Geeks of NatureA show by podgypanda

For all of you who couldn’t make it to the opening here is a preview of the Geeks of Nature show by Podgypanda complete with pricing.

For purchase inquires please email: info@thisisnation.com

Digital Prints each ed. of 50 (clockwise)

• Tea Party $60 cdn
• Godzilla Greg $60 cdn
• Whales $60 cdn
• Kristopher Kong $60 cdn
• The Last Sushi $60 cdn
• Boof $60 cdn

Note: All prints are 11.75″ by 16.5″ including a 1″ white matte.

Canvas Prints (clockwise)

• Kristopher Kong $300 cdn
• Whales $300 cdn
• Tea Party $400 cdn SOLD
• Boof $300 cdn
• The Last Sushi $300 cdn
• Godzilla Greg $300 cdn

A3 Original Paintings Framed (clockwise from top left)

• Kristopher Kong $185 cdn
• Nora Narwhal $185 cdn
• Betty Yeti $185 cdn
• Livi Unicorn $185 cdn
• Godzilla Greg $185 cdn
• Bigfoot Bryan $185 cdn
• Walk (A4 size) $250 cdn

Custom Sculptures (clockwise from top left)

• Livi $300 cdn
• Kris $300 cdn
• Snowpal $150 cdn
• Bryan $300 cdn
• Betty $300 cdn
• Greg $300 cdn SOLD

A4 Sketches (clockwise from top left)

• Main Wall
• Drool Puddle $80 cdn
• Dreamin $80 cdn SOLD
• Waterballon to the Face $80 cdn
• Raining Legless Catspuds $80 cdn SOLD
• Vandals $80 cdn SOLD

I know it’s been a while but today I thought I’d share some music.  It’s pretty weird, right.  So being the savvy person you are I’m sure you’re already well aware of Major Lazer.  They’re the collaborative brainchild of Diplo & Switch, presented through their Mad Decent label.  At first it took me a while to get into Major’s special brand of future reggae / dancehall.  But after some random playtime at this year’s Calgary Comic Expo booth, I couldn’t help myself.

Major Lazer & La Roux – Can’t Stop Now – Armor Love Remix (Free Download)

Major Lazer & La Roux – Bulletproof – Nacey Remix ft. Matt Hemerlein (Free Download)

These cats make for some fun listenings (and best of all don’t take themselves too seriously)!  They add just the right amount of humour to keep me intrigued.  Case in point: they invited Mr. Eric Wareheim (Tim & Eric Awesome Show fame) to craft some rather mad videos for Pon de Floor & Keep it Going Louder.  Alternatively checkout this video by the good folks at Trunk Animation.

Okay so now the new news.  Mad Decent just released the amazingly titled Lazerproof mixtape.  Yes it’s Major Lazer v. La Roux.  14 tracks of it.  And it’s all free.  Yes, La Roux’s been remixed from here till Sunday but again it’s fun and free.  And for you dubstep kids there’s some Skream n’ Rusko on there.  So get on with the downloading and listening.  Enjoy your day.

Our big ol’ side venture Nation Toys has poll positioned it’s way to the forefront with a recent redesign and subsequent launch.  We will now be supplying y’all with the latest in vinyl goodies, apparel and art for your purchasing convenience. Also be sure to notice our “artists” section where we hope to aid in the rock star status of all who have coloured up our walls. Oh it doesn’t end there!… as we’ve added a basic blog to inform our guests on the latest goings-on regarding exhibits and future products, meow.

We wanted to flex some creative muscle on this one so we created some cute n’quirky illustrations with lightly militant undertones, perhaps even some overtones (all in good jest, of course) and away we went!  Currently, we’re working on some character development and back story which will hopefully breath more life into this colourful and slightly odd web endeavor.

If you are in the market for some vinyl goodness, perhaps a gift or feel like supporting some local artists we highly recommend clicking on THIS LINK and taking a look around, and buy all means throw something in the shopping cart.

- Team Nation thanks you!

You know how we’ve all wanted to meet more people in our dream industry? Whether it be potential collaborators to expand our personal networks, or to just talk shop. If you’re into cinema, this event is for you. In support of an ambitious film being shot this summer, we’re promoting a ‘Scorsese’ titled event. Let’s face it, filmmaking is expensive and what better way to fund raise than by hosting a killer night out, plus it’s a good way to kick start to your summer.

