Tyler Stout Dale 209 Print

After a bit of a break last year to tend to some family matters (check out the interview with him HERE),  With his new website all ready to go Tyler Stout (click his name) has some new work for you to purchase.

First off his Foo Fighters Kansas City posters sold out as did the sticker packs already.

He does have a new timed print release happening right now. The print is titled Dale 209 and  I never thought of Tyler as a NASCAR fan. The print is 12x12", 5 color screen print and it's a timed edition, so however many sell by 4PM PDT Tuesday, August 25th, that's the edition size. There's a regular and variant edition, the variant will have gold metallic's and be randomly substituted throughout the orders. Tyler is limiting people to 3 copies per person, just so you can later wonder why you purchased 3 copies of the same print.

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Jim Evans - TAZ Artist Interview

When I first started seeing rock posters and collecting them many years ago the work of Jim Evans - TAZ stuck out immediately. Big images and brightly colored posters that demanded you look at them. The work of TAZ got your attention to see what was on that poster. Then as you looked closer you realized they had elevated the medium to another level, an art form that just being discovered all over again. Starting in 1992 and ending for the most part in 1998 they were one of the leading artists that brought the rock poster scene back from the dead. It wasn't until about 2003-2004 did I first see them along with all the other rock posters that I was discovering at the time. The TAZ 1996 Pearl Jam Charleston poster with the big spider on it was the 3rd ever Pearl Jam poster I got. Years later I found a gallery that had a bunch of the posters on display in a room with a black light and the love for the work just increased. Every TAZ poster needs to be seen under a black light.

Through the years I wondered who was TAZ, what happened to them, why did they stop making posters. It wasn't until June this year when I saw the Pearl Jam poster for Berlin did everything become clear. Being able to interview Jim Evans really was a thrill and something I never thought would happen.

What does T.A.Z. stand for exactly?
T.A.Z. is actually based on an anarchist handbook that describes a methodology of creating temporary spaces that elude formal structures of control. In the case of the T.A.Z. art collective, we made a creative collaboration, with no formal hierarchy. Although, it has lasted long enough that it no longer can be considered temporary. The original members included,Rolo Castillo, Gibran Evans, and myself. It is now more of a traveling art circus, picking up performers as we go.

1998 was the last year you created rock posters on a regular basis, what made you stop?
Over the years, I’ve gone through cycles of engagement with various forms of art. 1998 was just a random end to rock posters, music changed, and I turned my attention to other things. Now I love posters again, and will do lots of rock and other kinds of posters, even using the poster format to expand into fine art. No other form of art registers visually like a great poster – and every poster doesn’t particularly have to sell a band, a film, or a product,it really doesn’t even need to function as a poster.

The biggest question fans wonder also is what have you been doing since then?
In the 90’s I created a digital design group called The Big Gun Project that then evolved into The Independent Project. Then, we folded into Atomic Pop, eventually becoming the Division 13 Design Group. I work with a lot of my friends in Hollywood to engage people,and get them interested in seeing a film – there is a lot of creativity that never makes it to the screen.

In 2004 you were ahead of everyone when you did the Saw movie posters, were they a personal project or did you make them for someone?
I was working with Tim Palen at Lionsgatefilms; he is an amazingly creative guy who comes up with ideas that make work fun. The SAW posters were one of the collaborations I did with him. We recently worked together on special collectible posters for the SAW 10TH Anniversary release.

With the current popularity of movie posters do you have any desire to do more?
Yes, after doing a collectible for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and two new ones for SAW, I quite like the idea of doing special edition interpretations of films in poster form. I’d like to do more of those, and right now I’ve got a top secret one in the can that I’d love to show, but need to wait for the marketing to hit. It mixes rock poster with film poster, to create a unique blend. I’m working on films all the time, so drawing instead of using the computer is pretty easy – just switch chairs.

Back in the 1990's when you were doing so many posters that were so bright and eye catching with the florescent inks what would you say were your influences since there was no Internet?
When I started doing rock posters again in the 90’s, I initially decided to steal from my own underground comic and the psychedelic poster style that I did in the late 60’s early 70’s. I figured the savage ink style and irrational color choices were perfect for what was happening musically at the time. Beyond that, my main external influences were, early MAD magazine, EC comics, Tadanori Yokoo, Japanese manga, the Beggarstaff Bros, DADA, Rodchenko, Situationist philosophy, and Krazy Kat.

 
Friend of mine wanted to ask, is Rollo still printing your work?
At the moment he is not, but we may collaborate on something soon.

On the recent 2014 European tour you did the Pearl Jam Berlin poster. How did they convince you to do a poster for them?
I had previously done a lot of posters for them, and always enjoyed working with the band. So when they called about this new one, I jumped at the chance. Plus, Eddie is a fellow surfer, so how can I ever turn him down?

Obviously computers have made artists jobs a little easier over the days of rubylith and cutting it for the screen-printing process. Some artists still use rubylith for screen-printing. Which are you using these days?
I use illustrator now to make all the separations, I cut enough rubylith to last me a couple lifetimes. Any non-computer hands-on time I now spend on an actual drawing, can never really do that as well on a computer.

