improving a good thing

Theres no rule that says you have to leave things in the same condition that you find them in. I found this small bust at goodwill for $3 and thought it was pretty cool, but it didn't strike me as odd enought to hold its own against its future shelf-mates.

I went ahead and bought it anyway, but with the intention of giving it maori tribal tattoos. After adding a little bit of a pink blush for depth I applied the tattoos in pencil [based on examples from photographs]. Once I had everything laided out and was satisfied with it I went over everything in ink.

The bust would've been ok on its own, but I felt that with the rightadjustments it could give off a really striking victorian explorer/Allan Quatermain anthropological vibe. So keep in mind when your doing your thrift shopping that nothing is set in stone ... you can always make it better.

Contrarywise

This is a series of pieces that I did for a Los Angeles art show opening in conjunction with the new Alice & Wonderland film.

Contrarywise 14x6 1/2 (c) Ichabod Bones

White Rabbit 4x5 (c) Ichabod Bones

Cheshire 4/5 (c) Ichabod Bones

Hatter 4x5 (c) Ichabod Bones

Craigslist

Craigslist isn't just for being murdered anymore. