Whaleboat 7" Release Show Poster

AHOY! So, I've been in a candy comatose since Halloween ended and haven't had much solid work to show the masses. However, I'm slowly getting over the "Post-Halloween Blues" and I'm getting some work done and polished up for everyone to feast their eyes upon. A few weeks ago I was commissioned to do a poster illustration for a local band called Whaleboat. I went the fairly literal route (much like the Bear Fight illustration) and drew...well...a whale and a boat. The band has used similar elements in their designs and album art before and I really loved it so I decided to do my own rendition.

Whaleboat's music has a nice shoegazey, melodic sound but is also a bit rough around the edges. Heavy on the reverb and rhythm with a lead singer that wails with emotion, they are a great local act that shouldn't be missed. I've really enjoyed all of their shows that I've been to, so I was delighted to have the opportunity to work with them. Check out their latest single 'The Socialist' below and see you at the show on January 25th!

Whaleboat Facebook

Whaleboat Bandcamp

Whaleboat Website

Things That Go Bump in the Night

Well, it's been a hot minute since I've had any creative news to spew onto the masses but I just got wind that my final submission to be selected for production over at Dottinghill.com went into print a week or so ago. I had assumed they would wait until this moment (Fall/Halloween season) to release it. They look great in the pictures (I'm ordering a few sets for myself as I write this). If you're not familiar with Dottinghill.com it's a site that sells designer temporary water-based tattoos, or "skin-accessories" as they dub them. They are open to art submissions from anyone that wants to join the horde of an already growing number of designs. I suggest you check them out if you haven't already. Also, be sure to look at my two previous designs up for sale on the site.

In more exciting news, I got a piece selected to be in an upcoming exhibit at Black Orchid Tattoo. The exhibit is entitled "Things That Go Bump in the Night" and will feature all Halloween inspired artwork. I'm sure I'll fit right in. The show will run from October 1st until November 30th so there is plenty of time to stop by get yourself inked and gaze at spooky art. The reception dates for the show are October 7th and November 5th which are both the first Fridays of each month. I hope to see some familiar faces out there on those dates.

The Neverending Story: "Fight Against the Sadness!"

After completing my 'Secret of NIMH' art a few weeks back I got inspired to turn it into a series of artworks that I'm dubbing, "Childhood Cinema". The series will highlight those great movie watching moments that I had as a kid that have stuck with me as I've transitioned to adulthood. These scenes in particular have inspired my art or imagination in some way or another. I plan to add more and more to this series as time goes on.

For this entry I depicted one of my favorite movies of all time, 'The Neverending Story'. I picked the scene of Artax' (the horse) death because it was such a powerful moment for my young mind to witness at the time.

Also, the movie's soundtrack is bitchin'.

Here's the scene itself for though who haven't seen the movie (or who want to reminisce and cry their eyes out.)

Bear Fight's Album Release Show Poster!

 

The countdown has begun! Only two months and six days until Bear Fight releases their first album! This should be a doozy of a night with heavy hitters like Manray and Lazer/Wulf as the opening bands. It's gonna get sweaty and violent!! Matt Collett (Guitar/Vocals) of Bear Fight asked me to come up with a poster design for the show. He gave me the reigns to do whatever the hell I wanted. So, naturally, I did. Boxing bear. Violent and brootal. The party goes down at The Jinx on July 6th at 10PM with a $7 cover (so save them duckets!). Let's tear Savannah a new one!

Bear Fight! Bandcamp
Bear Fight! Facebook
Lazer/Wulf Bandcamp 
Lazer/Wulf Facebook
Manray Website
Manray Facebook

Etsy Shop and Freelance Work

It's been a few months since my last entry so here's a quick update on a few of the projects I've been working on. To start things off I recently opened up a shop on Etsy.com. I'll be selling original artwork, prints, t-shirts, and any other knick-knacks that I can come up with. Head on over to The Bizarre Art of Schuyler Abrams on Etsy to see what's in store!

Below is one of my most recent work, "Fires of Hell", which is painted on a vintage 12" vinyl record. It can also be purchased in my Etsy shop.

Since I've been absent I've also picked up some freelance work. I've been providing illustrations for Stephanie Usery, who is a local graphic designer. I have a handful of projects in the works with this client so I can only show you what's been completed and accepted so far. The logo design below is a collaboration between Stephanie and myself. I provided the horseman illustration while she spruced it up with the text and surrounding objects. It felt good to branch out from my norm.

