Description
Messy Faces Art Print: The Original
Clocking in at 20+ years, thankfully my original ‘Faces’ piece still exists today. It’s been throughout a lot. When I originally created this in 1999 I was a broke college kid. So I had to scrap this all together with $0 budget to get it done.
- 28in x 20in cardboard
- Pages of an old found book ripped out and glued
- Brown paint erratically dry brushed throughout
- India ink for the outlines of the faces
- Colored pencil for the inside of the faces
I tend to overthink and overanalyze a lot about my work. But not this piece. Out of frustration I think I just ‘gave up’ and jumped in and just got it done rather quickly. Literally nothing else was thought of or considered. Each face turned out the way it did in the moment.
The Original Faces & Bitcoin
I have been asked if I would ever sell the original. About the only thing I might sell it for is Bitcoin. If you are an avid art collector and got the satoshis please contact me if you are serious about this. All offers will be considered.
The Gift I Took Back
Like a fool when this piece was originally created in 1999 I decided to bequeath the ORIGINAL to a pair of pals of mine. As in, the only original ‘Faces’ in existence was haphazardly gifted to some friends who temporarily lived together in a small apartment together. These 2 were rather rambunctious and seemed to ALWAYS have people over. I was there when they had some rather large parties (in a tiny apartment).
At some point after the bequeathing (a few months?) the piece had fallen behind the couch and managed to get torn in 2 places. It remained there for another month or so before I decided to take it back. Not long after these 2 roommates had a dramatic falling out. In hindsight, taking this piece back was SUPER crucial as it might not have survived the chaos of that apartment. After all, you wouldn’t be reading this today if I hadn’t stole it back. I’m still good friends with Bill and was with JP until he passed away in early 2020. Lots of good memories from that apartment and that era in general.
Concerning the x2 tears. At the time I was upset but nowadays I’m totally over it and frankly, works for the piece. They are on the final messy faces art print you can buy today. When pointed out most people don’t even know they are there. But I know.
Messy Faces Art Print Sold in Elmhurst
Before we landed on today’s standard size of 18×24 thick 100lb prints, we experimented with different posters and things throughout the years. Circa 2009 we had qty 100 23×33 posters printed up of Faces. I signed & numbered all of the messy faces art prints. They sold quite well at my favorite client’s place in downtown Elmhurst, Effigy Salon and Lounge. We also sold them every year at the yearly art show in Elmhurst at Art in Wilder Park. Wife & I would get a booth every year and sell our art. Big shout out to Roz! But this print always stuck out and did well and gave me the confidence to ride the diver helmet wave which would arrive soon after. To this day we STILL sell 18×24 prints of this (obviously right here) and also at the Oddities & Curiosities shows we do a few times every year.
Faces & Mental Health
Faces was created rather quickly at a time when I was certainly stressed. It makes sense looking at it now. It shows in the work. Not that this was intended but it turns out these messy faces are quite popular with child phycologists and professionals in the mental health field. One can relate to one or more of these guys at some point in time – certainly if you are a part of the growing population suffering from anxiety or depression. Everyone has their favorite face for whatever psychological reason. Perhaps an expression with one of them that works for your current mood. Feeling down? Misery loves company so find your favorite face and buddy up!
• ‘Faces’ is an extra thick 100lb Cover Stock PRINT
• All prints are frame-ready 18in x 24in
• You are buying an exclusive print directly from the artist
• FREE s&h in the USA!
