The Crooked Art of Lana Crooks

Hello, January!

2012-01-08T15:05:00.000-06:00

Normally, January comes around and I spend one week in a food induced stupor, playing video games and napping... then right back to the grind. What is different this time? Well, I am playing video games and I am not sewing... Not sewing for the month of January.

I am currently very busy rebranding, building a new site, making new cards not only for myself but for OhNo!Doom gallery as well. We are both hitting reset and coming back to work with a BANG!

To hit the ultimate reset I will be literally taking to the sea. In 10 days I will be embarking on an adventure to the Galapagos via the NatGeo research vessel. Hopefully there are limited Kraken attacks...

Here is what I (personally & professionally) hope to accomplish this year:

Hot New website
New crazy products
Survive my adventure at sea
Take at least one full day off a week, starting with two with the hopes of maintaining one
Survive both a half marathon and triathlon
One new sculpture a month (for no real reason)
A slew of new shows and collabs
Create my first pair of handmade shoes... ooooo
Read a real book a little each day
Update my blog more often (yay)

I will be back in February to unveil all that occurred in these 31days.. Happy New Year, see you again soon!

Puffer Puss, NYCC & more!

2011-09-29T15:18:00.001-05:00

If you follow me on Twitter or my Facebook page you know I am constantly spouting off mysterious lists of ridiculous things I have to get done. This month has been the craziest to date! I have my new website in the works, 2 limited edition releases, more Cafe Grumpy beans & a collab piece (with artist Scott Tolleson) all due around the same time.

What does not kill me makes me stronger! Eh?

Here is some of what to look forward to...

Martin Hsu X Lana Crooks: Puffer Puss

This adorable puffer is handmade, limited and numbered / signed by both Martin and myself. More details about the release will follow. Keep an eye on http://crakens.com/ for purchase details. I will post more info and photos as well as the release nears...

Clutter X Lana Crooks: NYCC 2011

Something mysterious and pink will be popping up at the Clutter Magazine booth this NYCC! Another handmade, limited, numbered critter... http://www.cluttermagazine.com for booth info. Again, more teasers and info coming soon.

And, A huge Thank you to everyone who purchased art from my studio sale and donated to the PAWS charity! I was able to raise $1,050 for the charity and I completed the run, pouring rain and all!

Now, back to the plush mines I goooooooo......

PAWS 8k part 2

2011-09-19T11:38:00.000-05:00

Just a quick update! I have put together a studio sale of some of my larger / older pieces that need a good home. Any one who adopts one of these pieces will be helping shelter animals find their good homes! I will be donating 40% of each sale directly to the PAWS no kill shelter charity. My goal is to donate at least $1,000 to the charity as part of my 8k run pledge.

Studio sale can be found here, on ebay!

If you would prefer to give directly ($1, $15, $50, ect...) you may do so on the pledge page!

Thanks so much and happy bidding!

Running for PAWS!

2011-08-25T18:39:00.000-05:00

On Sunday, September 25, 2011, I will be participating in the Tenth Annual Run for Their Lives 8K Run to benefit PAWS Chicago! I have also been working to raise money to support PAWS Chicago’s targeted spay/neuter, innovative adoption and community outreach programs.

Until the week of the race I am having a sale on my Etsy page to help in the fundraising effort. With Coupon code RUN4PAWS you can get 20% off your purchase, for every purchase (even the large art pieces) made with this coupon I will donate another 20% directly to the charity! Some people have been even messaging me asking to use the 20% they would save towards the charity, thanks you guys! I have listed all of the art currently in my possession (thanks to the help of my assistant Veronica). I have had a great start but have a long way to my goal...

PAWS means no more Carpathian kitten loss

I have also had a great start to my training and i am pretty confident I will not parish before the finish line (Do not worry, the charity still gets 100% of the money I raise even if I am picked up by paramedics).

Tanuki filling our kitten supplies basket

My furry child, Tanuki, was adopted from PAWS, now she has a very loving home. If you would like to donate directly or just keep up to date on my progress you can do so here, My pledge page ! Any help to spread the word is (super) appreciated! Pass the info along, the puppies and kitties thank you!

Shows, Articles, Wholesale and Mooooore...

2011-06-22T22:11:00.005-05:00

Where do I even start? There has been so much plush-ing going on that I may be a touch behind. Sooo, here is a post designed to bring you up to date (hold on, it will be a long one)...

NOW:
Clutter Magazine Issue 15!

I am extremely honored to have been interviewed for this magazine! I definitely feel like it is a milestone in my career as the plushinator. I got a peek at the 4 page spread about a month ago and I cant wait to see it in person. haha reading this,you may or may not learn that I am nuts. More info about the release is now on their site:
http://www.cluttermagazine.com/news/2011/06/issue-15-out-now

Not only is Clutter a great art & designer toy publication,

t
hey are
amazing people to boot! Help support this awesome magazine by purchasing the new issue: http://www.cluttermagazine.com/shop/magazines/issue-15-gods-and-monsters

NEXT UP:

Imaginary Menagerie @OhNo!Doom, Chicago: July 9th

This is actually what has devoured a lot of my time over the last few months. July 9th opens the show filled with monstrous new works by myself, Amanda Louise Spayd, Chris Ryniak and Doktor A.

For my collection of pieces I have been inspired by armor and the critters that would (naturally) be wearing it.

Up until the day of the show I will continue to post a "Sneak Peek A Week" on my Flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lanacrooks/sets/72157626853127966/

If you would like to sign up for the preview list (your best chance at your favorite pieces) you can sign up on the OhNo!Doom site

Stitch Wars Strikes Back @ Bear and Bird Gallery (upstairs at Tates Comics) Lauderhill, FL

Opening Night Reception: Friday, August 12, 2011 • 7-10pm

I have something very specific planned and thats all I will say right now ;)
All those in South FL should head out to the opening even if you do not care about Star Wars!

PAST EVENT:
Vinylmation 9" Pirates Inspired Custom Release @Disney CA

A couple months I was asked to participate in this Custom Vinylmation event that took place in tandem with the Pirates or the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides movie release. I was unable to share images until the event was announced. I have not painted in so long and it was a great break from all the plush. This piece also holds the tiniest pirate coat I have ever made...and I hear it sold quite fast.

In Other News:
I have been preparing a wholesale catalog for my small run plush, t-shirts, pins and other goods, preparing files for my new website and entering some older one-of-a-kind pieces into my Etsy shop! Phew...i'm exhausted just thinking about all this.

April News!

2011-04-28T21:09:00.000-05:00

The last couple weeks have been super busy, but what else is new? I have filled up the to do list again...and have decided to start triathlon training. I am currently working on some secret projects, my new website (www.lanacrooks.com) and pieces for my 4 person show in July.No rest for the plushinator.

But, what I am really stoked about are the new Designer Toy Awards! I have received nominations in a couple categories (squeeeeeal):

Best Plush Design

Break Through Artist

(this whole write up is really amazing and sweet)

and Best Collab!

A brand new batch of these Cafe Grumpy Beans are on their way to NY. There are 40 in this bunch.
I will keep my fingers crossed on these awards :D. Please check out http://www.designertoyawards.com for all the categories and all the awesome nominees! You can even vote on a select categories that are open to public voting. I know I will be. The winners will be announced in July...TBA.

Before I forget, here is an image from the "You Lucky Bastard" show in Seattle:

I'm Lucky? Complete with plush rabbit foot keychain

Off I go to keep plushing.

Coming up for air...just for a sec.

2011-03-22T18:00:00.001-05:00

Hellooooooooo!

So much happening I am having trouble keeping up! This past weekend was C2E2 here in Chicago. We at OhNo!Doom had a rad booth, selling our wares. Will be posting some more of my Atomic mint cones, our new golden Idol button packs (i have a squid pin in there), our new tote (my drawn logo appears on the front) and various other goods online soon. I will post a link when that goes down. New show is going up in our gallery space April 2nd (Beast Friends: Keith Noordzy & Kali Meadows). Busy Busy...

What else is new? Lots...
Oh! Before I forget... I have a new twitter account! @lanacrooks is the place to be for random short sentences about releases, art events, what i am eating and where I am going. ;)

I also have a new Facebook page! Hope you like it and maybe tell other people that may also like things of this sort: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lana-plushinator-Crooks/110378259033423

Tor.com Blog!
I recently posted a brand new interview with Tara McPherson! You can read the whole thang on the tor site.

Upcoming Shows!
Exciting exciting news! New York, April 9th (7pm to midnight) I will be part of an amazing event; The Tiny Trifecta show curated by Tara McPherson at her new shop: The Cotton Candy Machine!! I will post a photo of my piece when I put it in the mail ;)

Seattle, April 23 (7pm - midnight) I will be in an Assembly Line Collective show called You Lucky Bastard @ 1022 1st Avenue South! Again, photos to come:

Chicago, July 9th @ OhNo!Doom I will be showing with Amanda Louise Spayd, Doktor A and Chris Ryniak! My plan is steam punk armored viking-like critters...we shall see how it progresses.

Denver, December ? @ Illiterate Gallery The OhNo!Doom Show (myself and the other 5 doomers bring it to the mile high city) more info...later

Puppets!
I created puppets for the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum here in Chicago. Weaver Birds!!! The exhibit opens in April and will be a six month adventure in tying knots with a bird head and foot..haha. I will post photos of the assembled exhibit when I go visit it next week.

