MR BUNNY. #2

$125.00

This Wednesday, Noon PST at 

www.theloyalsubjects.com

Also, check with your favorite retailers for availability -

BAIT, Yoyamart, Rotofugi, Minty Fresh...and more...

Ships before Christmas.

MR BUNNY LAVA

Stay tuned...Nov 3rd.  Pasadena.

MEGA FIRE CATS

Mega is a misused term.  Mega this, Mega that.  Mega Savings.  Mega Cola.  Mega Mart.  Enough of Mega already.  Until, Mega is used properly, intuitively, sparing, for the exact moment where the letters M E G A actually mean something when pronounced.  It's as if you're almost afraid to say it.  Just a whisper will do.  With the right intent, Mega conjures Mega.  What is Mega?  Mega is the calm before the storm.  It's the quiet rolling rumble of the earth and dirt beneath your feet.  It's the water rippling, echoing across the surface.  And it grows.  And grows. And grows.  Until you are confronted with MEGA.  You become paralyzed.  Swallowed by Mega's Meganess.  It's too late.  You're a goner.  

M E G A   F I R E C A T!

This is Mega.  Standing 4' tall nearly 6' across (with the flame).  This Mega beast is more than a beast.  This is a mega piece of art. Produced by The Loyal Subjects and created by Joe Ledbetter.  The Fire Cat is one of Joe's prized and cherished characters.  Now, it's a formidable art sculpture and very rare.  The Mega Fire Cat will be releasing into the throws of panic'ed earth in less than 30 days.  There are several color ways; Red (Ed of 7), Ice (Ed of 4), Mono (Ed of 5) and Lava (Ed of 3).  That's right.  Just 19 MEGA Fire Cats.  If you're lucky enough to get your hands on one, you too will finally know the meaning of MEGA!

Available through www.3dretro.com, www.toykio.de and www.baitme.com - happy hunting =).

PS  If you strike out, we have only 1 left.  Coax it out of our hands if you dare.  sales@theloyalsubjects.com.

SIGNED KOSTOPOL WARRIORS

Do you like signed things?  I do.  How about from a famous artist who has three Emmys in their possession   Well, that sounds interesting.  How about if this artist is Gary Baseman and things bearing his signature historically go up in value?  I think that's a yes.  Also, his paintings sell anywhere between $7.5k - $35k.  I think that's a double yes.

The Loyal Subjects loves to give the gifts that keep on giving.  In this case;  Gary Baseman's Kostopol Warrior.  Signed!  Some with original art/doodles!  This is huge.  This is worth buying.  This is taking a piece of pop art home with you permanently.  What a deal!  So I bet you're asking yourself, "well, how do I get this?"  Easy.  Buy a Kostopol Warrior on www.theloyalsubjects.com and you'll probably be lucky enough to be one of the few people who gets an actual signed Kostopol Warrior.  I wish I had one =.(

Even though I own the company, I'm sure I'll have to wait just like everyone else to see if I can score a signed Gary Baseman piece.  Please FATES, look upon my meek existence mercifully and bless me with good fortune!  I think I'm trying to apply the "Secret".  I just asked the Universe for one.

How about you?  Will you ask the Universe for one?  If you do, the Universe will say in a large omnipresent voice "GO TO www.theloyalsubjects.com AND PURCHASE A KOSTOPOL WARRIOR.  GIVE YOURSELF A CHANCE TO SUCCEED AND YOU'LL MAKE NEW FRIENDS."  I love that omnipresent voice.  It's so powerful.

Good luck!

TLS x JOELEDBETTER x KIDROBOT EVENT!

The Loyal Subjects would like to personally thank Kidrobot and their superstar team of experts  for their efforts, support and diligence. 

Extra extra thanks and bountiful swells of gratitude also go out to Joe Ledbetter for creating/concocting this awesome, monstrous, masterpiece.

Pleasantries aside, the Friday night event at Kidrobot was awesome.  The Loyal faithfuls certainly were served up with heaping helpings of veggie delight, all in the form of a mutant Veggie Burger Bunny.  Imagine seeing one of these bouncing around on your front lawn.  Furreal!  That's frightening and surreal combined.  It's not a word so don't look it up.  Perhaps we'll get a mention in Urban Dictionary for this "good ole college try".

Kidrobot LA had 12 on hand and then "poof"!  Much like the bunny in the magicians hat - Gone!  Don't sweat it though, more are available through Kidrobot June 7th so keep your eyes peeled to their retail stores and online.  Happy hunting!  

PS  Vinylpulse Jack was on hand to record the night's activities.  Always give VP a looksie for the "on the ground" activities involving TLS.

VEGGIE BURGER BUNNIES COMING TO KRLA!