You recently had a show of your work in Los Angeles, any more gallery shows planned?
Yes, the Los Angeles show was the surf-oriented Tazbones collaboration. I was also recently in a group show in Dallas, with a hot selection of street artists, and a recent show in Taos, “Orale! Kings & Queens Of Cool.” I think that 2015 will be an interesting year, as I’ll spend more time on art and gallery shows, plus it gives me a reason to travel. There is already one being lined up for February that will display a five year chunk of my work from the mid-80’s.

Any plans to do more rock posters and what do you have planned coming up?
Right now, I’m involved in an interesting project with Ethan Browne, and I’ve got a few rock posters lined up – I try to pace myself a bit, so I have plenty of time to spend on each one. If I had more time, I’d record my own band, we put together a few songs for the Tazbones show. Also working with Pierre at Limited Runs to make more of the work accessible when it comes out.

Found out you are a big toy collector, which ones are your favorites?
Yes, huge toy collector, you could do an entire interview with me just on that, I have thousands. My collection runs from an extensive selection of Ultraman and Japanese metal robots, to the latest vinyl toys. Some of my current favorites are by Mari Inukai, Woes Martin, KAWS, Martin Hsu, Luke Chueh, and a cool new figure by Greg Simkins – favorite place to hang out is Pretty In Plastic in North Hollywood.

What are your thoughts on the current gigposter scene, any artists that catch your eye or posters?
Emek is a good friend and one of the most steady rock poster artists ever I always like his work. The Ames Bros are impressive by their scope and ability to hit every style and do it well. I see a ton of good poster art on your blog,a lot of those artists are crafting some beautiful statements.

As I mentioned last week you can have a chance to win the Pearl Jam poster from Limited Runs. Click HERE to enter to win a signed numbered copy of T.A.Z.'s Pearl Jam poster from the group's June 26th show in Berlin, Germany. Contest runs through October 22nd.

Also the poster is going on sale this Friday. Follow Limited Runs on Twitter, and they’ll let you know on October 24th when the print becomes available which will be between 9AM and 11AM PDT. in their store HERE

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Tap Detroit Mark Arminski & Stanley Mouse Internet Radio Show Today

Tap Detroit presents Mark Y Mark Internet radio show. Mark Maness and Mark Arminski will be on today with a chance for you to call in and talk to legendary poster artist Stanley Mouse starting at 6pm EDT today Monday. YES! You will be able to call in and talk to Stanley or ask him that question that you've always wanted to. Stanley Mouse will be checking in about 6:30pm EDT. Give them a few minutes to get comfortable then they'll start taking calls around 6:40 or so. I, for one am looking forward to this. Call 313-429-0801 to chat with Mark Arminski and Stanley Mouse plus head over to TapDetroit.com to listen, I know the flyer says next week but it is today.

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The Jon Smith Interview x 2 World Premier Exclusive Prints x Print Giveaway

Well that was a lot to fit into a title. Today I have my interview with artist Jon Smith, with that is the world premier of two new prints by him for his recent Spoke Art show MUCHO MACHISMO. Jon is also giving away 5 of each print to you my fine readers. But you have to read the interview to find how you can win one

 "Sexual Tyrannosaurus"

12"x18" 6 color screen print. Edition of 200.

A Predator reference featuring The Governor Jesse Ventura

You Vil Lose"

12"x18" 4 color screen print. Edition of 200.

Inspired by Rocky 4 and Mike Tyson's Punch-Out but cmon who cant see that?!

Also debuting today are the new MUCHO MACHISMO stickers. The prints will be on sale NOW at Spoke Art and all orders will come with the new stickers

Now the Jon Smith interview

So how did you get your start as an artist ?
I guess the first time my mom gave me some crayons. That’s where it started.
Professionally I’ve been doing random freelance jobs that aren’t worth mentioning since I got out of art school(Art Institute of Seattle) in 2003. I stumbled upon the poster world in 2004 or 2005 and this is pretty much all I’ve done since then.

Do you think art school is good for people that want to pursue being an artist and do you feel it can be taught or is it something people are born with?
Being an artist is a destination and there are all kinds of ways to get there. Walk, run, fly, whatever but obviously you have to want to go there. Although the talent you’re born with probably dictates the degree of difficulty in your trek to this metaphorical place I’ve concocted, “being an artist”.

Here comes another metaphor: schools are like gyms, you get out what you put in. Art schools, like gyms aren’t necessary but they’re there and they make it pretty straightforward to get results if you put in the time and energy. You pay money, people who know how to do the shit that you want to do, show you how to do it. From there it’s just up to how much work you put in and how many questions you ask.

So yeah, schools are fine. They work, but these days especially if we’re talking about commercial art here, I don’t think anyone NEEDS to go to school. You can get all the programs and tutorials you’ll ever need to do anything on the intranets.
My major gripe when I’m asked this question is with the art programs in public school. The whole point of public school, high school anyway is to prepare kids for the working world. An art department that consists of pencils, paint and clay is not realistically preparing anyone for a real job.

I can’t even imagine where I would be today if I got my hands on Photoshop or Illustrator in high school, I walked into the Art Institute completely unaware of all the software I was about to get crammed down my throat. All I’m saying is one or two programs on the computers at my high school in the art department would give kids a fighting chance at landing an entry level design job or at least hit the ground running in college.