Until then...here they are:

Okay, I will be locked up in my studio until mid April. Have an awesome project in the works. Trying to catch up on orders, update / change my website, making more Cafe Grumpy beaans, writing my monthly tor.com blog and remember I should have a day off every now and again. womp womp. Follow me on Twitter and Facebook for craz...er amazing updates!

The great moving sale of 2011

2011-01-28T18:40:00.001-06:00

I have been been moving my studio and house since mid December. I have finally unpacked enough to know I would love to make room for some new projects. I made A LOT of art over the last 2 years and I have 2 big shows so far this year (and a number of other projects). Im planning on taking things to a whole new level. So, to kick things off I am offering up to 50% off original one of a kind sculptures and customs!!

Please help me spread the word! Sale ends Feb. 14th! Thanks for rocking my world!

Another new Gig!

2010-12-16T17:53:00.000-06:00

Today marks the day in which I can add another line to the ole resume. I am honored to now be a part of the tor.com family of blog corresponders! I will be interviewing artists and finding/sharing amazing things on the internet!

To start off this new found "thing I do" I interviewed friend and fellow creature maker Amanda Louise Spayd!

Check it out:
Hand Cranked Creatures Interview

Two shows, One Saturday

2010-12-09T15:45:00.002-06:00

I know I have been posting a lot about the Soft Served show I am curating and have a piece in but I figured maybe I would show you the pieces I currently have available for that show, Stuff This 4 and for the Almighty Dunny show in NY.

For Soft Served@ OhNo!Doom, Chicago: Opens December 11th

The Proper Narwhal

For Stuff This 4 @ Rivet, Ohio: Opened December 4th

The Dapper Duo

The Debonair Dame

For The Almighty Dunny Show @ Genuine Artikle, 2 locations in NY: Opens December 11th

Shrubslie

Also! Cafe Grumpy Beans are in and ready to be loved! Was alerted to the post on NOTCOT today that the beans are up in the shop. :) So nice of them to call me a plush master. Blush! If you didnt get one in the last run, visit the Cafe Grumpy Shop. Lots of great gifts for the coffee crazed.

Winter has arrived!

2010-12-04T14:26:00.008-06:00

Happy December everybody!! A few awesome things coming up and currently going on. Xmas gifts, Auctions, shows...

Charity Auction: Now - December 10th 5pm pst

Myself and a large group of other artists have donated work to the F.E.E.S.A Charity Auction.

I have donated a piece that a lot of people have asked about: "The Missing Piece". 100% of the proceeds go towards the charity. Visit the ebay link to place your bets!

The Great Holiday and Moving Sale of 2010: Now - ??

So, in the holiday spirit I have 20% off and some of the larger pieces I have included complimentary shipping!! All pieces on the site are ready to ship!

The sale will continue after Xmas to assist me in my move to a new living / studio space in the near future. Visit my Etsy and use Coupon Code: ADOPTME

I will be posting more new and old pieces to my etsy in the next couple days

Show Opening:

Stuff This 4 @Rivet Gallery - Dec. 4th - Jan. 23rd

I have 2 dapper monsters in the upcoming Rivet show! I will also be among 26 other artists plushing up the gallery.

Show Opening:

Soft Served @ OhNo!Doom - Dec. 11th - Jan. 7th

A show that celebrates all things sewn, stuffed, knit, felted or fluffed! I am the curator of this rag tag group of fiber enthusiasts. Behold a bevy of wall mounted and huggable pieces by:

Amanda Louise Spayd,
Alisa Ross,
Boom Plush!,
BoRo,
ChrisCreatures,
Cimmerii,
Cleo Dee,
Denise Ferguson - Yummy Pancake,
Diane Koss - Cutesy but not Cutesy,
Dingogirls Den,
Heidi Kenney - My Paper Crane,
iamhome,
in-TIMID-nation,
Lana Crooks,
Love & a Sandwich,
Melissa Sung,
Michal Wright-Ward,
Missmonster,
Nichol Brinkman - Pink Cheeks Studios,
Out of the frame,
Pidpenky,
Plush Goodness,
Pock-it palz,
Pollynation,
Robyn Fabsits,
Scrumptious Delight,
Shannah Burton - daskaninchen,
Shawnimals,
Steff Bomb,
Stephanie Laberis,
ThEm DoLLz,
Tyler Poncho Toys,
Veggiesomething
& More
OhNo!Doom is also slated to release a new Soft Served apparel / plush gift pack to celebrate the opening and the holiday season!!

December 10th: Preview list is sent out. Interested? You may sign up at: http://www.ohnodoom.com/gallery/info.html

Exhibit closes:
January 7th. Pieces that are purchased as holiday gifts will be available for pick up early.
Directly after the opening reception all unsold artworks will be available to view and purchase thru our online store:http://www.enstore.com/ohnodoom/

Cafe Grumpy Release! Soon...

Monday I ship out the second wave of plush coffee beans. Keep an eye on their site for more information.

I almost forgot!

2010-11-08T17:49:00.003-06:00

Myself and a slew of other artists will be putting a piece up for auction on December 1st thru Cardboard Spaceship!!

What will I have up for auction? This guy:

More info in the coming weeks. :)

October was here but now it is gone...

2010-11-08T16:15:00.014-06:00

Good Evening!

Well, what can I say, October was one very busy month! For one, I was busy making my wedding dress, making various steam punk wedding fodder and getting married. :)

What a fine looking bunch of folks!

October 23rd: I was honored to provide Tara Mcpherson with some plush for her solo show, The Bunny in the Moon @ Jonathan Levine in NY. My first fully posable soft sculptures! I was stoked to be able to see the show in person. You too can check out the work here... And check out the write up about the show on Juxtapoz (my name may not be 100% correct but thats okay).

Into the future:

This month I catch up on various paperwork and get the next set of projects in order. I guess my vacation is over...

More Cafe Grumpy: I have started planning for the coffee flood! When I finish up the next run of these plush beans designed by Andrew Bell, I will post a link... I also got the opportunity to get a cup of coffee with the man himself. Let me tell you, that is one fabulous cup of coffee! In NY? Head over! http://www.cafegrumpy.com/

December 4th

Stuff This @ Rivet: I will have a couple pieces there! It's my 3rd year being part of this show...I plan to have a couple new monster heads.

December 11th

Soft Served @ OhNo!Doom: I am curating an epic soft sculpture exhibit! So, excited to see the fabric whirlwind. If you would like to get on the preview list (and see art early) please feel free to sign up here: http://www.ohnodoom.com/gallery/info.html

I will also be starting a new monthly blog and some other secret things... Will try to update sooner than later!

It Lives! Renegade craft fair and a general catch-up

2010-09-09T10:25:00.008-05:00

I have been so busy these past couple months that updating the blog had to be put off in order to make my own ridiculous deadlines. Lots coming up (I might forget something). Besides anumber of other secret and on-going projects I also have my wedding (that isfastapproaching). I have spent a couple weeks making my dress and after this weekend I will take some more time to actually finish it. But here is what is in the immediate future:

Renegade Craft Fair! Sept. 11th & 12th

I will be sharing a booth with Steff Bomb (booth 229). We will both have an array of plush goods.

I will have a bunch of new stuff! Mini Skulls, Sleepy Sea Stars, Grey Cranky Anchors, Surly Sea Stars (shipmate), Ticked Off Time-pieces, Antlers, Glow in the dark buttons and I am scheduled to pick up my new tees tomorrow! There are some other goods I am attempting to get done...but we shall see.

Soft Served: A plush group show:

I am also curating a group plush show over at OhNo!Doom. December 11th. I know its a while away but who knows when I will update this again, eh?

Also here is a number of things that I had no time to do a proper post about:

Cafe Grumpy / Andrew Bell collab:

In July I finished the first shipment of delightfully angry beans. Andrew Bells grumpy bean has been brought to life and resides in Brooklyn at Cafe Grumpy (an amazing coffee shop). I made 60 of them in total (with their own hand-made and screen printed jute bag) and I believe the green version sold out quite quickly. The Dark roast version is still available at the Cafe Grumpy store but there are only 2 left! I will be making another run of them for the holidays but not sure on colors or qty at the moment.

Rocket World Yeti:

I did survive another San Diego comic-con. Even tho I did spend part of Saturday in the ER with a spider bite. My Yetis sold out Friday Morning. I worked on some of the yetis there (live art or some close facsimile). Here is a short photo journal the SDCC10 journey...minus the ER.

Ladies and Gentlemonsters:

My 2 woman show with Missmonster is over...but I still have some pieces available. I will be putting available work up on my etsy after Renegade.

Forty Winks

Sherlock Houndstooth

Dastardly

collab with Mismonster

I am sure I am forgetting something but I need to get back to hand sewing various grumpy plush for this weekend.

Monsters, Monsters and More Monsters

2010-06-24T00:22:00.011-05:00

Some out-of-towers have been asking about my latest show with Missmonster: Ladies and Gentlemonsters. For...in-towners the show is up until July 31st (2221 N Western Ave). I

recommend viewing pieces in person if you can. Lots of tiny details you cant really see in photos.

I have compiled a small "catalog" if you will of the pieces available thru Revolution Tattoo. The only thing is, I am not sure what else has sold... so, if you see something you would like to know more about please call or email...

Cheri:

773.486.8888

revolutiontattoo13@yahoo.com

And.... here is my new small run plush: Ticked-off Time Pieces. I plan on making more of these for my booth at Renegade in Sept.

Tonight's the Night...

