C-Rations: 0C101101

This week’s offering is a Calendar Page.

“Certainty” 18.5" x 8.5" recycled calendar page with charcoal illustration and collage.

Full Page Detail

Days of C says:

“Our new Constitution is now established, and has an appearance that promises permanency; but in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” -Ben Franklin (1789)

It was with those words that this week’s C-Rations was begun. Here in America as many are already aware today is “Tax Day” which is the deadline to file our national tax responsibility to the government. By coincidence it it also the anniversary of many notable tragedies. Of course two that quickly come to mind for me are the sinking of the RMS Titanic and death of Abraham Lincoln, but after looking at Wikipedia I found many lesser known tragedies that should also be remembered today.

Remember each Monday during the 3.0 year I am posting an original skull design. My weekly offerings are nothing compared to the one-a-day massive project done by the Skullmaster in 1.0, but hopefully you will find some nourishment in these weekly offerings.

Need more nourishment? You can always Friend or Follow.

[Flashback Friday] 5.9- C-Rations: 0C1111

Welcome to another addition of Flashback Friday.** This year the guest editors, Citizen Agent, Azurafae, and myself, Tatman, are taking turns reflecting on 17 of our personal favorite skulls from the previous four years of postings. So please join us as we visit the archives and add our additional commentary on some of the original pieces.

C-Rations: 0C1111





Summer's here in the Northern hemisphere and with it comes all of the county fairs for local small towns. Fair food is in a realm all by it's self and Citizen Agent did a remarkable job of adding these treats to our skull collection. My only advice is that you partake in eating AFTER enjoying your favorite rides.

**Flashback Friday was a weekly countdown of the fan selected top 52 skulls of Skull-A-Day 1.0. Each week during year 3.0 The Skullmaster posted the original skull along with some additional commentary in order from lowest to highest rated, with the #1 skull appearing in the last week of year 3.0, all 52 can be found here.

C-Rations: 0C100

I tossed away the classics this week and returned to the unconventional.

This week's offering is Charcoal Briquettes


"Candescence Casualty" Approx 18" x 22" mixed use of heated and new briquettes.

Nerdy C says:
The Summer Solstice marks the longest period of daylight for the year, after the Solstice daylight begins to decrease each day as we move towards the Winter Solstice where the daily move reverses. The start of Summer marks the decline of daylight hours. This year, Summer began officially at 1:45 am EDT on June 21, 2009 . In 2009 something special took place- The First Day of Summer was a day earlier June 20, 2009 in Western North America. Why you ask? So glad you did... because 1:45am EDT June 21st is June 20th 11:45PM MDT, 10:45PM PDT, and so on back to the international dateline.

PS: [bonus] this week the fate of C-Rations: 0C10

Remember each Monday during the 3.0 year I am posting an original skull design. My weekly offerings are nothing compared to the one-a-day massive project done by the Skullmaster in 1.0, but hopefully you will find some nourishment in these weekly offerings.

[BONUS] C-Rations: 08·26·09

This week’s [BONUS] offering is done with Cigarette butts.

“Beavis” approx 6" x 6" arranged cigarette butts in a sand filled receptacle


Smoke Screen C says:

Year 3.0 has been a year of experimentation for the Tatman and myself. We are not just editors here we are active participants in this project as you can see by our weekly offerings(see them HERE and HERE).

About a month ago an idea for a skull was mentioned in an online conversation, and Tatman and myself thought it would be fun to take that idea and see what each would create with it. Tatman and I live about 700 miles from each other, you have seen a little sampling of our creative interaction in our monthly contest examples, but today's [BONUS] is a first for us in this capacity. Being that we would never have an opportunity to work in the same studio together, we decided to use Skull-A-Day as our virtual studio.

Hope you enjoyed this experiment and be sure to check out Tatman’s [BONUS] here.


Remember each Monday during the 3.0 year I am posting an original skull design. My weekly offerings are nothing compared to the one-a-day massive project done by the Skullmaster in 1.0, but hopefully you will find some nourishment in these weekly offerings.

C-Rations: 0C10100

This week’s offering is Cubist-inspired.

“Triptych Pericrania” approx. 6.5" X 12.5" pen and marker on archival cotton paper

Rubik C says:
As we approach Halloween, it seemed appropriate to choose an influence so largely based on masks. This portrait of Les Crânes du Skellington is an homage to early twentieth century artists like Braques, Picasso, Gauguin, and Gris who created painting abstractions, based on recognizable images, that asserted the images as representation, a concept further explored by the Avante-garde, Surrealism and Dada.