I know this was ten years ago and maybe you’re thinking “computers and software cost money”. Maybe so but my high school was brand new, top of the line everything plus how much does a fucking kiln cost? A pottery wheel? Clay? Paint and brushes? Heaven forbid you have to downsize ceramics!

My art school experience was a headache. I’m proud of myself for surviving but also pissed that I came into it woefully unprepared and wasted my dad’s money. I mean I’ll be thirty next month and I’m only just now a full-time, self-sufficient, professional, adult, designer/illustrator. MONEY WELL SPENT, POP!

So were you always artistic, did you know early on that you wanted to do something creative growing up or did you have other interests/options?
I always figured I’d be an Illustrator of some kind growing up. I got really serious about penciling comic books at 14. I was the fat little weirdo with his dad at the comic book convention waiting in line to get his pages critiqued by his favorite artists.

I’ve always been a comedy nerd, I remember staying up way past SNL at a really young age watching blocks of the random stand up they’d play. There’s no way I could have understood half of the jokes, it’s weird like I was obsessed with Seinfeld in 5th grade!

So yeah I entertained that possibility until my mid-teens when I realized that I’m shy as fuck and I had no idea how anyone becomes a stand up comedian. ….I still think if I made a complete career switch I would make a pretty good stand up.

Up until last year you worked at D&L Screen Printing. Did you do any printing and what made you decide to make the jump and become an artist full time ?
I was freelancing full-time before I started working at D&L. I had been doing posters for about two years I think, that’s where I got my posters printed(big ups to Brad Klausen and Justin Hampton for the tip) I lived a couple minutes away and there just came a time when I needed a part time job to make ends meet and Steve needed someone to handle shipping.

So it was a crazy juggling act, shipping at D&L during the day and going home to design at night and then part-time became full-time and I was still trying to crank out as many design jobs as I could. D&L kept getting bigger, I went from all local posters for bands I was living with to national acts, Roger Waters, Black Keys, Spoon etc, Nate Duval and I did the whole 1982 thing, I did some Mondo stuff, then I started getting invited into shows at Gallery 1988 and Spoke Art and I was busy as shit and I was making money so it was time to get back to freelancing.

Shipping is a beast so there was never much chance to try my hand at printing and I had no prior printing experience so the few times I tried to print for myself were total disasters. Printing is for savages anyway. I’ve got to preserve my pristine little artist hands. I have servants what cut my meat for me and open jars as well….this is how I would talk around the shop. That and making pop culture references that no one gets.

It would have been less weird if I could print myself cuz it was always strangely embarrassing when they’d be printing one of my posters and I’m working over in shipping(boxing up 500 mondo posters that have to go out today!!) and also pop over and take a look at the color on my print and tell em what I think. They’re always busy so I know if I say something stupid like “can you make that Flat Black but add 37.9% Gloss Black??” I look ridiculous and it’s just one more thing for them to do.

I’m bad at adding up years but it was like three and a half or four years all-together. No printing, tons of shipping, racking, reclaiming screens, file separation,….pin holing, well I was pretty shitty at that.

I learned a lot just by seeing everyone else’s jobs come through every day. Watching the evolution of dudes like Drew Millward, Ken Taylor, Tong, Slater etc. was awesome.
Before I get to the next question, shout out to Steve, Odulia , Cary, Josh, Pete, Waylin and Jack!!

How would you describe your style ?
It really just depends on the job. I think of a concept first, whatever the concept is will dictate the style. Along with the client and or subject matter of course.

I can’t really describe my style because I don’t ever just stick to one design or illustration style. My approach though, is to make something that punches you between the eyes. I mean that’s what a poster is supposed to do.

You mentioned recently you are moving to the Austin area, Seattle and Austin both have a large music and art community what made you decide on Austin ?
It’s not you it’s me, Seattle. I represent the 206 wherever I go but I gotta get the fuck out of here. I just have no life here, gotta reshuffle the deck yknow? I’ve been to Austin about five or six times and it’s always fun. People friendly. Girls pretty. Drafthouse. SUN. Salt Lick. Friday Night Lights.

Do you find listening to a bands music helps in creative process and/or is there something you listen to when working on a project?
It does. I do. At least until I have an idea or two and I find the aspect of a song or two that I’m trying to represent visually. Then I just go back to melting my brain with endless sports talk radio and comedy podcasts.

Who or what continues to influence your work today ?
I’d really like to dip back into comics, man. This summer was insane, haven’t had much time to be influenced by anything other than the subject matter of the projects I’ve been working on. I feel like I might have a small break in the action where I can maybe reflect a little on where I’m at creatively, where I wanna go and dive into some art that I don’t know that much about, poke my head out of the poster world yknow?…or just go on a Daniel Clowes graphic novel bender I dunno.
Generally I find visually I’m more influenced by shit that doesn’t make sense or I don’t have a full frame of reference on because it’s foreign or something and it leaves me open to interpret as I see fit or just dig that it’s not like anything I’ve ever seen before. I know it’s probably hack lame bullshit to people but I still like scrolling through http://ffffound.com/ and the livejournal image feed of course it all deteriorates into porn eventually but you can shuffle through there and see a lot of stuff you haven’t seen before that yanks your mind in twelve different directions in thirty seconds. Especially the livejournal feed. It’s like Russian Roullete, you have no idea what’s coming at you every time you refresh. Could be granny porn, could be an archive of MacGregor baseball mits…wait a minute, granny porn? old baseballs mits? FUUUCK! IT’S ALL BEEN GRANNY PORN THESE ARE JUST EXTREME CLOSE UPS!!

Unlike many of today's artist's you don't release variants of your work, what are your thoughts on them and why don't you release them as well ?
I’ve got no truck with variants. Variants are a cool idea. I’m not into variants for the sake of variants, I think sometimes it’s clearly just milking the collector market…but I dunno, people buy them I guess.

I would do more variants myself but sometimes it just comes down to time, I want to make sure the variant version looks cool and is worthwhile. Ideally a variant should have something extra, I made a glow in the dark variant on my last Black Keys poster which added more detail to the whole thing and of course, it glows!
That’s the way I’d like to do all variants in the future. Like the “pine tar edition” of my Don’t Mess With The Bull print was basically a variant, ON WOOD. I got the wood, sanded it, I painted it and applied a little pine tar on the pieces before and after printing. That’s a worthwhile second edition or variant, however you wanna classify it.

Have you worked with any other mediums such as painting and do have any desire to explore new ideas in other mediums ?
Painting seems like something I’d fuck around with if I had enough scratch to kick back and really play around with new stuff. Take the time to get past being super rusty and get to actually painting something that doesn’t look like dog shit.
So if you see me painting, you know I’m hood rich son! Watercolors are more my speed. I like cut paper and just straight up collaging with my hands instead of photoshop.

You have done gigposters, prints for themed shows and movie posters. What do you enjoy working on the most ?
When you get an illustration right, there’s kind of a rush. I guess it can be a little more satisfying than a design that’s all done in Photoshop, but everything has to pass through Photoshop for me.

That’s really the only difference for me. If it’s a concert poster it tends to be more of a design because for me it usually makes more sense to design something that captures the spirit of a band. When it’s something pop culture based I tend to veer more towards illustration.

But really the enjoyment for me just comes from getting whatever little twinkle of a bright idea I have in my head, OUT and into the design. It’s like when Rocky finally catches the chicken. Now I know I’m gonna beat Creed!

Pop Culture has had a huge influence on art for many years, when you have Jon's night in what are you watching ?
Pfft! You mean every night?? Breaking Bad is done for now so I’m hoping Boardwalk Empire keeps my interest this season. I tried watching Game Of Thrones but I don’t think I was in a real Dungeons and Dragons kinda mood.
Does that answer the question? Slap Shot is my favorite movie and remains endlessly rewatchable.

Who's your favorite modern era gig poster artist and any new artists that have caught your eye ?
Sheeeeeeeit. I can never pinpoint what my favorite anything is so I can’t say anyone is my absolute favorite artist.

I still think Silent Giants are way underrated. Doublenaut. Obviously Landland has really hit their stride lately….but that’s not like new new….my answer to both questions is of course: ZACH HOBBS.

What was the last poster you bought and just had to have?
HAhahahha! I’ve never purchased a poster. That I know of. I’m not laughing to be an asshole I laugh because I know how weird it sounds. I don’t have much of a life, I barely have time to keep from eating shit on all my deadlines and I don’t splurge on much outside of food and booze.

This always comes up in conversation when I’m talking to artists at Flatstock. I’ve traded prints with artists here and there. I have copies of a few things from my time at D&L but honestly the only things up on my wall right now are a John Howard 3-D print, Olly Moss’ On The Waterfront, the Ames Bros Pearl Jam Key Arena(the Shawn Kemp one)and Tyler gave me one of his Kill Bill posters.

What's your favorite place to eat in Seattle?
Again, I have no life so this is a pretty lame answer for a Seattleite: Red Mill(burgers) or Sam’s Sushi. I’m also a really picky eater so I know there are great Thai places and Mexican places etc. but I don’t eat that shit.

Who is going to win the Super Bowl this year ?
The entire Chicago Bears offensive line conspires to not block for Jay Cutler on passing downs. The result is a concussion, four broken ribs and a shattered kneecap for Cutler. Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.
Jason Campbell takes the reigns and leads the Bears to a Super Bowl victory over the Baltimore Ravens.

What is the story with your hair and what hair products do you recommend ?
It’s pretty fucked up. I’ve never grown my hair out before so I don’t even know where it’s going, I guess I’ll trim it when it gets past shoulder length but it’s a mess. I have to be constantly fidgeting with something and long hair is now one extra thing for my hands to fuck around with uncontrollably while I’m staring at the imac or at a red light. Basically brushing it with my hands, pulling snarls out, well really I’m pulling my hair out in clumps.

So because of this I have split ends and it gets frizzy real easy so I use Aussie Anti-Frizz cream. It works when I use it but I barely remember to brush my teeth much less my hair.

You just got done with your first curated show Mucho Machismo with Spoke Art, how did that all come about ?
Wellllll it was an idea I’ve had for a while. I was talking to Ken Harman from Spoke Art and there was this show he was planning that ended up getting shelved so there was an open spot in the schedule.

So of course, having no curatorial experience I casually float that I have a show idea. Ken liked it, we booked it. It was initially supposed to be a weekend pop up show, maybe ten to fifteen artists but with Spoke Art opening an Oakland location it got bumped up to a bigger month long show so then I frantically got after more artists!

How did you come up with the idea for Mucho Machismo ?
Writer’s write from experience right? Go with what you know. Mucho Machismo is about the era that I grew up in. More precisely the hyper violent media that saturated everything that I couldn’t get enough of.

In the 80’s and 90’s, before political correctness, while the U.S wasn’t in any real wars, before Columbine, there was a beautiful window of time where steroid use and cocaine use spiked simultaneously. It was the peak of the action movie, professional wrestling and the birth of the violent video game, the first person shooter.

It was a about being a big strong tough guy but also about being a good guy and in most cases an American good guy. Kick ass and do so with a cool hair cut, it was the era that gave us Brian Bosworth and Mr. T.

The name itself is something I vaguely remember from my childhood. There was some kind of boxing event, don’t know if it was local or a national pay-per-view but it was all light or middleweight Latin fighters called Mucho Machismo. I mostly just remember the name, hearing it on the radio somewhere.

It’s a cheesy name and it has “cheese” in the name if you pronounce it right: “Moo-cho Ma-Cheese-mo”.

How did you decide which artists you wanted in the show ?
I just went for artists I thought fit the show or just people who’s work I like. Pretty much what anyone would do but the concept of Mucho Machismo isn’t for everybody, it’s niche dude nostalgia. Not all artists are into this stuff, some artists like read books and stuff and listen to NPR yknow?

So I ended up with a roster full of burn out degenerates meatballs, but they’re MY meatballs!

Kidding aside, I tried to have a wide range of styles and I tried to make the roster diverse if possible. Gabz is in Poland and Smithe and Kraken are in Mexico. Doublenaut, Toronto. We got a couple limeys, Godmachine, wethreeclub, Drew Millward? Well Drew was a last minute scratch.
So it’s somewhat international and from Doublenaut and Doe Eyed(Michael from Doe Eyed is now Freedrugs) to Anville and James Flames and Tim Doyle there’s a good mix of designers and illustrators what use they’re hands an all. Mucho Machismo is wide ranging!

Ok now leave a comment about the 80's and 90's to have a chance at winning one of the prints. We are giving away 5 of each, entries will be accepted until Wednesday night 12pm PDT. One entry per person. I'll use the random number generator to pick the winners. Thanks to Jon Smith of the interview and the prints for the giveaway

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The GODMACHINE Interview and Free Friday Print Giveaway

It's no secret I love Godmachine's work. While some of his illustrations maybe a little on the gory side and not to everyone's taste there is no denying the level of detail that makes them the most sought after pieces of work of any artist. Whether it's a new shirt design for a band, a skateboard, a new movie poster or a new print he always put's his heart and pen into everything he does all the way.

I first saw his work on a Sonisphere poster years ago and tried getting one from him but he did not have any. I was hooked at that point.

Along with the interview we are giving away his badass Take Your Time, Old Man print. It should be noted that my choice of giving away this print with the interview was not a subtle joke directed at Godmachine, but it is kinda funny....

Now go to the top of the post above the picture and click on comments to leave a comment about Godmachine's work to have a chance at winning the poster. Don't worry if your comment does not appear immediately I have to approve them before they are published. I will use the random number generator to pick a winner. Entries are limited to ONE PER PERSON PER HOUSEHOLD. Please leave your name with the comment, comments without names will not be accepted. Entries will be accepted until midnight PDT Saturday Saturday September 15 that's two days to enter with the winner announced on Sunday.

Now the Godmachine interview:

You're proud Welsh man, for those of us that don't know what differences are there within the regions of The United Kingdom ?
I am Welsh, born in Wales but I am not proud of it; I can find no traits I posses that you cannot find in other countries or other people. I am grateful for being born in a country that has free education up until University, free welfare, free medicine and free health care, but I am not proud to be Welsh and you should consider long and hard about being proud about anything you didn’t work to achieve. I don’t really think there is much difference between the English, the Scottish and Irish apart from made up stereotypes and you know those already. No one likes the English though hahah Im joking. I have a hard time with my Welsh friends when I tell them I think the English countryside is more agreeable to me. If pressed I could say that Welsh people are friendly, like a drink and a fight, love to sing, have poetry in their soul, love that fact that we unarguably have the best flag in the world, Batman, Dylan Thomas, Ronald Dahl, James Bond and Odin are from Wales. Wales has more castles per square mile than anywhere else in the world, basically we all have our own castles, its tiresome to be honest and we all long for a studio apartment in a city. And probably best of all we are the only ones not represented on the Union Jack flag.

Does this influence your work in anyway ?
None at all. I should at this point give a wink to my mate Ed who runs Nine Lives in Ireland. Before he moved home to Ireland he ran an art mag in Wales called Designer Violence and in interviews he would always ask whether where they lived affected their art. Most people if not all people said no. We used to laugh our asses off at the question. Ed, this ones for you mate.

Some of your work is referred to as dark or even gory, what do you use as reference to create these images ?
I have a lot of skulls and props and a lot of old “how to draw anatomy” books that often find their way to my desk still. As for the gore its made up from the memories of comic books and trial and error.

Have you ever spent any extend time in a cemetery after dark ?
When we were kids we would smoke weed in the local village graveyard. Doug found this old gas mask and put a cone in the pipe and we’d strap it on and climb a tree. I remember getting so stoned up a tree we had to wait a long time to attempt to get down. Ive never been brought up to find graveyards spooky- they are full of dead people and its the live ones that you want to watch out for.