2010-06-19T14:21:00.005-05:00

...For fancy Monstrocities! Tonight from 8-11pm is the opening reception for Ladies and Gentlemonsters (My two Lady show with Missmonster). Super excited. I went a whole new route for my pieces and had a lot of fun making tiny little suits for my critters. So dapper!

If you are in town please stop on by:

Revolution Tattoo and Gallery

2221 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL

www.revolutiontattoo.net

For those not in town I will be sure to post photos of some of the pieces / opening night. I believe they also post pieces for sale online after the opening. But, if you want to see some sneak peeks check out my feature on Freshbump:

http://www.freshbump.com/featured/fresh-cuts/lana-crooks/

In other news, I have added another thing to my already insane schedule: I have been accepted to the Renegade Craft Fair with Steff Bomb! This will be my first fair and I plan on having new merchandise (some tees and things of that nature) as well as some of my one-of-a-kind mounted pieces. More on that as it gets closer.

Until then I have some artist collabs as well as SDCC! New Top Secret Rocket World release for yous! Teaser photos shortly. ;)

Anyway, Hope to see you tonight!

Summer is a bad time to sew faux fur

2010-05-24T14:58:00.005-05:00

Hi! I am still alive...promise. I have been locked up in my studio making work for my next show, working on stuff for shows at the gallery and finishing / starting random plush projects. So busy, I forgot how to relax. I have a booked schedule until the middle of December. I will be releasing some small run plush soon...I have not forgotten about those skulls but my plate is so full I had to get a second plate.

Making some plush for some other artists. Super cool projects that I will post when they get closer to completion.

Here's what is coming up:

Etsy Sale! http://www.etsy.com/shop/plushinator

I am having a spring / summer cleaning sale! Not sure how long I will have to up but i will be adding older stuff periodically.... like smaller items. Huzzah!

May 28th: Ten Years Hunting, Parker's Box Gallery, Brooklyn NY

I have a trophy piece in this gallery. This gallery is pretty different (in comparison to my usual haunts) it is a contemporary art gallery and I am thrilled they asked to represent my work. If you are in or around Brooklyn please stop by and take a gander.

June 5th: Painted Ladies, OhNo!Doom, Chicago!

The show Max and I curated for A.Okay Official has finally been resurrected! I do not have work in the show but, its at our gallery, so come out to show your support. Lots of awesome art by some really talented folks from all over! Need a better excuse? We are donating a part of our proceeds to the Avon Breast Cancer Walk foundation! Flyer art by David Palumbo.

June 19th!! 8-11pm: Ladies and Gentlemonsters, Revolution Tattoo and Gallery, Chicago

This is my big event for the year! I teamed up with Missmonster to rock out some dandy monsters and critters! Doing lots new work for this. Trying to do more smaller pieces for this as well...but we shall see, its hard to make super tiny suits ;)

July: SDCC 2010!

I will be back at the Rocket World booth with an all new limited edition plush. Super excited! More info to come.

Is that all? Well thats all for now...I will post my post-summer goings on a little later.

C2E2

2010-04-15T12:02:00.004-05:00

I slow down for no man! This weekend will be a whirlwind adventure at the Chicago Comics and Entertainment Expo. Here is the low-down:

Friday:

I am participating in The Last Unicorn gallery exhibit (excited to meet Peter S. Beagle)! I will be posting photos of my piece very soon...sooon

The Last Unicorn Art Show

When: Fri., April 16, 7-11 p.m.
Phone: 773-989-4077

Group show of art celebrating the movie The Last Unicorn; Peter S. Beagle, author of the book and the screenplay, will attend.

Tattoo Factory-4441 N. Broadway

Saturday:

Personally, I will be bumming around the con. Head on over to the Comic Vault booth where Max Bare, Dave Schneider and Zoran Gvojic release issue one of Mystery Afoot!! Pick one up and hilarity will ensue. I have also made a baby bigfoot for them (this is the prototype...but there are plans to make more for sale online...TBA).

Saturday night is the Nerd City Extravaganza at Double door. If you miss it, you will cry.

Sunday:

Around 11am myself and the rest of the gang from OhNo!Doom will be hanging at the Nerd City Booth #865. We will be Hocking wares, cracking wise and showing off our exclusive limited edition Nerd City tee! ( The t-shirt will be available all weekend and at double door but Sunday you can see us holding it up)

Stop by, Say hi!

Oh my! it's almost April...

2010-03-24T23:26:00.003-05:00

Just when I think I can take a break, I wake up and find more things that need to be made and more deadlines that need to be met. I have been working non-stop on some rather large runs of various plush, some crazy products for C2E2 and SDCC '10, been working hard at the gallery and trying to get pieces done for my (and Missmonster's) show in June! Whaaa! I am not currently able to show pictures of much of anything I am working on...except...

I have a new piece up for Rocket World, Sun Tzu!! This is a Raffle for my ONE-of-a-kind, 100% eco-friendly hand-made plush. AND all the money goes towards The World Wildlife Fund!! Please donate to the cause and who knows you may win...go to: http://www.rocketworld.org/shop.php?id=100 or stop by the Rocket World HQ in San Fran. to get your tickets and see this happy bear in person.

Thank You and Good Luck!! Back to the fabric mines I go...

Handmade Limited Edition by Lana Crooks aka the "Plushinator".
Organic cotton fleece.
Bamboo fiber and bamboo batting.
Hand dyed sheep's wool.
Wood eyes.
100% cotton thread.
Ecospun felt (made from recycled plastic bottles).
Approximately 16" sitting upright and 20" in length.
Small handmade skull included: approximately 4" x 5" 7".
Super limited edition of only 1 piece!
Hand made in Chicago.
Retail value of $ 350

Vimby, News and Beyond

2010-02-19T16:28:00.011-06:00

So, to say I have been busy would be an understatement. Unfortunately I can not show most of the projects I am working on. But come summer all will be revealed! OhNo!Doom is coming along swimmingly and we will soon be opening our third show of the year (oh man, its almost march already). If I am not at the studio you can usually find me at the gallery. work work work...

In other news, there is a video of me up on Vimby! I can't watch it without judging myself but feel free to take a look. Watch me here: http://www.vimby.com/home/lana_crooks/14/2259/

Mr. Tastees also dropped by the studio! I am not formally trained as a costume designer but its awesome when someone thinks I am! http://mrtastees.com/?p=1392

I have 2 shows on the horizon, The Last Unicorn show opening in tandem with C2E2 (more info to follow)

and.....

my two woman show with Missmonster called "Ladies and Gentlemonsers" opening June 12th at Revolution Tattoo (WHaaaaaaaaa!)

Earlier today I was going thru my google alerts and found this delightful write up about my last show. Thought I would share...i get all warm and fuzzy when I read about people liking my stuff. A big thanks to the author of this review, it really inspires me to keep it up!

theblankco:

Review // OHNO!DOOM Presents: Trophy

A few days ago we mentioned an artist by the name of Lana Crooks during a review of Rotofugi Gallery’s latest group show, “My Kind of Town: Chicago Artists Group Exhibit.” Little did we know that Crooks would be conducting her own solo show, “Trophy,” at OHNO!DOOM’s Gallery a day later. It goes without saying that we held a certain size of excitement for the soft sculpture artist, especially after viewing one of her pieces a day earlier, and we weren’t let down one bit. Crooks embellished the usually dull space of the gallery by taking us into her world with a constructed faux fireplace complete with a vintage inspired wallpapered wall. Above the mantle of the fireplace hung a soft sculpted buck with a few spools of yarn entangled throughout its antlers. It was the theme of taxidermy that gave Trophy its charm, and the extra amount of detail with fabric covered mounting boards are what gave it its elegance. Unlike other popular soft sculptors, Crooks was able to successfully convince the audience that her style and craft had merit and relevance in the increasingly growing field by using mystical creatures for the subject matter and allowing our imaginations to bridge the gaps when needed. She also had a few collaborations with artists: Max Bare and Shawnimals, both of which displayed work with her previously. Seamless in conception and execution, her collaborative work proves just how much of a grip Crooks has on her medium and how aware she is of the places it could go in the contemporary art world.

If you missed the opening don’t fret, her work will be hanging in OHNO!DOOM’s Galley for a few weeks, so come on down with a coke and a smile…your inner plush monster will thank you.

The original article can be found here. following it is another article with another great write up on Rotofugi's My kinda town show.

OhNoDoom Grand Opening!

2010-01-17T11:14:00.008-06:00

Where have I been? Well, I have been super busy working on my new gallery venture. If you haven't heard, I have joined the OhNo!doom Collective and last night we opened our brand new gallery. It took us 3 months to create the space but we are very happy with the outcome. Here are some photos of our place and our packed grand opening / Rock the Future exhibit!

The Doomers: Max, Jordan, Joe, Myself, Andrew & Oscar

Enter the Doom!

We sell Rocket World product!

Our 2010 event list

From the shop into the gallery

Participating artist Lacey Pipher

Curator Sadie Woods showing her niece the Fluffy YukYuk

Jason and Erin Brammer near his installation.

Thank you to everyone that came out, making our grand opening a success! Thanks to Sadie and Carlos for putting together the show! We were pretty much at capacity all night so, if you did not get a chance to really look at The Rock The Future exhibit please come on back! We are open tues-thurs 4-10pm, Sat. 12-7pm and by appointment (info@ohnodoom.com). Rock the Future donates a portion of the art sold to Rock For Kids, a charity that brings music programs to underprivileged youth. 1800 N. Milwaukee ave, Chicago

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T10:19:00.004-06:00

After a nice relaxing Xmas in Seattle I am back and slowly returning to work. Today I will be making various to-do lists under various catagories. I will then assign them a timeline and hopefully that will solve my "too many things in my head" problem. Exciting right?

