All Posts tagged buff monster

Killing Time With Vannen Watches’ David Stowe

David Stowe is that rare kind of guy whose in business for the right reasons: He has a passion for the arts and compassion for artists. He makes watches because he believes in them, and he thinks you will too. He’s going to hate me for saying the “S” word, but I used to wear Swatch watches.  I had the  Keith Haring model and John Lennon’s ass by Yoko Ono and the clear one where you could see the guts, and I wore them lined up wrist to elbow like all the other kids in the 80s.  As we entered the 90s, art watches, much like music, started to suck. The glut in good artistic watches would end up lasting about 20 years.

But then, something happened. Almost exactly a year ago, I saw a stray tweet introducing Vannen Watches. I sent a note to the contact address, and got a reply right back from David Stowe. We’ve been talking about art, artists, watches, business and life ever since. I’ve written about and for Vannen, and it’s the only watch I’ll wear. Currently, I’m wearing the Series 2 Bigfoot model. But enough about me. Instead of our usual Tuesday Time Waster column, let’s spend some quality time with David.

JB: What watch are you wearing right now?

DS: I’m wearing the Chris Bettig watch. I love the way this watch looks with the new non-holiday inspired straps. It’s the perfect summer watch.

When and why did you start Vannen?

The epiphany moment happened while I was sitting in traffic in mid-2008. I took that entire year to get things up and running… I did tons of research, sourcing, budgeting, prototyping, testing, development, approaching artists, and really working towards making Vannen a legit business. After a whole year of making sure things were solid, we launched in August of 2009.

I started Vannen because I wanted to create something special on a personal level while at the same time contributing to the global art scene. I also wanted to be a part of something that was truly a pro-artist experience with some real heart and soul behind it. I was seeing my artist friends get taken advantage of, so I wanted to break that cycle and industry mentality. With Vannen, I set out to build a company based on treating artists with respect and gratitude.

When you say “we,” who all is that?

That would be my split personalities. Actually, I’m speaking on behalf of my business partner, the artists and myself.

How did you choose the initial roster of artists?

I’ll let you in on a little secret: the Series 1 you know today wasn’t even the original line up. Series 1 was supposed to be Joe Ledbetter, Ron English, Shepard Fairey and Buff Monster.

If you’re wondering why those other 3 never came out, it was a mixture of things. Read the rest of this entry »

Buff Monster Art Basel Customs in Store Now

People have been asking what became of the Buff Monster customs seen above and in these photos from our live painting event in Miami. We’ve got two pieces left. First up: an 8-inch KitCat Qee.

This super glossy 8″ KitCat Qee was customized by Buff in sparkly silver, gray, black and Buff’s signature Pink. The flat black sections of paint float over the surface of silvery sprays so superflat you can see your reflection. Exclusive to Art Basel. Get him here.

Next up, this 3-inch Dorogami is a hard beast to photograph, but we did the best we could. Buff Monster customized this kaiju for exhibit at this year’s Art Basel Miami. A harmonious balance of Buff’s signature pink mixed with various shades of green speckles enhance all of the contours of the Dorogami’s viscous-like body. The upper eye features a pink crystal and the 2 lower eyes are lighter clear crystals inset into the vinyl body. A final clear coat makes this one sweet X-mas Grinch. Get him here.

Buff doesn’t do a ton of customs, and even less on platform figures. Check ‘em out, and remember EVERYTHING in the store is eligible for our Neon Monster Loves You sale, this weekend only.

Buff Monster Live From the F Factory

All my eyes are on Buff Monster right now. Buff is making art and signing toys here in the Cave of  Wonders. He’s got an incredible custom of his original Kaiju for Grown-Ups vinyl, a hand-painted Zag, some limited signature figures and a few delicious clear-coated Qees. Some of these one-offs will be available as part of the Multiversal Group Show here in Miami.

If you’re in the neighborhood, come down to the F Factory where Buff is painting a Toy2R Mon-Qee and signing MINDstyle ice-cream minis til the doors close. Lots of great folks have been stopping by. Literally, folks, as in Mr. Monster, (Buff’s Dad), as well as Ernesto from The Beast Brothers, artist Christine Webb and even CBS news. We may have a few autographed minis available on the site, so don’t sleep, as they’re likely to go fast.

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Neon Monster To Host a Limited Edition Experience With Buff Monster

WHAT: Neon Monster will be hosting an afternoon of live painting on custom toys by artist Buff Monster at the F Factory, as part of Art Basel. “Buff Monster” is both the name of the artist and the character, fitting nomenclature for a man who always seems to be in character. As fans of monsters, artists and characters, Neon Monster is proud to present an afternoon of live painting on 3D art objects with Buff Monster. This is your chance to see the meticulous artist work his magic. Original toys, art multiples, books and other goodies will be on sale, with the option to have Buff autograph each piece for a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

WHEN: Thursday, December 3rd from 1PM – 6PM.

WHERE: Neon Monster’s installation on the second floor of the F Factory. This event is part of Limited Edition Experiences and takes place on the 2nd floor of the Moore Building at 191 NE 40th Street.

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Neon Monster Opens Cave Of Wonders at Art Basel

Neon Monster was invited to participate in a curated cross-pollination of  culture and commerce at this year’s Design Miami. The historic Moore building provided us with an airy atrium (and fancy neighbors) in which to construct our Cave of Wonders. When you emerge onto the second floor, you’ll be greeted by an effigy of Mitch. Step inside and absorb the world we’ve created: it’s one of stalagmites and stalactites, crystalline patterns, glowing tree stumps and jewel-toned snails (that’s me!). Many of our visitors have likened the limited edition experience to being in a candy store. You’ll find hand-picked art multiples by Michael Lau and Daniel Johnston, original art toys by Arbito and Buff Monster, exclusive prints and T-shirts by Dalek, Reuben Rude and Josh Cochran, and so much more. We’ll be at 191 NE 40th Street all month long, so come by and say hi!

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