DETAILS:

“The Colour of Money” Fundraiser
Friday, May 28th
Schank’s North
Doors at 6:30 PM
Tickets ~ $10

PURCHASE TICKETS @ http://thecolourofmoney.myevent.com/

Entrance to the event allows you to indulge in the appetizer buffet, compete for unique prizes, enter the bar-wide 50/50 draw – and the best part – a photo shoot with you and another person posing as Vince and Eddie from The Color of Money’s iconic shoot.

Get your tickets early as we’re hoping to sell out all one-hundred fifty!

Google hired out some ultra-hip creative video company to promote their super-fast Chrome web browser. I’ve switched from Firefox to Chrome for the most part (still love my Firebug) and you should, too. It is, as the video claims, ultra-fast. I think my personal favourite is the potato gun, however the lightning definitely has more impact as a blog post title.

Source: http://chrome.blogspot.com/2010/05/potato-gun-lightning-and-sonic-magic.html

Allo allo! And thank you all for your continued support during those droughts we sometimes experience here at the Carbon/Nation/SplashFantastic HQ!

This was linked off my Twitter account the other day, and in the spirit of superiffic 3D music videos which melt our minds, I decided it was worth posting. Oh, and it’s a beautiful song, too.

Tah-tah for now!

Some of you may know I have a soft spot for music. These days however I’ve been quite nonplussed by the lack of quality in music videos. So when I saw this amalgamation of gorgeous 3D & sound I was quite struck. Struck by awe. Check it out for yourselves, and make sure to sit through at least a minute and a half of it. It gets better and better. Need more? Visit the Myspace(s).

Last year approximately 40,000+ brave souls headed for the black rock desert to participate in the annual cultural spectacle known as Burning Man. Each year a unique theme is chosen to help guide artists, musicians, performers and on-lookers in crafting a week long festival of original experience. Not quite a music festival, not quite an open-air arts event, not quite an alternative living celebration yet somehow this event has organically grown to encompass all of this and more.

For those of who haven’t been or perhaps those who have and want an interesting perspective away from the playa; might we suggest you attend a showing of Dust and Illusions: A History of Burning Man. This documentary by Oliver Bonin offers insight into this annual gathering which often defies definition. This doc is independently produced and with that is seeking support to cover the expense of bringing a film such as this to you the good public. You can show a little love by attending a screening in your area or make a donation online (right side).

Here’s a few Canadian dates for you:

Jan. 28th, 2010 – Calgary, AB
Feb. 3rd, 2010 – Toronto, ON
Feb. 4th, 2010 – Montreal, QU

See you out there!

So I stumbled across this bonkers hotel while surfing for coolness. It’s the Yas Hotel in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. and it is crazy cool. Built half on land, half on water with access to the marina. The shell of the hotel is created to resemble the tossing of a fishing net, and the LED colour display is truly impressive. It encompasses contemporary style rooms, 14 restaurants & lounges, 10 treatment room spa and multiple rooftop pools.

There is some seriously weird (and wonderful) stuff going on in this one. Pedigree aside, Beck’s output as of late has been astounding. Definitely a top-notch player of this past couple decades.

But I suppose that’s what you do if your entire life is related to music. Ahhh, one can only dream…

I first heard this killer trio on a Radiohead covers compilation called Exit Music: Songs with Radioheads where they do a flawless rendition of Karma Police, complete with one insane crescendo. Well, here’s a few tunes they’ve done since then. You may recognize a few of the following tunes, as they seem to enjoy doing covers of super popular tunes. Smart move.

The Bad Plus feat. Wendy Lewis – Lithium (iTunes)

The Bad Plus feat. Wendy Lewis – Comfortably Numb (iTunes)

The Bad Plus – Tom Sawyer (iTunes)

The Bad Plus – Life on Mars (iTunes)

WEAR WASH REPEATthe art of KOMBOH

Donning the walls of Nation Toys this November is the works of KOMBOH (aka Michael Mateyko & Hans Thiessen). With a very descriptive theme you can gather that the show will focus on wearable art. There is an assortment of incredible hand screened imaginative and simplistic graphic tees accompanied by some beautifully framed illustrated prints. I have a feeling that both the tees and prints wont be around long and their reasonable price *ahem $30* certainly makes them a great gift idea and hotter than the hottest of hotcakes… I guess if you could wear hotcakes the former would be true.

From my angle the work of KOMBOH epitomizes not only clean contemporary design (with a side of whimsy) but also the diversity to switch from amazing typeset documentation to cute and colourful vector illustration & animations.  I look forward to seeing whats next for this talented duo.  I’ll be sure to post photos of this month’s show.

