Next Saturday from 11-7 marks the first summer show event for the Austin Craft Riot. I’ll be there with a booth chock full of signed prints, limited edition books, trading cards, magnets, buttons and more. Visit the ACR blog for an ongoing series showcasing the wealth of creatives that will be represented.
Mark the days with The Union of Superlative Heroes, The Order of Nefarious Villains, Wrestle Pets and Steampunk Monkey Nation calendars.
Just released: a selection of desktop calendars featuring characters from the ChetArt shop. Each calendar is presented in a sturdy plastic 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 month’s page measures 5.4″ x 4.65.”
Be the first on your block to own one of these handsome and informative mini art display items and thumb your nose at the 2012 end-of-the-world Mayan prediction!
The Good, The Bad And The Monkey will be among the four ChetArt pieces chosen for the 2012 Toy Joy art show. Artwork by the Toy Joy staff and 30 local guest artists will be represented, along with fellow Austin Craft Riot members Erin Mason Flynn, Lauren Hemphill and Mamus James Judd.
Reception will be held at Tom’s Tabooley, Thursday August 9th from 6-10. Show runs through September 1st.
Woodland Wisdom is a limited edition, hand bound book showcasing illustrations and haiku poems by Chet Phillips, based on a selection of Aesop’s Fables. This hard cover book measures 10″ x 11.5,” bound by Julie Sullivan of Dancing Cat Bindery. This “Sew Boards” binding style has covers comprised of Japanese Asahi brown and green book cloths. Each copy of the edition of 5 is signed and numbered.
(Click “The Dog and His Reflection” spread to enlarge)
(Click “The Rooster and the Jewel” spread to enlarge)
I’ll be represented with 4 pieces in the upcoming annual Toy Joy art show here in Austin. More details to follow soon.
With the third year of exhibiting at San Diego under our belt, we were proud to have our best year ever. The crowds were very responsive to the my new offerings and our stock of Simian Playing cards was depleted early on Saturday. We loved our new location at the end of the aisle and hope to make it our permanent home for the future. If you’ve never attended the event, it’s hard to describe the enormity of the exhibits hall. I’ve tried in the past to capture it with one photo, but it’s just too large. With so many sections representing different industries, the hall could be described as a country with individual states within. The Small Press area is certainly a world of its own with an seemingly endless well of creativity. The folks that inhabit it are passionate about what they do and eager to share with the world. I recorded the G-4 coverage of the event and, though I haven’t watched it through yet, I suspect as with previous years, Small Press didn’t make the cut among all the coverage of TV, film and other corporate giants. Truly a shame because that’s where so much of the inspiration springs forth. What follows is one last round of photos of various sections, some more fun costumes and a tribute to some new friends we had the pleasure of meeting in our area. Paperwork completed for 2013 and already anxious to return!
These courteous and forthright gentlemen of steam were kind enough to pose with their ChetArt purchases. Huzzah! The second full day proved more successful than the first with a steady stream of sales throughout the day. We’re actually starting to see stock levels of some items we brought dwindling down before the big weekend approaches. We were happy to meet new fans and to be greeted by familiar faces from past years. What follows after the break are some shots from the exhibit floor, a sampling of fun cosplay and a line up of Batmobiles from the outside exhibit at the end of the day.
It’s almost time again for that most magical of events: San Diego’s International Comic Con. I’ll have a presence in the Small Press area again this year with an end-of-the-aisle spot–booth O-01. With Oni Press on one side and the super talented Dane Ault of Monkey Minion Press opposite, there will be tons of creative energy emanating from our little geek-sphere. Along with 9 different trading card sets and 4 limited edition books and signed prints, I’ll be displaying the new “Monkopolis” limited edition book, Simian Playing Card sets and the “Monkopolis” laser engraved wooden badges. Lots of other fun items, big and small, await your viewing and buying pleasure. If you plan to attend, please stop by!
Following a brief retirement, the first series of Literary Pets returns to the online shop for the third reprint due to popular demand. These famous literary figures transformed into dogs and cats are represented in a trading card set fashioned after turn-of-the-century cigarette cards. Each portrait card has a brief summary of accomplishments on the reverse, chock full of vitamin “pun.” This set of 20 cards measures 2 1/4″ x 4″ each and are printed in color both sides on 100 lb. glossy cover stock. Set is packaged in hand crafted paper portfolio with library card styled enclosure.
Card sets and individual signed portrait prints are available in the online shop.
In honor of the brave efforts of two members of “Monkopolis,” these commemorative badges have been produced. Elijah Bubbleshard (top) was famed for his heroics on the battlefield atop his military grade penny-farthing. Corporal Bubbleshard showed bravery beyond measure during the famed “Battle of the Bulging Sprocket.” Archibald Scorchplate served as an expert pilot during wartime then focused his efforts as a test pilot. Among the many devices of war he tested were the Sonic Doom Jet Pack, Screaming Rocket Gloves, Rhesus Roulette Torpedo Jet and the Wingless Wonder Explosive Torpedo Dragon Drone.
