create so many interesting characters, where do you get your inspirations for them?
Tomoko: Most of them are from all the cartoon I watched when I was little. I'm from Japan originally, so I watched lots of Japanese cartoons. Also they played lots of European cartoons also like Barba papa and Mooming Troll, etc... I just love creepy but cute and funny monsters! They just make me smile!

Schmancy: We like the monsters too! So, where is your most favorite place to travel, and why?
Tomoko: I've been to some places, but my favorite place was Morocco. I think it's so foreign to me and everything I saw was amazing and very very foreign. It was so much fun! Also Barcelona, Spain was amazing. They are so much art and they have great food!

Schmancy: Yum! My mouth is watering...so what is your favorite food?
Tomoko: I love any kind of food!!!! I love eating!!! haha. But in the end, I always go back to Japanese food. :)

Schmancy: Tradition is hard to break!! Since its 'March Monster Month' and I guess there's also another holiday...do you celebrate St. Patricks Day with green beer?
Tomoko: Well, I don't have any Irish blood in me and I don't drink, so uh, no.... but I'm all for Green drinks and green food! I didn't even know about St. Patricks day till I came to Seattle!

Schmancy: Well we hope some of the Irish luck will rub off on all of us! Do you have any upcoming shows or exciting news you would like to share with us?
Tomoko: My new cards from new paintings are printing process right now! Also I will have a gallery showing with other artists in May, June, July at Oasis Gallery in Wallingford! Also in August, I have a solo show at Portage Bay in Fremont!

Schmancy: Wow! That's great! Thanks for taking the time to talk with us...All of you loyal (and new) Tomonster fans please stop by Schmancy between March 13-April 8 to see her amazing work and really funny characters. Until next time...xo

Interview with Vivienne and Matte

2010-01-25T18:31:00.000-08:00

The upcoming February 12 art opening at Schmancy is featuring Vivienne Strauss and Matte Stephens in the show "Opposites Attract" (perfect for the month of love). Anywho, I've interviewed the couple to get the latest scoop just for you!

Schmancy (S): Where is your most favorite place to get inspiration? Do you remember the first time you went there thinking this place could change your life?
Vivienne (V): I guess I would have to say my mind rather than an actual physical place. I get a lot of my inspiration from old college annuals from the 1920s and 1930s. Just an interesting looking face or an odd sounding name can inspire an idea or a whole story that leads to a painting.
Matte (M): At home I love changing our place around to make it more inspiring.

S: What is your favorite movie and/or book? - AND what would be the "new" ending you would add to it if the ending could change?
V: I have so many favorites it is hard to pick just one. One of my favorite movies of all time is Harold and Maude, I would say I'd prefer that Maude not die at the end but I wouldn't change it because it wouldn't have nearly the impact it does now. Happy endings are not necessarily the best endings to a good story.
M: I like so many movies it would be hard to name just one.

S: Give us a preview of your Schmancy show!! We can't wait to see it, so describe some of it to us now!!
V: The painting I've done for the Schmancy show is titled Frank and Florence spend every Sunday in bed reading their favorite books. This idea has been floating around in my head for quite some time and it felt great to finally execute it.
M: A wool felted Uncle Rutherford.

S: What is the song/artist you keep playing over and over in your iPod (or cd player?)
V: Lately it has been Andrew Bird.
M: I have my radio tuned to the same NPR station all of the time :)

S: If you could open a restaurant what food would you serve and why?
V: Probably one that had a huge selection of different soups, salads and sandwiches so I could eat there and not have to cook.
M: I would serve southern food and the name of the restaurant would be cloresteral.

S: Do you have any exciting news/events to share for 20-10?!
V: I have one thing in particular I'm very excited about but it isn't final so I'm afraid of jinxing it by saying something too soon
M: I'm working on lots and Lots and lots of paintings

S: Everything upcoming sounds terribly exciting and let's hope it works out for both of you, everyone please come join us for beer and wine on February 12, 2010 to celebrate the opening of “Opposites Attract” with Vivienne and Matte (and the Schmancy crew!)

Huck Gee is coming!

2010-01-06T12:01:00.000-08:00

Hey Joe (Vollan) whadda ya know??

