Post #243358 by THOR's on Mon, Jul 17, 2006 8:47 AM

Greetings fellow Tiki types!

OK...this is a project that will be a first for me as far as incorporating the wonderful and ACTUAL creations of other real "home spun" tiki enthusiasts into a new published painting. I have a series that I have planned to paint that is REALLY FUN!! I often get people suggesting ideas for Drink Machines and other stuff they would like to see in my work. Many times, this feedback inspires me to elaborate into a strong idea and painting. In this case, I am looking to see inspiration of things other TC'ers have made themselves that could be incorporated. Let me explain.

This new series will incorporate a half dozen or so different story scenarios relating to what a hand crafted tike bar area would look like if created. For example, one is going to be of a Tiki Bar and surrounding in a very typical, older basement someplace in the Midwest. I want to paint a detailed, fun and characterized piece in my style that reflects this. What would be in the space? Well, I imagine an old coal furnace that has been decorated to look like a Tiki with the coal/fire door being a warm glowing "mouth." There would be all sorts of pipes and evidence of being under the home. However, there are creative solutions all over the place to "run with it," and dress up the pipes and build in a rattan bar with aquarium..etc. It will look VERY home made and enchanting...the type of spot anyone in a cold Midwestern small town would gladly retreat to for escaping into a warm tropical bliss. I would like to create time references for each piece too. This one would be, ohh, 70's I see, cus I recall personally visiting my aunt's Chicago basement bar when I was little in the early 70's.

Other ideas are: A pool side Tiki backyard circa mid 60's, an old barn Tiki bar in a very, very farm mentality small town in Kansas, a Tiki "bar" made in a military camp in the Middle East today, a college dorm room, and a New York roof penthouse Tiki garden in spring. I have TONS of ideas but would love to incorporate a few elements of my friends here on TC. It makes the painting more authentic and shares some of the fun of the creative process.

One thing, I hate having to even bring this up, but if anyone is anticipating royalties or something if I paint small part of your basement or use one of your mug designs or a lamps you built in your garage. PLEASE, DON'T PARTICIPATE. I have a lot of ideas here already to make these successful, I just thought this could be a lot of fun to incorporate other peoples images or that you may find it fun to see something you've created in what is likely to be published and broadly seen/shared by a lot of this wonderful Tiki culture. I will offer this, though, If I am to use a MAJOR representation of anyone's complete bar in a painting, I will be happy to offer a signed full size print and acknowledgment of their participation in inspiring the published artwork. In this I mean half or better of the painting image is a painted representation of an existing bar interior and elements, not just that I used a lamp or mug or sculpture or something.

Again, sorry to even mention all this above, but you would be surprised what I have experienced as to people openly offering ideas and then saying, "OK NOW..if you use that idea..Do I get a percentage?" Believe me, ask anyone who has EVER worked with me, I am VERY generous in sharing credit and compensation when this is the understanding from the get go. In this case, I will be spending the hours drawing, designing and painting this image.

OK!! If you want to participate and understand this whole concept, Please post me a few photos or let me know where to access your pictures. I know there are some on TC already, but reference me to them if you have pics here already. I want the most HOME MADE things, creations and ideas you have. Actually, the LESS professional something looks..the better!! This is about cost free, home inginuity, spirit and culture! Also, anything that is very Kitsch or in line with these eras I described that are Tiki I need too...not only hand craft items. I will see if people are interested here from what I have said so far and add, perhaps a "story" to follow that helps drive the painting that becomes the first focus. I will also post rough sketches of some ideas I have for your feedback.

LETS HAVE FUN!!! If we publish this piece, I will speak to the publshers about a special discount on prints for all TC'rs too. For those of you not familiar with my work or style, Please go to http://www.thorstor.com and click on "Thor's Gallery tour".

Warmest Aloha's!! THOR

[ Edited by: THOR's 2006-07-17 08:58 ]