Saturday, July 4, 2009
And the BONUS winners are...
Way back in May we had a contest to win a set of skull skins from Wrapstar. I notified one winner, since that's the usual deal, but didn't remember that this contest was to actually supposed to have THREE winners until just recently. So as of today we have two new winners: congratulations to Amanda and Shawn!
Bloody Face
Today is Independence Day here in the U.S.A. It is a day that we here celebrate for gaining our independence as a free nation. But, like anything worth fighting for, it comes with a price. Matt Gregg from Dayton, Ohio has created a fantastic piece titled "Bloody Face".
Never forget the bloody faces that have tried to make this world better, one way or another, for one reason or another, with their sacrifices. "Death be not proud, though some have called thee". Awesome work, Matt!
Never forget the bloody faces that have tried to make this world better, one way or another, for one reason or another, with their sacrifices. "Death be not proud, though some have called thee". Awesome work, Matt!
Friday, July 3, 2009
After Life: a skull exhibition - preview
After Life, an exhibition of pieces from the Skull-A-Day project, opens tonight in Richmond, Virginia at Quirk Gallery. For those of you who can't make it, here are a few images from the installation of 100+ pieces, which includes several new large scale pieces that have never been shown before. Most of the work is for sale, so if you've always wanted to own a piece of Skull-A-Day, this is your chance. Contact the gallery for more information.
UPDATE: More pictures can be found on Flickr HERE.
p.s. If you are a gallery owner and would like to bring this show or a show of large scale prints from the project to your space please get in touch.
UPDATE: More pictures can be found on Flickr HERE.p.s. If you are a gallery owner and would like to bring this show or a show of large scale prints from the project to your space please get in touch.
[Flashback Friday] 261. Skullmouflage
Flashback Friday is a weekly countdown of the fan selected top 52 skulls of Skull-A-Day 1.o. Each week I'll be posting an 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 of the project...
#48: 261. Skullmouflage
I really wanted to make this look as much like real camo as possible, so I researched it online and found that the shapes tended to be more horizontal than vertical so I all made the skulls go sideways to match that, hopefully it also made it look more like camo on first glance. I did eventually make this into a repeating pattern, which you can grab HERE to use as a background image if you like.
This pattern is available on a notebook from the fine folks at Modofly. You can see a picture of an actual one HERE.
And hey, if you're interested in buying this as actual fabric let me know, I'm considering offering a limited amount for sale.
[UPDATE] This skull has now been added to the Facebook Send-A-Skull application!
#48: 261. Skullmouflage
I really wanted to make this look as much like real camo as possible, so I researched it online and found that the shapes tended to be more horizontal than vertical so I all made the skulls go sideways to match that, hopefully it also made it look more like camo on first glance. I did eventually make this into a repeating pattern, which you can grab HERE to use as a background image if you like.
This pattern is available on a notebook from the fine folks at Modofly. You can see a picture of an actual one HERE.
And hey, if you're interested in buying this as actual fabric let me know, I'm considering offering a limited amount for sale.
[UPDATE] This skull has now been added to the Facebook Send-A-Skull application!
Inspiration Skull
9 year old Ryan was inspired by the Skulls book purchased by her mother.
Ryan's mom wrote: "... we've had a lot of fun with it [the book] in our family. I have a 9 year old daughter who was inspired to create this from a folded piece of notebook paper. I thought it was genius. Her little brother managed to rip part of it...what would be a tooth, but other than that you can see it's symmetrical. I thought it was pretty impressive. You should notice the feminine qualities in this skull. She has somewhat of a do and girly shaped eyes. It's definitely a girl. "
College Ruled C says:
Congratulations Ryan on your first skull submission to Skull-A-Day. If you are not already aware our beloved Skullmaster's first skull was also a cut paper skull. Ryan don't forget to try you hand at one of the monthly contests we are doing this year. You can find the current one here. We would love to see what else may inspire you.
Speaking of the Skullmaster, if you are near Richmond, VA you need to go check out some the origional skulls in person during his show at the Quirk Gallery. The Show opens tonight (7-3-09) with special night hours from 7:00PM-10:00PM.
Ryan's mom wrote: "... we've had a lot of fun with it [the book] in our family. I have a 9 year old daughter who was inspired to create this from a folded piece of notebook paper. I thought it was genius. Her little brother managed to rip part of it...what would be a tooth, but other than that you can see it's symmetrical. I thought it was pretty impressive. You should notice the feminine qualities in this skull. She has somewhat of a do and girly shaped eyes. It's definitely a girl. "
College Ruled C says:
Congratulations Ryan on your first skull submission to Skull-A-Day. If you are not already aware our beloved Skullmaster's first skull was also a cut paper skull. Ryan don't forget to try you hand at one of the monthly contests we are doing this year. You can find the current one here. We would love to see what else may inspire you.
