changes..

Well the website is almost complete (just doing some tweaking and adding images right now) WOOHOO! Since it is directly linked to my blog here (you can keep track of my rambling in 2 YES 2 places. I'm going to take some work images down, and put  more process shots up, as well as work that doesn't fit into any steadfast category (one off projects), in order to keep things from being redundant. That said, stay tuned to Figurefunnybusiness.com for more work, and upcoming limited edition resin cast figures and other goodies.

Looking ahead

Breast Prosthetic

A few months ago I was approached by a photographer that I have met on a few occasions to make a squirting prop for a photo shoot she was doing. She explained what she was looking for, to which I told her " I've never made one before, sure why not."Sooooo, not knowing a thing about what I was doing..I did a lot of looking around, and gave it a shot. I'll post pictures after the cut so you can see the process and the final product.  It MAY not be "safe for work." However, if you're at work...why are you reading my blog (hide the kids)?

The Time Machine

I recently read the Time Machine by H.G. Wells for the first time, followed by the George Pal movie (another first). I loved the book and it's message, but was honestly a bit let down by the movie. Before you start yelling at me, let me explain.. I'm a fan of George Pal (I mean really how can you NOT be) and though he won awards for his special effects on the film (hello stop mo) I was really upset it wasn't a puppet film. SO I did what anyone would do- I envisioned a puppet version, and made an Eloi and Morlock maquette based on my readings.

STOP MOTION taking over!!

Incase you live under a rock (which I doubt you do because you are now reading this) you have hopefully noticed that in the past month or so 3 yes 3 feature length stop motion films have come to U.S. theaters. Enjoy these trailers, and hopefully go see the real thing on the big screen!
 First up: Laika- ParaNorman

I mean really-Zombies, and misunderstood social outcasts? How can you not empathize?! Seriously it was beautiful, the animation flawless, and the story relevant and touching. Bravo Laika!

Second in line:Toys in the Attic

Jiri Barta (the Czech animator!!) brings us this feature utilizing his skills in object animation. I've always been a fan of Bartas work, and was surprised that he had a theatrical release here in the States. Love the textures of the objects, and the unconventional aesthetic he brings to the screen (well, I guess it COULD be considered conventional in regards to the history of Stop Mo..but I can go on that diatribe forever).

Last but certainly not least: FrankenWeenie from Tim Burton

what can I say, it was great! A throwback to his upbringing on classic Monster films, meets a stoy about acceptance and love. In my humble opinion, I liked it just as much as Nightmare- and that's all I'll say so as not to ruin it for those of you who haven't seen it yet.

Now- go to the movies!!

Un-Dead-er

Laika (yes the animation studio) has at this point already released ParaNorman. In celebration of their accomplishment (and yes it was an immense accomplishment  I've seen it three times thus far and am BLOWN AWAY by the level of advancement they have brought to Stop Motion) they had a Zombie themed creative challenge for their supporters. I submitted the following entry, and had a fantastic time being able to participate.

I leave you with this question- If everyone is concerned about the "Zombie Apocalypse," then why don't they just turn off the T.V.?

I know I've been slacking

I want to apologize for my lack of updates lately. I hope you don't take my quiet as a sign of inactivity I ASSURE you it's quite the opposite! MANY new interesting things are on the horizon, and in the next few short weeks, an actual website will be up and running (about time I know). I've been working on some large scale works and many pieces that are long in their realization (what can I say, art is a process) in short-things are happening fast and furious round these parts- even though they seem slow and some what depressed.
I will depart for now with this very good news:
I was approached for inclusion to the 5th annual Imagine Science Film festival in New York, and will have the opportunity to screen Amygdala in front of many great scientific minds (and their fans). I'm honored to be included and hope some of you will be able to enjoy the whole event.

Saturday July the 21st

Why yes, I will have things in this show

it's ok to Eat the Sushi: A year in the Life of Fukushima

Been a busy summer around the studio thus far! I figured I'd take a minute to share the completed Art box for Atlanta Intown Magazine. The show is now over, and the boxes are being dispersed around the city as public art. As soon as the published accounts of the show hit the shelves, I'll share. Anyway, here is my contribution- a happy dialogue on the ecological ramifications of the Fukushima disaster (note the irony)..don't worry, everything is just fine.
(more shots after the break)

more puppets!

my two found object puppets..I can't seem to throw anything away, you never know if it has another life in it.

The Box: Amygdala in physical form

As a sculptor, my initial thought regarding the production of a  short animation was-How can a viewer  engage with a film as an installation rather than a video work alone?  The entire premise for Amygdala is one of isolation; I felt that viewer empathy for the main character would be greater if I could somehow replicate an isolated viewing experience.  The resulting challenge was to figure out how that would be possible in the time allotted, with the resources available to me, and as a successful separate sculptural element that contributes to the whole of the film. It was simple enough to come to the conclusion that I needed to extend the narrative into viewer space, and set about figuring out how to give appearance to the “Machine” referenced already in the film.  So I took a page out of the Machine Aesthetic handbook, and consulted some minimalist forms..and made a version of a Kinetoscope (an early film viewing device). Unfortunately, this can not be replicated via the internet...

(detail shot and film, after the jump)

it just occurred to me

I have been so busy I for got to thank Stomp n Stammer for the shout out last month!
Thanks Jonathan Williams. Also, a big thank you to Jean at the Highlander for his encouragement!

Praise Pharmacy

Show at the end of June

So I was invited to be a participating artist in this show. If you're in Atlanta, stop by!

Amygdala

Stop Motion Animation short utilizing puppet, found object, and clay animation to explore notions of the cast aside, and unattainable emotional and intellectual states.

Puppet Animation- Latex build up

Everyone needs friends, even the Undead. 

Latex build-up Bi-ped, used as an exercise to experiment with making puppets walk (boy, you haven't lived till you've tried making a puppet walk) Produced Fall 2011

Clay Animation

puppet stills after the break!

Figure modeling

 

In my world, the cute and fuzzies fight back!

Blondie

An homage to an infamous Atlanta resident.

update on Albert

    Completed the paint job and base for Albert some time ago actually, I just realized that I've not had the time to update in a while. Currently working on another sculpt (of course) that's a bit of a departure from my normal style...stay tuned, I'm excited!

Shy Max

When I was little, I was super inspired by the short stories of Shel Silverstein, Dr Seuss, and the line of "Little Golden Books". I had an assignment to compose a short story, so I decided to roll with it. So I wrote and illustrated "Shy Max" a story of..well.. overcoming social awkwardness, and of course Monsters (because all stories should have monsters). Sample page below!

progress shots

Working on an Albert Fish figure for a themed show, and just finished the sculpt. Next up- cleaning and painting..stay tuned

The Ideal Woman

 Revising the Equestrian statue

(process shots after the jump)

Fallout Friends: Platinum edition

A friend till the end

(box design after the jump)

The Power of Words

   Merriam Webster dictionary, adhesive 

Cast Iron

8-29-05  New Orleans-Twisted and forgotten

UNLEASH THE KRAKEN!

   I'm afraid of the sea, because something real big may swim up and eat me..

Tyler

A little painting of my trip to the Natural History Museum in D.C. with my nephew Tyler and some of the specimens he drew in his sketchbook.