What's Happening?
Hey everybody! Look who I discovered:
"Forever Go Together"
We had such a great time with Mr. Waffle that I paired up with the good folks over at Prints on Wood again for a timed print release of these happy fellas.
Each fine art wood print is 8 x 10 in. (20.32 x 25.4 cm) and will be signed and numbered on 1/2" sustainable Birch with a bright white finish. One of the actual prints can be seen below.
Available for purchase now through Friday, November 7th at 12 pm PST.
Cost is $55.
Whaaattt? A giveaway?! Not just one but TWO giveaway contests are now underway.
First one is for an original sketch of King Nori and it's over on Gallery Nucleus' Facebook page. All you have to do is leave a comment telling us what makes you happy :D You can either scroll down their page to find it here, or I have it shared and pinned to the top of my facebook page here.
Next one is for my Instagram followers and it's for a King Klondike sketch. Simply follow me over there, reblog the giveaway photo and hashtag it #kingklondike. Easy!
Best of luck and thank you all for everything!
This past weekend, Ed and I flew out to L.A. for a whole slew of things and I thought I'd share some of the highlights with you good people.
I started bright and early Friday morning with a trip to Prints on Wood to sign and number my "Mr. Good Morning Waffle" prints. First, I got a tour of their facility and my goodness, it's awesome! Everyone was so nice and the owners, Derric and Erin had everything ready for me to sign. I didn't have my camera with me (of course) but Erin was kind enough to have snapped this shot of me doodling on one lucky person's print.
Then it was off for a little breakfast at the closest place - Denny's! Appropriate seeing as one of the pieces from my solo was named "King Grand Slam". We felt full and ready to go onto our next stop -- JapanLA.
I'm proud to finally be able to announce that I am one of only 40 artists that were asked to create a piece for Hello! Exploring the Supercute World of Hello Kitty, the world's first large scale museum retrospective of Hello Kitty to help celebrate her 40th anniversary. It will take place at the Japanese American National Museum Oct 11th - April 26th, 2015. It is being curated by Christine Yano, Ph.D., author of Pink Globalization: Hello Kitty’s Trek Across the Pacific, and Jamie Rivadeneira, founder and owner of pop culture-inspired boutique JapanLA.
My painting was also chosen to be made into prints that will be sold at the museum, which is what I was signing at JapanLA. I can't thank Jamie enough for asking me to be a part of this and for being so darn nice!
I have some AP's and will be doing a giveaway very soon so make sure you're signed up for my newsletter :)
Then it was off to the opening of the Joss Whedon x Gallery 1988 show at their West location. I was so happy that both Ed and I had a piece in this show and were able to bring along our very bestest friends who had been driving us around all day and keeping us company (thanks Kim and Teo!).
This is my piece entitled, "Fun Weekend" and was inspired by one of my favorite movies, Cabin in the Woods (hard to tell, huh?).
We were looking at all the great artwork and John (the manager of G1988 East) asked if I had met Joss yet. I shook my head as I'm pretty shy about those types of things but he was nice enough to tap Joss and introduce me. I shook his hand and said how cool it was to meet him. Then out of the crowd I hear, "Cuddly Rigor Mortis! I love your work!".
It was Alex Pardee and I damn near lost it. I started talking with him and quickly realized I had blown off Mr. Whedon. I felt horrible but then again - Alex Pardee! He then asked if I wanted to meet Skinner who was sleeping in the back (both these guys were working on overtime) and went and got him. I couldn't believe my luck. Getting to talk with those two amazing artists was a definite highlight. They couldn't have been cooler.
Unfortunately I only got 2 hours sleep that night due to a noisy motel, but when the price and location are too good to pass you make some sacrifices. Only thing is, I don't do well with 2 hours sleep. My anxiety and depression tend to ramp up so Ed and I ended up doing our own thing and visiting a couple art shows. The coaster show at La Luz was super awesome and then we checked out the Neckface show at New Image Art Gallery. Fantastic!
Then I thought it'd be nice to check out Dave Perillo's Squares 4 Squares show at G1988 East. Didn't disappoint! So great to see his sketches alongside the screenprints. As I'm walking around, talking with John again, Ed says he's going to check out the little used bookstore next door. To his surprise who does he bump into?