You have mentioned no religious affiliation, so where did the name Godmachine come from and why ?
I’m an anti-theist; I am against all religion and even have a hard time with people using the word ‘belief’. I think religion has had its chance and its time we moved on and stop pretending now. I find a lot of people find that offensive for some reason, I don’t know why. I guess I am lucky I live in Britain and can be so openly against it, I know a lot of artists in the states that feel the same way I do but are sometimes too afraid to speak out, it seems that bible belt is tight around peoples throats. I am also thankful that I wont get locked up in prison or stoned to death or threatened like they do in other countries for being bereft of beliefs. Unlike a lot of the christians I talk to I have read the bible, that god bloke seems like a nasty bastard, jesus seems alright sometimes but seeing as some people believe they are one and the same ...so I guess he has a personality disorder? I dont know- answers on a postcard.

You have two cats Bear and Kitty, for people that don't know that I'm sure they are surprised to learn how much you enjoy them, so why cats ?
You should check out my blog piece on men who like cats. Its a new one to me, I never knew it was a point of debate for a man to like cats. I can be brief and say that a man who loves cats is an animal lover- that’s the only thing you can be sure of, but a man or women who would presume they know what kind of man a cat lover is, is quite frankly a small minded presumptions dick. Go read my blog.
I love cats because they are independent and don’t fuel your ego. They wont come if they don’t want to, do tricks, give you the time of day if they don’t want to. People often like animals that fan the flames of their self important ego and need to fill their world with things that do that. I wouldn’t want that in a lover, a friend or a hero. People who don’t like cats often project their insecurities onto them because a cat wont bow down to their frail little ego and say stupid things like “cats are sneaky and they are cruel”...how unbelievably stupid. Be careful when you start anthropomorphising a beast, you will show your true self. Plus I love living with animals that have yet to be domesticated, a wild animal if you will. I don’t deny the fact that if my cat were any bigger it wouldn't think twice of eating me alive. I kind of like that idea.

Are going to get one just for your new studio space ?
By the time I have finished this interview (sorry for the delay) some that follow my Twitter and Instagram would have seen the kitten we had briefly. I saw from the window a lady on the street with a kitten in her arms; she had rescued it herself but didn't want it so I took it off her. We fed it, cleaned it, smoooshed the shit out of it, she purred, farted and slept then wrecked everything on my desk. We managed to find her a few forever-homes and she finally settled on one in the country side with a dog, some chickens and some ducks. We couldn't have one in the studio- it would be unfair; there are too many nooks and crannies for it to disappear down and as much as it would be the most loved cat in the world I think it wouldn't be the best of ideas.

Is your friend going to be making any new cat toys ?
. It was a girl I met at a market place. She wont be making anymore for me because she had a hard time working out how business works.

Last I remember you said you had 12 cat mugs for your much loved coffee, how many do you have now ?
I have finally gotten off my ass and started to make my own coffee mugs with my artwork on them. I'm in talks with a few bands and friends to bring you guys some great stuff. My friend Sineater lived in Cardiff for a while and he told me about how French had made a few for an exhibition and we talked about doing our own for ages. Around the same time Palehorse in Florida was making candles and telling me about the band Big Business commemorative decorative wall plate. I hadn’t found the time for a long while and Sineater released some seriously beautiful mugs since then, if you haven’t seen them go find them they are beautiful. So months later and a chance meeting with a new friend and I have finally found the time to look into it. Godmachine and coffee seem to most almost inseparable so its evolutionary in its nature.

Do you stick with one brand of coffee or do you have several on hand and which ones are they ?
I love a few, let me see if I can remember them: Colombian, Guatemalan Elephant, Kenyan Peaberry, Monsoon Malaba..... I try all of them and find which one I like the most. Dont take anyones word for it when it comes to people, art, sex, books, food etc...you should try it all yourself.

Top 3 favorite Vegetarian dishes, yes folks he is a vegetarian too?
‘Vegetarian too’ hahaha. Yes, I like dogs and cats, I dont drink or take drugs anymore but think that they are important- especially drugs, I think film as art is vital, yet giggle at Madagascar. I think for too long we have been told we must chose one or the other. Its a marketing strategy: you must chose Coke or Pepsi, Metalica or Megadeth, pop or metal, Nikes or Adidas...its all so willfully stupid. Dont let them tell you what you can or can not like, don't let them divide and conquer you. They do it on purpose to make you buy more products. Don’t do it. Be a complex, varied, brilliant human being and make up your own mind not influenced by others.
I like Pizza, Pizza and Pizza...but not necessarily in that order.

