“Coin Operated” (a.k.a. Lil’ Cthulhu) measures approx. 4″ x 3″
New in the ChetArt shop: Vinyl stickers that showcase 2 images from the “Childhood” book and print series. Both are printed on high quality vinyl, appropriate for either indoor or outdoor use.
“Big Wheel Turning” measures approx. 4″ x 3.5″
Steam Ark is an alternate universe of Victorian, Steampunk flavored animal characters. Each group is comprised of a particular type of animal: Aerie Clan- Birds, Simian Clan- Monkeys and Apes, Woodland Clan- Forest Creatures and Predator Clan- Big Cats. 52 individual portraits of characters from each Clan are represented in a casino quality, plastic coated poker deck. The card deck sports a custom designed red back. 2 jokers and 4 additional suit cards are also included.
Click the images below to enlarge.
The Steam Ark trading card set delves into the lives and occupations of the inhabitants of a Victorian Steampunk alternate universe. 52 cards in all, each has a full color portrait with name, affiliations, Clan motto, rank, specialties and quote on the reverse. Cards measure 2.25″ x 3.75″ and are printed on 100 gloss stock. Presented in a Japanese styled paper portfolio. The set showcases 4 Victorian Steampunk animal Clans: Predator (Big Cats), Simian (Monkeys and Apes), Aerie (Birds) and Woodland (various woodland animals.) The set serves as a companion piece to the Steam Ark playing card set.
Below is a sampling of cards from the set. Click the images to enlarge.
48 Page Book– 20 Color Illustrations with Text and Haiku Poems
“Childhood“ is a hand bound book of Japanese styled illustrations paying homage to nostalgic activities and toys. Each image showcases playful parodies of a variety of characters from films, TV and pop culture. This 48 page book contains 20 full color illustrations. Haiku poetry and reflections on youthful amusements accompany each piece of art. Written, illustrated and designed by Chet Phillips with binding created by Julie Sullivan of Dancing Cat Bindery.
The book measures 8.5″ x 11″ printed on 80 gloss text. Front and back covers are richly textured 100lb. Espresso cover stock with a window on front cover revealing a peek to the interior orange cover stock page. Each cover is gold foil stamped with Japanese characters (translates: childhood) and is sewn with a Japanese stab binding technique using green ribbon. The last two pages translate the Japanese titles and text within each illustration.
Gold foil stamp and cover window showing through to orange interior.
Character parodies represented in Childhood:
(Click Image Previews For More Info)
(Examples of the illustration’s translations, all available in the back of the book)
Father’s Day is just around the corner. Shop from hundreds of items in the ChetArt online store for fun images Dads will love.
Previewed above, starting top left: Monkey Trek Monkey Wars Breaking Bad
The Big Lebowski Sanctuary Lord Cthulhu MST3K Attacks! The Wagging Dead
Guzu Gallery in Austin presents its “Strange Beasts 2” show with a tribute to Godzilla, the king of the monsters. Each artist was asked to pair Godzilla off with the foe of their choice. My contribution, titled “Boss Battle,” matches Godzilla with King Kong for some fierce two player combat. Reception is Friday March 28th 7-10PM Click Here For The Austin Chronicle story
To celebrate passing the milestone of 5000 sales, the ChetArt online shop is offering a storewide 20% off sale. (Limited time offer. Sale ends without notice.)
The “Strange Beasts 2” art show will showcase a variety of artist’s work with the theme of Godzilla vs. the foe of their choice at Austin’s Guzu Gallery. ChetArt will be represented with a limited edition of 25. Stayed tuned for more as the reception date draws near.
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A group of ChetArt images were used in the set design for Ender’s room in the film Ender’s Game. (see previous post) Along with the purchased images, (Space Race Monkey on display behind Asa Butterfield’s head,) the set designers also included the promo pieces I sent along (Society of Sinister Simians postcard and Union of Superlative Heroes trading card.)