Robert, one of my favorite people and one of the directors we used to work with on the SNL TV Funhouse shorts (That's us to the left: David, Robert, me, Ed and Adrian who all used to work on those shorts and they showed up later that night at my show). He should be in Brooklyn and we haven't seen him in 2 years. What are the odds?! Seems he had the same idea as Ed and went to that bookstore on his day off from working with Robert Smigel and Adam Sandler on a new animated feature. He'd been living in LA for months and we never knew.
We were able to sit and catch up over coffee and suddenly I wasn't feeling too bad after only 2 hours sleep.
I also forgot to be nervous for the opening of my solo at Nucleus! Wait a minute...my solo! We rushed back to the motel and gussied up and got our butts over to the gallery.
Ed, my rock, my right hand man, getting the first look at my pieces hung wonderfully around the gallery.
Downstairs, the crowd started to gather for Scott C's Hug Machine reading and presentation. Man, that guy can command a room!
I was so overwhelmed when I saw that they had put the poem, Happy Thought on the wall which inspired my whole show. So awesome!
Then people started filing upstairs. Friends old and new came to say hi.
I got to see Lindsey's newest tattoos! Natalie Nasturtium and Emily Chamomile. They looked amazing! So honored, thank you Lindsey :D
So many people I didn't get photos with (got to get better at asking for pics!), but I remember everyone and it warms my heart to think you all came out to see my show. Thank you :D
Then this little guy showed up, Chamaco is his name and he's got his own IG account (@mynameischamaco). He was so soft and what a face!
I was also happy to have gotten a Coke float with chocolate ice cream (thanks Nichole for mentioning it!). People were having fun taking pictures of themselves eating pizza next to King Pepi. Here's a couple of my favorites, Robert and John (you remember John, he's the manager at G1988) taking a bite.
I was happy to see so many people were having fun!
The night went so fast but I had one last thing I needed to do. I wanted to meet Scott C! He had a line for signing his books the whole night. I patiently waited until there were only a few people left and I finally shook his hand - and got a hug from the hug machine himself. No photos, but I swear it happened ;) He couldn't have been kinder. What a great guy.
I can't thank the wonderful folks at Gallery Nucleus enough for allowing me to share my happy thoughts with so many people. I truly am lucky and hope to continue making people smile with my work for years to come.
Good night and sweet dreams everyone. You deserve it :D
First up, is the long awaited Joss Whedon x Gallery 1988 show which opens next Friday at their West location. They're really keeping the lid on everyone's pieces but if you look closely you might see a bit of my piece below. Since I'll be in town for my solo, I'll get to attend this show as well! Be sure to say hi :)
Opening the next night in San Francisco is Spoke Art's KUBRICK: an art show tribute. I just love "The Shining" (sorry Mr. King) and came up with "I'm Not Gonna Hurt Ya" acrylic on maple, 11" x 11" x .75". To inquire about this piece or to be put on the advance collectors preview list, simply email spokeartgallery(at)gmail
Also opening Saturday, September 6th at 7pm is Happy As Kings, my solo exhibition at Gallery Nucleus. Scott C is showing the work from his latest children's book Hug Machine in the main gallery and there will be lots of fun things to do, including giveaways throughout the night. And pizza! And ice cream! So bring the little ones and spend the evening looking at art that makes you smile. If you can't make it to the opening (or if you want a shot at buying my artwork before anyone else make sure to sign up for the advance online preview here).
"King Pepi"
"King Klondike"
This just in! Who's covered in maple syrup, happy as can be and loves his coffee black?
"Mr. Good Morning Waffle"!
I paired up with the good folks over at Prints on Wood for a timed print release of this happy fella.
Each fine art wood print is 8 x 10 in. (20.32 x 25.4 cm) and will be signed and numbered on 1/2" sustainable Birch with a bright white finish. One of the actual prints can be seen below.
Available for purchase now through Friday, August 29th at 12 pm PST.
Cost is $55.
I am super excited to announce that you can now get a whole range of covers and skins for your phone/computer needs with my work on it at Nuvango. Never heard of them? Well you may know them by their previous name, Gelaskins. You've certainly heard of them, right?