These 2 inch square black lacquered maple badges have been laser engraved by Ink It Labs to two different levels of depth. The reverse of each badge’s display card has additional info about the exploits of these two brave simians.
Each badge has its own sturdy pinback clasp, allowing you to further honor these heroes by displaying proudly on your lapel, hat, messenger bag or velvet lined museum quality display case.
Introducing the latest limited edition book from ChetArt: Monkopolis. This field guide of sorts presents a collection of 35 monkey and ape character portraits along with amusing and informative biographical information. Interspersed throughout the book are additional illustrations representing some key moments in some of the character’s lives. Robots, ghosts, vampires, spies, magicians, zombies and so much more. You can also discover these characters, including additional royalty figures, displayed on the Simian Playing Card Set.
This soft bound, signed limited edition of 100 measures 7.5″ x 5.5″. It is sewn by hand and features a bronze, wood-grained textured paper cover. Inset Lenticular label offers a colorfully bright and cheerful dapper monkey tipping his hat in true Victorian gentlemanly form. End papers are high quality olive Thai reversible paper and interior pages are printed in full color on 100lb matte book paper. Each copy of the edition is signed and numbered by the artist. Click Here to view a sneak peek video flip through of the book.
(Click the two binding photos above to enlarge.)
Below is a small selection of pages from the book:
In honor of the valiant efforts of the Monkopolis characters Elijah Bubbleshard and Archibald Scorchplate, two commemorative badges have been produced. Each measures 2 inches square and are laser etched, black lacquered maple wood with sturdy metal clasp.
Prolific and iconic science fiction author Ray Bradbury has passed away. Sad to see him go but thankful for the wealth of imagination he bestowed upon us in his long career. The world would be seriously lacking in its level of wonder and magic if not for his incredible mind.
Above is my “Stray Bradbury” tribute from 2009 series “Literary Pets 2” of dog and cats as famous authors.
With Father’s Day just around the corner, now is the time to shop for the perfect gift that says, “Thanks Dad, for your support with your worldly advice/bail bond/love.” Bypass the usual Sharper Image drudgery, such as the golf tee meat thermometer or universal remote tie clip in exchange for some truly foolish fun.
The ChetArt shop offers a massive gallery of Tiki flavored signed prints. Choose one that best represents dad or go for the “two fer” special to treat yourself with an extra.
Also available: “The Twilight of the Tiki” limited edition hand bound and signed book.
For the superhero loving Dad, choose the Union of Superlative Heroes and Order of Nefarious Villains. Available as trading card sets and a limited edition, back to back hand bound book.
Visit the section HERE for card sets, books and signed prints.
You say your Dad likes monkeys? Well, look no further for an enormous wealth of simian silliness.
ChetArt offers unique and original portraits of monkeys spoofing the Victorian Era, imaginary worlds of Steampunk and a cavalcade of historical tomfoolery.
These images are available as signed prints, trading card sets, limited edition books, coloring books and the newly released poker sized playing card set.
Simian Playing Cards—-Society of Sinister Simians Book—-Monkey Coloring Book
Hand stitched leather paperweight
Steampunk Monkey Nation—-World War Monkey—-Society of Sinister Simians
Let the monkey decide!
Caution: If your Dad receives one or more of these simian gifts, there’s a high likelihood he’ll substitute relaxing in the backyard hammock for swinging from the tree.
Over the weekend I exhibited at the Staple! Independent Media Expo here in Austin. I had the pleasure of meeting lots of great shoppers and talented fellow vendors. On Saturday I was honored with a an interview from Tim Harrison and his talented roving crew from Kung Fu Jack Knife. Thank you Tim! Below is a selection of shots from the event.
My half table neighbor Paul Horn of Cool Jerk fame is a true comic genius. When I prepared for my first San Diego Comic Con, Paul, a native of San Diego and seasoned Comic Con pro, was incredibly gracious and helpful with advice and info. Having him next door was indeed a highlight of the event for me. Look forward to seeing him and Darlene this July at the 2012 San Diego Comic Con!
Organizer and all around workhorse Chris “Uncle Staple” Nicholas visits with the folks from KOOP radio.
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.
Brodie’s 2011 ChetArt Holiday Shopping Guide
First, a bit about me:
8 year old rescued male orange tabby
Official ChetArt mascot
Lives with: 2 sentient cat food dispensers and female gray tabby Lily
Hobbies: Extreme sleeping, gecko hunting and watching insurance commercials
As the days grow colder and approach the holiday season, fewer and fewer geckos are to be found. Due to this frustrating lack of hunting opportunities, I grudgingly turn to my duties of gift recommendations from the ChetArt online shop. Here you will find an abundance of gift ideas for every member of the family.
