Year: 2008

Mighty Tiny and Pocket Rockers

October 7th, 2008

Lest some of us forget that our obsession with miniaturizing technology began long before the advent of the iPod Nano (or even the 90’s mini disc player that never quite caught on), I bring you the Mighty Tiny record player:

Source

I can’t imagine many tiny records were made for this device. Proud owners were probably stuck with the same few tunes, a limitation hopefully balanced out by the novelty factor.

This ad reminded me of the flash in the pan 80’s trend, Pocket Rockers; mini tape players designed to be used as a fashion accessory.

The song selection was limited to this short and painfully 80’s list.

If you really want to bring yourself back in time, watch the commercial:

That song will now be stuck in your head all day. I apologize.
Marmite-Sue

October 7th, 2008

Marmite-Sue creates fantastic digital and traditional art, combining Victorian and Gothic Lolita aesthetics with mechanics, dolls and pieces of nature.

Of course, most of her work produces that mildly unsettling feeling that I love so much in doll art.
Vintage Diving Suits

October 6th, 2008

Vintage diving suits blow my mind. Here we have an apparatus that probably weighs more than the average compact car, and people were somehow expected to maneuver themselves underwater in such a contraption.

From the Musee Marin in Paris:

From the Oceanographic Museum in Monaco:

Picture source
Zombienose

October 6th, 2008

I was lucky enough to see some of Zombienose’s paintings and sculptures at the C.A.V.E. show the other day, which prompted me to find his work online.

I love the way he makes colorful, vivid figures emerge from the shadows.

…and the awkwardness of his human subjects.

The paintings and sculptures are my favorites, but I do suggest browsing all of the gallery.
Chen Changwei: People Belong to Dog

October 6th, 2008

You really have to see this way to (allegedly) “add stunning originality to your art collection”

Artist Chen Changwei breaks with tradition, reinventing the Chinese zodiac in a series of surrealist busts in the time-honored tradition of pâte de cristal.

“People Belong to Dog,” $12,250.00 (yes, you read that right)

And check out this Special Edition:

“People Belong to Elephant,” $76,500.00 (oh yes, you read THAT right too)

Are there actually people walking this earth who can throw down 76 and half thousand dollars for an elephant bust? Shouldn’t there be professionals to counsel these folks on better spending choices?

Source
Runcible Resin Sculptures

October 5th, 2008

Expert toy customizer Cris Rose has designed one of the most unique figures I’ve seen this year: the Runcible, hand painted with resin casting. Click photos to enlarge.

Each Edition has something different cast into the clear head, the visual representation of what Runcible is thinking of, as he has no voice.

Isn’t that wonderful? I’m just glad my own head doesn’t work that way.

Rose’s grandfather, a radio repairman, was the inspiration for the series. He says

“Edition A “Grandfather” contains an original 1940/50s radio part of my Grandfather’s – unique and beautiful in it’s own way. I have a limited number of these parts that I’m willing to part with as part of this project, some pristine, some decalyed, but 1 will be incorporated each time an Edition is released. As you can imagine, the uniqueness and sentimental value of this piece is high.”

I love this concept. When my grandmother passed away, it meant a lot to me to keep pieces of her costume jewelry (worth nothing monetarily) for use in future handmade jewelry and art projects. It’s a small slice of immortality and tribute that I find quite meaningful.

More pictures of the process and finished Runcible sculptures are on Cris Rose’s site, along with an impressive gallery of other custom works.

And one of my favorite blogs, Toys R Evil has more photos and information (including the fictional story/bio of Runcible).
Potion Week: War Water

October 5th, 2008

Ooh…some bad karmic possibilities with War Water.

To gain protection or to launch magickal attacks/psychic warfare. Rub some on your body to overcome the bad wishes of others & to defeat any adversary. Place some in the front of the house where an enemy lives so that it must be walked over when leaving or entering the property.

Imagine the concentrated hatred of launching psychic warfare! That can’t be healthy. The protection aspect would be nice though.
C.A.V.E. Gallery: October

October 5th, 2008

Today I went to the wonderful “October” group show at C.A.V.E. Gallery. It was a feast of mixed media pop surrealism and creepy eye candy.

My favorite pieces in the collection were dioramas and sculptures. There were some extraordinary creatures!

But there is a lot to be said for the fabulously unnerving paintings in the show as well.

I posted an album of selected works here, so have a look!

Each month, C.A.V.E. has a new themed group show, and I look forward to seeing November’s exhibit.
Ifbot

October 4th, 2008

Japan’s Business Design Laboratory (site translation tickling the threshold of humor) makes the rather disarming, interactive ifbot.

ifbot comprehends his conversation partner’s words, reacts with a variety of expressions, and can engage in expressive conversations. ifbot displays such emotions as “happy”, “embarrassed”, “angry”, “sad”, “disappointed”, “excited”, “annoyed”, and “depressed” with subtle movements of his eyes and eyelids, and facial expressions by LED. He carries tens of thousands of distinct verbal communication scenes. ifbot aims to provide comforting conversations as a true member of the family.

Do you feel comforted yet?

You can read ifbot’s priceless profile and view an anatomical chart.

He likes “Sweet Dumplings and other sweets…talking and studying earthlings.”

Me too, ifbot. Me too.
The Wellcome Collection

October 4th, 2008

The Wellcome Collection in London houses some of the finest medical curiosities on display anywhere in the world. Exhibits focus on the connections between medicine, art and culture.

Models, portraits, prosthesis, specimens, hybrids, instruments, tools and other odd relics line the display areas.

A personal favorite:

Check out their impressive list of past exhibitions. I plan to spend a whole day, if not more, in this museum next time I make it to the UK.