Are Brits still fascinated with American Culture and what is that you find the most interesting ?
Young people in the UK are becoming more and more Americanised all the time, its most noticeable in our language because of the web. I read somewhere that our languages will be no different in a few years; kids are using words like ‘sidewalk’ instead of curb and ‘mail’ instead of post and so on. Kids are using fucking exclamation marks all over the place too!!!!!!!!!!!! But English pedants will be pleased or horrified to learn that most American words were English first; ‘fall’ was widely used in Victorian Britain before we switched to Autumn. I don’t mind so much but please for fucks sake don’t export your prudish nature; its TIT BIT not Tid Bit, I know you are scared of females nipples but seriously, its language, not a real tit (more on that later. Also its ‘I couldn’t care less’ not ‘I could care less’, saying you could care less is the exact opposite of what you are trying to say. I also used to hate the way Americans say ‘niche’...Nitch...But I am sad to say that language historians have reported that both ways are acceptable. )
Jesus I could wax lyrical about the export of American culture, but I will leave you with 2 stories. A paper was written about Americans foreign image after 9/11 and how to improve it, if memory serves me right it was titled “We hate you America- But don’t stop sending us Baywatch”. I think people have a love hate relationship with America all over the world. I propose its because of one simple thing; America is an awesome place, a beautiful land, and most if not all the Americans I know and lovely polite and kind people, but, it is still very young and ill and the only reason people get upset with America is because we know you are young and have every opportunity to do things better than we did and be better than anyone can be. E.g. I heard that some didn’t want health care in the states because its crap in the UK, well here’s an idea, why don’t you do health care in the states better than anyone else ever could. We , well most of us, want you to do well, but you keep doing weird things like voting Bush in hahahah. stop it.
I forget what the other story was now. But I can’t stand being called ‘dude’ by a brit or hearing them say ‘yo’. I know I’m being a pedantic fool but its a pet peeve of mine. Of all the art community I hang out with online its awesome to see them all start using the term ‘brother’ as a term of endearment . I have always said that since I was a kid, My uncle calls my dad it and its lovely. I think its a brilliant thing to call someone. I wish I could used the term ‘sister’ for girls.
I am hoping that you also export your lack of class too. Whoa, wait, I don't mean it like that, easy, I mean your class system. In the UK we still very much have this Old Boy system whereby you can only get any sort of power by being part of the elite already, but, and I know its almost cliche, you can make it if you are anyone in America. If you don't believe me- get a passport and travel the world, it will help you to see that you have got it good in the states and it is worth fighting for, not the world, you need to fight your own nature. This is just my opinion and it will charge as I learn, so please don't get upset.

Have you been to America and do you have any plans to return anytime soon ?
I was dating a girl who went to Rhode Island University. I went to a sorority house, it was like I’d died and gone to heaven. Plus they were all fascinated by my accent, they kept coming up to the room and wanting to meet me and asking me to say things. at the young age of 22 I bloody loved it. Also went to a frat party. All I will say about that is that campus cops aren’t friendly are they. I went to Boston and got lost and ended up in a few local bars with a load of track suited locals- I have to say it was a great place and they were brilliant people. I dont think I have drank so much in my life. I would love to go again soon, I keep threatening a few people I will turn up.

If a project is mainly for an American audience do you approach it differently then say something for the UK market ?
If I draw for Americans I don’t draw nipples. Seriously. People have noticed this as well and asked me about it, as a force of habit I just don’t draw them at all now. I also used to have trouble with pentagrams and upside down crosses, not so much these days as its a whole new world but back in the day it was still scary for people. But I’d say 99% of my clients are American so it doesn’t really affect anything anymore.

How does your creative process begin for a project ?
Smash coffee against the computer screen screaming about the existential hell of it all. viola.

Do you listen to any music as you are drawing and sketching and working ?
I listen to a lot of film scores. I like Blade Runner, Monsters, Event Horizon, Moon, Leon, Shelter, Batman, and many many more. Soundtracks these days are getting more stylized- they used to be the same old man using the same formula with the same orchestra. Now its an art that thankfully more attention and therefore money and eventually credit comes to.

Do you think art can be taught to someone or are people simply born with the ability which is then refined through education and experience ?
tough one. I would say that you could teach it..... but some people cant be taught fuck all.

What work from other artists have you recently acquired ?
I have had some amazing stuff recently- some originals and some prints from http://misterbeaudry.tumblr.com/, some pieces from http://www.mdcindustries.co.uk/, and there is a load more and I am being incredibly rude by not remembering, I hope they accept my apologies.

Can you share any information about any upcoming projects ?
I haven't got anything planned that I can think of- If I did I wouldn't tell you anyway haha!
I hope I haven't offended anyone and made myself look an ass in anyway. Thanks for the chance to piss off and bore your blog readers.

HUGE THANK YOU TO MY BROTHER from another country for the interview and print giveaway. I don't think you look like an ass at all

He has some new prints dropping today also

Check out his work at > http://godmachinedesigns.blogspot.com/
Like him on Facebook > https://www.facebook.com/pages/Godmachine/197401676950391
Send him pictures of Spiders on Twitter > https://twitter.com/godmachineuk

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Kevin Tong Video Interview by Fuse

Good interview of Kevin Tong by Fuse

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The Frank Kozik Interview and Blink 182 Poster Giveaway

 Frank Kozik reinvented the gigposter scene starting in the mid 80's by starting with black and white flyers for friends’ bands posted on telephone poles, his reputation grew as an artist whose work was graphically compelling as well as culturally gripping. By redefining the Pop Art Subculture with his poster work people started to take notice of his work. He started Man's Ruin Records label and help give many small local bands the break they needed including Queens of the Stone Age. In 2001 he stopped all that to work on his fine art and once again helped to create a niche, the Vinyl Art Toy scene. After creating the iconic Labbit figure he continues to blow minds in vinyl toy world with all his creations, he even has one that is special order and life size. He has worked with companies from Nike to Oakley to Barneys to Kidrobot all the while doing things his way or fuck off. Now after 11 years away from doing posters, aside from a few here there, he is back doing posters and prints.