2010-01-02T17:04:00.001-08:00

Hey Schmancy Fans!! Joe Vollan will be having a solo show in the store from January 8 - February 11!! Don't forget to stop by during the month to check out his work. *There will NOT be an opening on the 8th, and the store will just be open regular hours (11-6)* But drumroll please!! Huck Gee will be honoring Schmancy with his presence on January 22, 2010 from 6-8pm for a signing session. More to follow!

On with the interview....

S: Joe, will you be making any new year's resolutions?
JV: Today one of my co-workers said that being nicer should be my resolution, so I'm going to give that a shot.

S: How did you come up with the new show, that will be at Schmancy this month?
JV: My wife bought me a bunch of really nice looking frames, so I got wood panels to fit them. so all the paintings are smaller then usual for this show.

S: What is your favorite underwater animal?
JV: I would have to say definitely a squid.

S: You live in Seattle and seem very inspired by the city. Do you have a favorite place to sketch or come up with ideas?
JV: Seattle is a very inspirational and beautiful city, I like to walk around downtown a lot, also gasworks park makes me happy.

S: Any upcoming events or updates we should know about?
JV: My website (joevollan.com) should be up and running, hopefully within a month. Im very excited about that.

S: Thanks for talking with us Joe, and we look forward to seeing your work!

Interview with M.O.F.O. Aka Martin and Felix!

2009-12-02T19:50:00.001-08:00

Hey Everybody!! I know we are all excited about Urban Craft Uprising this weekend…but I wanted to wet your whistle for the upcoming Schmancy show on December 11, 2009 Featuring Martin + Felix Ontiveros, a solo show of dad and son aka “M.O.F.O.”(see below)! Come to the Opening from 6-9pm on the 11th!

S: How did you come up with the concept and name of your show?

M.O. (Martin): Our show is called "M.O.F.O." (Martin Ontiveros, Felix Ontiveros). I originally titled us "Team Ontiveros", but then one day we were walking back from school and the acronym hit me... and I was like, "DUH. Why hadn't that occurred to me before??" It's cool because it's similar to other comic team's logos, like S.H.I.E.L.D. for instance. And it's a dirty joke, but Felix doesn't know that... The show concept is pretty simple, it's just about our love of superheroes--specifically Marvel this time around. I was booked to do this show by myself initially, but then thought I'd bring Felix in on it too. He's pretty obsessed with this stuff (in no small part due to my influence of course), churning out comic after comic of his own, and bombarding me with questions about heroes (I have since purchased both the Marvel and DC encyclopedias to relieve me of this duty)... so I figured this could be a good way to channel this obsession. It turned into a great thing to do on our days together over the summer, especially the papier mache sculptures!

F.O. (Felix): I like superheroes, and thought we should do Marvel superheroes first.

S: Wow that is pretty awesome and I love the acronym! So, do you have craft hour/night?

M.O.: Pretty much anytime we feel like it, never a set time really. We do it more than we watch TV, actually.

F.O.: We do it anytime we want to.

S: That’s a really great way to spend time together. So what's your favorite old and new cartoon?

M.O.: Man, that would be several for me. Old: Battle of the Planets. New: Batman-The Brave and the Bold

F.O.: My favorite old cartoon is Ben 10. My favorite new cartoon is Batman-The Brave and the Bold.

S: Seems like great cartoonists think alike! Where do you get your inspirations?

M.O.: For me it's all the cartoons, movies and comics I ingested as a kid, and rock n' roll. Music is a huge part of it. Felix too-- seeing him develop as an artist and storyteller is really something... like the Juggernaut, he's unstoppable!

F.O.: It's something to do while you're bored.

S: Well Felix, I hope you get bored a lot! What's your favorite holiday tradition?

M.O.: Can't say we're very traditional... but the last few years I've had a little silver electronic tree that I pull out of the closet and switch on. If Felix gets a big Lego set for Christmas (and he usually does), we'll hang out and build it together, listen to tunes and eat.

F.O.: Get presents!

S: Sounds like a good time, I think everyone loves presents, especially lego sets! I know I do! Do you have any new projects coming up that you'd like to share?

M.O.: As a team, we're going to continue to make papier mache sculptures of superheroes. Maybe make another zine or two. We're booked to do a show here in Portland next Fall too (at Black Wagon), which will be DC comics themed.

F.O.: The DC comics show I guess.