Speaking of the Skullmaster, if you are near Richmond, VA you need to go check out some the origional skulls in person during his show at the Quirk Gallery. The Show opens tonight (7-3-09) with special night hours from 7:00PM-10:00PM.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Skull-A-Day 3.0 Monthly Contest for July
JULY 2009 CONTEST: "I ♥ Skull-A-Day "
July is traditionally the start of travel season here in America, so we thought this would be a great opportunity for you to share your love for Skull-A-Day while enjoying the outdoors. Here is what we ask: design a shirt or sign with "I ♥ Skull-A-Day" (you can use "heart"), and take a picture of you with it at a travel destination spot. This spot can be famous, not so famous, or infamous. Not to worry, all of you not on vacation this month, or taking staycations this year, there are plenty of the above mentioned places in your own hometown. All we ask is that you get out of your residence for a while.
Criteria for submission: Submissions must include the readable phrase "I ♥ Skull-A-Day" on either a shirt or sign. You may use any medium to create your message on the object. Pictures must include a noticeable part of the place you visited as well as the phrase mentioned, and please remember to tell us about the place where the photo was taken.
Deadline:July 31,2009 August 31, 2009
Happy trails to you. Don't be shy. Get working on your submission and send it in soon!
SKULL-A-DAY 3.0 MONTHLY CONTESTS
This is another exciting monthly contest Skull-A-Day is doing throughout year 3.0. We, The Skullmaster, Tatman, and myself, Citizen Agent, realize that it is you, the fans of the project, who continue to keep this site going, and over and over again you have shown us the amazing talent that is inside all of you. Our monthly contests are one more way in which everyone can get involved. We want to inspire you with a topic each month and see what you come up with in response to it.
The Details: The usual submission rules apply here, all work must be original and must fit the criteria for the current monthly contest. All contests will begin when announced, around the 1st of the month, and run through the end of the month. All entries must be e-mailed to the submissions address within 24 hours of the close of the contest to be considered for the random drawing. Be sure to include the name of the contest in the subject line of your e-mail.
About the Prize: 12 unique hand-made prizes will be awarded throughout the 3.0 Skull-A-Day year. Each month one prize will be awarded one week after the end of the contest to a random participant, at which time all submitted work will be exhibited on Skull-A-Day.
July is traditionally the start of travel season here in America, so we thought this would be a great opportunity for you to share your love for Skull-A-Day while enjoying the outdoors. Here is what we ask: design a shirt or sign with "I ♥ Skull-A-Day" (you can use "heart"), and take a picture of you with it at a travel destination spot. This spot can be famous, not so famous, or infamous. Not to worry, all of you not on vacation this month, or taking staycations this year, there are plenty of the above mentioned places in your own hometown. All we ask is that you get out of your residence for a while.
Criteria for submission: Submissions must include the readable phrase "I ♥ Skull-A-Day" on either a shirt or sign. You may use any medium to create your message on the object. Pictures must include a noticeable part of the place you visited as well as the phrase mentioned, and please remember to tell us about the place where the photo was taken.
Deadline:
Happy trails to you. Don't be shy. Get working on your submission and send it in soon!
SKULL-A-DAY 3.0 MONTHLY CONTESTS
This is another exciting monthly contest Skull-A-Day is doing throughout year 3.0. We, The Skullmaster, Tatman, and myself, Citizen Agent, realize that it is you, the fans of the project, who continue to keep this site going, and over and over again you have shown us the amazing talent that is inside all of you. Our monthly contests are one more way in which everyone can get involved. We want to inspire you with a topic each month and see what you come up with in response to it.
The Details: The usual submission rules apply here, all work must be original and must fit the criteria for the current monthly contest. All contests will begin when announced, around the 1st of the month, and run through the end of the month. All entries must be e-mailed to the submissions address within 24 hours of the close of the contest to be considered for the random drawing. Be sure to include the name of the contest in the subject line of your e-mail.
About the Prize: 12 unique hand-made prizes will be awarded throughout the 3.0 Skull-A-Day year. Each month one prize will be awarded one week after the end of the contest to a random participant, at which time all submitted work will be exhibited on Skull-A-Day.
3 Skulls, 2 Textures, 1 Great Idea
Boston artist Alycia Garcia presents us with a mixture of mediums in her 3 skulls. Ink and embroidery make a fine combination for this trio.
