Saturday, April 18, 2009

Well if you think I've just been sitting around twiddling my thumbs...


Well, I've been home for about two weeks...which for me is an eternity.  And only have a little more to do on the book...the title is...oh I can't tell you yet...but you'll be the first to know.

Here are a few things I've been working on recently.  My Cyclopian Hunter was a hit at ArtFest...he's interactive.  
When you run you're hand across his brush a plumb of dust comes out...most people were amused....especially me.  By the way that is no ordinary dust...that is Austalia dust.


Next up is my RatBone guy.  Not a great photo of his long snake/fish body but he's made from the bones of prairie dogs that a student found on he walks.    She gave me ooodles.


Ever since Bali, I've had much more of an appreciation for the Monkey god Hanuman.  This is a skull but I found some old images that represented him in this way.  So I'll go with it.  The White Monkey....

One thing...that Island of Dolls really moved me more than I initially realized.  Not only has it increased my interest in my deMented Toys but I also find myself combining that process with Day of the Dead imagery.Here's another version of that Hansel and Gretel didn't get away idea.   


Another thing I've been playing with is little nichos in which the skeleton toys can be taken out and played with...if thats your thing.  Here he is flying home...Perfect landing...safe in my little tomb...

Here's another version of the same idea...this one is based on the Aztec god of the underworld Mictlantecuhtli.  I've used a Mexican Police Badge for his headdress.

And yes that is a little Lenin pin on his throne.  I've had that around for years.  Got in in a flea market in Prague.  Seemed fitting.  Mictlantecuhtli is a bit dictatorial I would imagine.  
Lenin finally found a home...in the underworld.  
Hope you enjoyed the goodies.

A bit of business before I go....
S. PASDENA
So a note to those of you in the L.A. area....I'll be at Zinnia in So. Pasadena May 29,30,31
 Teaching...What a Relief, Shoe Shrines, and Island of deMented Toys.  Here's the skinny...click here



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19 comments:

  1. glimmering prizeSaturday, 18 April, 2009

    Great to see how busy you have been! Fantastic new pieces!
    LR

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  2. AnonymousSaturday, 18 April, 2009

    These are wonderful. It's always fun to watch you create new pieces.

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  3. cindy shakeSaturday, 18 April, 2009

    The Island of Dolls was recently featured on a cable Travel Show and I told my husband "OMG that's that creepy place where deMeng went!!!" Glad to see the cool new work.

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  4. AnonymousSaturday, 18 April, 2009

    wow- excellent!!!

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  5. galen dara Saturday, 18 April, 2009

    so amazing. yeah... this is my kinda thing! thank you!

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  6. CEDAR JUNCTIONSunday, 19 April, 2009

    creepy, but definitely cool

    Teresa

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  7. peggy gattoSunday, 19 April, 2009

    Well, you just know how much I love these little gems!!! Budda and hansel and gretal are perfect!

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  8. Nettie EdwardsSunday, 19 April, 2009

    Wonderful, wonderful, strange and curious things! Marvellous!

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  9. http://papermoonies.blogspot.comSunday, 19 April, 2009

    Ok I just found you and wow your so cool I am a follower now
    B
    http://papermoonies.blogspot.com

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  10. barbeMonday, 20 April, 2009

    Love the creepy toys then the post for Zinnia-what a constrast LOL

    ps. I love the Hansel & Gretel or should I say Jose & Graciela. may have to fly to Montana, sneak into the studio wearing a disquise of a rusty totem pole and steal it!

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  11. Ann Renee LighterMonday, 20 April, 2009

    Hi Michael, FANTASTIC new work!
    I am taking your Island of Demented Toys class in July at Valley Ridge in Wisconsin and really looking forward to that!

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  12. Deryn MentockMonday, 20 April, 2009

    Sheesh, Michael...you're really getting some weird things going. I love it!

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  13. AnonymousMonday, 20 April, 2009

    Ooo--so cool!

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  14. MusingMonday, 20 April, 2009

    Love how you are combining the dead and demented! Looking forward to the workshop in OZ in November!

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  15. michelle renée bernardTuesday, 21 April, 2009

    Great dolls almighty! These are fantastic. Some great combinations! Wish I took your deMented Toys class in VA.

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  16. UnknownTuesday, 21 April, 2009

    love the skelly dolls! too cool!
    xoxo
    jul

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  17. HeartFireTuesday, 21 April, 2009

    I did like the Cyclopian with the dust, very cool.... they're all great. Those new ones you can take out of the niche are fun!

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  18. azircaWednesday, 22 April, 2009

    Blimey, you've been busy creating these little critters. RatBone looks like me before I've had my morning coffee!
    Love the deMented Toys title, very clever!
    Hope you are well.

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  19. Karen ColeTuesday, 05 May, 2009

    OK....... I give up.What do you want for the brush?????..... oh,and how the hell are you? Just when I think you can't possibly do something more insanely wonderful, you do.

    Sorry to see you lost a friend. It tends to put a lot of things into perspective.

    No Hampton for me this year. Too busy trying to keep business afloat and turning myself into Swiss cheese. I had yet another arthroscopic surgery to fix torn ligaments in my shoulder. Ha! I am an assemblage in the making.

    -Karen

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