Hey hungry folk!  Especially  those who are looking for some protein substitutes apart from our beloved animal kingdom - boy, do we have the right patty for you!  Introducing the 12" tall, stackable Veggie Burger Bunny!  Exclusive to Kidrobot and only 40 of these suckers grilled, boxed and made to order!  These delicious anthropomorphic yet animal friendly mutant hopping veggie burgers (does that sound right?) are definitely a must have for any J Led collector.  We say that about all J Led's releases, but seriously, right?!  They (Veggie Burger Bunnies) are made from wood, beautifully decorated and packaged in a nifty wood create with a sliding cover door.  Only $300.00!  I do say ONLY, because these are delicious works of art and where on earth can you get something so unique, so original and well crafted for $300.00?  Worth every penny.

Here are the details - The Loyal Subjects will be on hand with artist Joe Ledbetter at the Kidrobot LA store (KRLA for the NASDAQ fans) Friday, June 1st between 6-8p.  A certain allotment of Veggie Burger Bunnies will be made available for the event.  The rest can be purchased at the other Kidrobot retail locations on June 7th.  A democratized release! 

Also available will be a brilliant Joe Ledbetter x Kidrobot print (edition of 50) aptly titled 'NICE BUNS'.  And boy, how!

See you all next Friday, June 1st!  Let's enjoy a good ole fashion art cookout featuring your friends from The Loyal Subjects, Joe Ledbetter and Kidrobot!  Weeee Howdy!

BUCKINGHAM WARRIOR GOES HOME

On the eve, before the Buckingham Warrior ships out to our supporters, customers and retailers - I get to stand back and reflect about what a fun life we all have and how insignificant are our troubles that we choose to own? 

When I first started working on the Buckingham Warrior (a project that has been earned through mindfulness, labor, care and patience), I thought "Wow, what a great design!  This will definitely work!"  I was concentrating on the nature and spirit of manufacturing a collectible.  The design turned me on and I thought our customers would be excited to see this unique character come to life.  Fortunately, it seems they are.  However, it was a "B" to "C" concept; a great idea that fits right in with our brand identity, and complex enough to create conversation, ultimately landing in customer's hands.  It turns out the project, in spirit, is much more complex, much more layered and emboldened with a righteous spirit.

Gary Baseman is unique.  He has been a pioneer in our community, a feverish personality, a champion of our realm.  His fabric is art.  He also is woven to certain strands of great and significant circumstance.  Events which reshaped the lives of many, desperately wounded the world community and events so atrocious, they are deprived of any semblance of light.  Gary's parents are immigrants from Poland.  A country that was destroyed by Nazi Germany, preempting WWII.  Gary's father was a local fighter.  A man who took up arms, not part of any great or greater army but as a civilian fighting for respect and thwarting an evil injustice.

The Buckingham Warrior is the allegorical representation of his father.  Along with it, a mythology adhering to his father's legacy.  

Recently, Gary stopped in Rome.  He created a provocative mural in an area known as Q44 (The Quadraro in 1944) - an area where thousands of liberal minded civilians were rounded up by the Nazi and fascist soldiers - either killed or sent to camps.  Gary's powerful image of the Buckingham Warrior, a character infused with the spirit of righteous intent and protector of his fellow brothers and sisters, stands as both watchmen and reminder.

I'm proud to have contributed just a small bit to the memory of Gary's father and to those who suffered nameless.  I say this with pure humility and respect.  The Buckingham Warrior is a true and unveiled hero - even if just for all of our imaginations.

Available @ www.theloyalsubjects.com

BURGER BUNNY INFLATABLE!

When I was a kid, maybe three or four years old, I had these full length heather blue Mickey Mouse Club pajamas (with footies and all - possibly even the trap door butt).  The "footies" had this rubber texture that adhered to the bottoms.  I guess three year olds need some good gripping traction.  All things being said, I had a matching inflatable Bop Bag, which was Mickey Mouse, and advertised the good ole' MMC.  I loved that bag.  It looked cool.  I loved the texture.  And it was fun to punch.  

Perhaps that's our fascination with these inflatables.  As Freud said, "Childhood Regression".  Better yet, perhaps it's more like Jeff Koons in nature.  Challenging perceptions of what is functional, mundane, obvious, interpretive - and what is art.  A physical piece, in a physical space, where the actual object itself incorporates an identity and oscillates energy.  I think it's both.  Regression Art?  Can that be a movement?  Although we are progressing?  All things here said, it's worth the discussion and bottom line, these objects are amazing in a physical space.  They literally transform a space into sculpture gardens incorporating fun, energy and aesthetic.  How cool!

When Joe first introduce the Burger Bunny through his well known Mutant Bunny Series, I knew that design had layers (no pun intended).  It was satyr, parody, clever, objectionable and embracing.  The image has great color contrast and is a narrative of a 1000 words.  What a perfect idea.  We had to blow it up.  So we did!  Into a 62" inflatable which bops if you punch it.  A sand weighted base keeps it in place.  This piece is an objet d'art.  All encompassing.  And it's only $99.00 at www.theloyalsubjects.com.  Only 300 Made!

