Ceramic Vases; Night Howler series 1998.

Night Howler Vase I (1998) height 220mm. Slip cast, painted with Amaco under glaze colour and incised (sgrafitto technique) and fired to 1120 degrees Celsius. 

The Concept.

Literature remains the generative source for my creativity, however in this series of ceramic vases the emphasis has shifted from religion to an investigation of the richness of African and other non western cultural traditions. The vases were developed as an extension of the theme for a range of Ceramic sculptures (Night Howler III featured here on the left); conceived, developed and constructed for a one person exhibition in 1996 at the Sandton Civic Art Gallery in South Africa (to feature on this blog during the month of July). 

The Theme

The theme as the titles indicate, refer to night-howlers (Dija-Nwana); spirits that take on human shapes and create evil in the land (preparatory drawing on the left). The idea is rooted in African mythology, derived from an investigation of the following literary sources. They include Indaba my children by Credo Mutwa, The famished road  by Ben Okri and African myths about the origin of murder as captured in the book titled, Bantu Heritage written by HP Junod. The conceptual development of the series of ceramic sculptures and vases was in direct response to crime related experiences, being a victim of hijacking and other crime related activities at my apartment block, during my stay in a crime ridden suburb of Yeoville in Johannesburg during the 1990s.

Night Howler Vase I - Detail back view (1998) height 220mm. Slip cast, painted with Amaco under glaze colour and incised (sgrafitto technique) and fired to 1120 degrees Celsius. 

Night Howler Vase II - closeup of technique (1998) height 220mm. Slip cast, painted with Amaco under glaze colour and incised (sgrafitto technique) and fired to 1120 degrees Celsius. 

Night howlers and personal experiences. 

The idea of night-howlers is fused with analogous material drawn from news related events and my personal relationship experiences during this troubled time in my life. Events are reflected in dark images suggestive of pain, dismemberment and menace. What makes this work interesting, is the use of the vase as an expressive product (see concept below). 

Night Howler Vase II - front view (1998) height 220mm (collection Carl Landsberg). Slip cast, painted with Amaco under glaze colour and incised (sgrafitto technique) and fired to 1120 degrees Celsius. 

The concept for the Vase.

The idea of the vase, brightly glazed  in orange in the inside and a vitrified Matt black surface (incised - sgrafitto) on the outside, refers to fires made in punctured petrol drums (cut in half), often found on the side of the road, to heat up the vendors, homeless and now central to every game farm's larger. (image of product at CIRCA)

Night Howler Vase II - side view (1998) height 220mm (collection Carl Landsberg). Slip cast, painted with Amaco under glaze colour and incised (sgrafitto technique) and fired to 1120 degrees Celsius. 

Night Howler Vase II back view (1998) height 220mm (collection Carl Landsberg). Slip cast, painted with Amaco under glaze colour and incised (sgrafitto technique) and fired to 1120 degrees Celsius. 

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Ceramic Vases; Night Howler series 1998.

Night Howler Vase I (1998) height 220mm. Slip cast, painted with Amaco under glaze colour and incised (sgrafitto technique) and fired to 1120 degrees Celsius. 

The Concept.

Literature remains the generative source for my creativity, however in this series of ceramic vases the emphasis has shifted from religion to an investigation of the richness of African and other non western cultural traditions. The vases were developed as an extension of the theme for a range of Ceramic sculptures (Night Howler III featured here on the left); conceived, developed and constructed for a one person exhibition in 1996 at the Sandton Civic Art Gallery in South Africa (to feature on this blog during the month of July). 

The Theme

The theme as the titles indicate, refer to night-howlers (Dija-Nwana); spirits that take on human shapes and create evil in the land (preparatory drawing on the left). The idea is rooted in African mythology, derived from an investigation of the following literary sources. They include Indaba my children by Credo Mutwa, The famished road  by Ben Okri and African myths about the origin of murder as captured in the book titled, Bantu Heritage written by HP Junod. The conceptual development of the series of ceramic sculptures and vases was in direct response to crime related experiences, being a victim of hijacking and other crime related activities at my apartment block, during my stay in a crime ridden suburb of Yeoville in Johannesburg during the 1990s.

Night Howler Vase I - Detail back view (1998) height 220mm. Slip cast, painted with Amaco under glaze colour and incised (sgrafitto technique) and fired to 1120 degrees Celsius. 

Night Howler Vase II - closeup of technique (1998) height 220mm. Slip cast, painted with Amaco under glaze colour and incised (sgrafitto technique) and fired to 1120 degrees Celsius. 

Night howlers and personal experiences. 

The idea of night-howlers is fused with analogous material drawn from news related events and my personal relationship experiences during this troubled time in my life. Events are reflected in dark images suggestive of pain, dismemberment and menace. What makes this work interesting, is the use of the vase as an expressive product (see concept below). 

Night Howler Vase II - front view (1998) height 220mm (collection Carl Landsberg). Slip cast, painted with Amaco under glaze colour and incised (sgrafitto technique) and fired to 1120 degrees Celsius. 