The opening is tonight: 6pm – 9pm @ Nation Toys & Tees so if you are in Calgary we hope to see you there!

The work of Michael Mateyko & Hans Thiessen.

KOMBOH is comprised of two individuals who realized that working together solved more problems than it produced. Michael Mateyko and Hans Thiessen approach the visual world with the belief that creativity is a process, not a formula. A process that sometimes involves medium-fit, 100% cotton t-shirts.

Go to komboh.com for more form-fitting goodness.

Anyways, you get the gist. There’s a nice line-up of artists, with 2-5 songs per musician so prepare yourself for a night of intimate performance!

ps. The quality is 10x better on the site than on YouTube.

Thanks goes out to honorary Splash Fan inspirer @jopesta for mentioning this one.

Here’s a few clips to bang off this Friday. First up, Moby’s absolute obsession with nerdy drum machines. Can’t help but be a lil’ bit envious of his setup. Next, a lighthearted tune from your favourite Fresh Prince character, and those ultra-pop Swedes. Enjoy!

I’m still surprised by the recent ruling of the Polaris prize judges. When I heard the hardcore group Fucked Up took the $20,000 I didn’t quite get it. Well, I still don’t. But I suppose if it has some innovative qualities similar to Refused’s The Shape Of Punk To Come, then it’s somewhat deserving.

Anyways, here’s my vote. If you haven’t heard D-Sisive’s Let The Children Die as of yet, go pick it up and get ready to let the tears flow. This is hands down one of the saddest, most emotional albums I’ve ever heard. And it’s hip hop. Real hip hop.

D-Sisive – Switzerland

D-Sisive – Let The Children Die

D-Sisive – Nobody With A Notepad

I thought I would share a lil bit ‘o audible fun I’ve been enjoying this morning. I was seeking some info on the new Imogen Heap album (which by the by I would recommend checking out) and while on said hunt, the good folks over at StereoGum put me onto Troublemaker. Josh Kouzomis hails from the weird n’ wonderful planet known as Los Angeles. Since the late 90’s he’s been carving out a name for himself as a producer, remixer, n’ all round good DJ. He’s collaborated with mash-up master Z-Trip and currently holds a residence at Hard Rock Hotel Las Vegas.

Now what I especially like is that he is involved with the H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Everywhere) campaign. H.O.P.E. is a non-profit organization which engages artists in various fields to help raise awareness and funds for international humanitarian causes.

Now I can’t go into too much detail as I’m just getting introduced to what he’s up to musically. From the selection of free tracks he offers on his website I’ve gathered that his tastes are quite broad. The remixes are unique while still remaining true to the original. Here’s a couple to tracks to get you started. Enjoy your Saturday!

Flaming Lips – Flight Test (Troublemaker Remix)

Phoenix – 1901 (Troublemaker Remix)

Mastadon – Oblivion (Troublemaker Remix)

Ahoy! We have a special treat this month in the Nation space. Mommy Still Likes Me: The art of Pete & Jo features wood. Art on wood, that is! If you’re in the Calgary area this month, make sure to stop by anytime. Even better yet, if you’re in the Calgary area tonight then we’re having a little shin-dig from 6pm to 9pm. Did I mention these are the two responsible for many fantastic projects such as custom artwork for Beatroute, illustration and branding for the Market Collective and album artwork for local band Günther’s Nuclear Stallions … to name a few.

Here’s a drop from the artists:

Peter and Joyelle Komierowski are illustrators living in Calgary, Canada. They are NOT brother and sister as some would believe. They draw things that are funny, weird, cute, scary, but mostly moronic. Their work is wrapped up in nostalgic memories of childhood and it is a sort of grown-up fairy-tale.

Also, make sure to check out more of Pete & Jo’s work on lovefrompeteandjo.com

555 KUBIK | facade projection | from urbanscreen

Just a quick tip for this lovely humpday set upon us. If you live in the Montréal area, and are not already pre-occupied by the Concordia Electro-acoustics festival you should check out Pop Montreal premiere of NOSAJ THING’s visual show (see above video).

Oh, oh yes.

In my younger years I would play a song or entire album on repeat. These days, it’s not usual for me to loop good content over and over for fear of ruining it, but I just can’t help it with this one. I believe my only recent regret is not knowing about Nova Scotia’s Amelia Curran before this month’s trip to Halifax. Anyhow, this tune seems like a suiting mood for the brisk fall Friday headed our way.

Amelia Curran – The Mistress – { Album: 2009’s Hunter Hunter }