The use of 2 mediums in one piece is a great idea. Anyone else feeling inspired?
The use of 2 mediums in one piece is a great idea. Anyone else feeling inspired?
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
[CONTEST] Wiskullsin T-shirt Giveaway
Josh Rickun, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has graciously offered to give away one of his custom designed WiSKULLSiN T-shirts to one lucky Skull-A-Day fan (and no you don't have to be from Wisconsin to win)!
To be entered in a random drawing for the shirt just leave a comment below saying what you think the Wiskullsin state motto should be!
IMPORTANT: Don't forget to include a way to contact you (either an e-mail in the post OR make sure your Blogger profile has an e-mail link for you on it).
You have until just Midnight Eastern Time July 7th to enter so don't delay! The contest is over and the winner will be announced soon!
And of course you don't have to wait to get your very own WiSKULLSiN shirt, you can get it today HERE.
Good luck!
[UPDATE: Please note the correct spelling is Wiskullsin with a "k", my mistake for putting it with a "c" originally!]
p.s. People from Willskullsin are clearly very serious about their love for the state...
To be entered in a random drawing for the shirt just leave a comment below saying what you think the Wiskullsin state motto should be!
IMPORTANT: Don't forget to include a way to contact you (either an e-mail in the post OR make sure your Blogger profile has an e-mail link for you on it).
And of course you don't have to wait to get your very own WiSKULLSiN shirt, you can get it today HERE.
Good luck!
[UPDATE: Please note the correct spelling is Wiskullsin with a "k", my mistake for putting it with a "c" originally!]
p.s. People from Willskullsin are clearly very serious about their love for the state...
For all the Skull Marbles
Glass Artist Brad Pearson wrote: "Here are a few of my marbles, these designs are one of the most popular designs I make. Marbles are about 1.5" and handmade out of Italian glass using a torch and glass rods."
Knuckle Down C says:
I am a great admirer of the glass arts. These designs are amazing, I love that a piece of art can fit in to your pocket. Do you also make mibs or just the shooters? It would be fun to have a custom set of 13 + 2 done with skulls for my next round. Thanks for submitting this work and I look forward to seeing more of your work.
Knuckle Down C says:I am a great admirer of the glass arts. These designs are amazing, I love that a piece of art can fit in to your pocket. Do you also make mibs or just the shooters? It would be fun to have a custom set of 13 + 2 done with skulls for my next round. Thanks for submitting this work and I look forward to seeing more of your work.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Tuesdays With Tatman #4
I was inspired by the Skull Master's 211. Etched Skull so I thought I might try it myself as something new that I've never done. So in true Skull-A-Day fashion I present you with Glassman's creations.
This candle holder measures 4 1/2 inches wide and deep by 4 1/4 inches high. I tried to make all four sides appear like they are viewed from that perspective. Similar to Noah's 216. Copper Cube Skull.
This bud vase is only 3 1/2 inches tall and each skull is only 7/8 inch across.
Each Tuesday in the 3.0 year will bring a new Tuesday With Tatman. As a tribute to the Skull Master's astounding feat let's all get creative and try something new(and hopefully skull related).
This candle holder measures 4 1/2 inches wide and deep by 4 1/4 inches high. I tried to make all four sides appear like they are viewed from that perspective. Similar to Noah's 216. Copper Cube Skull.
This bud vase is only 3 1/2 inches tall and each skull is only 7/8 inch across.
Each Tuesday in the 3.0 year will bring a new Tuesday With Tatman. As a tribute to the Skull Master's astounding feat let's all get creative and try something new(and hopefully skull related).
Sketchy Penskull
Artist, web designer, and self professed skull lover Brian 'eEL' Albright sends us a pen sketch that he did way back in 1993. Sixteen years later he wants you to "harness the powers of dARkness" at his dARKBRAin Design web site.
Ink pen has such a classy texture to it. Great work, Brian. I'm sure your entry for the June flag contest is sitting in your out box already mailed to us, right. Today is the last day.
Ink pen has such a classy texture to it. Great work, Brian. I'm sure your entry for the June flag contest is sitting in your out box already mailed to us, right. Today is the last day.
Monday, June 29, 2009
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.
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.
Stepping Skulls
Daryle Dickens writes: "Greetings: I made these two stepping stone skulls out of concrete..."
A close up
Olmsted C says:
21st century artists make sure you check out Daryle's blog. Thanks for submitting your work. I like these very much. It looks as if you may have some Poison Ivy on the fence in the back, having these skulls where they are, makes me feel that you are communicating danger in the area. The sense of danger is further demonstrated by the exploded flower pot. You never know when those things will go off. Watch out!