The concept for the Vase.

The idea of the vase, brightly glazed  in orange in the inside and a vitrified Matt black surface (incised - sgrafitto) on the outside, refers to fires made in punctured petrol drums (cut in half), often found on the side of the road, to heat up the vendors, homeless and now central to every game farm's larger. (image of product at CIRCA)

Night Howler Vase II - side view (1998) height 220mm (collection Carl Landsberg). Slip cast, painted with Amaco under glaze colour and incised (sgrafitto technique) and fired to 1120 degrees Celsius. 

Night Howler Vase II back view (1998) height 220mm (collection Carl Landsberg). Slip cast, painted with Amaco under glaze colour and incised (sgrafitto technique) and fired to 1120 degrees Celsius. 

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New painting by Steve Turner... Prints to come...

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Tattoo - Does it hurt?

Here's someone who should never have gone for a tattoo!!

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Holy shit! It's been a minute since our last post. Our family at the tattoo shop has doubled in size. Our long time friend Kevin Wathke from Topeka, KS has joined our full-time roster. Another long time pal of ours hailing from Florida, Andy Bolin, is also slaying it at Hell Bomb now. And last but not least, is Megan Shelton from right here in Wichita! I'm posting a few samples of their work below. We're also operating with new hours. 12-8, Mon. thru Thurs. 12-10 on Fri. and Sat. Come get some!

Kevin Wathke

Andy Bolin

Megan Shelton

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Fabulous Kore Flatmo: Tattoo Artist of PluraBella Tattoo.

The work of Tattoo Artist Kore Flatmo of PluraBella Tattoo (follow link below)

This blog entry is an extension of one of my most visited blog postings to date entitled, Best of Tattoos Artists, Books and Bodies. I have constantly visited sites, but not nearly enough, to be in a position to state that I have accumulated enough knowledge about the subject to claim to be an expert on the topic. The growth in this industry has been extensive and covers a broad range of research areas of specialization such as body adornment, tattoos, piercings and body modifications. The subject of tattooing forms part of cultural studies such as anthropology and in particular representation (Culture Representations and Signifying Practices). This post entry merely highlights two interesting tattoo sites that was brought to my attention whilst acquiring material for surface development for one of the Ceramic Installations, titled Spanner in the works. They were cited as posts on the Blog Needles and Sins - a comprehensive and informative blog about the subject. There is also a new book available on the market titled Black Tattoo Art see link below.


What's the cost, the hours and extent of the pain? 


The first site is very interesting, as it captures the experiences of an individual that embarked on getting a Japanese Tattoo. The blog is titled Munewari Minutes  (explorations in Japanese Tattoo). This blog explicates the entire venture since its conception (5 years in the making), the hours, the costs and needless to say, the pain etc. It is a must read for anyone considering such a venture - a tattoo design that  embodies your all. The latest blog post refers in particular to the most painful parts of the body, as he experienced it.


The Tattoo Artist is Horizakura of New York Adorned Tattoo Studio

PluraBella Studio: Kore Flatmo
The second site is one of my foremost tattoo artists discovered recently. His work is outstanding and his craftsmanship rates as one of the best in the field (see title tattoo image at the top and the tattoo images below). Kore Flatmo is a master crafts person in every area of the art of Tattooing. 

Cincinnati based artist Kore Flatmo began his career as a tattoo artist in Hollywood, California in 1990. With two decades in the thick of the Tattoo evolution, Flatmo is a generational tattooer and visual artist. His incredible work and one of kind style has placed him high demand across all walks of life from the dishwasher down the street, to the high profile musician, on through to the banker on wallstreet. Collections of Flatmo�s work can be seen in Juxtapoz Tattoo Book, Acclaim Magazine and Tattoo Master UK, to name a few. (as cited on his Facebook)

His designs are trendy and extend into all the various styles and techniques available. He mainly excels at realism. His website is titled PluraBella Tattoo Studio and he is also represented at myspace. ,  facebook and you could also follow his blog. 

The work of Tattoo Artist Kore Flatmo of PluraBella Tattoo.

Black Tattoo Art: Modern Expressions of the Tribal: a new book  curated by Marisa Kakoulas - details below.

The book is curated by Marisa Kakoulas (lawyer, writer, circus lady and blogger) Contemporary Expressions of the Tribal would have been a better title for this book.  The 536 page hardcover includes work by tattoo artists from Borneo, Argentina, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Europe and North America. The book weighs nearly ten pounds, and the binding is stitched with silver embossing. It's fat, heavy and gorgeous. As cited on Boing Boing and at website Needles and sins. The site provides relevant information and comments about the publication including visual documentation of the tattoos.

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Fabulous Kore Flatmo: Tattoo Artist of PluraBella Tattoo.

