Thursday, February 21, 2008

New work AHOY!

Well, more "new work off the starboard bow".

Recently acquired a camel skull and monkey skull. When time permits, they will be completed and other works will be posted.

Friday, August 17, 2007

Color of the Beaver.



One of my favorite mediums for Skulls on Parade is the Beaver. The beaver's proportionately large head and unique jaw structure provides me with one of the most stark contrasts of negative and positive space. The orbital fenestras and voids of the jaw juxtapose the wide flat forhead and nasal area.





Leaning towards monochromatic color schemes and new "traditional" patterns, the following three examples show the potential of the beaver skull for open and busy spaces.

The blue themed scorpion is permeated by various blues and whites, a very cool theme. The red livens the skull and breaks any monotony in the blue and black.






Grey , white, black and silver. This piece is very toned down in comparison to many of the traditional colored pieces. I was hoping to emphasize the stark nature of the skull. When viewed at certain angles, the pattern adds to the emptiness of the skull.



This piece is one of my favorites of the beaver collection. The colors are almost a mockery to the stark colors of the skull and teeth. Pink and black, while infamous with many a mall going teenager, are not terribly dominate in the animal kingdom. The pattern is simple and non traditional compared to its sister pieces.



Most of all, the play of open space where other skulls were busy or filled is what drew me to this particular schematic.



-Enjoy.

Pricing and further details will be posted soon.

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Variations.

When beginning the confusion that became Skulls on Parade I was nearly giddy with the possibilities. The animal kingdom has always piqued curiosity in me and the anatomical aspect held my imagination. Now I had the chance to explore both and make it a canvas.
The animal examples in Skulls on Parade have each been hand picked for an assortment of reasons. Each has it's on unique feel and place and some have the nature of combining what I am looking for.

Space: These examples presented me with a chance to work with the vast negatives and positives of the animal's unique anatomy. Orbital fenestras and nasal cavities give rise to patterns and in a sense, dictate the nature of the art.



Bizarre: Some skulls in Skulls on Parade were chosen for their absurdity and unusual nature. While the animals themselves are considered mundane and ordinary in our every day observations, their structure and pure bones are far from it.



Ducks show slight build and massive negative areas.



Skunks, while small and often ignored bear their sleek teeth which contrast to the patterns now adorning them.







Nutria were considered a pest in Louisiana and had a bounty upon their head. Their structure is similar to the beaver but more lithe and suggestive of an empty space.

Skulls on Parade. 'Bout time.



Years ago, I was up to no good in the streets of Tijuana and saw more than my fair share of curious objects. When the excitment and sun left my system, I was left with many a vague idea. One idea quickly became attached to that hidden macabre place in my mind. I had long cherished anatomy, taxidermy and all things of the animal kingdom. To me the next logical (or illogical) step was the mixture of gaudy and vibrant colors against the stark bleached bones that I had loved as a child.

After many treks to Tijuana and vast hours worked with a native craftsman, the first creations of the collection came into being. As the concept grew and my ideas grew wilder, I knew the fruits of my labor could not be confined to just my private collection. Having braved border guards, Tijiuana streets, double crossing merchants and three years of speculating, I'm pleased to finally introduce Skulls on Parade.