A close up
Olmsted C says:21st century artists make sure you check out Daryle's blog. Thanks for submitting your work. I like these very much. It looks as if you may have some Poison Ivy on the fence in the back, having these skulls where they are, makes me feel that you are communicating danger in the area. The sense of danger is further demonstrated by the exploded flower pot. You never know when those things will go off. Watch out!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Sunday Simulacra - Version 3.4
Once again our readers turn bounty hunters and search out the skulls hiding amongst us.
Birthday Girl Dawn tells us, "My birthday was in February and some of my co-workers decorated my car with chalk, happy b-day etc. This was a happy face on the driver's side window and after 3 months of not washing the chalk off the result was an accidental skull in the right eye of the face! How can I wash my car now?"
Ummm, you can't.
Pub attendee Matt writes us, "Hello. I just stumbled on your great site. Here's an image of a skull in a pint glass that I always liked. Cheers."
That might explain the "stumbling".
And of course, yours truly has the skull eye. This guy showed up on my foot after my new flip flops got wet.
Okay now, all of you would be skull hunters, we can't do this without you. Get your skull eyes open and submit your hidden simulacra. Just remember, we only do this once a week so it may be a while before we post the face of your fugitive.
Birthday Girl Dawn tells us, "My birthday was in February and some of my co-workers decorated my car with chalk, happy b-day etc. This was a happy face on the driver's side window and after 3 months of not washing the chalk off the result was an accidental skull in the right eye of the face! How can I wash my car now?"
Ummm, you can't.Pub attendee Matt writes us, "Hello. I just stumbled on your great site. Here's an image of a skull in a pint glass that I always liked. Cheers."
That might explain the "stumbling".And of course, yours truly has the skull eye. This guy showed up on my foot after my new flip flops got wet.
Okay now, all of you would be skull hunters, we can't do this without you. Get your skull eyes open and submit your hidden simulacra. Just remember, we only do this once a week so it may be a while before we post the face of your fugitive.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Doodle-Zook Skulls
Creative theorist and solution engineer Shawn White shares with us, "A few designs I worked up and am anticipating screen printing onto t-shirts". He adds, "I've never considered myself an "artist" but have always had that burning need to create. After having attempting to placate my need to create by doodling for the past decade, I've decided to start screen printing as a creative outlet. I'm also planning to sell these on-line".
Thanks to Shawn for sharing his creativity with us . He will have to let us know when he adds these designs to his store. He has a few other things to choose from for now. Maybe he's busy making a flag for the June contest? Or maybe he anticipates what next month may bring?????
Thanks to Shawn for sharing his creativity with us . He will have to let us know when he adds these designs to his store. He has a few other things to choose from for now. Maybe he's busy making a flag for the June contest? Or maybe he anticipates what next month may bring?????
Friday, June 26, 2009
[Flashback Friday] 167. Skull By Numbers
Flashback Friday is a weekly countdown of the fan selected top 52 skulls of Skull-A-Day 1.o. Each week I'll be posting an 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 of the project...
#49: 167. Skull By Numbers
The book Paint By Number was an inspiration and reference for this one. I'd actually made a paint by number image for one of my clients a few years back, so I had an idea about how to go about doing this (at the bottom of the original post I explain the whole process), but I decided to take things one step further and actually disguise the image that you are painting. So if you think you're going to get a painting of two skulls you're in for a surprise...
You can download a hi-res PDF of it HERE to do it yourself. Please send us a picture of the results!
NOTE: You will have to mix your own colors, use the swatches at the bottom as a guide, but feel free to experiment with different palettes. I recommend acrylics or tempera, but anything opaque will work.
And if you're impatient you can cheat and see the end result HERE.
[UPDATE] This skull has now been added to the Facebook Send-A-Skull application!
#49: 167. Skull By Numbers
The book Paint By Number was an inspiration and reference for this one. I'd actually made a paint by number image for one of my clients a few years back, so I had an idea about how to go about doing this (at the bottom of the original post I explain the whole process), but I decided to take things one step further and actually disguise the image that you are painting. So if you think you're going to get a painting of two skulls you're in for a surprise...
You can download a hi-res PDF of it HERE to do it yourself. Please send us a picture of the results!
NOTE: You will have to mix your own colors, use the swatches at the bottom as a guide, but feel free to experiment with different palettes. I recommend acrylics or tempera, but anything opaque will work.
And if you're impatient you can cheat and see the end result HERE.
[UPDATE] This skull has now been added to the Facebook Send-A-Skull application!