Cubist artists were heavily influenced by the "primitive" sculpture and masks of Africa, Iberia, and Tahiti, as well as the the later work of Cézanne. Cubist painting often has repeated marks that resemble carving marks in wood and mask-like eyes, inspired by sculpture, and multiple views of an object seen simultaneously, based on interpretations of the works of Cézanne.

Remember each Monday during the 3.0 year I am posting an original skull design. My weekly offerings are nothing compared to the one-a-day massive project done by the Skullmaster in 1.0, but hopefully you will find some nourishment in these weekly offerings.

C-Rations: 0C101111

This week’s offering is a Cantaloupe.

“Already Married” 6" x 5" Pealed Cantaloupe.

Cucurbit C says:

While it is welcomed and amazing that traditional summer fruits are available all year round, it concerns me about the sustainability of this practice. I heard a report this week on the economic impact of the volcanic eruption in Iceland, and the millions of dollars of food that rotted in Africa because they were unable to deliver the produce to Europe by air. My thoughts this week are with the ever shrinking world and the impact of events on it’s populations. My thoughts also turn to the chemicals that allow for greater crop yields through pesticides and fertilizers, the social and economic impact on the local labor employed to tend and harvest those crops, and the natural resources used to get this product to market thousands of miles away from its source.

Remember each Monday during the 3.0 year I am posting an original skull design. My weekly offerings are nothing compared to the one-a-day massive project done by the Skullmaster in 1.0, but hopefully you will find some nourishment in these weekly offerings.

Need more nourishment? You can always Friend or Follow.

[Flashback Friday] 5.52 - First Skulls

Welcome to another addition of Flashback Friday.** This year the guest editors, Tatman, Citizen Agent, and myself, Azurafae are taking turns reflecting on 17 of our personal favorite skulls from the previous four years of postings. So please join us as we visit the archives and add our additional commentary on some of the original pieces.

Since today is the last Flashback Friday of the 5.0 year, I decided we should flash way back to our first skulls part of the Skull-A-Day team. I'm posting them in order of appearance.

1. Orange Paper Skull

C-Rations: 0C1

Tuesdays with Tatman #1

Dia de la Abby #1 - Cut Paper Sugar Skull

I enjoy seeing how different our styles of artwork are. That's what's nice about a project using the same motif, the styles will variate between people, and even in our own artwork. Noah's piece was something simple he made one day, when he decided to start the project. Citizen Agent and Tatman's pieces were inspired by the flag contest that was going on at the time. Mine was inspired by papel picado. We've all grown as artists and art admirers, since we started working on this project, and that in it's self is a great side effect of being lovingly dedicated to something. We are pleased to continue sharing skull art with you, weather it's something we created, or the work of another artist. Cheers to another year of a wonderful project and experience!



 **Flashback Friday was a weekly countdown of the fan selected top 52 skulls of Skull-A-Day 1.0. Each week during year 3.0 The Skullmaster posted the original skull along with some additional commentary in order from lowest to highest rated, with the #1 skull appearing in the last week of year 3.0, all 52 can be found here. During year 4.0 the editors had their chance to countdown their favorites Azurafae HERE, Citizen Agent HERE, and Tatman HERE.

C-Rations: 0C110100

This week’s offering is a Cake.

“To Die For” 6.5" x 5" x 5" Hand constructed Red velvet cake, with vanilla icing.

Celebration C says:

Today’s post is marking the end of year 3.0 for me. Can you believe that it has been a year already? You have all provided me with a great amount of inspiration as I journeyed to complete my weekly projects this year. So to you all I share a piece of this cake and raise my Tatman Glass to toast you and the beginning of year 4.0 which starts later this week. C-Rations will continue in 4.0, but look for me on my new day next week, Wednesday.

Each Monday during the 3.0 year I posted an original skull design. My weekly offerings were nothing compared to the one-a-day massive project done by the Skullmaster in 1.0, but hopefully you found some nourishment in those weekly offerings.

Need more nourishment during the week? You can always Friend or Follow.

C-Rations: 0C110001

This week’s offering is Cloud Gate.

“What'choo talkin' 'bout, Tower? ” 6" x 4" cut post card.


Bespin C says:

Some of you may have already guessed from last week’s C-Rations that I am in America’s Second City- Chicago this week. Besides the Art Institute, the two main attractions that anyone must see are the Willis Tower and the Cloud Gate. I enjoyed this week being able to use a piece of art to create art. It has been a year since the Sears Tower was officially renamed and these souvenir cards are beginning to be replaced by the new ones. My tribute this week reflects the iconic name slowly slipping away to become a piece of Chicago’s cultural memory at the same time embracing part of a recent addition to it.

Remember each Monday during the 3.0 year I am posting an original skull design. My weekly offerings are nothing compared to the one-a-day massive project done by the Skullmaster in 1.0, but hopefully you will find some nourishment in these weekly offerings.

