Category: kitsch

Mainzer Cats

August 6th, 2011

I think many of us have at some point seen an image sampled from a vintage Alfred Mainzer Cat postcard (Mainzer was the publisher; the images were painted by Swiss artist Eugen Hurtung).

Recognize the style? Oddly anthropomorphic felines placed in distinctly human situations…

Often, chaos arises.

Ah…they’re incorrigible (I am currently watching a cat in her sixth consecutive hour of napping and increasingly doubting feline willingness to pick up a drill and engage in construction work).

I may send this as my next “get well” greeting:

Some are appropriate for party invitations:

Just wanted to pay tribute to this seminal slice of kitsch history. I captured my images from Card Cow but there is a more official collector site here. Does anyone have originals?
Desktop Goodies

July 20th, 2011

ENTHUSIASM!

Anatomically correct.

Are you ready to get the wind up?

I spy…

The road (or track) less traveled…

You have the right to remain silent:

Aw, I bet my roommate has had to do this for me…introvert that I am.

I’m not sure why, but I kind of like this. I think it would look great with other species.

Ah, innovation for the skinny girl. I’ll take mine extra pointy, so it doubles as a weapon.

Actually, I think I can “weight” a little…

Til I eat a few of these…

I always renovate my house in an evening gown.

And just so you leave this blog a little smarter today:
Desktop Goodies 7/8

July 8th, 2011

Let’s start with some murderous intent, shall we?

Deus ex Machina.

Because you wouldn’t want to trouble yourself…

I’ll say:

Love this guy. He needs to go on a pendant with the kaiju (bottom of the page if you click here).

Oh Vincent Price, did you fall on some hard times?

Is the fire customary? Or did “Ivy Pete and the Limbomaniacs” go the extra mile here?

You know what this grill needs? More hot dogs.

This is just too much (fun) for my brain to process at once:

A little comic from a collection of “sad animals” sent by my wonderful friend/reader/contributor Jim. It made me laugh out loud.

Clearly, this fellow needs to take a lesson from Li’l Brudder the one-legged dog (whom I proudly wear on a T-shirt from my best friend). He’s a champion.

And now for a couple of art pieces…

A new Ron English piece I’m somewhat fond of:

Beautiful photo by Sabina Tabakovic:

More things…

Sweet.

I adore this picture.

Thomas Edison looking more badass than you, me or anyone we know.

New from Pixar! (via Dan Meth who will surely get a feature post here soon)
Image Odyssey: Forefathers in Wax

July 4th, 2011

Today in the US we celebrate our Independence Day. I’m not exactly the type to throw on red, white and blue and wave an American flag…but I’ll gladly give you some unsettling waxworks of American forefathers.

George Washington’s cold dead eyes welcome you…

These are actually supposed to be Benjamin Franklin:

A little bit o’ Lincoln:

Looking like the sinister cousin of Mr. Rogers (hide your kiddies)…

Group shots!

And two bonus images from Neatorama…

Awesome Statue of Liberty construction shot:

And Lady Liberty herself looking eeeeeevil.
Vogue Sav-Way Picture Records

June 28th, 2011

Ah…remember when art and music actually went together? If you’re my age, you do. But here’s something I was not around for: picture records.

From the source:
Vogue picture records are phonograph records on the “Vogue” label which have a picture (an artist’s illustration) embedded in the transparent vinyl of the record.

The illustrations on each side of the record are usually related to the title of the song on that side. Many of the illustrations are mushy romantic themes (see the discography).

The most common Vogue picture records are 10-inch, 78 RPM records, although a few 12-inch, 78 RPM Vogue picture records were also produced.

Vogue picture records were produced by Sav-Way Industries of Detroit, Michigan. The first 10-inch Vogue picture record (catalog number R707) was released to the public in May 1946. Production ceased less than a year later in April 1947, with Sav-Way entering into receivership in August 1947. During this time, approximately seventy-four different 10-inch Vogue picture records were released.

These rare little things are awesome! I wish this idea had gone mainstream.

Read more about picture records here.
Entire discography
The Traveling Elvis Museum and Chapel of Love

June 25th, 2011

I’ve been meaning to post about The Elvis Mobile for ages now.

This amazing vehicle is the brainchild and handiwork of two of the coolest people I’ve ever met: Jo David and Marlow Harris, of Unusual Life.

It started as a simple whim (Marlow presented a sketch as a joke…Jo made it happen), and there’s nothing I love more than when whims become reality.

See guys? If you can dream it up…you can do it! It just take a little elbow grease, and the occasional VW van.

This mini museum on wheels is a functional shrine, chapel, and brilliantly executed kitsch masterpiece (available for events upon request!).

Read an article about the museum’s creation here.

You can follow the adventures of the Traveling Elvis Mobile here and see a large photo gallery on facebook.
Pre-Etsy Private Blog Sale

June 14th, 2011

I’m finally setting up an Etsy and/or Artfire portfolio. Before I do, I want to offer a few discounted items I had on hand (in just one particular style) to my wonderful blog readers.

Pardon the awful snapshots. They look much better in person! And they’re only $12 each unless otherwise specified (5 for $50).