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I had the pleasure of supplying 16 portraits of famous literary figures in the guise of dogs for “Classic Poetry for Dogs: Why Do I Chase Thee.” The talented Jessica Swaim expertly expands on my series concept Literary Pets series trading cards with her own hilarious character bios. In addition, the book is filled with her outrageously clever poems with a decidedly canine twist. She has a wonderful talent for crafting puns. Published and beautifully packaged by Gibbs Smith, it’s 88 pages of fur-faced fun for dog and poetry lovers alike.
(Click examples below to enlarge)
“Who You Gonna Call” signed tribute print
Marking its 30 year anniversary, “Ghostbusters” busted on to the pop-culture landscape with insanely humorous vengeance. With Ivan Reitman’s skilled direction and the comic genius of Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis leading the pack of a stellar cast of actors, it was an instant classic. It was a true movie-watching pleasure, experiencing all the twists, turns and punchlines in the theater in 1984. Above is my tribute to the film, including some of the iconic imagery and quotes.
“It’s Pronounced Fronkensteen” signed tribute print
Mel Brooks is responsible for creating some of the greatest comedic tag lines and phrases in film history. One of his best achievements, in my humble opinion, is the visual recreation of James Whale’s “Frankenstein,” titled “Young Frankenstein.” The beautiful black and white feature paid loving tribute to the original with nuance and care, (not to mention inclusion of the original “Frankenstein” lab equipment) all the while delivering non-stop slapstick, puns and sight gags in true Mel Brooks form. Premiering 40 years ago, it has stood the test of time with its immense silliness.
“Case of the Mondays” signed tribute print
Anyone who has ever worked for a corporation or big company can relate to the cult classic “Office Space.” Director Mike Judge, also known for “Beavis and Butthead” and “King of the Hill,” transformed his “Milton” character to the big screen in a live action comedy. Even though the movie is centered on the plight of Peter Gibbons and his Kafkaesque struggles against TPS reports and his boss, Bill Lumbergh, I chose the soft spoken sociopath Milton as the centerpiece for my tribute of this unique and clever comedy.
The legendary Norman Lear poses with his framed print of my Princess Bride “As You Wish” image. Serving as executive producer for the film, he took a liking to my rendition of famous quotes, characters and icons of the cult classic. With this in mind, I happily worked with Act III Licensing to produce a framed version for his birthday.
Growing up with the genius of his groundbreaking sitcoms “All in the Family,” “Sanford and Son, ” “Good Times,” “One Day at a Time,” “Maude,” “The Jeffersons” and “Fernwood Tonight,” it’s truly an honor for me to have a connection with him through this tribute print. A big thank you to Julie and Penny at Act III Licensing for making it all happen, documenting it, and to Mr. Lear for his appreciation of my efforts.
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ChetArt will be represented at this year’s San Diego Comic Con in the Small Press Area, Booth O-01. “The Land of Kaiju” limited edition alphabet book, card sets and prints will be available. Find lots of monkey-centric items as well, with Simian Playing Card packs, “Lights! Camera! Monkeys!” postcard sets and print plus some brand new Steampunk Monkey Nation prints.
The TV series “Firefly” and the subsequent theatrical release “Serenity” by the brilliant Joss Whedon introduced a fresh sense of humor, action and unique moments of pure creativity to a devoted fan base. As with all the best shows, when it ended it felt like saying goodbye to close friends for the last time. This tribute combines memorable quotes from both the movie and series. Find this and the following pieces available in the ChetArt online shop.
Joining the previous Coen brothers series tribute comes “O Brother Where Art Thou?,” a comedic treatment of Homer’s Odyssey set in Mississippi in 1937. On top of the acting and storyline, the lush cinematography and collection of folk songs have found a special place in my brain and heart.
When I picked up William Goldman’s novel “Princess Bride” back in the 70’s, I quickly realized I had discovered something special when I came to the first “commentary” in red ink. That same sense of fun hit me years later when Rob Reiner brought the twisted, tongue-in-cheek fairy tale to the big screen. This collection of quotes pays tribute to both the book and film for creating moments of perfect humor.
Sheldon Cooper, played expertly by Jim Parsons on the TV series “Big Bang Theory” is the quintessential nerd. Despite his chronic need to point out the mental shortcomings of those around him, he always finds a way to make you like him. This portrait pays tribute with a variety of quotes by and about him.