S: Good to share the wealth with DC and Marvel I suppose…What's a perfect dinner together?

M.O.: Cheap sushi night downtown, probably!

F.O.: Sushi at Sushi Ichiban downtown, the one with the train. It used to be called Sushi Takahashi, but they changed the name. Everybody still calls it Sushi Takahashi though.

S: Any last words for the world to know?

M.O.: Uhhh... I turn 40 years old the day after our opening.

F.O.: I'm good.

S: Looks like we will have another great show on our hands at Schmancy in just a week and a half!! See you at the opening!! xo

Made by Moxie toy EXCLUSIVE

2009-11-17T17:55:00.001-08:00

I think Moxie makes the most awesome, clever, funny amazing felted toys this side of the Mississippi. Don't you? She has made these adorable squeakers for a Schmancy exclusive. Something I would like to add she doesn't do much of anymore...so get 'em while they are hot! They will be up tomorrow!

S- What was your inspiration behind these fantastic creatures for your plush exclusive?

MBM- Because it's an exclusive, I wanted to make something fun and personable... something that would "speak" to the people. Replace "speak" with "squeak" and you pretty much have it.

S- How has your work evolved from the beginning of creating magical felted monsters?

MBM- While I love making squeakers and finger puppets, I've become driven to creating conceptual pieces. A lot of times my work might be anthropomorphic, but if you look beyond the cuteness, you'll find layers of meaning.

S- Where do you see your monsters in 10 years?

MBM- Ruling the night.

S- What are you most excited for in the next few months?

MBM- I'm excited to be a part of the 5th Annual Urban Craft Uprising show in Seattle. I'm also working on an instructional needle felting book due out in 2010. The next few months will be full of felting, writing and possibilities.

Introducing... Le Merde!

2009-11-04T18:28:00.000-08:00

I interviewed the awesome dudes (John Black and Mike Kelley) from Le Merde who will be having a solo show on Friday November 13 from 6-9 at none other than Schmancy!

S: What inspires you to create such awesome characters?

JB - Well.. most of my characters are based on people I went to High School with. Growing up in the 70's and 80's I was left with tons of images of interesting people. I'm inspired by these stoners, geeks and general freaks. From these images and memories I recreate these people into my own universe.

LM - Usually I start with a thought or characteristic of someone and go from there. My Hollis Price character started with being slightly obsessed with Thin Lizzy and John McEnroe. Then added a little Ted Nugent and there he was. But other times it's just doodling and what comes out comes out.

S: Have you been traveling lately? If so where and what was the coolest thing you did?

JB - I recently went to Vegas and saw Pete Rose. Topper for sure.

LM - I just got back from LA and got to hang with David Horvath of Ugly Dolls there. He drove my ass everywhere. David is a top notch dude. Very generous. I also got to shake hands with George Takei.

S: Those are some pretty warm places, hope you can handle the rain in Seattle! So, what was your favorite toy (and/or) cartoon growing up and why?

JB - I collected a lot of He-Man and Transformers until I got my first skateboard and then after that it was all hanging with the dudes. But yeah I still got all my He-Man and Transformers.

LM - I collected the normal stuff like Star Wars and G.I.Joe. But my first gotta have items as a kid was Atari and every system after that. Atari, 5200, 7800 and then Nintendo. Those are the memories I still think about. Staying up all night and playing the first Zelda. That was the best. Most of my toy memories are finding the mark downed toys at the Drug Store down the street. Tons of M.U.S.C.L.E and Imagic Atari games and 3rd party games. These marked down games were .99 cents sometimes in 1982-83. Sweet!

S: I think everyone loves 80’s cartoons! Does Friday the 13th freak you out?? Do you have any superstitious tendencies?

JB - No I'm stoked.

LM - ....no. It's more exciting then a freak out.

S: To wrap up, what upcoming projects/shows are you especially excited about (besides the solo show at Schmancy on Friday Nov 13 of course) ?

JB - I'm in the upcoming Post-It Note show at Giant Robot in Dec. Should be killer.

LM - I'm totally digging the new season of Sons of Anarchy. Shit is good. Also Top Chef is really good this season. Project Runway is pretty pretty lame. Go back to Bravo you jerks!

S: Thanks guys!! Can’t wait to see your show “Terry and Vince Go... Way....Way” at Schmancy on November 13!!

