55 mins
“I Never Noticed The House Was On Fire” This is a painting for an upcoming group exhibition about memories. When I was a kid I grew up in a household where my parents were functioning alcoholics. They gave me toys, put me in front of the tv, and sent me outside to play to keep me distracted from what was going on. When I look back almost all of my childhood memories revolve around these things. I became obsessed with these imaginary worlds and I learned to draw by copying my favorite cartoons and characters from children’s books. It was not until I was much older, that the truth could no longer be hidden from me. The imaginary world of cartoons and books kept me shielded from the harsh realities of home. As I grew into an adult that form of coping grew with me as I created my own imaginary places inspired by the ones I loved as a child. A healthy place to escape.
Here is my submission to the 10th anniversary Plushform show at Rotofugi Gallery. I was invited by Shawn @shawnimals to participate in this fun show. He is the creator of the Plushform DIY plush figure being customized by 40 artists at Rotofugi, a designer toy store gallery in Chicago. The original Plushform show was in 2008. I was waiting for their official announcement before posting my final so I could link people to the site for more info. I was told they are working on it and will announce soon. This will be for sale at the show.
Toys used to be so much cooler back in the day. I realize this makes me sound like a very old nerd. I also realize that I AM a very old nerd. So there's that.
Our local antiques store had a huge treasure trove of vintage Native American themed toys and gifts this weekend. I realized that 1) I'd owned a lot of them and 2) none of my friends had. It never occurred to me that my collection was particularly large or unique. Doesn't every kid have a fixation on this country's indigenous population? Apparently not. I love the visual language of the Navajo and Hopi especially. My Kachina doll collection was the bomb.
Testing new toys
Tools:
three of the psychedelic Koh-i-Noor Hardtmuth marbling pencils, Derwent Pencils Graphik pens, a CuttleLola Dotspen, Pentel Arts Pocket Brush Pen, unbranded gold graphite pencil.
Looking at other people's workspaces makes my one look boring by comparison. Anyway, here's where I spring clean my head of ideas – with all me electronics and toys and that!
mike_sheehan_studioThis is an old one from when I was working for a toy company. I always keep a sketchbook on my desk so whenever I'm waiting for the printer etc I can doodle. This one was inspired by listening to Mimi Pond on #npr on my way to the offic