Just a couple things before I get to work on my amazing new years eve list making...

OHNO!DOOM GRAND OPENING!: The grand opening of our new space has been pushed back. January 16th! This will also be the opening date for our Rock The Future Charity show (Curated by Sadie Woods). The place is coming together wonderfully...can't wait.

Rocket World:

I decided to look and see if my bears were online. They are! But, they are sold out! Thanks to those who purchased them and are giving them a good home! I am currently working on some other mysterious things for them...more details will follow. ;)

Today's press: http://plasticandplush.com/2009/12/lana-crooks-handmade-titus.html

See you next year!

More things

2009-12-16T18:11:00.006-06:00

Hey! How's it goin?

So, I decided to put some more of my pieces online for sale. You can look at them (and maybe buy them) here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/plushinator

and

http://lanacrooks.bigcartel.com/

Last Minute holiday shopping? Local? Head over to Rotofugi or FlyBird in Oak Park to pick up some of my plush offerings!

Oh! Look what shipped out to Rocket World from Chez Plushinator!!!!!

Keep an eye on their site if you want a bear, you never know when they will pop up.

There are only three of these bears...ever! They come with a skull. everything is hand made by me (A lot of hand sewing and cramped fingers). They are also the size of a small child. :)

The folks over at Rocket World (rocketworld.org) are amazing people! They also have amazing product...If you purchase something from them you will also be helping out various Wildlife Charities. So yeah! Good stuff!

Also, the clock is ticking down the minutes till OhNo!Doom's grand opening and Charity Art Show: Rock the Future! January 9th 2010!!! WHaaaaaa!!! Mark your calendars and help us open with a BANG! 1800 N. Milwaukee, Chicago!

Quick!

2009-12-14T01:44:00.003-06:00

I have more fuming flames up on my etsy.

Also:

My knitting buck is featured in Paste Magazine's Picks!! More etsy editions to come very soon...

3 shows

2009-12-04T10:13:00.007-06:00

If you are in Santa Barbara, Miami or Columbus Ohio you should stop by the opening!

Art Basel: Miami

3rd-6th

American Legion Building located at 6445 NE 7th Ave

in the Miami Modern District

I have a selection of work here! I wish I could have gone down there for the festivities but, what can ya do. If you are in Miami for Art Basel please head on over...and take pictures for me.

Stuff This!

5th

@ Rivet

1200 N. High St.

Columbus, OH

I have two pieces at Rivet. There is a sculpture and a corresponding ornament. There is a lot of great work in the show but if you can't see it up close then visit Rivet's site!

My contribution to the show:

Cranky Anchor Ornament

Captain Jack-alope

Last but not least:

Go Ask Alice!

5th

@ Paul Cumes Fine Art
131 East Anapamu St, Santa Barbara

I have 2 pieces up at Paul Cumes Fine Art! This show was a lot of fun to produce work for. I love a good theme! And since I have been, for reasons unknown, really into sewing rabbits and jackalope lately this was perfect. (But now I am also into making tiny clothes)

Here is what I have contributed to this Alice in Wonderland theme show:
The White Rabbit

The March Hare

Perhaps more dapper critters are in my future...just in time for my two woman show with Miss Monster in June. For now I am heading back to the studio.

The super limited edition Titus (a run of only 3) are almost complete and should be heading to Rocket World on Monday.

Next week I plan on having skulls for sale! (around thursday or Friday) I also hope to have smaller items such as surly sea stars, flames and ornaments.

In Chicago? Want a Surly Sea Star? They are available at Rotofugi!

Whirlwind fabric filled adventures

2009-11-19T13:32:00.007-06:00

So this week I started collecting fixtures and moving them into our new gallery space. My arms are sore and the space is a little crowded with boxes but everything is coming together!

I have also been spending a lot of time on shows that are opening in the beginning of December.

December 3rd:

I will have pieces at

White Label's Gallery Launch!

@ River East Art Center

435 E. Illinois, Chicago

December 5th:

I will have Alice in Wonderland themed work in (White Rabbit and March Hare):

Go Ask Alice

@ Paul Cumes Fine Art

131 East Anapamu St, Santa Barbara

Also on the 5th:

I will have a plush ornament and sculpture in

Stuff This!

@ Rivet

1200 N. High St.

Columbus, OH

Last but not least!!

Art Basel- Miami

December 3-6th

I will have a selection of works at the Multiversal group show!!

American Legion Building located at 6445 NE 7th Ave in the Miami Modern District

If you are going there...please take pictures for me!

I have a lot of deadlines...so that is all for now...

More Tales from the plush mines...

2009-11-04T11:44:00.004-06:00

The Thought Processor show is still up...go see it! OhNo!Doom: 2955 W. Lyndale

Been a busy weekend, somewhere in between being sick and tired I amazingly got a lot done. Got the keys to the new gallery space and found some awesome fixtures! Hooray for progress! So excited to start putting the place together. Until then I will be busy making a lot of plush.

A lot...of...plush. There are the beginnings of 4 different collaborative projects this month. No shows slated for November but plenty coming up in December... Anyway on to the updates!

Rocket World:

I have begun on my Super-limited edition Titus Plush. I will be posting information as they come together... Stay tuned.

Skulls!:

I have received a lot of emails recently about my plush skulls... And...since each Titus plush comes with a Rocket World edition Skull that means I will already be knee deep in skull production. Therefore, I will be making my original series skull at the middle of this month. Just telling you now, there will be very few of them. I will post an update when they are available for sale through my bigcartel shop and then you can fight it out.

BigCartel & Etsy:

I have 4(total) new Surly Sea Stars (Shipmate edition) available on both my Etsy and Bigcartel shop as well as pins and larger pieces. Just sayin.

Retail:

Who has the plush?

Today I packed up two more pieces bound for Munky King in LA (older pieces online, new ones coming soon).

Rotofugi has my piece for the Chicago show (and it is available online!)

Art Whino in DC has a handful of my work (also available online)

Fly Bird in Oakpark, IL now has some of my work as well. Antlers a plenty. Head on over and check out the mural while you are there!

Well Hello There!

2009-10-21T20:45:00.008-05:00

So much has been going on since my last post. I went on vacation to see my sister and then to the Stanley Hotel in CO. I bought a sock monkey...well not a monkey but a Ram. I got a kitten that we named Tanuki (squeeeeeeal). Fellow plush creator Steff Bomb has moved into my studio space with me. I have also been knee deep in arts. Here is the run down of goings on...

OhNo!Doom:

Thanks again to everyone that made it out to my show! The show is now over but check out my bigcartel shop for pieces you may have missed the first time around.

Also, The rumors you have been hearing are true! Max Bare and I have joined the OhNo!Doom Crew!!! Not only will we continue to bring you crazy art events but we are also moving the gallery to a bigger, brighter and better spot!!!

1800 N. Milwaukee!! I will be posting as we get the new gallery rolling. Can't wait to work with these jokers!

Nerd City:

Listen to the podcast / interview of myself and Max Bare. Be forewarned that it takes place at a pizza joint so the sound is that of being at a pizza place :). It was great fun and most of the interview is us just being "funny".

Listen to it here: http://nerdcityonline.com/2009/10/05/episode-62/

October 10th was Plush You. My piece is at the Anne Bonny if you are in the Seattle area.

Fly Bird:

October 10th was also the day the OhNo!Doom Crew painted a bit of wall over at Fly bird. the shop is awesome! You should go there and possibly buy something as well as look at the wall of artistic awesomeness. http://fly-bird.net/

October 23rd @ Toy Qube in NYC:

I have paired up with Nakanari to create a one of a kind 2 foot tall Spiki plush. It is on it's way to his new show.

October 24th @ OhNo!Doom

Phoneticontrol's Thought Processor Group show. This is a paper toy that myself and a bevy of other artists were asked to customize. There is also an accompanying art piece with each toy. I did a painting instead of a plush for this show."Whaaaaaa?" Yeah, I know!

Etsy:

I have an etsy shop! I will post things here and hopefully sell them. Free shipping in the US. Eh? Eh?

Rocket World:

I have begun production on the super limited edition Titus Plush....Stay tuned!

That is all for now. Time to clean the studio!

Show Photos!

2009-09-27T22:57:00.008-05:00

Last night was the opening for my show: Trophy

There was a great turn out and I am really pleased with everything. It was a ton of work and I'm finally taking time to relax for a bit. Thank you to DJ Madrid for providing the beats, the OhNo!Doom Crew and also to everyone that made it out. The show is open until October 20th but if you are out of town or can not make it out you can view and purchase pieces at www.ohnodoom.com/trophy

Here are some photos from the night:

The installation: My damask "wallpaper" vinyl and mantel made of found goodies

The Doomers: Oscar, Joe, Jordan, Andrew and myself

On another note... Some other events.

Now: My Kind of Town is still up at Rotofugi. Check out my goat Murphy and a bunch of work from other talented chicago artists.

October 2nd: 3d Canvas at Terminal22 in Oakland, CA.

Saturday, October 10th 5 - 10 pm:

Plush You 2

@The Anne Bonny

534 Summit Ave East, Seattle, WA, 98102

Incoming...