Need more nourishment? You can always Friend or Follow.

[Flashback Friday] 5.25- Holiday Skulls

Welcome to another addition of Flashback Friday.** This year the guest editors, Tatman, Azurafae, and myself, Citizen Agent, are taking turns reflecting on 17 of our personal favorite skulls from the previous four years of postings. So please join us as we visit the archives and add our additional commentary on some of the original pieces.

Since today is the “official” kick off to the holiday season I thought I would Flashback to some skullliday crafts from us as inspiration for something to give this year instead of waiting in line 18 hours for something to buy simply because it is “on sale”.

In order of appearance:

First up is The Skullmaster with his 239. Wire Ball Skull

Balled 24 Gauge Metal Wire (2.5in x 2in x 2.25in)

Next up is Tatman with Tuesdays With Tatman #27


Next is by myself, Citizen Agent, with C-Rations: 0C11100

“Sarah Cous” approx. 4" X 3" Fresh orange pierced with cloves on a leather hanger.

And last is Azurafae with Dia de la Abby: #27 - Skullflake (Skull Snowflake)


Simply C says:

Wishing all of you Happy Skullidays. If you are inspired to create some skulltastic gifts or decorations please make sure you record your greatness and send the results this way to our Submission Box.

**Flashback Friday was a weekly countdown of the fan selected top 52 skulls of Skull-A-Day 1.0. Each week during year 3.0 The Skullmaster posted the original skull along with some additional commentary in order from lowest to highest rated, with the #1 skull appearing in the last week of year 3.0, all 52 can be found here. During year 4.0 the editors had their chance to countdown their favorites Azurafae HERE, Citizen Agent HERE, and Tatman HERE.

C-Rations: 0C11100

This week’s offering is Citrus And Cloves.

“Sarah Cous” approx. 4" X 3" Fresh orange pierced with cloves on a leather hanger.

Pomander C says:

I went looking for information on how to make one of these and in my research I found some great historical Memento Mori related items here and here. If you don't mind your hands smelling like citrus and cloves for a while, this is the site where I learned how to make this. Also, please look closely at the picture and see if you can find another Christmas tradition that is hanging around.

Remember each Monday during the 3.0 year I am posting an original skull design. My weekly offerings are nothing compared to the one-a-day massive project done by the Skullmaster in 1.0, but hopefully you will find some nourishment in these weekly offerings.

C-Rations: 0C110011

This week’s offering is Cans of the aluminum type.

“Second Life” 48" x 36" aluminum cans collected and arranged.


Woodsy C says:

Since I am unable to get to the Gulf to offer my assistance, I decided to do something small for my community. There is a culvert at the end of the street that serves the purpose of collecting rain water in order to properly channel the water to avoid flooding. It does an excellent job in what it is suppose to do. On the other hand, it has also acquired an unintended purpose, to collect all the street trash that washes down the gutters. Just a few hours of my time and now a few less bags of trash will make it to the oceans, and the glass, plastic, and aluminum are being sent to recycling. We all may not be directly affected by the environmental catastrophe that is happening to the Gulf, but we can all do a part in making other local environments more hospitable. I challenge all of our friends out there to do something positive this week, some of you have a long weekend coming up, so give a darn and go pick some stuff up.

Remember each Monday during the 3.0 year I am posting an original skull design. My weekly offerings are nothing compared to the one-a-day massive project done by the Skullmaster in 1.0, but hopefully you will find some nourishment in these weekly offerings.

Need more nourishment? You can always Friend or Follow.

[BONUS] C-Rations: 07·08·09

This week's [BONUS] offering is a comic

"07·08·09" Pen & Ink cartoon strip on 11" x 8.5" paper

Schoolyard C says:

Today's [BONUS] C-Rations skull was brought to you by the numbers 7,8,9 and the Letter C. I couldn't pass today up without taking a moment to remember one of my favorite jokes.

Remember each Monday during the 3.0 year I am posting an original skull design. My weekly offerings are nothing compared to the one-a-day massive project done by the Skullmaster in 1.0, but hopefully you will find some nourishment in these weekly offerings.

C-Rations: 0C11001

This week’s offering is a Cornucopia


“Horn of Amalthea” approx. 12" X 11" wicker cornucopia arranged with apples, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, cranberries, mushrooms, onions, parsnips, pears, and turnips.

Wampanoags C says:

Since last week’s skull was about a modern tradition, I decided to go back to do a more traditional depiction this time, and what’s more traditional than using a symbol going back to the 5th century BC? In getting ready for the Thanksgiving Holiday this week, I ventured out to the sacred grocery grounds to hunt and gather this bounty of fruits and vegetables that will be prepared later on this week for the big celebratory feast in which the different tribes gather for the day.