For him:
Choose from a variety of outrageous monkey portraits, flavored both Steampunk and Sinister. If your guy digs the comic books, then consider Chet’s tongue-in-cheek interpretation of Victorian Steampunk superheroes and villains with the Union of Superlative Heroes and Order of Nefarious Villains. My personal favorite?…. Feline Fräulein, Mee-yow! Available as individual portraits, card sets and an awesome, hand bound limited edition book. Also check out his large assortment of Tiki portraits. There’s even a special two-fer listing to brighten up his Tiki bar or man cave.
For her:
The ever expanding series of cats (and dogs) as personalities from the literary, artistic and musical realms is sure to have one of your favorites. With the likes of F. Scott Fetchgerald, Harpurr Lee (mmmmm, mockingbird…), G.R.R. Tolkien, Labrador Dali, Corgi O’Keeffe, Mutt Jagger, Janhiss Joplin and Michael Catson the list keeps going of fun portraits to gift. Chet also has a huge assortment of humorous cat (and dog) portraits as well as a series of Japanese Styled pet portraits. My personal favorite is this portrait of me doing what I do best.
For the kids:
Nothing fills a rainy afternoon or snowy holiday break better than getting lost working on a coloring book. (O.K., maybe sleeping 12 hours is better.) The Monkey Color! coloring book fits the bill for offering a creative challenge alongside simian silliness. For kids and adults alike, the Monkey Memory Match game will both challenge your memory and give you a craving for bananas.
Stocking Stuffers:
Give the affordable gift of trading card sets, each with both a collection of whimsical portraits and funny biographies for each. Cat (and dog) artists, authors and musicians, Steampunk Monkeys, Society of Sinister Simians, World War Monkeys, Superlative Heroes and Nefarious Villains all await to fill the imaginations and force out a chuckle. Trouble holding down your banana peels? Consider the monkey paper weight, created with hand stitched leather.
Books:
Browse through a selection of hand made limited edition books sprinkled throughout almost every section of the shop. With Superlative Heroes/Nefarious Villains, Tikis, Sinister Simians, Wrestle Pets, Mysterious Circumstances and Googie signs, there’s bound to be a perfect gift for the reader. Sadly, no field guides for hunting geckos.
Seasonal Gifts:
Spoiler alert!: The Mayans predict our collective litter boxes will be cleaned for good next year. Why not enjoy a bit of visual fun, displayed on your wall or desk with the Literary Pets wall calendar (4 postcards included!) or the Wrestle Pets and Monkey Business desk calendars. It’s not too late to send those holiday cards out either. Consider the lighthearted and colorful “Penguin Jingle Bell” card pack of 6.
Some time back we launched our first limited edition book titled “Woodland Wisdom,” a collection of illustrations depicting time-honored Aesop’s fables. I added the slight twist of including my take on the proverbs in the form of haiku poetry. The edition successfully sold out and by recently re-visiting the artwork, decided to release them as individually signed prints.
Posted above is “The Two Goats.”
Dire stubborn stalemate.
A backdrop of deadly height.
Pride creates long fall.
You can find the rest of the series within this section of the online shop.
Now through Monday take advantage of 15% off your entire total of items purchased in the ChetArt online shop. With over 500 items to choose from, gift ideas range from stocking stuffers to high quality limited edition books. Or treat yourself to some ChetArt foolishness at a discounted price. Shop early and save now.
To receive your discount enter the following code during your checkout:
MONKEYBRAIN
(Example shows how to find your coupon code link. Discount not applied to shipping costs.)
The ChetArt booth set up and ready to go, moments before the doors opened to throngs of shoppers at this year’s Etsy Dallas “Jingle Bash” show.
Thanks to everyone who stopped by to visit and shop at yesterday’s 4th Annual “Jingle Bash” show sponsored by Etsy. We experienced a solid round of shopping all day long. Though it felt like sales were equal from past shows, at the end of the day we surpassed all other past Etsy Dallas events by almost double the success. Couldn’t have done it without so many friendly and supportive local shoppers.
It was great fun having good friends stop by to show their support and meet and make a whole new set of friends. The sale of a “Simon and Barkfunkle” signed print was one particularly fun standout moment. The buyer has plans to gift the print to her good friends…Paul Simon and his wife Edie Brickell.
Now available in the online shop, the 2012 Wrestle Pets 2012 Desk Calendar. CD Calendar Case Design. Pages are contained within a 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 month’s page measures 5.4″ x 4.65″ Printed in vivid Lucha Libre color on 51 lb, Ultra Premium Presentation Matte paper.
Originating from tiny villages dotted across the landscape of Mexico, a roguish band of scrappy fighters come together and are trained in the ring. These mighty and honorable warriors live by a simple creed… Live to fight and fight to live! Showcased within the calendar are such personalities as “La Princesa del Dolor” (Princess of Pain), “El Perro Caliente” (The Hot Dog), “La Muerte Rosa” (The Pink Death), “El Gato Loco” (The Crazy Cat) plus 8 more. Individual signed portrait prints as well as a limited edition signed book of all 20 characters are also available.
Click to Enlarge