Toy Karma 3 at Rotofugi Gallery Chicago
Toy Karma !!! ... can it be nearly 4 years since the first show in 2007 !?! I realize 4 years is a short time in the scheme of things, but in this toy world that's like an eternity ! On this eve of the next installment to the Toy Karma art shows, I thought it a good time to take a quick look back at the previous two shows and preview some of the customs I'll be selling this year.
So for those who may be be asking what's a Toy Karma and what the fuss is all about .. let's go back to the first show in 2007. I like to say I coined the phrase "Toy Karma" a few years prior .. basically it is my belief that the Toy Karma credo of paying it forward in a positive light in all your toy deals and your Holy Grail toys will come to you !
art for Toy Karma 1 show 2007
From that positive place, the kind folks at Rotofugi approached me about doing a group Kaiju-concentric show called Toy Karma. We both agreed having a mix of familiar artists and toymakers mixed in with up-and-coming creators would embody the positive theme as well. To be honest, both Rotofugi and I had no idea what we were in for, in terms of the amount of pieces in the show, to the amazing response to it.
The Toy Karma 1 debut in 2007 at Rotofugi's old store location and was an incredible success. But with the amount of work it took us to coordinate what turned out to be a Global art show ... it was decided that every other year we'd revisit Toy Karma .. plus this would also allow new and emerging artists to join in.
Above and below some of the customs I offered at this first show. They oddly look primative to me ..haha !
Toy Karma 2 was held in 2009, and any doubts I had about people showing up to the show opening was quickly erased by the overflowing reception ! I was also floored that folks had started lining up the night before to get a chance at various toy exclusives .. something that until this point was only heard of at Japanese toy events.
art for Toy Karma 2 show 2009
So, here we are only days away from the September 10th, 2011 opening of Toy Karma 3 !
art for Toy Karma 3 show 2011
I'm set to travel out to the show and one of my favorite places to visit, Chicago in a few days. I feel like Comic Con just happened and I really had no down time after that major show, as i started in on customs for this show.
Below are some pics of the customs, all painted with Monster Kolor paint, and of course they are one of a kind figures. I don't usually take any time to look back or even dwell on the past .. but seeing my older customs and what i do now .. I can see an evolution to my work ... which is kinda cool to see ;-)
Now, let me say that there will be literally hundreds of toys and artworks that will be in this show ... for a full artist line up and latest news about the show, be sure and check out the Toy Karma page here : http://www.toykarma.rotofugi.com/
Sorry, but those who attend get first crack at the stuff ! However, after the show opens, available pieces will be posted via Rotofugi's website.
Once I get back, I will be posting pics and write up a post-show blog .. for those who will be going to the show, I look forward to seeing you and thanking you for your support !
In these tough times, it's even tougher for artists to make a go of it, and your continued support of Kaiju arts and artists in general does make a difference in their lives but also in bringing positive Toy Karma to the world.
So for those who may be be asking what's a Toy Karma and what the fuss is all about .. let's go back to the first show in 2007. I like to say I coined the phrase "Toy Karma" a few years prior .. basically it is my belief that the Toy Karma credo of paying it forward in a positive light in all your toy deals and your Holy Grail toys will come to you !
art for Toy Karma 1 show 2007
From that positive place, the kind folks at Rotofugi approached me about doing a group Kaiju-concentric show called Toy Karma. We both agreed having a mix of familiar artists and toymakers mixed in with up-and-coming creators would embody the positive theme as well. To be honest, both Rotofugi and I had no idea what we were in for, in terms of the amount of pieces in the show, to the amazing response to it.
The Toy Karma 1 debut in 2007 at Rotofugi's old store location and was an incredible success. But with the amount of work it took us to coordinate what turned out to be a Global art show ... it was decided that every other year we'd revisit Toy Karma .. plus this would also allow new and emerging artists to join in.
Above and below some of the customs I offered at this first show. They oddly look primative to me ..haha !
Toy Karma 2 was held in 2009, and any doubts I had about people showing up to the show opening was quickly erased by the overflowing reception ! I was also floored that folks had started lining up the night before to get a chance at various toy exclusives .. something that until this point was only heard of at Japanese toy events.
art for Toy Karma 2 show 2009
So, here we are only days away from the September 10th, 2011 opening of Toy Karma 3 !
art for Toy Karma 3 show 2011
I'm set to travel out to the show and one of my favorite places to visit, Chicago in a few days. I feel like Comic Con just happened and I really had no down time after that major show, as i started in on customs for this show.
Below are some pics of the customs, all painted with Monster Kolor paint, and of course they are one of a kind figures. I don't usually take any time to look back or even dwell on the past .. but seeing my older customs and what i do now .. I can see an evolution to my work ... which is kinda cool to see ;-)
Now, let me say that there will be literally hundreds of toys and artworks that will be in this show ... for a full artist line up and latest news about the show, be sure and check out the Toy Karma page here : http://www.toykarma.rotofugi.com/
Sorry, but those who attend get first crack at the stuff ! However, after the show opens, available pieces will be posted via Rotofugi's website.
Once I get back, I will be posting pics and write up a post-show blog .. for those who will be going to the show, I look forward to seeing you and thanking you for your support !
In these tough times, it's even tougher for artists to make a go of it, and your continued support of Kaiju arts and artists in general does make a difference in their lives but also in bringing positive Toy Karma to the world.
posted by Ultraman Collector at 10:43 AM
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