Giant Robot Store and GR2 News
Luke Rook has always been a friend to Giant Robot. He began his recent career in toys by opening Lulubell Toy Bodega in Arizona and soon moved to Japan where his career turned. From being a “toy buyer” he’s now a toy maker. In this podcast, Luke Rook explains some of the mysteries of the Japanese toy making scene. In a matter of a few years after moving, he’s unlocked the “system” of striking up vinyl figures from serious mom and pops factories. One of the greatest facets of Luke is his sheer honesty and frankness which is shaping a new sub genre of “kaiju”. He still calls himself an apprentice, but that’ll change soon enough. Here’s a link to the podcast.
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Some photos from Designer Con. Yes, Sucklord was there holding court and doing some interview show. He’s on Bravo TV’s show Work of Art. Photos include Yoskay Yamamoto, a skimpy outfit, and a nice huge painting that we wish were ours. (photos by Dean Gojobori)
Dean Gojobori an Uglydoll Fan and part of the Ugly Nation holds a rare Uglydoll print – UMA City Uglydoll print. These are signed and numbered. They’re rare Uglycon items from the past. Super Rare items at Giant Robot.
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We’ve known Buff Monster for years and have happily witnessed his rise of local street art wheat paster to now an internationally known artist. We proudly hosted his art show The Monster Within in 2010, and you can see the photos here. Just on friday, he released his Cat Plush that you see below. The eyes are pink which is his trademark color. You can easily see this edition of 200 pieces on his own website. We have our own plush by Buff Monster also at the $18 rate that was made in edition of 200. You can see it below and get it here among a few other Buff Monster goods. The video below is from Tara McPherson’s Cotton Candy Factory in Brooklyn. There’s a few customs still available. Buff Monster and Jeremyville from Tara McPherson on Vimeo.
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I’ve heard the perils and desperation of making a figure. Artists want to make them, business kids want to profit by making them. The crazy fans who want them at any cost. Lie, bring your maid to buy you an extra, hire someone to act like a customer, or mule it. How about a back story? Yes, make one up and get that “street lineage”. You worked with who? You know who? The sculptor is who? The factory will remain a secret. Your cost per item will also remain a secret! It’s a toy. But the next level and maybe this is the furthest level. Karakuri. Watch the video below by Al Jazeera. The craftmanship of these automata are amazing, and the things they do require physics, engineering, and more. These are beyond figures and toys. Prepare to have your mind blown. [youtube]TjBZmTwHTiY[/youtube]
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