We hope that you enjoy!

GARY BASEMAN'S BUCKINGHAM WARRIOR

The phrase "Art Toy" is interesting.  I remembered when it was coined.  It was Jim Crawford, Co-Founder of StrangeCo who first brought the term to life.  He did it because he was having a difficult time generalizing what we do.  It's art but it isn't so exclusive or inclusive.  It's a toy but it isn't really played with (to an extent) and it's less broad in notion.  So, he came up with a term that could describe what we do in pure dumb simplicity that is dually genius.  Art Toy.  And there it was.  It was a perfect term describing StrangeCo's product line since much or all of it derived from 2D art - be it paintings, fine art or pop art in much the "indie" realm - relatively what is considered "non-licensed" to those accustomed to stocking shelves with large evergreen brands like Star Wars, etc.  We all adopted that term - believing, what we do is a combination of art, design and product.  Specifically, product derived from art springing from similar wells - painters, fine artists, pop artists, etc. - both, in a scholastic, meaningful sense and a playful, less emphatic and didactic sense.  Cut to the chase.  Gary Baseman's Buckingham Warrior is a perfect example of 'Art Toy' in scope. The project is a non deliberate gesture in familiarity - picking up with The Loyal Subjects where the brilliant Critterbox left off.  If you don't remember Critterbox, you should.  They were brilliant in their approach.  The pieces were big, beautiful and had depth.  The Buckingham Warrior certainly has these inherent traits.

The Buckingham Warrior in Cliff's Notes:

The Buckingham Warrior is a deer named Buckingham.  An unusual deer.  He has three legs.   This three legged deer lives in the Wolyner Forest.  He is a living organism in symbiosis with the greater and vastly expansive mother to all...Nature.  Life is ideal.  Until the idyllic inertia was disrupted by a malevolent and greedy man.  This man (the Land Baron) saw the forest as a rich resource ripe for exploitation.  He and his henchmen marched into this otherwise peaceful domain and without conscious or compassion, started to destroy the forest.  Buckingham refused to submit to this painful reality.  He stood his ground and fought back.  In his struggle, Buckingham was decapitated by the evildoers.  In an act of other-wordly defiance, the deer grew several heads back, replacing the decapitated head.  Buckingham was unmovable in his righteous stand. 

The story itself is anecdotal, a fable in feel but the sentiment is rich in metaphor.  The story was inspired by Gary's own father who was a Holocaust Survivor.  The Buckingham Warrior embodies the spirit emboldened by strong value sets; Freedom, Respect, Dignity, Fairness, Bravery - and to a larger scope, including the delicacy of our own ecology.   Buckingham is a hero for the ages.

The first edition is Buckingham as the the deer living peacefully in the Wolyner Forest.  The figure boasts several points of articulation, accessories and the rich color palette that is signature to Gary Baseman.  The figure is packaged in a closed 4C box with a satin finish.  A gorgeous piece. 

The Buckingham Warrior will be available Wed, Feb 22nd 2012 at NOON PST on www.theloyalsubjects.com and select retailers for $115.00USD.  Edition - 400.

KID DRAGON CONTEST!

Interaction is what it's all about, right?  Well, I want YOU to interact with us!  So here's the pitch:  All of you crazy photographer/shutterbugs out there - I want you to use your artful eye.  By doing so, as long as you follow the easy steps which I'm about to explain, one of you will receive a generous prize from TLS.  What is the prize?  Why, it's Joe Ledbetter's Pico and Wilshire and Buff Monster's Destroyer!  A prize worth $245.00!

What do you need to do?  Easy!  Walk into the Kid Robot LA store and take a picture (or pictures) of the Kid Dragon - it's 5' tall, long, crazy looking - can't miss it!

  Then:

1. Go to a computer
2. Like The Loyal Subjects on Facebook - www.facebook.com/TheLoyalSubjectsCo
3. Post your artful pictures on our Wall
4. We will randomly select a winner for the Grand Prize
5. Be Stoked!

How easy is this?  As easy as burning toast!

BURGER BUNNY MANIA! IN MANILA!

Here's to a posthumous post.  It's not as though I intended to post news past it's newsworthy, "in the moment" date.  I suppose any TLS news is relevant to me - even after the fact.  However, one not to give excuses (I learned well from my parents), I'll have to make an exception.  What's the excuse?  Jet Lag!  While we were in Manila, I was trying to keep everyone up via Facebook and Twitter and never had the time to sit down and blog.  Mainly, because we were running around like crazy people and every chance Big Boy and his crew got, they were shuffling us off to eat and shop.  I must have gained 5lbs.  Serious.  I gained five pounds.  This weekend is for the gym, and of course, the Super Bowl.  Ironic.  Whatever I do at the gym tomorrow and Saturday will be reversed come Super Bowl.  Ok, enough side tracking.