2009-09-11T22:42:00.007-05:00

Just a super-quick update about the impending shows on the horizon...

Sept. 19th:

Monsters, Monsters, Monsters!

Sweet Breams, CA

Sept. 25th:

My Kinda Town: Chicago artist group show

Rotofugi: Chicago, IL

Sept. 26th:

My Solo Show: Trophy

OhNo!Doom: Chicago, IL

Oct. 10th

Plush you!

The Anne Bonny: Seattle, WA

Back to the non-stop work...

Progress!

2009-08-13T21:54:00.004-05:00

Today I finished a piece for a show opening Sept. 25th at Rotofugi (More on that later). Here is a progress shot...Thats all I am posting until the show opens. Muwahahahah...

I just cut fabric for the next giant piece for my solo show (which opens Sept. 26th @ OhNo!Doom). I do not know how many images I will post of the pieces before the show... would at least like some of it to be a surprise, that and I have a huge amount of stuff to make in very little time. But, here are two random photos of my studio:

"Sewing-Land"

My view

This is where I will be living for the next month. I will post a couple pics of the other side of the room when it isnt covered in fabric scraps, coffee cups and paper.

New

2009-08-06T20:08:00.004-05:00

Hooray, the lull is over and I made a new piece...

The Mix-alopod

This piece was made for my very talented musical friend, DJ Madrid. (I was lucky enough to find a record with "songs of the sea") :D . This piece is long over-due and so will all the other pieces for my show if I do not get back to work....

Comic con coma

2009-07-31T14:12:00.013-05:00

I have been extremely tired since my return from SDCC...I just can't shake it. Perhaps it is the knowledge that I have some impending shows? That solo show is closing in and I also have a couple other group shows at the same time....will it all get done? Will my brain explode? Stay tuned to find out!

Anyway, I had a great con! I sold out all of my Rocket World edition skulls by Friday and have a solid list of people interested in my custom Titus plush. I spent the majority of my time at "home base" (Rocket World's booth). I did go for little adventures which usually ended with me buying something. This year was also different in the fact that I did not bring a camera (no room in the suitcase) but I did use my phone's camera every so often... Most of those pictures came out blurry. Here are some photos of my adventure...

Go Team Rocket World!!

Stephanie, Polly, Patrick, Myself, Jason, and Braden

Plush skull craziness...

My evenings were spent drinking with and making fun of these people. I got to share a room with a different crowd this year, since most of my usual cohorts decided not to make the trip out. It was definitely like sleep away camp for nerds :)... Here, Scott and Dave are modeling Rocket World hair accessories... precious? I also gained an awesome new nickname from Scott Altmann: "Schnooks".

Robo-deer Activated!

Saturday night's Kaiju Big Battle...Zoran seems to be afraid. As soon as we stepped foot in the venue it felt surreal, not because there were men in Monster suits wrestling but because it was a wrestling ring surrounded by chain-link fence in an empty brick building. I kept picturing the cops raiding the joint.

Another highlight of the con: The Mighty Boosh!!! mmm vince noir... They were doing a signing at the Adult Swim booth. I had happened by the end of the table and figured the time was as good as any to hand each of them a Rocket World Hannibal patch (Hannibal is the monkey character). I said something like "here, its your talking monkey Bollo". Noel replied with "Awww right, Cheers!". Haha Im a dork.

This is what happens if you go past the blue carpet of your booth...They make and enforce the rules.

Here I am drawing in Nakanari Shiau's sketchbook...I think I would have done a better job if I wasnt suffering from horrible allergies at the time... next time perhaps I will be prepared and will draw something more awesome?

Stephanie and I manning the booth. The last skull in the pile has a "sold out" sign! Yay!

The con has ended and Patrick does not want to let go of his Titus. Looks like the dude in the background also wanted to get his hands on the bear. It's okay, there will be three of them made by the holidays!

It was great to see everyone! I was happy to have been able to meet people I have only know from the "internets". Hope everyone had a pleasant trip home...now back to work!

Want more photos? Visit:

http://www.plasticandplush.com/plasticandplush/2009/07/sdcc-2009-rocket-world.html

http://www.vinylpulse.com/2009/07/sdcc-09-new-iwg-figures.html#more

http://www.notcot.com/archives/2009/07/sdcc_09_rocketw.php

SDCC 2009

2009-07-20T09:42:00.003-05:00

Armed with new postcards and a suitcase full of plush, I will be attending the San Diego Comic Con. The flight leaves early tomorrow morning...hopefully I will have everything finished! Just putting the finishing touches on an army of plush skulls, 20 pieces in all. Oh, and also a secret prototype plush (ooooo mysterious). If you are also attending this year's con stop by and say "ello". Check out my skulls at the Rocket World Booth #4932

Ok...back to work.

Squawk box...

2009-07-08T22:17:00.002-05:00

Okay, here it is, my Radio interview with WCRX 88.1. This was recorded in mid-march? I forgot I had it until I was rooting around for some CD's to bring to the studio. Don't pump up the volume, there are pops and clicks like an olde timey radio show (at least thats what I am telling myself).

Get your red-hot interview here...

Starting up again

2009-07-03T14:20:00.000-05:00

It feels like it has been forever since the last post. I have been kind of laying low and have not been getting much done since the passing of my fuzzy child, Cozmo. I had him for 19 years and he was a really special little guy... needless to say I miss him terribly.

Last week was my first week back in the studio now I am playing catch-up. Just trying to not dwell on it too much and get back to these deadlines...

Upcoming Gallery Show:

I have 3 pieces in an upcoming group show, featuring "emotional" plush. If you are in the area stop by, take pictures and tell me all about it.

July 11th, 6pm - Midnight - Mortal Plush Group Show

@ Art Whino, 173 Waterfront St., National Harbor, MD

SDCC 2009:

Once again I will be haunting the halls of the San Diego Convention Center... but this year I will be bringing something new and I will be slightly more stationary!

Rocket world is amazing and I cant wait to be apart of the fun! Come by the booth to see what I have been up to...Lots of suprises in store!

Speaking of store...

The Plushinator Webstore:

I am preparing for my next solo show and in the process I would like to make some room in my studio. I have just started uploading images and more product will follow little by little. Featured are works from past exhibits. Oh yeah, free shipping!

http://lanacrooks.bigcartel.com/

Update-a-rama

2009-06-01T22:39:00.000-05:00

This weekend...

For everyone in San Fran. come out to Into the Darkness @ 1am Gallery (6.05.09). I will have work up... provided the mail system decides to cooperate.

For everyone in Chicago, come out to see Do you feel Lucky? @ OhNo!Doom (6.05.09). A show I am curating with Max Bare for San Francisco artist Patrick Ma.

Coming Up...

If you are in the neighborhood of say... Iceland... then you should go to Foolsgold: Iceland.

Photos of various things coming soon as well. Also, that interview I had with 88.1 (I will be posting that in the near future).

Ahoy!

2009-05-27T12:14:00.000-05:00

I am back from Paris. I want to live here:

Mmm...skeleton party. Well, I am back in Chicago and finishing the epic and perpetual move into my studio (pictures of triumph will follow when it isnt in shambles).

So many shows coming up, like the one I am curating for Patrick Ma!

June 5th! OhNo!Doom!! Toy Release and Amazing Arts!!! Exclamation!!

I have a slew of my own shows in the works and will give full details very soon...time to shovel fabric into bins.

Forgetful and fast paced...

2009-05-10T10:14:00.000-05:00

I have been knee deep in a move to the new studio for about 2 weeks now. It is officially the longest move in history and I am setting some kind of record, I am sure of it. I have come to find out it is harder to move half of your stuff than all of it.

Anyway, I have also been hard at work doing custom shows...and forgetting to post pictures.

I have been blogging blogs about shows we've showed on the A.Okay official Blog. So if you want to see what we have been doing on the gallery curation front that would be the place to see it.

Currently...

I am in The MUTT show...we opened it May 1st. It is a traveling exhibit featuring the new DIY MUTT. All the pieces can be purchased at www.mutttoy.com.

Squids Ahoy

Coming up...

I will be in The Custom Mini Skully Show @ Chuckwa in Fullerton CA. Opening reception is May 16th. More info at Chuckwa.com

I seem to be into turning my blanks upside down this month...

Nautilus

Once I get all moved in, finally, I will need to do some catch up. Tons of side projects and shows...mostly my solo show in September. Oh, in June I go international:

Making animals to save real animals...

So yes, check out all those things and hopefully I will move my last item into the studio this week and can begin the task of unpacking...at this rate maybe I can stat working again some time next year...

Humans Beware!

2009-04-14T00:07:00.001-05:00

Humans Beware I.W.G Custom show

Rocketworld, San Francisco

The photos from this opening look like it was a rocking time.

Wish I could have been there.

Toycyte.com did a nice write up about the event, you can find that here:

http://www.toycyte.com/iwg-humans-beware-show-at-rocket-world

Want to see the pieces...maybe even buy something? Go here:

http://blue77gallery.com/shows/iwg/index.html

If you are in the area stop in. The show is up for about 2 months! Patrick has an amazing shop to boot!

Here is my contribution... Invertebrate Weapons Grapnel.

Mmmm Plush Rocket...

Tomorrow at A.Okay Official!!

2009-04-02T11:51:00.000-05:00

April 3rd, 6-10pm

A.Okay Official

3270 N. Clark St

Chicago, IL 60657

Pictures soon...promise.

