Post #274662 by THOR's on Sat, Dec 23, 2006 6:51 AM

Aloha TC Ohana!

I heard about this thread and figured I should at least pop my head in and join the gang here. It's really fun to hear the feedback at such an early stage in an idea. I really enjoy pumping out ideas..even if most never actually become anything more than a thought on paper. Feedback , at least motivates me to focus for a moment on a specific rather than continue to ponder endlessly.

I noticed a few comments about the fact that many of these mugs are not "technically""Tiki mugs". This is something I think we can debate for centuries. I can only tell you my personally definition of a "Tiki Mug" after looking at mugs since I was a kid in the 60's and hearing adults use the term. Here is what I define as a "Tiki Mug". Some may agree, some may not, and in the end, it's not important at all. The real spirit of Tiki in our pop culture allows for broad acceptance for stylization and creative expression in Tiki adoration.

For me, there are "Tiki Mugs" that are literal and clearly a representation of the countless carvings from Polynesia of what were called the Tiki gods. We know them well..like Ku,Tangaroa, Moai, Kang, Pele....on and on. For the purist, these are the only real "Tiki mugs".

However....for what it is worth, the Tiki movement in our culture can be credited for taking all this "accuracy", throwing it into a huge wooden barrel, adding rum and fruit juice, pop art and unconditional creative expression...adding a twist of ignorance and a floater of pure imagination. Served up..it becomes the elixor of choice for all of us who embrace the Tiki culture.

Out of all this, I recall, as a kid, adults yielding what they called "Tiki mugs" here in LA that were far crys from actual Polynesian Tiki's" I remember being at a Polynesian restaurant as a child when my parents ordered a hot dessert coffee and my mom said it was coming in a "Tiki mug" we could take home. It was a skull mug in truth that we had on our shelf in the bar area for decades.

I have seen many, many Tiki mug collections in recent years. Other than traditional Tiki God styles, Every one included mug designs like highly stylized native faces as interpreted in Asia, Buddhas, pirate heads and recently, Munktiki's "bad Liver" mug. Is a gray glazed liver really a Tiki mug? Is a shrunken head more "Tiki" than a pop styled red Devil head?? Heck...who cares!! They are all FUN!! They all exhibit personality and adventure. They all look good on a Mug shelf too!!

So, when you look at anything I may concoct, here is my motivation. I make stuff that I would want to see on a dark, amber lit, rum drenched tropical bar shelf. Things I would want to hold in my hand and see in the hands of my friends. I talk to bartenders, often in Waikiki about celebrating more classic , tropical drinks with a "themed mug". Also, I think it's fun to invent new drinks.

I was thinking that every mug I sketched above would come with a recipe, created from a contest held in Waikiki by some of the top bartenders. They loved the idea! Drinks like a Red Devil, a Pink Tako, a Cultural Exposure..ect. Again, it's all about fun, good friends, creative sharing and Polynesian Pop promiscuity!!

Anyway... I am happy these have been enjoyed. We hope to release many this year. Also, I am working on the "Trader Hic's" painting, but juggling that with a commission from Disney to do four more paintings for the Polynesian resort in Walt Disney World's Lobby. Those are due In Feb. After that...LOTS of art this year and more Thor Stor's are planned to open by Sept. of 07 I was just told by my publishers.

Happy New year!! Special thanks to Gecko for letting Max and I see your AMAZING house full of Tiki extravaganza a few weeks ago!!! First round of Mai Tai's at La Mariana are on me next time!!

Warmest Aloha's ~THOR