Here's a couple to peak your interest, but there's loads more images to choose from. Take a look and if there's a piece of mine that you just can't live without on your phone that isn't available, let me know and I'll add it.
Have fun shopping!
There are two charities that I'm taking part in, the first opens this weekend and is being presented by Leanna Lin's Wonderland and Supahcute. Doggie Wonderland "Fun Adventures with Your Best Friend" will benefit Ken-Mar Rescue, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit small dog rescue. All the artwork and products for this show are $100 or less and since it's a cash and carry event, I'd suggest getting there early and staking your claim. I'm super excited to be taking part in this!
The show will open with a reception at Leanna Lin’s Wonderland on Saturday, May 10 (6-10pm).
There are tons of wonderful pieces for this show and with everything priced at $100 or less, there's sure to be something for everyone.
-photo credit: Leanna Lin
You'll see right there in the middle is a mounted print of my painting "Tex". It will be priced at only $55. Leanna and Supahcute always put on such wonderful shows and with this one benefiting such a great cause I highly suggest heading over there and taking part.
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The second charity is a slightly larger affair and is called More Than a Cone. They invited artists to re-imagine the "cone of shame” or e-collars as they are usually know.
They will be auctioning off the finished works at their Launch Party Extravaganza in Los Angeles on June 21, and you can join them.
Every single art piece will help benefit the great people at Best Friends Animal Society®; the only national animal welfare organization focused exclusively on ending the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters.
I was so excited to be asked to participate not only because it's for another amazing charity but because there are so many amazing artists and designers. I'm talking Todd Oldham, Wayne White and Mishka -- amazing.
We were all given a huge array of e-collars to work with and free reign to do whatever we wanted with them. I layed them out flat and thought and thought and then it hit me! The interior, negative space of the cone looked just like a dog head and body to me. I sketched up a fun pup with some of his buddies and here you have my painting,
"Buddy's Buddies" acrylic on 16" maple round
I cannot imagine my life without my dogs (past and present) so both these charities hit close to home. If you're thinking about a new pet in your life please consider a shelter - you'll save a life and gain a best friend!
Thanks for reading :)
-Kris
How to encapsulate what just happened is going to be difficult.
But I'll try :)
Ed and I landed to a beautiful sunny day in downtown Los Angeles on Thursday. We got our In N' Out grilled cheese, fries and Neapolitan shake fix and were enjoying the 70 degree afternoon.
We knew it wasn't going to last...
Friday morning we awoke to torrential rain. News reports of mudslides, water spouts, thunderstorms and smoldering boulders falling down the mountains. Los Angeles ended up getting 4.5" of rain.
We started to get the feeling that people might not want to venture to my show opening seeing as accidents on the freeway were happening all over the place. We wanted everyone to be safe. We wanted California to get some much needed rain. I wasn't going to be selfish and resigned myself to the fact that not a lot was going to happen that night.
During a break in the storm, we drove over to Gallery 1988. Katie and John had done a wonderful job hanging the show, I couldn't have been happier!
A few people waited outside the closer it got to 7pm and the rain held off. Until 1 minute to 7, just before they were going to open the doors the loudest thunderclap and flash of lightening hit outside. The heavens opened up like someone just dropped a huge bucket of water over the street. I kid you not, I hadn't seen anything like it in my life.
"Quick! Get everyone inside!"
Pretty quickly red dots started to appear under the artwork. People were buying! More people started coming in, soaked to the bone and the night was off to a soggy, but awesome start. I was so touched that everyone had braved what was clearly a dangerous situation to support me. I can't thank them enough. I also want to thank the people that tried they're best to make it but couldn't due to the storm. It just means so much to me.
I got to meet so many of my fans who've supported me over the years. People who I've only know over the internet. Even got to see "Slice and Dice" tattooed on this gal's forearm - brilliant, overwhelming and super fun - many thanks Lindsey!
By the end of the night, I met so many wonderful, kind people and sold half the show. I still can't believe it.
The next day I was back at WonderGround Gallery premiering my "Stitch in Space". I was giddy to see that Stitch and his big tongue were still greeting guests in 15 ft banner form in Downtown Disney.
I was so happy to have met Gregg Visintainer, Jasmine Becket-Griffith and got to see Noah once again.