Pictures, shows and stuff

2009-03-23T21:48:00.000-05:00

This week: Pusher show at Munky King, Los Angeles

The show is going to be awesome so if you are in LA you should go!

Here is a peek at my submission:

Late Night Walkies

I have been working non-stop lately...which is probably why I have succumbed to the flu everyone has been passing around (jerks). Coming up next is the A.Okay Nesting show and the Rocket World Humans Beware show. Just got to finish those up and breathe a deep sigh of relief. Oh, yes...one more picture of pieces past:

You sell me yours

This is the piece I did for the Foolsgold show in NY. The bidder on this piece actually flaked so ole fox-face returned home to me...hopefully to head out to a different show in the near future. Back to work trying to get better so I can actually get back to work.

Coming up....

2009-02-28T17:59:00.000-06:00

I am in the process of working on a couple projects. My skulls are all sold out on the Toycyte shop but I am working on edition #2.

I have a couple shows cemented into place:

March 5th: Foolsgold @ 176 Stanton Gallery, NY

April 3rd: Nesting: The Russian Dolls Show @ A.Okay Official, Chicago, IL

April 10th: Humans Beware @ Rocketworld, San Francisco, CA

September 26th: To Be Named Solo Show @ OHNO! DOOM, Chicago, IL

Paleoclothic Collection x Toycyte Launch

2009-02-20T19:00:00.000-06:00

Get your Craniums....

http://www.toycyte.com/lana-crooks-x-toycyte-plush-skulls-have-launched

There are only 3 of them in this edition...more runs to follow.

I have to make this quick...

2009-02-14T03:55:00.000-06:00

Sleep awaits me after I finish packing my bags for a quick vacation but, I promised some photos.

Hooray Photos!

My Train for the A.Okay Official CTA Show:

The Monster Mover

My First run of Limited Edition Skulls for Toycyte.com (check toycyte.com for availability...they are currently on their way to them):

The Paleoclothic Collection: Lana for Toycyte Edition 1

Okay, g'nite!

I'm Back....

2009-02-09T16:34:00.000-06:00

So, life has been crazy. Sadly, Virgin is slowly wrapping things up and I have been working on some different visual jobs. I have also been running around with the constant feeling that I have forgotten something I had to do. Today I am playing catch up and this weekend I am off to Vegas for a little R&R by a pool, drink in hand, and ignoring my email. I am sorry I am neglecting you my dear sweet blog.....but I will make everything right after I take some photos this week.

What's New?
I am just about to ship out some skulls I made for Toycyte.com's new shop. Photos to come shortly...Packing up some commissioned work and getting ready to start on another show in NY.
But right now I am working at the gallery preparing for our 3rd group show in a row....sheeeeeesh.

The 2nd Annual A.Okay loves Chicago Train Art Show! (whoot)

Ooooh gotta go work on some PR....Come out and see the show if you are in town. The work looks pretty awesome! Photos of my piece for this show... also coming soon.

Big in Japan?

2009-01-07T11:54:00.001-06:00

Just popping up a quick find: http://wtbw.net/2009/01/win-custom-skull-plush-by-lana-crooks.html

I'm just giving it away!

2009-01-06T00:58:00.001-06:00

This interview / contest posted today and there seems to be a lot of buzz around it. I am honored to have been asked to participate. And I am their first plush artist to boot! Can you come up with a clever name for my plush skull series? Go here: http://www.toycyte.com/customonday-win-a-custom-skull-plush-by-lana-crooks

I am not looking at the names as I am reading these entries so don't try to butter me up with sweet talk. ;)

BoingBoing!

Hooray! I have been located again...on boingboing.net

A Sealed Fate
My animal themed/friendly work will be projected on the walls of the space before the screening of Nigel Barker’s film and possibly at the after party as well.

This specific screening will be at:

The Silver Room in Chicago, IL (1442 N. Milwaukee Ave) on Wednesday, January 7th from 7-11PM.

Munky King

I have a couple pieces for sale over at Munky King in L.A.

7308 Melrose Ave. (x Poinsettia)
Los Angeles, CA 90046

More to come....

Fresh

I have some plush monsters up at A.Okay Official's Fresh exhibit up until Jan. 11th. Stop by @ 3270 N. Clark

A list of events:

2008-12-15T11:16:00.000-06:00

* Stuff This @ Rivet is up and will continue to be up until December 31st. Not in Ohio? Go to rivetart.com and look at the pieces.

There is a delightful article about the Stuff This show on tomopop.com. This article is complete with photos of the evening....which is very nice to see since I was unable to make the trek.

* Last week I sent 2 pieces to Munky King in L.A.... New work to head out that way by the beginning of next year.

* Upcoming group show:

10 artists, 2 DJs, and a lot of great work. Come on out if you can! I will have 4 new pieces in this show.

*January 5th I am scheduled to participate in Toycyte's Customondays, where someone out there will win a free plush from me.

There are a couple more shows on the horizon...more info as more develops.

It's only a day away!

2008-11-29T11:46:00.000-06:00

The end of my Crooked Critters show is quickly approaching. Tomorrow is the last day to see it so, go on over to A.Okay Official and see 8 month of my life in one room.

A.Okay Official

3270 N. Clark

Chicago, IL 60657

A big "Thank You" to everyone that made it out to the show (or saw the show online) thus far!

Also, thanks to Steph for pointing this out:

http://www.cephalopodteaparty.blogspot.com/

and I'm on there....Yay!

Have It Your Way...

2008-11-18T11:16:00.001-06:00

This Friday (Nov. 21st)!
7pm-10pm
1904 W. North Ave.

Coming up next

2008-11-16T16:13:00.001-06:00

I have some new shows quickly approaching.

First:

This Friday the 21st, will be "Deck of Kings". A Burger King Studios event. I am painting for this one...there also promises to be paper crowns with my design floating about the premises.

1904 W. North Ave. More details to come.

Second:

"Stuff This" December 6th @ Rivet Gallery. I may take the trek to Ohio to be there for the opening. I hear only good things about this space.
Third:
My solo show "Crooked Critters" is still up for viewing. Head on in there is still some time. The last day is the 30th then it comes down. There are still about 20 out of the 42 pieces left.

A.Okay Official
3270 N. Clark
Chicago, IL 60657

If you don't live in Chicago you can view and purchase some of the pieces here: www.aokayofficial.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=21_38_84

My Crazy Solo Show

2008-11-04T18:06:00.000-06:00

My opening at A.Okay Official's Gallery was a hit! Thanks to everyone who made it out to celebrate 8 months of hard work. If you weren't there here's what happened:

Fatblood provided the amazing vinyls for the gallery windows. They are crazy involved. His hard work really shows! www.fatblood.com

My corresponding store window at A.Okay Official

Arkady Roytman came in from NYC to show some love.
My Mom...unfortunately blurry...came in all the way from Seattle.

DJ Madrid provided the Jams. I wouldn't have had it any other way. If you have the chance to go to any of his events... do it! I am even flashing my broken finger...the party was that good.

Lee and Charley, clearly up to no good.

The First Drop provided delicious vegan goodies. Best vegan cookies ever made! www.thefirstdropchicago.com

Impromptu dance party!!!

Paolo Demands that you ROCK!

Danny Davis trying to be front and center of every photo

If you did not make it to the opening don't fret, its up till the 30th....Also, it's online here. Granted only the larger pieces are up on the online gallery. If you want a skull or other multiple you have to go there to get it.

There are also write-ups all over the place!

www.plasticandplush.com

Time Out Chicago

The Chicago Reader

Toycyte

Write-up

2008-10-18T12:30:00.000-05:00

As my solo show creeps closer I go out less and less. I do however, frequent the internet. Here is a write -up about Gallery 1988's Monster Art Rally opening complete with photo documentation.

http://www.toycyte.com/plush-monsters-descend-on-san-francisco-a-virtual-tour

Ok, back into the plush cave...

Gallery 1988 SF & OhNo! Doom Shows

2008-10-04T17:10:00.000-05:00

The Gallery 1988 show is creeping up. October 10th! If you are in the Bay Area stop on by.

Here is a write up on the event to further entice you:

http://www.sfweekly.com/events/monster-art-rally-1188408/

OhNo! Doom's We need each other show opens October 11th!

I have had a friend in town so my production has slowed, actually stopped. Tomorrow will begin the final push for my solo show November 1st at A.Okay...then perhaps I will take pictures of something.

It's Official....

2008-09-25T15:14:00.000-05:00

A.Okay Official!

Here is the good news straight from the horse's mouth:

"On the gallery side of things, we would also like to introduce to you our newly appointed in-house curators, Lana Crooks and Max Bare. They are currently in the process of putting together a rockstar list of gallery events for next years calendar so we're super excited! Once we get that list finalized, you will definitely be in the know.

If you are interested in joining any group shows or are interested in participating in a solo show, please email aokaygallery@gmail.com to get in contact with them. They will also assist in bringing your pieces into the shop for consignment. Here's a short and sweet bio of the two:

Lana Crooks is the owner and mastermind behind Crookedart LLC, a company based around freelance illustration, costumes/set design for film and TV and retail environments, visuals and displays. She is also a full time plushinator; making hand-made and one-of-a-kind monstrosities. Her work has been seen at Get Knifed Gallery, A.Okay Official, DVA, Rotofugi, and Gallery 1988 to name a few.