Remember each Monday during the 3.0 year I am posting an original skull design. My weekly offerings are nothing compared to the one-a-day massive project done by the Skullmaster in 1.0, but hopefully you will find some nourishment in these weekly offerings.

C-Rations: 0C1001

This week’s offering is a Collage
“Ca 3|6=9” Approx 16.25" x 11" Collage. Used wrapping paper and magazine ads

Cut and Paste C says:

The first Monday of the month is usually reserved for my monthly contest example. Since last month’s contest is being held over, see here, this week it was back into C’s bag of tricks to explore another “traditional” art form. Did you know that the term collage is derived from the French: coller, meaning to glue? Now you know, and knowing is half the battle.

Remember each Monday during the 3.0 year I am posting an original skull design. My weekly offerings are nothing compared to the one-a-day massive project done by the Skullmaster in 1.0, but hopefully you will find some nourishment in these weekly offerings.

C-Rations: 0C100000

This week’s offering is Clementines.

“Pulp Fiction” 9" X 8" arranged clementine fruit, peel, pith, and wrapping material.

Citrus C says:

While snacking on winter's ubiquitous fruit, I noticed that the pulp was shaped like muscle cells and the veining and pith looked like veins or neoron dendrites in the brain. Assemblage of these pulpy segments resulted in a rather visceral skull.

Remember each Monday during the 3.0 year I am posting an original skull design. My weekly offerings are nothing compared to the one-a-day massive project done by the Skullmaster in 1.0, but hopefully you will find some nourishment in these weekly offerings.

C-Rations: 0C11

This week's offering is colored pencil on cardstock.

Civil Conflict: 8.5" x 11" colored pencil and gold-flecked handmade, colored paper on colored, textured cardstock in honor of those who have died in the Iranian protests and those fighting for their voices to be heard

Caspian C says:

Today's skull represents both the tragedy of the Iran's violence against its own people and the danger of a society in which people are unable to exercise the right of free speech. The color green is being used in the protests to show solidarity with candidate Mir-Hossein Mousavi as well as to symbolize Islam.

Remember each Monday during the 3.0 year I am posting an original skull design. My weekly offerings are nothing compared to the one-a-day massive project done by the Skullmaster in 1.0, but hopefully you will find some nourishment in these weekly offerings.

C-Rations: 0C11101

This week’s offering is Caramel.

“Sugar Great-Granddaddy” 8.5" X 6" handmade Caramel Candy, molded.

Sticky Fingers C says:

I wanted to explore another Christmas tradition this week and decided to choose the experience of making candy. Wow! What an experience it was. I commend anyone who does this on a regular basis. Caramel is a temperamental item to cook and to play with, but if you want to give it a go here is the place I got my info from. Just a word of warning, watch out for boiling sugar, and don't worry, great-granddad will find a good home this holiday season.

Remember each Monday during the 3.0 year I am posting an original skull design. My weekly offerings are nothing compared to the one-a-day massive project done by the Skullmaster in 1.0, but hopefully you will find some nourishment in these weekly offerings.

C-Rations: 0C10010

This week’s offering is a Copper Wire Circuit

“Out of Service” approx. 17" X 11" reused 12AWG Copper wire scrap and electrical outlet

Grounded C says:

In thinking about my skull for the week I finally discovered how the light bulb in my head works.

This is just a shot in the dark, but I think I found the problem, this wiring isn't up to code.

Alternative view showing detail
[UPDATE]
Tatman made a connection (pun intended) with a former Skull-A-Day guest Terry Border with this piece. I went back and checked out his blog and it appears that Terry has a new book that went on sale today. So this one's for Terry, Best Wishes in the publishing world.

Remember each Monday during the 3.0 year I am posting an original skull design. My weekly offerings are nothing compared to the one-a-day massive project done by the Skullmaster in 1.0, but hopefully you will find some nourishment in these weekly offerings.

C-Rations: 0C11010

This week’s offering is a Casualty

“I Want to Cry” approx. 12" X 7" arranged pieces of a broken antique milk-glass mixing bowl

Sunbeam C says:

It’s all fun and games until something gets broken, and then it’s time for art. It was a very sad day for me when this family heirloom mixing bowl got broken by accident over the holiday. This was one of my favorite bowls of all time because it was so versatile, and it was thought to be between 60-70 years old. My loss however is lessened knowing that it will continue to live on in this new artistic role.

Remember each Monday during the 3.0 year I am posting an original skull design. My weekly offerings are nothing compared to the one-a-day massive project done by the Skullmaster in 1.0, but hopefully you will find some nourishment in these weekly offerings.