APAK! Interview

2009-09-04T12:58:00.000-07:00

I interviewed Aaron and Ayumi of
APAK!! and here's the dynamic duo's answers!! Come see them and their awesome art next Friday September 11 from 6-9 at Schmancy!!

S- The story of how you met is super sweet, (see here what made you move from Michigan to Oregon?

APAK- Actually we lived in Oakland, CA and Saitama, Japan for a few years
before we settled in Portland, Oregon. But when we were in College we went
on a little road trip to Portland so maybe it stuck in our hearts since
then. We’ve been here for almost 5 years now and really love it. Portland
has been good to us in many ways.

S- What are your favorite forest creatures?

APAK- Favorites are hard to pick because all animals are all so precious. But we like quails, rabbits, squirrels, bears, deer, sloths, warthogs, snails, and porcupines to name a few.

S- Do you have any crazy habits or superstitious acts that you do before starting a piece of art together?

APAK- We try to avoid habits and go with the flow. We like to look around, go for walks, explore new places. We get a lot of inspiration from nature. We like to experiment and try new things each time. Is looking under rocks superstitious?

S- Only if you look under rocks every few minutes or so I think you are safe! Your show at Schmancy is titled “Tiny Adventures” who is the main character(s) and what was your inspiration for this show?

APAK- Some of our characters are our guides the “Happy Hermits”, they are like little traveling gnomes that live humbly and harmoniously that like to explore fantastic places and show us wonderful things.

S-Do you have any upcoming events/projects you want to tell everyone about?

APAK- We just did a shirt, mug, and wallet with the good people at POKETO, Ayumi has a new set of “Friendship” cards out on our Etsy site, We have a solo show in Portland at GrassHut in December that we are excited about doing a special installation for... Hopefully we will be putting out a childrens book soon! And our house is a never ending project.

S- Sounds like Schmancy is luck to have you in here, can't wait to see your latest work 'Tiny Adventures' on September 11, 2009 from 6-9pm.

2009-07-31T12:31:00.000-07:00

This month's artist is Ryan Berkley of Berkely Illustrations he will be showing off his famous animals all dressed up! You can check out his blog too! Here is our recent interview with Ryan:

S-What is your show at Schmancy focusing on?
BI-I'm doing a series of Sasquatch portraits called "Creature People".
One thing I have noticed from doing art shows in Seattle is that the people there seem fond of the Sasquatches. My series depicts a certain zany-ish tribe residing somewhere not far from Seattle.

S-That's so true, we are crazy for sasquatch here! For those of us who don’t know, what has inspired you to create animals all dressed up?
BI-I guess it dates back to 3 or 4 years ago when I was into doing old west/turn of the century portraiture. And one day I drew a Koala in a suit. And then another animal. And then tons more.
I'd say my love for all animals and awesome old timey-photos finally came to a head.

S-What is your most favorite animal ever?
BI-Tiger sharks. They're filthy, scary, unpredictable, giant tropical fish with crazy looking teeth that live life by their stomachs- eating birds, turtles, and man-made garbage from the sea floor. They're the goats of the sea. My second favorite animals are the goats of the land.

S-Any new projects or events you want to tell us about?
BI-I currently have a few portraits for sale through Urban Outfitters, I just finished doing some portraits for a RADICAL project with a great design team in Seattle, Creature design (our project: secretsherrysociety), I will be appearing at Crafty Bastards in D.C., hopefully Renegade Chicago, and I will be in Seattle doing the awesome Urban Craft Uprising shows in early August and again in December.
Also, my wife and I are also in top secret talks of a possible book project...

S-Great! we look forward to seeing you at UCU and Schmancy!!

Bwana Spoons & Abe Lincoln Jr. Interviews!!

2009-07-07T08:52:00.000-07:00

Bwana Spoons and Abe Lincoln Jr. will be showing new work at Schmancy this Friday, July 10th. Opening Reception is from 6:00 to 9:00. Below are the interviews we did:

S-Hi Bwana! How is your WTF Book Tour going?

BS-Tour is going great. I’m meeting new peeple and seeing some old faces. It was really awesome to be back in Paris again. This froggy really needs to learn some french. Cause I want to go back again. Only a few hick-ups so far. I just got all my stevens in, so this week before I see you guys I need to back track and paint NYC big apple stevens and some euro stevens and schmancy stevens and Grass hut stevens, then paint the balls off of some more after the weekend before I take off for SF, LA, and San Diego.