Night of the Living Skull
Meg from Texas said: "These are pictures of my Halloween costume from last year, I just found out that you can send photos into this website, I hope you like them!"
Facebook C says:
We do like them very much Meg. Hope you had fun that night as a skull. Since we will never get a chance to meet most of the fans out there, it is nice to see you with your best skull forward. Are there any other fans out there want to share your skull face? We would love to see you done up with your best skull on.
Facebook C says:
We do like them very much Meg. Hope you had fun that night as a skull. Since we will never get a chance to meet most of the fans out there, it is nice to see you with your best skull forward. Are there any other fans out there want to share your skull face? We would love to see you done up with your best skull on.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Faux Embroidery Skull
Dallas area artists Tom Sale and Judy Vetter, a.k.a. The Tom & Judy show, bring us a faux embroidery skull full of vibrant colors. What is faux embroidery you might ask? It's a non stitched thread piece on dyed vintage fabric. Tom & Judy are collaborative artists who use their own art skills combined together to make unique pieces. A real team effort.
I really like the multi-colored look of this piece. Of course, it does remind me of another thread skull done long ago, but the colors of this piece give it a whole new life.
I really like the multi-colored look of this piece. Of course, it does remind me of another thread skull done long ago, but the colors of this piece give it a whole new life.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
After Life: A Skull Exhibition
Just a reminder that my art show which features 100+ of my original pieces from Skull-A-Day as well as several new works based on the project opens the first weekend in July here in Richmond, VA. If you're in the area I hope you'll stop by! There are several events that will be happening during the two months the show is up, so you've got lots of opportunities to meet me and see the skulls this summer...
Also if you're a gallery owner and would like to bring some/all of this show or large photographs from the project to your town please get in touch.
image: #312 Quilled Skull
AFTER LIFE: A Skull Exhibition
Quirk Gallery
311 W. Broad St.
Richmond, VA 23220
804.644.5450
OPENING: Friday, July 3rd 7-10pm (during First Friday Art Walk)
THROUGH: August 22
10-5 Monday - Friday & 11-4 Saturdays
ALSO Save The Dates:
BOOK SIGNING: Saturday, July 25th 1-3pm
I’ll be signing copies of my book SKULLS at the gallery.
Copies will be available for sale in the Quirk shop throughout the run of the show.
SKULLS FOR KIDS: August 8th 10am-noon
A great opportunity for kids to engage with the project by making their own skulls from a wide range of craft materials. I’ll be on hand to talk about the project and document the results.
FREE for kids of all ages.
TEA PARTY: August 15th 2-4pm
Enjoy a spot of tea while giving the show another look before the closing.
I will give a short talk about the history of the project and be on hand to answer questions.
311 W. Broad St.
Richmond, VA 23220
804.644.5450
OPENING: Friday, July 3rd 7-10pm (during First Friday Art Walk)
THROUGH: August 22
10-5 Monday - Friday & 11-4 Saturdays
ALSO Save The Dates:
BOOK SIGNING: Saturday, July 25th 1-3pm
I’ll be signing copies of my book SKULLS at the gallery.
Copies will be available for sale in the Quirk shop throughout the run of the show.
SKULLS FOR KIDS: August 8th 10am-noon
A great opportunity for kids to engage with the project by making their own skulls from a wide range of craft materials. I’ll be on hand to talk about the project and document the results.
FREE for kids of all ages.
TEA PARTY: August 15th 2-4pm
Enjoy a spot of tea while giving the show another look before the closing.
I will give a short talk about the history of the project and be on hand to answer questions.
Also if you're a gallery owner and would like to bring some/all of this show or large photographs from the project to your town please get in touch.
image: #312 Quilled Skull
Animatronic Skull
Jim Boulden, President / Creative Director of Animal Makers Inc., in Simi Valley, California submitted this design for a skull he makes.
Small World C says:
This picture doesn't really do this piece justice, check out the link to see all the amazing things Jim does in his work. If I could ever afford it, I would love to have a piece like this to answer the door with to get rid of pesky solicitors. I see a lot more skulls in our future, cause it's a Skull World after all.
Remember the deadline for the June Contest is less than a week away, don't forget submitting an entry is your only chance to win this prize.
Small World C says:This picture doesn't really do this piece justice, check out the link to see all the amazing things Jim does in his work. If I could ever afford it, I would love to have a piece like this to answer the door with to get rid of pesky solicitors. I see a lot more skulls in our future, cause it's a Skull World after all.
Remember the deadline for the June Contest is less than a week away, don't forget submitting an entry is your only chance to win this prize.
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