HEATHERN SNAKE SKELVE - BITTER MANTIS (Unpainted Version)

Having grown up on the West Coast most of my life and coming from a family of uber ‘antique’ collectors and artists, my eclectic upbringing was filled with a wide range of ’Pop’ ephemera. Many of those inspirations now show up in my work and stem from the backdrop of my childhood. The Subject of my paintings is a world of side-show icons, deviant Animalia, and ‘masked’ glorified cartoon alter egos. I utilize these icons and character cultures as antithetical counterparts to what we are lead to believe as being innocent and socially acceptable. Although misfits on the surface, a sense of relation is understood, secret from the public - we are all misfits; hiding behind animated personas, odd and beautifully unusual. Who is it that we relate to? The lonely little boy hiding in a bear suite, the evil lustful pool-hall wolf, the sexualized little girl who secretly wants more. The environment and its limited population are meant to conjure these questions, the viewers are confronted with fi Circus Posterus began in 2000 as a small collective of fine artists, illustrators, gallery curators and collaborators working together to create exhibitions and art projects utilizing the diverse backgrounds of each of its members. The group officially evolved into an established company in 2007 by original founders Kathie Olivas and Brandt Peters. The internationally recognized fine artist couple dedicated their diversified backgrounds in original artworks, toy design, printmaking, packaging, marketing, “Brand” management, licensing and art event creation in order to create specialty products that allow other artists the time and motivation to expand their own markets. The CP studio has been providing their talents and skills to a cross section of national and international companies as well as numerous established and emerging contemporary fine artists. By allowing artists to do what they do best — creating art and interacting with their fan base, the company’s creators have delivered a new paradigm for its collectors and fans which offer internationally sought after original artworks as well as limited editions sculpture, prints, art toys, and a unique range of collectibles. Rather than each artist having to manage and produce their own merchandising, CP acts as not only a collaborator and producer, but also Tomenosuke is a distinguished gallery and shop located in Gero Onsen, a renowned hot spring resort in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. Specializing in “artistic toys” or “objets d’art,” Tomenosuke offers a curated selection of designer toys, rare collectibles from international artists and manufacturers, and unique original products. Beyond their physical store, Tomenosuke maintains an online presence, offering their curated selection to a global audience. Their online store features new arrivals, exclusive releases, and information about upcoming collaborations, ensuring that collectors worldwide have access to their distinctive offerings.