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.
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.
Land of Kaiju- The Portfolio of Trading Cards
24 cards in the set, each measuring a large 3.25″ x 4″ each.
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.
26 Monsters in this whimsical alphabet book with an alliteration theme.
I recently had the pleasure of commissioning a custom stamp from StampsbySachi. Discovering her talents appears to have been fate. In my search for an artist to create a Hiragana name stamp, I posed the question to my good friend Ramsey to see if he had any ideas. He had just ordered a stamp from Sachi as a Christmas present for his wife Jane. After making contact through her Etsy shop, Sachi promptly responded with 3 great sketch variations to choose from. After making my choice I received her great craftsmanship, beautifully packaged with loads of fun extras included. I can’t say enough good things about her skills, customer service and professionalism. Be sure and check out her online shop HERE.
And watch soon for the new “monstrous” project in which I’ll use this great “Chet” stamp. It will be used alongside my signature on a line of prints, trading cards and limited edition book.
Discovered through Etsy, a producer at The Rachel Maddow show contacted me for usage of my “Three Billy Goats Gruff” piece to illustrate a point in one of Rachel’s segments.
For a limited time, shop from the entire line of goods available in the ChetArt online store and receive 20% off your entire purchase. It’s monkey madness! Signed prints, trading cards, playing cards, books, 2013 calendars and more to help brighten the new year.
Don’t let the Mayan prophecy of doom deter you from making plans for 2013. No better way to do that than choosing one of 5 ChetArt 2013 desk calendars.
Over the weekend I had the pleasure of exhibiting and selling my work at the “Austin Flea” holiday show Along with wonderful sales and a great time visiting with customers I also had the opportunity to trade with some of my fellow Austin artists. A theme soon developed towards Christmas tree ornaments, so this post showcases my terrific finds that now brighten up the tree and make it uniquely Austin.
Greg Geisler over at Wounded Wood supplied these beautiful cat and rooster wooden ornaments. His technique with bringing characters to life on wood is astounding. Be sure to visit his Etsy shop to see more.
New friend and fellow Austin Craft Riot artist Tara over at Lost Little Things gifted me with this great iconic Texas license plate star ornament. With a great eye for design and professional in every way, her shop of handmade and vintage inspired goodness has something for everyone. Be sure and check out more of her wonderful work.
I really scored with this trade with Mamus! His work is fresh and infused with rich character design and a great color palette. Though we didn’t discuss the inspiration behind this fellow, I can only imagine the tale of a Victorian snowman on a quest to find his memories after recovering from injuries at the Battle of Verdun.
Holli of Holli Brown Mosaics creates incredible work with bits of glass, dishware and more. The photo doesn’t do justice to the way it sparkles on the tree. You can find her amazing work online HERE. Her “Dish it Out” line is fantastic.
Head over to the ChetArt online shop to kick off your holiday shopping with a Black Friday/Cyber Monday special deal. Free U.S. Shipping for all items. Just use the coupon code: Mayandoom during checkout.
A new series from ChetArt explores the world of “Collective Nouns,” in which animals and creatures are grouped together by an identifier. Five groups created to date with more on the way. Each is available in the online shop as an 11″ x 14″ signed print on high quality archival paper. Clicking on each image will take you directly to the shop’s listing.
The line of Steampunk Monkey Nation and Society of Sinister Simians portraits have a new, colorful facelift. All signed prints from the series have new monkey-licious color backgrounds and have been modified to fit in 8 x 10 beveled mats, ready to frame. Collect ’em all!
Anyone who takes joy in drawing flying monkeys is all right in my book. Check out the wonderful work of fellow Austin Craft Riot member Monica Knighton. She has a wonderful way of bringing animals to life with her line work and color.
The Creative Pets 2013 desk calendar combines characters from the ChetArt “Literary Pets,” “Artistic Pets” and “Musical Pets” to give you a year’s worth of well-balanced liberal arts puns.
Each month’s page is contained within a specialized Calendar CD case, which flips open to easily display on a desk, table or any other flat surface.
12 individual, one-sided pages for each month. Each page measures 5.4″ x 4.65.” Printed in rich color on 51 lb, Ultra Premium Presentation Matte paper.