Max Bare is a commercial artist with fine artist's sensibilities, midwestern roots and ambitions for urban and global conquest. Max has operated Get Knifed, a gallery formerly of East Pilsen's Chicago Arts District for two years, which is now a traveling art collective. Max spends his creative energies as an exhibiting artist and curator, a freelance illustrator, a vintage poster conservation artist, and chief artist of an upcoming mystery/children's comic book."

Max and I are currently finishing up our Calendar but are still gathering contact info for very large group shows. So please do email us if you would like to be part of the fun. (Mr. Roytman, I will tell you all about the shows when you get here. One is right up your alley). Can't wait!

That is all for now. I am in the process of sending out PR for my solo show in November and sewing sewing and more sewing is in the very near future.

Coming Soon

2008-09-20T13:47:00.000-05:00

Its actually happening! The biggest craziest show ever, "We Need Each Other" at OhNo! Doom.

OhNo! Doom
2955 W. Lyndale Ave
Chicago, IL 60647

Opening Oct. 11th
6-10pm

And, if you are in the San Francisco area dont forget about "Monster Art Rally" at Gallery 1988, October 10th.

Long time no see!

2008-09-14T12:11:00.000-05:00

So. Yes.

Ahhh...this promises to be a disjointed posting.
Oh excellent news! I have just finished my pieces for Gallery 1988 in San Francisco! They are in their boxes and awaiting shipment. The Gallery will have 6 of my pieces up for the Monster Art Rally.

The Puppeteer

One of my newest pieces being shipped off for the event. I also made a couple of polite monsters. I will post photos of them after the opening.

Monster Art Rally

Gallery 1988 San Francisco
1173 Sutter Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 409-1376

Been very busy planning, plotting, and sewing lately. Currently I am working on a piece for my solo show, a surly pirate named Barnacle Bill. I also have finally made a schedule as to insure all the new work I want done for the show actually gets done. This will either be a triumph of organization or a depressing badge of procrastination. I hope for the former. There is a terrible amount of rain today which means I have no excuse but to work...hence why I am on the computer while shaking my fist at the sewing machine. Ok,Ok, I'll work...sheeeeesh!

An Upcoming Show and 2 New Additions

2008-08-23T12:08:00.000-05:00

New Group Show: Wax Burner

I will have a painted piece up for this one. I am excited to see how these look all together. A.Okay Official- September 12th

If you are in the area of A.Okay (3270 N. Clark st) stop in! I have recently finished the remodel of the store interior. Brand new window displays on the way soon. I will post pictures when the store is 100% complete.

In other news...

A small sample of the two new plush for my solo exhibit at A.Okay Official. There is another new piece on the slab. It is giving me a little issue at present...meh. I have to finish this piece tonight or I am afraid I will disown it.

Buy My Book

2008-08-15T13:34:00.001-05:00

Beware the Plushinator: The Art of Lana Crooks

Book Preview

34 pages

Full Color

Harcover

or Softcover

7"x 7"

Here it is! You can see a 15 page preview of the book on the Blurb site. The Hardcover version is my favorite.

Now all i need is an animatronic plush with the voice recording of Jay Sherman saying "BUY my BOOK, BUY my BOOK, BUY my BOOK...". Brilliant.

Ramblings

2008-08-14T16:55:00.000-05:00

Accidentally Disarmed

A sneak peek! This guy is one of my contributions towards OhNo! Doom's Corpse Show. Information on date and times to be updated at a later time and date.

Current

Thought I would take a break from the 2 pieces I am sewing simultaneously. I have another piece swimming around in my head too. Well, to be fair, I have 3 pieces up there...but they need to fall in line. I will post small details of those as I finish. Trying to keep the pieces for my show in November a slight secret. Never you mind two of them are all over the internet. Haha...Hooray!

Sighting

Got a link today. Craft: magazine's blog. Thanks for sending that! Keep'em coming. It fills me with joy!

New

I have shows in California, Ohio, and of course Chicago coming up with in the next few weeks/months. Perhaps I can start sleeping again next year.

Anyway...

So, I have come to the conclusion that I need a new thimble. I am slowly losing feeling in my pointer and thumb from the hours of hand sewing I have forced myself to do today. The one I have is sub-par. Well then...back to the plush mines.

Sightings

2008-08-11T15:44:00.000-05:00

There has been an Octoplush sighting! My best friend in the whole wide world, Arkady Roytman, called me today. He informed me that he found my work on Boingboing.net. How delightful! I am very happy to be part of the directory of wonderful things. Here is the post.

Irene Gallo has also posted a welcome for me on Tor.com. Here.

Seems to be even more! Another small write up at Our Decent into Madness.

Back to the sewing machine for me!

New and Exciting Things

2008-08-06T23:34:00.000-05:00

I am very excited to now be a part of Tor.com's gallery. It's an amazing site that is chock-full of goodies. I feel honored to be presenting my work alongside such great talent. Thank you Irene for including me!

Now some other fabulous news! The bidding has begun for Project 57, here. Go ahead, take a peek at all the pieces that are up. I wish I could be there for the opening but, alas. If you are in the Escondido area and would like to attend... it is this Saturday (9th). Information about the Exhibit and the LBD Association can be found here.

Also, some exciting gallery shows coming up. Some of which will be in California. Updates to come.

I will post photos of my current projects soon. A lot to be done. Busy bee..busy busy.

California

2008-08-04T16:27:00.000-05:00

Aug. 9th - Sept. 6th

If you are nearby the area of Escondido, CA stop into Distinction Gallery and see an awesome show, Project 57! $10 admission, silent auction style, proceeds of the auctions go to The Lewy Body Dementia Association. Exhibit with 100+ artists (myself and friend Alex Willan included).

Distinction Gallery
317 Grand Ave
Escondido, CA 92025
760.781.5779

I have made it home from the Seattle, SDCC and my L.A. side trip. Earthquake and all. Getting home I sadly realize I did not take many photos while in San Diego. However, It was another successful venture to the Con. As always it is great to see the people I hardly ever get to see. It is also nice to meet a slew of new people. Now I have a lot of work ahead of me. A couple shows to prepare for and who knows what else.

Mmmmmm...Roscoe's chicken and waffles are really the best thing since sliced bread.

A quick update

2008-07-18T18:46:00.000-05:00

New Show!

Ahhh, that new plush smell...

2008-07-11T19:56:00.000-05:00

July will be action packed! The 23-27th I will be attending Comic Con. I have official business with some vendors for a brief stint. However, I will be taking orders for customs (I will also have a new book for sale). The book is a very limited release for the first printing and I will only be selling them at the Con. The second printing will be announced and available in the near future.

July 25th is the Skatedeck Exhibit at A.Okay official. If you are not traveling out to the Con you should go to this! Other people's photos of the show to be posted here.

Also, two new additions to the plush library. Both of which I will keep mildly secret...okay, just a peek. Glorious new photos of my work have been taken by Creative Image Services.

mmm....undead-ish....

This piece is a collaboration I did with my friend Alex Willan. It will be in a exhibit called "project 57" at Distinction Gallery in California. The show runs from Aug. 9 - Sept. 6. The pieces will be auctioned off and money will be donated to The Lewy Body Dementia Association. So if you are in or around Escondido, CA you should stop by and take a gander. Perhaps you can even drop some money in the coffers.

Now, I am leaving on my much needed vacation before the Con rears its ugly head.

Plushform Show

2008-07-02T20:44:00.001-05:00

Love at first squeeze

My addition to the Plushform Show. If you didn't make it out, no worries it's up through July 12th. If you are not in town but would like to see the work go to Rotofugi's online gallery.

Thanks to everyone who made it out. It was packed. Good times!

New Show: Rotofugi

2008-06-21T10:03:00.000-05:00

I recently dropped off my submission to this show. I came into it a bit too late to be on the flyer but my piece will be there and so will I. Come out if you can! First 50 people get a goodie bag AND there will be prizes throughout the night. If for some reason you would like to see the show but just cant make it out, it will be up until July 12th.

Plushform:

June 27th

6-9pm

Rotofugi

1953-55 W. Chicago Ave.

Chicago, IL

Latest Happenings

2008-06-19T13:21:00.000-05:00

I have just made it back from a whirlwind adventure for Virgin. This should explain my lengthy silence on here. But, now I am now sitting down to get some deadlines met for some upcoming shows.

Check it out! It's my interview with Gapers Block.

http://gapersblock.com/ac/2008/06/09/interview-with-lana-crooks/

Tonight is Rock The Future at Debonair Social Club here in Chicago. I will be in attendance and hope to be alert enough to make decent conversation.

But for now, here is the latest plush:

Game Over

My 8-bit addition to the Arcade Show at Get Knifed Gallery last Friday. Unfortunately I was in either Dallas or Orlando at the time.....Anyway, I will post new show info next week.

p.s. This weekend is your last chance to see the 5 group show at A.Okay Official.

The Midwest Ghosteez

2008-06-06T13:29:00.000-05:00

They're Here! This small army is what happens when Matt Sharp and myself get together and decide to make something. This is an extremely limited edition!

Here are the details:

-Edition of 13

-7 grey

-6 pink

-signed and numbered by Matt and myself

-Each will come with stickers, wheatpastes, ed. wheatpaste poster and a copy of CASE magazine 3

-$55 shipped

Email Matt over @ www.itskindadark.com

If you dont get one this time, don't worry future runs are being discussed.

Mark your calendar...New shows!

2008-05-29T23:12:00.000-05:00

If you love video games and/or art inspired by video games you need to be here!

Lots of artists. Lots of old school game references. Lots of Pabst.