S- I've heard Rosetta Stone is helpful in learning French...What has been your favorite place on your travels so far?

BS-WTF travels? Paris is the bomb, but I had lots of fun in london and New York too. Each place has its own magic. New York has hands down the most smells and best graffiti. I went to Mishka, snacky, AG Gallery and a rice pudding boutique, and met up with some huge thunder and lightning. In london concrete hermit was nice, I went to a rad fixie shoppe, Lik neon, and ate some shish.

S- Are you really excited to see any specific place?

BS-I like driving by myself. Looking forward to a little pitstop in the redwoods, as I have been reading about redwood canopies. SF is like my second home, and Tokyo isn’t too far away now. Excited about everything right now.

S-In Paris did you ride the metro or the buses?

BS-I rode the metro which was super easy and fun, London tubers was even easier and was the cleanest so far eh.

S-Have you been poked in the eye from a pencil fight yet?

BS-No, but the Parisians hadn’t done PF’in before and I thought somebody was going to get something in the eye there.
The Pencil fights have been the most fun so far. Good way to bring peeple together.

S-Glad to hear! Thanks Bwana! Now to our other artist showing this month at Schmancy, Abe Lincoln Jr.

S-What new techniques are you using to create your art?

ALJ-For Handcrafted Vectors, I've decided to show this new process I've been working on. Basically I'm trying to combine various techniques from Street Art, wheatpaste, boards, and tagging to create new collage/decoupage work. I'm really happy with how these new pieces have come out. I have to say that this is my favorite solo show yet. It's really exciting to be exploring again and trying out new things.

One of the things I really like about these works is that I've added an element of organic texture to all the pieces. This is really exciting to me after so many years of mainly working in vector or sharpie.

I have tons of paper laying around the house so I started just painting very loose and rough over what I had using primary colors in acrylic. Then I got in there with Paint Pens trying to lay down smooth character shapes that flowed & kept the details simple. I would I then cut out the character shapes and wheatpasted them to painted boards. I wanted to maintain that rough bubbly look of a hastily pasted up poster in the street in these pieces, and I thought I added more texture to the work as well.

S-It sounds really great, we can't wait to see it. What is inspiring you to change how you are working?

ALJ-Basically I've decided I wanted to experiment with merging the style I've used in my vector work with my hand drawn stuff. Simple shapes and clean design are always inspiring to me. I wanted to create a feeling with these works that evoked colorforms, kids books, and mid century illustration. It wasn't until I'd done a few of these pieces when I realized that they really evoked Eric Carle's work as well.

Also I’ve spent the last couple years really focusing on concept driven projects, be it platform toys, or my new project for design objects - Fugue State Records. Its nice to take a break from pitching ideas to companies and trying to figure out how I'm gonna finance projects and just focus on doing some hand made work that just requires me some supplies and a lot of hard work.

I'm certainly not changing up styles completely but I want to integrate more hand made art in my body of work in the future.

S-That's really cool! Tell us more about the work in your show.

ALJ-One of the things I really like about these new works is that they are often bright and inviting but then you look at them and there's a confrontational element to many of them. The inclusion of private parts on a lot these simple cute characters is really jarring to me, specifically on Remain Awesome. I mean holmes has a boner and his butt is talking... The boner was unintentional but I think its hilarious and totally adds to the work.

The theme of the show seems to have evolved into primitive tribes, old tyme religion, animism, mythology and of course a new series of Char (the bird) pieces all made by hand instead of my traditional vector work.

Doing these Char pieces in this new style has kind of revitalized him to me and I'm planning to do a a new series of Char work in this style for the future.

S-Are there upcoming shows or projects you want to mention?

ALJ-Mainly right now I'm trying to secure backing for a new project I'm working on called Fugue State Records. Its basically a fictional Extreme Music label and I will be laser etching various materials to look like stylized 7" records. I've got a roster of fictional Hardcore and Metal bands that I will be doing releases for in the same way a real record label would. The first release is by the Icelandic Black Metal band Asspanther. There is no music associated with any of the releases as I'm currently using Kickstarter.com to raise the fundage so you can go check out the site and if youre down you can contribute to help bootstrap an awesome new Art Project: fugue state records

I also have another solo show at the Last Exit bar on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn in October.