B-Movie Posters (requests for others granted):

1) Attack of the Giant Leeches (1 1/2″ X 1″)
2) The Brain that Wouldn’t Die (1 1/2″ X 1″)
3) The Screaming Skull (1 1/2″ X 1″)
4) Jail Bait (1 1/2″ X 1″)

Vintage Spookshow Posters:

1) Francisco’s Big Midnite Spook Frolic (1 1/2″ X 1 1/8″)
2) Alliance Stage Spooks (1 3/8″ X 1″)
3) Halloween Midnite Show (1 1/4″ X 1 1/8″)
4) Midnite Spook Show (1 1/8″ X 1 1/8″)
5) Midnite Jinx Show (1 1/8″ X 1 1/8″)

Misc Vintage:

1) Antique Ouija Board (1 1/2″ X 1″)
2) Sea Life Wunderkammer (1 1/2″ X 1″)
3) Hand of Fate Fortune Telling Game (1 1/8″ X 1 1/8″)
4) Albini Magic Show Poster (1 3/8″ X 1″)
5) Femmebot (1 1/4″ X 1 1/4″)
6) Insectodeath antique poison label (1″ X 1 1/4″)

Vintage Film:

1) Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1″ X 1″)
2) Metropolis (1″ X 1″)
3) The Brain that Wouldn’t Die (1″ X 1″)
4) Twilight Zone Mystic Seer (1 1/8″ X 1 1/8″)
5) Skeleton Dance (closeup) (1″ X 1″)
6) Skeleton Dance (four smiles) (1 1/2″ X 1/2″)

Antique Anatomical Illustration:

1) Bird Skeleton (1 1/2″ X 1 1/8″)
2) Hand (1 1/2″ X 3/4″) Sale- $10
3) Brain (1 1/8″ X 1 1/8″)
4) Skull (1″ X 1″)
5) Heart (1 1/8″ X 6/8″) Sale $10

Geekery:

1) Quantum physics on chalkboard (1 1/8″ X 1 1/8″)
2) TV test pattern (1 1/8″ X 1 1/8″)
3) Hubble image: spiral galaxy (1″ X 1″)
4) Hubble image: nebula (1″ X 1″)
5) Mirror neurons (1 1/4″ X 1 1/4″)

Misc kitsch:

1) Kitschy kitty (1 1/2″ X 1″)
2) Shrimp TV dinner (1 1/8″ X 6/8″)
3) Turkey TV dinner (1 1/8″ X 3/4″)
4) Cassette (customizable label) ((1 1/2″ X 6/8″)

Retro Japanese Kaiju (only $8 each):

(Please specify preference for image 1-7) All (1 1/2″ X 1/2″)

Please contact me to place an order or request a custom design. You name it…I can make it. Feel free to spread the word!

Shipping is $2 for the first item, $1 for each additional item (max $5). I take paypal, check or money order.
Desktop Goodies 6/7

June 7th, 2011

I saved this image the first time I saw it, then it popped up on about 30 of the regular sites I follow. I must say…these are great candles:

This reminds me of the small vase of doll heads on sticks in the corner of my desk. Sometimes I forget what’s in my own house.

Look at the sweet expression on this Kajiu’s face. He only wants a hug, really.

I actually sent little Crack Kitty as a greeting the other day (which I probably enjoyed far more than the recipient).

And some strung out veggies that remind me a bit of Nouar’s wonderful work.

Your daily dose of retro comic trepanation:

What comes to mind when you think of NORSE GODS? Stuffed cabbage? Me too. THOR-RIFFIC.

Sexy, cheesy gun love…

I wish I knew who this photographer is:

No idea what this was actually for:

Too many bad puns I could make. Invent your own.

Sweet cartoon cross section…

I want to recreate this hat:

Brimming with personality…

Stark contrast of pristine confection art and…for lack of a better term…BRAIN PLOP…brilliant.

I’m going through an anatomical bird phase at the moment.

I just put this one on a pendant:

And lastly, I give you a random shot of the world’s most timid fire extinguisher suggestion:
Desktop Goodies 5/29

May 29th, 2011

Radio Police Automaton!

There is always a screen full of anatomical images on my desktop (and I clear them out daily!). I never know which ones to feature.

I absolutely love this model. Someone please tell me I could justify this as a neuroscience study aid.

Late 1500’s anatomical representation. Sometimes I feel like my nerves are doing this.

I’ve slacked on brushing my liver lately.

I’ve saved this photo so many times over the years just to be sure I have it.

Double the legs of the famous A Christmas Story lamp!

Natural lip line? Never heard of it!

Oh hell, just start the whole thing over…

If you need this warning…please don’t spawn.

Don’t ask…just enjoy…

A little vintage print…

*ACTION GOD* is kicking ass and taking names!

I don’t know about you, but when I think of rabbits, the first thing that comes to mind is bulging biceps and pecs. And washboard abs. Rabbits with washboard abs.

I’ve now had a number of (nonconsecutive) chuckles at the phrase “raging needs.” I have to start using it every day life. “Please give me some chocolate…I have raging needs.”

And as long as we’re on the topic of sexy ladies…how about these underthings? Ooh…sky high white acetate with insects!

I find bats in the dress more appealing than ants in the pants.

I don’t know the origins of this, but some things are probably better left unexplored (yes, that’s a monkey man).

If I were ever to send a Thanksgiving card…
Rapture Roundup

May 21st, 2011

I thought I’d do something clever to celebrate The Rapture here. Then I realized this is the internet. People have already been flooding the web with jokes and memes.

Everyone’s probably sick of it already. This is a shame because The Rapture creates a breed of material that is both theologically AND artistically appalling. It’s about as much fun as you can have while horrified by humanity.

(above from Regretsy)

See more incredible examples in this little gallery.

And since you may be seeing the same Rapture memes repeatedly, here are some past apocalyptic posts on SheWalksSoftly that you might have missed:

Art of the Failed Apocalypse
Christmas Apocalypse
The Apocalypse: Fun for the Whole Family
Apocalypse Cake