Art Talk – Ben Davies of ‘Drŵg Co’

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Ben Davies is a Welsh based artist and toy maker new to the game yet already generating a lot of buzz thanks to his debut art toy release, the Slave keshi figure – released under the ‘Drwg Co’ label.

‘Drwg Co’ is an art collective made up of Ben and Roger Phillips, with each bringing their own unique talents to the creative partnership – with Ben commenting:

I draw things crudely and come up with the ideas, as well as being the public-facing mouthpiece of the whole endeavor. I also do anything digital, be it online, colouring, making graphics and sorting all the moulding, print production etc.

Roger will do much of the finalised line art, the sculpting and generally provide fatherly advice throughout.

(Picture below of The Slave keshi figure from ‘Drwgo Co’)

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With lots in store for ‘Drwg Co’ and a major buzz building, now is the perfect time to get to know all about Ben + ‘Drwg Co’ by reading the Art Talk below…

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 Art Talk – Erick Mahendra a.k.a Harian Harimau

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Erick Mahendra aka Harian Harimau is part of the tight-night Indonesian art scene – along with fellow ‘Art Whore’ interview subject Yahya Dwi Kurniawan aka ‘Yahyatune’ and other Art Whore Approved artists such as Gumilar Lukisani aka @gindringwaste, Reza Ray aka @rezarayfajar and Ican Harem.

The current Indonesian scene involves players who are often more than traditional artists, being clothing designers, photographers, musicians and general all round multi faceted creatives. Erick is part of this trend, being an artist, clothing designer and musician – creating works at a furious pace.

(A recent picture of Erick, below)

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With so much happening in the tight nit Indonesian scene, and Erick being an integral part, now is the perfect time to get that knowledge by reading the Art Talk below…

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Art Talk 2 – Edwin Vazquez

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American multi disciplinary artist Edwin Vazquez first came to Art Whore’s attention back in 2013 and has been working in a variety of mediums – art, design, app development, publishing, sculpture, printing and comics – ever since.

Edwin is mainly known for his work in the comic and illustration spheres, however recently he also decided to turn his skills to the mediums of design and digital media so as to grow – both artistically and personally.

With much to catch up with Edwin – such as a trip to Korea, working on the ‘Suspect Device’ anthology, and his ongoing ‘Werewolf of NYC’ comic – now is the perfect time to see were Edwin is at, by reading his 2nd Art Talk, below…

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Art Talk – Michael Kortez

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Michael Kortez is an American multidisciplinary artist most known for his tattoos and paintings – Infusing cubism, pop art, and surrealism into his own unique beast.

Hailing from what many would regard as the true home of Lowbrow and Pop Art, Los Angeles, Michael has been exhibiting his creations since a very young age, and has spent many years honing his many talents.

(Picture below of Michael painting)

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With a fast growing reputation and many projects in the works, now is the perfect time to get to know Michael by reading the Art Talk below…

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Art Talk – Louie Chavez of ‘Nuke Beach’

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Louie Chavez is an American multidisciplinary artist who recently turned his impressive array of skills to the art toy game under the banner ‘Nuke Beach’.

Louie has thus far released 2 large scale, entirely self-produced resin works to much acclaim, with many many more creations in the ‘Nuke Beach’ pipeline.

(Picture below of some ‘Nuke Beach’ resin freaks.)

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With Series 2 of ‘Nuke Beach’ in the works, and a slew of other figures ready for release, now is the perfect time to get to know Louie, his art and ‘Nuke Beach’, by reading the ‘Art Talk’ below:

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Art Talk – Cory Privitera of ‘Science Patrol’

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Cory P. of Science Patrol is an American born ‘gajin’ living and working in Japan producing sofubi designer toys, both independently and also as an apprentice.

Cory spent his formative years in the army, then in his early 30’s made the life changing decision to move to Japan to pursue his love for their art, culture and importantly toy scene, full time.

(Picture of the ‘Science Patrol’ logo)

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With a fast growing reputation and a new figure ready to be released, now is the perfect time to get to know Cory and his work, by reading the Art Talk interview below…

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Art Talk – Stian Simensen aka ‘Astrosim’ aka ‘Kvistbaal’

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Stian Simensen aka ‘Astrosim’ aka ‘Kvistbaal’ is a Norwegian artist gaining a strong and loyal following thanks to his work ethic, varied styles and unique eye.

Stian gained his initial foray into art like many of us – through a childhood exposed to pop culture and music. After stepping back from art for most of his 20’s, he emerged as an artist with an eye for detail, the macabre and that all important sense of narrative.

(Picture below of some digital art by Stian)

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With a whole new series of works ready to be debuted under the ‘Kvistbaal’ moniker and new art constantly being revealed, now is the perfect time to get to know Stian by reading the Art Talk below…

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Art Talk – Boyd Braden aka BOObotcher of ‘EPSW’

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Boyd Braden is a young American artist and designer pushing hard into the design scene, with both his apparel label ‘EPSW’ and recent debut art toy The Minatorg causing major waves.

(Picture below of the just released Minatorg resin – a collab with ole Scott Kinnebrew of ‘FOD’)

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With lots on the horizon, and a work ethic to be envied, now is the perfect time to get to know Boyd and his myriad of projects, by reading the Art Talk interview, below…

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Art Talk – Jun of ‘Kearjun’

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Jun and ‘Kearjun’ are part of the growing underground art scene in China, recently releasing the Youzha soft vinyl figure to much acclaim.

The Youzha figure is designed and sculpted by Jun in loving tribute to both one of his favorite films (‘Zombi 2’), and breakfast foods (the Chinese fried bread dish known as ‘Youtiao’). Interestingly, Jun chose to have his figure produced in China, as opposed to the usual place of manufacture for soft vinyl toys, Japan. A bold move by Jun which will hopefully solidify China as a reputable place for artists to get work produced, as opposed to the sweat-shop style factories it is famous for.

(Picture below of the Youzha soft vinyl figure by Kearjun)

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Jun’s artistic vision is a mix of pop art and surrealism, stating that, for him,

I believe everything can be art, even my breath at this moment if I’m willing to.

With his Youzha vinyl figure ready to debut in painted mass market form, and lots of other figures and art planned, now is the perfect time to get to know Jun aka Kearjun by reading the Art Talk interview below…

*N.B – the Art Talk with Jun was graciously translated by Jun’s dear friend Gabrielle*

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Art Talk – Yahya Dwi Kurniawan aka ‘Yahyatune’

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Yahya DK is a player in the small and tight knit underground arts scene in Indonesia producing both art and music at a frenetic pace.

Growing up in Indonesia Yahya was exposed to what he describes as ‘the smell’ of punk music and outsider art at a young age through bands such as ‘Rancid’ and ‘The Ramones’, tv show ‘Jackass’ and the visual aesthetic of pop and skateboard art.

(Picture below of Yahya)

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With ties to rising Australian art gang ‘Loser Unit’, a recent move into hand made patches, and a growing number of international fans, now is the perfect time to get to know Yahya by reading the Art Talk interview below…

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