The work of Tattoo Artist Kore Flatmo of PluraBella Tattoo (follow link below)

This blog entry is an extension of one of my most visited blog postings to date entitled, Best of Tattoos Artists, Books and Bodies. I have constantly visited sites, but not nearly enough, to be in a position to state that I have accumulated enough knowledge about the subject to claim to be an expert on the topic. The growth in this industry has been extensive and covers a broad range of research areas of specialization such as body adornment, tattoos, piercings and body modifications. The subject of tattooing forms part of cultural studies such as anthropology and in particular representation (Culture Representations and Signifying Practices). This post entry merely highlights two interesting tattoo sites that was brought to my attention whilst acquiring material for surface development for one of the Ceramic Installations, titled Spanner in the works. They were cited as posts on the Blog Needles and Sins - a comprehensive and informative blog about the subject. There is also a new book available on the market titled Black Tattoo Art see link below.


What's the cost, the hours and extent of the pain? 


The first site is very interesting, as it captures the experiences of an individual that embarked on getting a Japanese Tattoo. The blog is titled Munewari Minutes  (explorations in Japanese Tattoo). This blog explicates the entire venture since its conception (5 years in the making), the hours, the costs and needless to say, the pain etc. It is a must read for anyone considering such a venture - a tattoo design that  embodies your all. The latest blog post refers in particular to the most painful parts of the body, as he experienced it.


The Tattoo Artist is Horizakura of New York Adorned Tattoo Studio

PluraBella Studio: Kore Flatmo
The second site is one of my foremost tattoo artists discovered recently. His work is outstanding and his craftsmanship rates as one of the best in the field (see title tattoo image at the top and the tattoo images below). Kore Flatmo is a master crafts person in every area of the art of Tattooing. 

Cincinnati based artist Kore Flatmo began his career as a tattoo artist in Hollywood, California in 1990. With two decades in the thick of the Tattoo evolution, Flatmo is a generational tattooer and visual artist. His incredible work and one of kind style has placed him high demand across all walks of life from the dishwasher down the street, to the high profile musician, on through to the banker on wallstreet. Collections of Flatmo�s work can be seen in Juxtapoz Tattoo Book, Acclaim Magazine and Tattoo Master UK, to name a few. (as cited on his Facebook)

His designs are trendy and extend into all the various styles and techniques available. He mainly excels at realism. His website is titled PluraBella Tattoo Studio and he is also represented at myspace. ,  facebook and you could also follow his blog. 

The work of Tattoo Artist Kore Flatmo of PluraBella Tattoo.

Black Tattoo Art: Modern Expressions of the Tribal: a new book  curated by Marisa Kakoulas - details below.

The book is curated by Marisa Kakoulas (lawyer, writer, circus lady and blogger) Contemporary Expressions of the Tribal would have been a better title for this book.  The 536 page hardcover includes work by tattoo artists from Borneo, Argentina, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Europe and North America. The book weighs nearly ten pounds, and the binding is stitched with silver embossing. It's fat, heavy and gorgeous. As cited on Boing Boing and at website Needles and sins. The site provides relevant information and comments about the publication including visual documentation of the tattoos.

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Megan Fox New Tattoo inspired by Mickey Rourke

Megan Fox has revealed that she got a new tattoo. The actress recently added to her tattoo collection, saying it's a special piece of work inspired by fellow actor Mickey Rourke.

She claimed it's actually in honor of her Passion Play co-star Mickey Rourke.

She got the new tattoo in honor of him as she thinks he's a very special person. The tattoo is a quote in English on her ribs and has been attributed to the 19th century German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche : "Those who danced were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music." Lovely!

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the black rose tattoo on ribs

the black rose tattoo designs on ribs best idea for girls

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Best Cross Tattoo Designs

Best Cross Tattoo Designs

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2010 Soccer/Football World Cup - Official Sites.

More images and sites to visit, to get you in the mood. The image above, A true Springbok rugby fan, is by renowned photographer Warrenski @ FLickr, cited at South African Tours and Travel site. What has this got to do with soccer football  you may ask. Spare a thought for our rugby team. Yesterday the springboks beat the French at Newlands - a trully great performance (stunning game). Bravo to our bokke.

The image above is by Warrenski. more images of his work on Flickr above.


Stunning images of the Cape Town stadium were taken by Deon Maritz and is available @ Flickr for your convenience. His photographs are spectacular (master craftsperson) if you like this kind of approach. His landscape images are also a treat. Well worth the view. Other photographers with incredible images of the stadium is Warrenski (see image above), also available at Flickr.  What follows are the official soccer football world cup sites that provide reviews of the games, images and up-to-date comments for soccer football enthusiasts, including valuable information for international travelers.  

• 2010 FIFA WORLD CUP, South Africa. Official site with fanfest venues etc.
• WORLD CUP 2010, ESPN Soccernet. Fabulous site, great layout and all the info.
• Cape Town - 2010 FIFA world Cup Host City. Stunning site, Visually spectacular.
• A World Class African Host City. My city's offcial site.
• www.SA-Venues.com. 10 Venues and all the stadiums. maps etc. 
• SouthAfrica.info Gateway to the Nation
• The WORLD Game, every game live on SBS. Australian perspective.

Images above are of three of the stadiums, as cited on the South Africa Expo Site, promoting the World Cup at the China International World Expo recently. 

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