stuffed animal

Danish Artists Les Deux Garçon...

Make the most amazing work!  I first saw their work when I was in Miami for Superfine! two years ago and I snuck off to one of the other fairs.  There was so much great work, and so much to be inspired by...but you know when you come upon something and you lose your breath for a minute?  And then your hair stands up on end?  That was this work.  I bought the catalog before I even finished looking at what was on the wall.  

Je-sais-bien-mais-je-mn-fou

Je-sais-bien-mais-je-mn-fou

Vogel-vronwtje

Vogel-vronwtje

Les-friandises

Les-friandises

Le-saltimbanque-no-2

Le-saltimbanque-no-2

I love how whimsical they are, but yet I also sense some melancholy.  Have a look at their website...they work in many mediums beyond taxidermy...but these are my favorites!

I've been teaching middle school art club recently...

And one of the projects we have been doing was suggested by one of the best art teachers I know, a dear friend from my time in New Mexico.  She said to let them take a bunch of stuffed animals apart and then put them back together as a new species.  It has been brilliant!  Everyone has had so much fun.  And you just can't mess them up because there is no right or wrong way to make one.  I call them "Frankenstuffies" and it turns out they are my new favorite thing to make.  I have made one with every class and then made several on my own as gifts.  My son thinks they are super creepy.  I fall in love with every new one!

one-eyed rooster stuffed animal
Lion bear stuffed animal
sloth lion penguin stuffed animal
frankenstuffie
Fuzzy Dinosaur stuffed animal

I've got one half finished in my studio and two bags of stuffed animal parts in the basement.  It can be a little brutal.  

Denim and Diamonds....

Is the theme for the Rochester Art Center Artbash 2015...and artists are donating works made with denim.  

This is Snorm the Sensitive.  He is from a long line of denim dome monsters.  Yes, his teeth look fierce, but he is more interested in thoughtful conversation than tearing you apart.  Don't let his crazy eyes scare you...there is a docile, deeply sweet creature behind.  He can be yours on October 23, 2015.