S- Do you like cats or dogs?

ALJ-This is the second interview in a row where I got this question. Lol. I am a cat person.

S-Thanks Abe! See everyone at Schmancy on Friday July 10!!

Coco Howard and Spencer Moody Preview

2009-04-09T15:19:00.000-07:00

Please join us on April 10th from 6:00 to 9:00 for the opening reception of 'Is This Love or Just a Beautiful Dream?'.

Spencer Moody
Is This Love (#1, #2, #3)
$80.00 each
Water Color
18" x 24"

Spencer Moody
Or Just A Beautiful Dream (#1, #2, #3)
$80.00 each
Water Color
18" x 24"

Coco Howard
Pupae : needle felted plush creature incased in a 100% silk cocoon.
$80.00
Edition of 5

Coco Howard
Serpent Dream: Needle felted wall hanging, mounted on board,
48" x 37"
$400.00

Coco Howard
Grub Dream: Needle felted wall hanging mounted on board.
35" x 35".
$400.00

Coco Howard
Arctic Dream: Needle felted Painting mounted on board.
47" x 23".
$400.00

Coco Howard
Deep Sea Dream: Needle felted wall hanging mounted on board.
34" x 24".
$400.00

Coco Howard and Spencer Moody- Interview

2009-04-09T14:22:00.000-07:00

s- Congratulations on your successful show at Vain back in January, What We Do Is Also Secret!

ch/sm- Thank you!

s- This show only makes us excited for your future projects!

ch/sm- We are glad you are excited. We are excited as well.

s- Any major installation plans?

ch/sm- Some time in 2012 we will be unveiling "felted paris, joie de vivre" paris in it's entirety to 1/200 scale.

s- Do you typically map out your ideas 2 dimentionally or 3 dimensionally?

ch/sm- No maps. In fact, we rarely discuss the overall plan in detail. We just begin working and figure things out as we go, and it all comes together in the end.

s- How often do you cradle your precious pieces once completed?

ch/sm- At all times.

s- Do you have any interest in a s o f t l i f e movie?

ch/sm- Oh yes! Can you get us the financing?

ch- Actually, I hadn't thought about a movie, but I would love to do a book based on the Daily Creature Blog.

s- Coco! We hear youre teaching a kids needle felting class! How exciting! Working with kids, does it give you that childlike lift that gets you inspired? Or do you usually find that inspiration within? I usually find my inspiration at the bottom of a Baked Ruffles bag. It's different for everyone!

ch- I teach creature making classes to kids as an after school program. We make all sorts of creatures out of recycled sweaters, faux fur, fabric, and needle felting. The students get really excited once they realize that they can make whatever they dream up and that I am there to help, not to boss. They come up with some really great stuff, and it does give me a thrill to witness their creativity. Inspiration, for me, comes from just doing stuff. If I keep making, then it seems that the ideas keep coming.

s- Hey Spencer Moody! We hear you're moving your radical store, The Anne Bonny! Where too? And what can we expect?
How do you prioritize? Between your art, music, shop owning and saying hi to little dogs...whats first? And how do you do it?

sm- the store is moving to summit and mercer. near cairo gallery and the summit tavern. the move happens in may. i just do what i like to do and it happens to be the things you mentioned.

20 items + 1 $25 and Under

2009-04-04T17:13:00.000-07:00

Twenty Toys + 1 $25 and Under

Wonder Thunder Mini Toast

BFF Mini Series

Pedro the Pistol

Let's Hang Zipper Pulls

Mara print by Sara Antoinette Martin

Heidi Kenney Ghost House

Plushform

Reach Bear

Shake-a-tongue

Stuffed Dumpling

Brass Knuckle Bob

Dunny UK Series

Kidrobot Keychain Series 4

BBZ

Captain Coco

Burgertown

Hef Peecol

Droplet

Brockmann Light

Capee

Fortune Cookies

Mini Munny Decorating Party

2009-04-03T15:43:00.000-07:00

You might love plush but why not give vinyl a chance? On April 19th from 11-5 we will be open for our Mini Munny Decorating Party sponsored by Kidrobot. Kidrobot always sponsors the best parties, so come party down with us. Get a FREE Munny Mobile to pimp out any way you like.

Parskid Preview

2009-03-12T14:33:00.000-07:00

Please join us this Friday, March 13th for new work by Parskid. Opening Reception will be from 6:00 to 9:00pm. Parskid will be in attendance. Here is a preview/presale of his work. There will be a few more at the opening.

Resting Place
Enamel on wood
10” x 8” (14" x 12" with frame)
2009
$300

Exhale
Enamel on wood
4" x 5" (6.5" x 7.5" with frame)
2009
$150

Visionary
Enamel on wood
4" x 6" (5.5" x 7.5" with frame)
2009
$150

Seeing
Enamel on wood
3.25" x 4.75" (5" x 6" with frame)
2009
$150
SOLD

Leaving
Enamel on wood
5" x 7" (9" x 11" with frame)
2009
$200
SOLD

Beginning
Enamel on wood
5" x 7" (9" x 11" with frame)
2009
$200

Intertwined
Enamel on wood
5" x 7" (7" x 9" with frame)
2009
$200

Dissolving
Enamel on wood
5.5" x 5.5" (7.25" x 7.25" with frame)
2009
$150
SOLD

Speak of the Dead
Enamel on wood
20" x 10" (23.5" x 13.5" with frame)
2008
$400

Spell of the Skull
Enamel on wood
20" x 10" (23.5" x 13.5" with frame)
2008
$400

The Last Breath
Enamel on wood
10” x 8” (14" x 12" with frame)
2008
$300

Waiting For His Arrival
Enamel on wood
10” x 8” (14" x 12" with frame)
2008
$300

The Wolves Brought Her Back
High quality Giclee print
6x8 inch print area on a 8x10 sheet. Hahnemuhle William Turner Fine Art Paper.
Limited to 25 prints.
$40.00

The Bear Will Protect Him
High quality Giclee print
6x8 inch print area on a 8x10 sheet. Hahnemuhle William Turner Fine Art Paper.
Limited to 25 prints.
$40.00

Drink from the river's end
High quality Giclee print
9x15 inch print on an 11x 17 sheet of Hahnemuhle Museum Etching Archival Paper.

Limited to a printing of 25.
Price: $80.00

He will also have his Teddy Troops toy signed at the opening.

Please contact me at 206 728-8008 for purchasing.

Parskid Interview

2009-03-07T11:27:00.001-08:00

Parskid will be showing new work at Schmancy next Friday, March 13th. Opening Reception is from 6:00 to 9:00. Do join us. Here is an interview we did with him recently.

S- First things first. How are you doing Parskid? What's new in your life?

P- Things are going really good lately. I've been relaxing and trying to stay focused. working on new projects and paintings. trying to not let life's distractions get in my way, being a hermit basically.

S- Congratulations on your new Teddy Troop release! How did you start collaborating with Flying Fortress? How long does that process take from concept to finished product?

P- Thanks, Flying Fortress and I started talking years ago. He asked me to do a design for the series. The process can take awhile, but it was a great experience working with him and I was happy with the outcome.

S- You have quite the wide range of production skills. Your website exudes cool screen printed felt dolls, installations, laptop bags, murals ect. Do you have a first love? An arch nemesis perhaps?

P- Yeah, I try to be well rounded and work in different mediums. I've been really into creating images digitally lately. I like that because I can work pretty quickly, get really detailed and create things I never could by hand. I enjoy the process of painting a lot too. I use only spray paint so that is probably my first love but ultimately my arch nemesis because its starting to take a toll on me physically.

S- If you could have one super power, no rules, what would it be?

P- To be able to change and distort the world around me. Basically things I visualize in my head would become a reality.

S-Where do you think your biggest influences as an artist comes from?

P- I get influenced and inspired by patterns and beauty in nature. Fantasy/sci-fi/horror/psychedelic films, animation, and books. Exploring what the world inside my mind looks like.

S- On that topic, do you ever run out of inspiration? Whats your magic method for coming back?

P- It happens. I think you have to clear your head and really look deep inside yourself. Close your eyes and see what comes out of the darkness.

S- Multiple news stations are reporting a zombie outbreak in your area. Do you already have a zombie escape plan? What is your first step?

P- Find weapons and aim for their heads. No real escape plan, just dive in and start killing. Hopefully I'll come out on top.