Get Knifed Gallery

1932 S. Halsted #201

6pm-10pm

Rock The Future

This event is going to be insane and you would be too if you miss it

(unless you live out of town then your sanity is still questionable).

Debonair Social Club

1575 N. Milwaukee Ave

9pm-2am

AND DONT FORGET...

"5"

Is up until June 22nd!

Go see it!

Highlights from "5"

2008-05-26T16:37:00.001-05:00

Thanks again to Revise CMW for curating the show. There was new work by Max Bare, David "Cove" Gonzales, Nick Bach, Revise CMW & Myself. Meat No. 5 provided music with drum accompaniment. As usual, a good time was had by all.

These are the pieces Max Bare and I worked on:

Sammy Snooter's Identity Crisis

Bambi Bucktooth

Ursula Honeypot

To inquire about these pieces go to www.aokayofficial.com

My tiny plush

Octoplush: Satsuma

Sold

Family style wall

5

2008-05-11T13:03:00.000-05:00

5 Artists on the 5th Month.

New works in the works...

For all who have asked what I was doing in NYC:

I was helping to build this.

Another mysterious piece

2008-04-18T15:03:00.000-05:00

I have been slaving over a hot plush for the past 2 weeks. I have another show coming up at the end of May. I will be doing some collaborative pieces for that one. And, I will actually be able to post those when they happen...Hooray!

Dont forget, April 25th is the closing for the Get Knifed Returns show. The Gallery will be open between 6-10pm and there will be a good time had by all. It is on the Artropolis route so it is sure to be packed. As always, Pabst is available for all who are able to drink it.

(1932 S. Halsted #201)

Here is a peek at my new plush. It is the second finished piece for my solo show in November. So, until then this is all I will post of it.

41" x 32"

The Missing Piece

2008-03-30T12:06:00.001-05:00

This is one of the projects I have been working on as of late. It will be up at Get Knifed Gallery (1932 S. Halsted #201) for the "Returns" show on April 11th and then up again on April 25th for Artropolis. And hopefully, it will be my first completed piece for my solo show Nov. 1st - 30th at A. Okay Official. Now for another crazy adventure!

A. Oktoplush

2008-03-09T13:15:00.000-05:00

Here is the latest Octo. Made for A. Okay Official. Lots of projects in the works. Some secret, some not fully developed, all exciting! I will have details about the solo show (happening later this year). Busy, Busy, Busy....

Highlights from Q4

2008-02-29T16:46:00.001-06:00

Here are some of the photos from last night's show at Q4. I really enjoyed the loft feel the place had. They had booths with goods for sale as well as music and spoken word. It's a pretty happening space.

Mr. Max Bare's portion of the exhibit.

Q4

2008-02-28T10:37:00.000-06:00

Tonight! Last Minute showing. Octoplush: Baby Blue (revised). Fun!

CTA Show

2008-02-16T15:02:00.000-06:00

My Piece: The Ambergris Express
Last night was the Chicago Train Art show at A.okay Official. What an amazing turn out. Thank you to everyone that fought the crowds to come out and partake. It was PACKED. At one point there was a line out the door to get in. It was possibly the craziest show I have been a part of this year. A.okay is great and they really know how to hold an event. Here are some photos from the night. Possibly blurry but you get the idea.

Mr. Moneybags from the Octoplush series

2008-02-11T21:18:00.000-06:00

This past Friday Get Knifed Gallery had a themed show called Cash, Credit, Debit. My submission was this stodgy old miser:

He comes complete with fully functional Monocle and a "stack of hundreds".
(I also made and sold out of some plush money much like the ones in his greedy tentacle)Here are some clear photos of the space (and the get knifed store/bar area) after the evening was over:

Show Updates

2008-02-04T15:48:00.000-06:00

Kind of short notice but, I finished a piece for Get Knifed Gallery's "Cash, Credit, Debit" show. It is this Friday (the 8th) @1932 S. Halsted #201, Chicago, IL. Here is a sneak peek.

Title: Octoplush: Mr. MoneybagsAlso, don't forget the CTA show at A. Okay Official! Feb. 15th 2008 from 6pm-10pm (followed by an after party till 2am). 3270 N. Clark st...(it says 07 on this flyer but rest assured it is in 08).Hope to see you there!

A.Okay CTA Show

2008-01-25T00:01:00.000-06:00

This is the ad on the Juxtapoz website....can you find my name? It's right............there.

All Aboard!

2008-01-16T20:41:00.001-06:00

February 15th come out to A.Okay Official for the show inspired by public transportation and the people that love to tag them. It's craziness!

3270 N. Clark St.

Chicago, IL 60657

You can even catch a ride on the "Ambergris Express". More photos of my piece (and that sort of thing) to come post show.

Artistic Jeanius

2008-01-12T17:57:00.000-06:00

The Get Knifed Gallery 1 year anniversary show is up at Artistic Jeanius. If you are around 1711 S. Halsted stop by and take a look. I have Salty up surveying the landscape and protecting the DJ.
And, here is a sneek peek at what is taking up all of my time now-a-days....
"Oh, Yeaaahhh!"

Happy New Year

2008-01-03T18:56:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year everyone! Time to kick it off with a post. I will be busy working on a various projects this month and may be MIA for a little while. Anyway, here is the piece I did for my mother. She is a frogaholic so I jumped at the opportunity to make one for her. Enjoy! Now begins my crazy year...

Hannibal and the skull

2007-12-14T15:45:00.001-06:00

I just finished a custom piece I have been working on for what seems like forever. It is for my friend Patrick Ma. He is the brains behind Rocket World and the Insurgents Wilderness Gruppo vinyl toys. If you live in The San Francisco area stop by his gallery: 660 22nd St. San Francisco, CA 94107 or visit his online store at rocketworld.org

Anyway, this is his new buddy...lovingly called Hannibal. He hangs on the wall and his base is decorated with skull print camo.

Also, new plush skulls are in the works. I will update as soon as they are available for sale. If you would like one send me an email before I get sick of making them.

Baby Blue

2007-12-14T15:37:00.000-06:00

A new pint-sized Octoplush named Baby Blue is available at A. Okay Official in Chicago.

A. Okay is located at 3270 N. Clark st. or at aokayofficial.com

Pilot with Plush

2007-12-12T22:15:00.000-06:00

I was hoping to add photo's from my latest undertaking but, I am not permitted to post them. I was doing plush props, wardrobe, and a number of other things for an MTV pilot created by a couple of my friends. So, as soon as I am cleared to post these things I will and I will be very excited about it.

In other news, A. Okay has 3 new pieces from my growing plush collection. One of them being Pandora's present. I will post photos of Octoplush: Baby Blue hopefully this week.

I have another 2 plush to make, the rest of the book design to finish, a new gallery piece, the rest of the film shoot, and the preparation for the next MTV insanity all before my b-day next week. On that day I will retreat to Seattle for the holiday-fun-fest. Back to work!

Three costumes in four days: Comic Vault Commercials 1 & 2

2007-11-29T11:52:00.000-06:00

I helped out my friends at LowCarbComedy.com with some Commercials for the Comic Vault. In this case, I made an Aquaman costume. Here is the end result:

Then there is the little matter involving Daredevil.

The Adventures of Superman: Coming Soon!

Thanks part 2

2007-11-10T10:47:00.000-06:00

My newest endeavor in the world of plush. It was quite the ordeal making a completely hollow birthday present out of nothing but fabric, foam, and fiber-fill. The whole time I was making it I kept thinking back to my sister's wedding where my friend Tim decided to call someone's backpack "Pandora's Backpack". This was followed by "You have released me from my prison" and wild hand motions. It was so funny I had made a drawing of a toothy beast coming out of a Jansport ages ago. Next I will have to do a plush based on the "Fishing for owls" fiasco. Anyway, I had created this piece for the Get Knifed Gallery's latest opening. The theme was "Thanks".

Title: Thanks for the...OH DEAR GOD! (Pandora's Present)

The show was pretty rockin. Unfortunately most of my photos did not turn out. But, here are two that may be deemed acceptable.

The place was packed and the Pabst was a-flowin. I stopped taking pictures when I realized it was just going to be a bunch of blurry bodies.

Thanks!

2007-11-08T14:23:00.000-06:00

Just finished a new piece for Get Knifed Gallery's "Thanks" show. Kinda of a spur of the moment showing for me. Tomorrow Friday the 9th stop by for yet another Pabst filled event. This is part of the Pilsen Gallery Walk so there is plenty to see.

Get Knifed Gallery

1932 S. Halsted #201

6pm-10pm

If you cant make it out, check back here, I will be posting photos of the show and my work.

A. Okay

2007-11-04T16:21:00.000-06:00

This image is from the A.Okay Official website. They took some kick ass photos of my stuff.

Right now my work is available there. The store is amazing. They have a wide variety of toys, clothing, sneakers, and art. You can visit their site aokayofficial.com to see all the goodies that they offer or head on over to:

3270 N. Clark St.

Chicago, IL 60657

My Kinda Town

2007-11-02T18:03:00.000-05:00

On October 13th Max and I were invited to show at DVA Gallery for the "My Kinda Town" Chicago Artists show. Here are a few photos of the opening to kick this blog off.

The allusive Mr. Bare and his paintings.

The beginning of Something

2007-11-02T17:29:00.000-05:00

Alright, I have finally set this up. My goal is to post Gallery photos, new work, and the like. But, I tend to have a hard time keeping up with this sort of thing. Here goes nothing!