 

I still have some work from December that I'll post at a later date so keep an eye out for that.

Wings of Hell

 

I dedicate this piece to those of you who are suffering from post-Halloween depression like myself. Seeing all that tinsel garbage take over the dark and macabre decor on the store shelves makes me want to weep.  Anyways, I got my artwork back from Hangfire Bar last week and so I finally got a chance to take a (somewhat) decent picture of one of my newest pieces. It's by far my largest canvas painting to date. Weighing in at 50"x24" (approx. 4 ft. x 2 ft.) it was quite a challenge for me to work on it. I normally paint on my bed with the canvas lying flat or in my lap, so you can imagine how awkward it was for me to be rushing from one side of the canvas to the next. Unfortunately this may be the last work you see from me for awhile as I'll be working diligently on Christmas paintings for friends and family and I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise by posting them in a public forum.

Kidsyc@Brandywine

I've always wanted to support local music by designing promotional materials, and this past week I finally got that chance. Let me introduce you to the best thing to happen to hip-hop in the last ten years...Kidsyc@Brandywine! Backed by a live hip-hop band, Brandywine, Kidsyc's MC skills are creative, explosive, and intelligent. Kidsyc@Brandywine's performances are always energetic and engaging. I've been a big fan since Halloween (2010) when my girlfriend introduced them to me. I finally had the opportunity to speak with them face-to-face this past October. I showed them what I could do and BAM! that's when the magic happened! I threw one of my exaggerated brand of skulls in my sketchbook and then added Kidsyc's trademark glasses and Braves hat to the mix. I fleshed out the remainder of the design with a bit of freehand text and what you see before you is my sticker design for the local hip-hop sensation! Expect to see these posted up around downtown Savannah and at Kidsyc@Brandywine's shows in the near future.

Kidsyc@Brandywine's video for their "Fire" single. Produced by Savannah locals!

Hangfire Bar Artist Reception

The date is finally set! My original paintings go up on Hangfire's walls this Friday, October 14th. Remember that date, as it's also my artist reception party. This marks my second solo show this year (and ever!), so if you're in the Savannah area, come out, drink, and barf your brains out!

Gus

Yes, you're looking at a cat in a Georgia Southern polo. This piece was commissioned by my girlfriend's mother and step father, both fans of Georgia Southern, as you may have guessed. This is their cat, Gus, showing off his pride. I'd like to CATegorize this piece as both sophisticated and sporty.

"Gus"
Acrylic on canvas.

Hangfire Bar

Last month I contacted a popular local bar called 'Hangfire' and asked to display my work there for the month of October. They agreed and asked for one thing in return...an original piece by me for the bar to keep indefinitely. Hangfire (aka Hangfizzy or Hangfizzle) has a one-drink-you're-done concoction called "Scorpion Tea". I'm not too sure what exactly it consists of, but it's cheap and delicious. So I figured I would celebrate this special drink with a nice, evil scorpion for the bar. Although it's not a big piece (roughly 14.5" x 7"), I made sure to pull out all the stops for this one. I added a glow-in-the-dark background and chalkboard paint on the lower half to customize the drink price if it ever changes. No word yet on when my artwork will be going up this month but stay tuned for more updates.

"Hangfire's Scorpion Tea"
Acrylic on wood.

Glow-in-the Dark

Cyberclectic Exchange II

Those of you in the Savannah, Georgia area I would like to take this time to inform you of a new craft bazaar that my girlfriend and I will be attending here in town. It's called the Cyberclectic Exchange. Thoughtfully put together by SCAD grad couple, Emma Dyer and Collin Daniel (CuddleBat Graphics LLC), this is not your average art swap. The event is held at a bar/music venue on Bull St. called The Wormhole. Lots of local music acts will be performing at every 'Exchange', as well as drink specials provided by the bar. The first ever Cyberclectic Exchange was a few weeks ago but this Friday (Oct. 7th) is the second go-around, so if you missed it before now is your chance. I will be selling original paintings, prints, Grim threads t-shirts, and other knick knacks all night long. The event kicks off at 8:30pm and runs until the bar yells "Last call!". The Facebook event can also be found here.

My brother's 27th birthday present.

In roughly 3 hours I have taken a simple idea and turned it into what you see before you. I was disappointed that I couldn't afford to take my brother to see Wolves in the Throne Room in Atlanta today, so I took my extra time and painted this for him instead.

"Witch"
Acrylics on canvas