Here's a play by play on the event.  As most of you know, it took place on January 22nd at Secret Fresh in Manila, PI.   What is Secret Fresh?  Secret Fresh is, well...it's Fresh!  Fresh - like in a "B Boy" way.  It's a killer spot, ran by great people.  It's a store that is part of a larger complex called the RONAC ART CENTER.  Cool stores, restaurants and a full  Pro Regulation basketball court.  After pounding myself with unhealthy food, I would sneak off and shoot a few hoops.  Big Boy caught up with me and while I was shooting - he bet me $1MM, payable to me, if I made a half court shot.  I made it on the first try.  No kidding.  Still waiting for the check.  Tic Toc Tic Toc.  Hmm.  This was my David Choe Facebook stock moment but only $199MM less.  Trying not to lose sleep over it.  =)

So, back to Joe and the Burger Bunny release.  Wow!  Amazing event!  Great turnout, great eats, great people!  The Bunny sold out before the event and Joe spent a generous amount of time signing, sketching, chatting it up - basically, being an all around awesome dude and the Secret Fresh attendees were definitely happy to see him.  

What's next?  Kid Robot color way Bunny (so I've been told) and maybe a Frozen one...

You'll have to stay tuned!  If you have seen, felt or obtained the Burger Bunny - it's insane!  Really.  A wonderful piece of art that will blow your socks off!  I think there are a few socks that have been blown off already.

SAM FLORES - GRAY KID DRAGON 5' FIBERGLASS

KID ROBOT EXCLUSIVE!

Kid Robot will have the Gray Edition of the 5' tall Sam Flores fiberglass art multiple.  Who more fitting than Kid Robot?  The barometer for all emporiums supporting collectible pop and fine art!  The 5' tall large format Kid Dragon is beautiful;  It's lucid, elegant, haunting, sophisticated, surreal - it's a great piece of sculptural art - enhancing any physical space. 

If only everyone could have one, the world would be a much more dream like, peaceful place.  Alas, there are only six and I'm sure each one will find a safe home. 

Each multiple will come with a Certificate of Authenticity created by Sam Flores.  I feel like such a proud papa.  Really, I do.  This piece is to die for gorgeous.  A perfect compliment to any art collection.  Contact Kid Robot for more info.

GARY BASEMAN - TOBY 36" INFLATABLE!

If you're queued into Gary Baseman and his Anthropomorphic Pantheistic imagination then I'm sure you are well aware of his favorite character, Toby.  Toby is a cat.  A cat that experiences life through all mystic dimensions, including the ones here, on earth.  That is probably where you have seen Toby - or you may have seen him documented through his detailed travels, ala the Toby postcards, as seen on Gary Baseman's Facebook page.  Toby has been to South America, Russia, Europe, Asia, the Middle East - serious, it's hard to keep up with this cat.  His Passport looks like a coupon book from an episode of Hoarders.  

Since Toby is so famous and so well recognized, it seemed only fitting to make a Toby 36" inflatable.  It's fitting in every way.  It's a bit retro, it's art, it's sculptural, it's perfect in a physical space, it's fun, and it's...TOBY!!  So, if you don't mind spending $80.00 for a piece of this most famous cat, then I say by all means, take this bad boy home!  

In case you haven't noticed - anything Toby from Gary's past creations are sprouting up on EBAY, demanding some serious steep fortunes.  I've seen one for $2k.  $80.00 is a drop in the bucket for this loveable icon.  You can buy one HERE!

SAM FLORES - KID DRAGON - 5' TALL BEAUTIFUL BEASTS

I feel like it's an understatement when I express that I'm "just" proud of these large format art pieces.  I'm beyond proud.  The Large Format Kid Dragons are by far, the most beautiful and intricate pieces I have made to date.  Obvious, without the lucid and brilliant designs and paintings by Sam Flores, none of this would be possible.  I hate overloading the adjective scale with hyperbole and subjective syntax - it's kind of like telling all of your friends that 'Your Kid' is the prettiest, smartest and most talented - but hey, I mean, I'm not that far off!  I might add future Class President and perpetual mover and shaker!  All metaphors aside, this is truly a brilliant art piece - Koonsian in space - a real art sculpture that will fill a room, fill imaginations and be a much sought after art multiple for years to come.  These 5' tall sectional sculptures are $6,000.00 each.  They come with a Certificate of Authenticity penned and derived from Sam Flores' own hand.  Limited to 10 pieces, the Orange Kid Dragon Large Format Fiberglass will be available right after the New Year!  Go 2012!  Email sales@theloyalsubjects.com if interested.  Only a couple are available from the 10.