I’m proud to be a part of the upcoming “Tentacles!” art show at Ltd. Gallery in Seattle. Curated by Bonnie Burton, the show will be chock full of a variety of tentacle related art inspired by pop culture, literature, nature and comic books by 40 artists. The three ChetArt entries illustrate moments from a series, with a nod to Norman Saunders, that pits Martians against the dreaded Cthulhu creature. The show opens May 4th. Discover more as the date draws nearer by visiting the Ltd. Gallery site.
If asked to choose my favorite style of movie direction I would have to choose the Coen Brothers because of their consistently outlandish writing, characters and imagery. They grabbed hold of my imagination for the first time with a Blood Simple screening in New York City back in 1984. Then in 1987 I had the privilege of sitting in on a press and critic’s screening of Raising Arizona. Without any preconceived notions or trailers to prepare me, I was blown away with the comedic timing, wild characters and insanely clever dialogue. From then on each of their movies were at the top of my must-see list. In honor of their genius, I’ve created a series of some of my favorite Coen Brothers characters along with famous quotes and icons from each movie. The series includes The Big Lebowski, Miller’s Crossing, Raising Arizona and Fargo. Each is available in the ChetArt online shop.
The “Land of Kaiju” project meets the Victorian puzzle pouch. This folded design dates back to 1782 and were utilized in a variety of countries. The Japanese version, known as a “Tato”was used to store items such as buttons and needles. Known as a Valentine Puzzle Purse in Britain, it was popular during the Victorian era, used for love notes. One piece of paper is intricately folded to act as a container for a small item. In this case the treasure included inside is an original signed ChetArt sketch card. The pouch measures approx. 3.75″ square when folded and expands to 11.25” square with colorful creature portraits and an alliterative phrase on one side. The reverse displays a fanciful moonlit battle scene and provides a container for the sketch card. An intermediate layer displays the Japanese term “Kaiju,” translating to strange beast or monster. The folded sheet is printed in color on sturdy 44 lb. cover stock.
Each puzzle pouch includes one signed sketch card measuring 3″ square.
Introducing Land of Kaiju, a collection of Japanese-styled monsters created by Chet Phillips. Kaiju translates to strange beast or monster and has a long and glorious history in pop culture and on the silver screen with the likes of Godzilla, Rodan, Gamera and Mothra, just to name a few. Chet Phillips explores this fascinating world of humongous mutants and irradiated creatures with his collection of whimsical beings that are part animal, part fantasy and all in-your-face fun. Available in a portfolio of trading cards, signed 11″ x 14″ prints and in a limited edition (50) alphabet book. The first 10 copies of the book edition include a beautiful custom Japanese box.
Each pack of cards is presented in a paper portfolio (signed on the back) with gold foil stamp on the label and red “Chet” Haragani red stamp designed by Sachi Greene of StampsbySachi. The card front sides display the monster portrait with a distinct Japanese woodblock flavor and the reverse provides the point of origin along with physical characteristics and historical information of each creature. Each card measures 3.25″ x 4″ and are printed on sturdy 14 pt. uncoated cover stock.
26 monsters represent each letter of the alphabet with a clever twist. Using alliteration, the repetition of a particular sound, each creature’s description follows the pattern of the letter of the alphabet represented. For instance, for the letter D: “Diredragon dominates and destroys daredevil dandies with dark determination.” The book measures 9.75″ x 8.5.” Each copy of the edition is printed on heavy, bright white 48 lb cover stock, bound in a Japanese-styled binding design using beautiful Chiyogami paper and silk thread by Julie Sullivan of Dancing Cat Bindery.
The first 10 of the edition of 50 are encased in a hand crafted Japanese box decorated with Chiyogami paper, purple book cloth and bone clasps.
View a short video of the book with box below.
For a limited time the ChetArt online shop is offering free U.S shipping for all items. During checkout enter the Coupon Code- SHIPMONKEY to receive your free shipping. This special offer applies to those shopping within the U.S.