It is with great pleasure I give you Frank Kozik.

The biggest question on everyone's mind without a doubt is what brought you back to the poster scene ?

-Last year I did a pearl Jam poster, just for kicks and the positive response and the good dealings with the band put me in a positive frame of mind to do posters again. I have been doing small run art prints as well…and everyone seemed to like them so I figured, why not? My main work, the toys and design stuff is well organized these days and I have extra time so I decided to do a shit ton of posters and prints. Currently there's 16 in the pipe and more brewing. They all sell out right away its awesome.

Did the end of Man's Ruin Record label and 15 plus years of doing gigposters  burn you out on the whole music and poster business to the point of wanting to direct your artistic endeavors in a new direction which lead to the toys and urban vinyl figures ?

-Yes…burned out and just ready for something different. I got into the urban vinyl thing and its been great. Super fun, great collectors, lots of travel and so on. Very satisfying.

Why do you think all the different figures and vinyl toys became so popular ?  

-They are just cool. Who doesn’t like to collect weird fun stuff?

Who first got you into designing the toys and were vinyl figures your first choice for something new after the posters ?

- I was going to Japan a lot in the late 90’s and was there and knew the Japanese dudes that started doing the first ones there, so I just sort of hooked up with that scene. Couldn’t give em away Stateside, that’s really changed….

Being away from designing posters for more or less 11 years, what new ways do you approach the design now with all the different programs like Photoshop and Illustrator ? Are you still cutting rubylith film ?

-well, sad to say, its all processed on the computer in the end…I am still doing hand illustrations and so on, but it has to go thru the digital filter now, since I am not doing my own printing. My wife did find a place in Los Angeles that can still make big  real halftone film positives, so I am going to send some stuff down there and hand cut those seps, but its logistically complicated because I cant just go over there, stuff has to be sent back and forth and so on.

What are your thoughts on the current gigposter scene ?  Why do artist still get treated like crap by bands like Phish and what can be done about it ?

-I think there's a massive amount of insanely talented poster designers. I don’t know what the ‘Phish Situation’ is, so I can’t comment on that. The bands I have been dealing with are awesome.

In the past few years you have done collaborations with Jermaine Rogers and Shepard Fairey, any plans to work with anyone else ?

-I just did a collab with a guy ( secret for now) and it actually went well and the poster doesn’t look stupid..so maybe that guy if there's a chance again..otherwise, no, it’s always weird. Ego and money issues. Fuck that shit.

What are your thoughts on the whole "variant" poster editions? Not the ones for like Pearl Jam and Blink 182 that were made for release at the show and different colors for the artist release. But releasing 20 variants of colors and paper choices

-I don’t like it. It is a scam. There should be ONE edition and AP’s should be limited to 10% only of the for sale run. Anything else is bullshit and a scam. Why not design a DIFFERENT poster or print instead of milking that cow until it shrivels up and dies. It also puts a burden on completist collectors. An unfair burden. Shit like this  killed comic book and sports collecting. Learn a lesson man.

Limited Edition Movie posters have exploded within the last 4-5 years what are your thoughts on them and will they continue or are they a passing fad ? Would you do you one if someone asked ? 

-I think its an amazing scene with a level far above ‘gigposters’. Some of it is just unreal. I did do an ElectraGlide in Blue poster a few years ago. I’d love to do another one someday but I do not think I have the talent required.

What artists have caught your eye in recent years ?

Horkey, Tyler Stout, Skinner….

Have you purchased any prints or art in the past 3-4 years and if so by who ? 

Some art…Skinner sculptures, Travis Louie paintings other random weird shit. Vintage posters..non musical.

What kind of times has the Charger posted at the strip ?  Do you have time you would like to hit ? 

Like in the mid 11’s. I am too old to be consistent and it’s a 4 speed manual so its more fun than a winner.

Any chance of an art print with Edward Goralsky (your cat)and the Charger ?  Or even a vinyl toy with him driving it? Or riding on a motorcycle ?

Maybe!

 Check him out on Facebook HERE

Now I promised a giveaway, Frank was kind enough to provide his recent Blink 182 poster for a giveaway. The poster is 22 1/2 x  35 inches, 8 color silkscreen on 140 lb. archival paper, signed and numbered, edition of: 100 

 Now go to the top of the post above the picture and click on comments to leave a comment about MOPAR, CATS or ART to have a chance at winning the poster. Don't worry if your comment does not appear immediately I have to approve them before they are published. I will use the random number generator to pick a winner. Entries are limited to ONE PER PERSON PER HOUSEHOLD. Please leave your name with the comment, comments without names will not be accepted. Entries will be accepted until midnight PDT Saturday June 17  that's two days to enter with the winner announced on Sunday.

Since some people can't read instructions if you leave more than one comment I will be deleting them all and you will have to do it again, meaning if Sally leaves 3 comments I will delete them all and she will have to do it again. ONE comment per person. It's not that hard, we're not saving lives here just giving away a poster.

HUGE THANK YOU to Frank Kozik for the interview and giveaway !!!  Be sure to check his website http://www.frankkozik.net/

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