Such wonderful, kind, talented people, I felt truly honored to be sitting with them at that signing table.
Did I mention it rained? Yup, so many people braved the downpours once again to come to our event I was so touched. Thank you!
Later that afternoon we met up with our good friends and spent a quiet evening at their home with their pups watching tv. We got a good night's rest and headed back to Disneyland for a little r&r.
It poured but as we sat under an umbrella and ate warm grilled cheese sandwiches and hot tomato soup I realized that this was one of the best weekends of my life. Surrounded by wonderful people like Gallery 1988 (Jensen, Katie, John, Amber and Nikki - THANK YOU!!!), all my fans, the crew at WonderGround (Sonia and Martha thanks for everything!!!), new and old friends, I truly am blessed.
The sun finally came out, warmed us up and we had a great ending to a great adventure.
I will never forget it!
If you're interested, there are still 3 originals left as well as limited edition prints at G1988.
If you're interested in "Stitch in Space" (original, deluxe prints and postcards) then you can call 714-300-7004 – that is WonderGround's sister shop Vault 28 - and place an order over the phone or call Disney Merchandise Guest Services number at 877-560-6477.
Thanks again :D
xo
Kris
I am crazy with anticipation waiting for this show. It's been just about ten months since I started this and it's almost here!
As you can see, I'm continuing my I'm Not Hungry theme with 30 brand new paintings. I've got everything from dogs and cats to red pandas and vultures. I'll have limited edition prints available as well as a goodie or two for those that can make the actual opening.
For those that can't, I highly recommend you subscribing to Gallery 1988's newsletter on the front page of their website so you can know the instant the remaining artwork is posted online March 1st.
We're going to keep these guys underwraps until Feb 28th but here's "Meathead" to keep you going.
Ed and I will be flying out for the opening so we would love to see lots of you there!
Many thanks to the great folks at Gallery 1988 for giving me this opportunity and for you all as well - I wouldn't be doing this if it weren't for all your support.
:D
-Kristin
Hi everyone!
I just got back from my whirlwind trip to California and had a wonderful time meeting up with galleries and artists (my head is still spinning - or that could be the red eye we took back to NJ). The topper was walking to WonderGround Gallery thinking I would be saying goodbye to my 15ft Oswald banner, only to see my Stitch with his 3 ft tongue sticking out greeting everyone who passed by Downtown Disney.
It once again brought tears to my eyes thinking of how many people will look up at that tongue every day :D
The next morning was the signing and I got to meet so many kind people. Sitting at home, quietly painting every day I lose sight of all the people that my work will touch in the future. On Saturday I got a great big dose of happy that I'm going to stow away to remind me that I'm putting smiles on people's faces.
I also had the great pleasure of meeting the other artists I was signing alongside like Jeff Granito, Jeremiah Ketner, Daniel Samakow and Noah.
Speaking of Noah - that's him and I to the right after I found out he purchased my "Oh, Mr. Rabbit" painting for his daughter. Such a thrill when an amazing artist loves my work!
I love being able to talk shop with other people and hear how they created a piece while standing next to the actual piece. Watching them sketch...well, I guess I'm a big art fan just like anybody else! I was also super excited that Rich Kuoch aka PodgyPanda was attending the show and finally got to meet him in person as well. If you're not familiar with these artists I urge you to take a look at the wonderful art they create - you won't be disappointed!
Even though the original of "Oh, Mr. Rabbit" sold they created these amazing matted prints of him (with a beautiful gold insert). 
They also have deluxe matted prints of Stitch (with a great rattan texture double matte) and Mickey and Minnie too!
You can also purchase post cards, acrylic magnets and a stretched canvas print of Stitch.
As of Sunday evening, the original paintings of Stitch ("Alelo") and Mickey and Minnie ("S.W.A.K") were still available. You can either call 714-300-7004 – that is WonderGround's sister shop Vault 28 - and place an order over the phone or call Disney Merchandise Guest Services number at 877-560-6477 or e-mail them at merchandiseguestservices@disney.go.com for these paintings, prints and other merchandise.
Once again, I feel so honored to have been a part of this amazing show and to have the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people. I'll leave you with a photo from my ride on the Disneyland Railroad.
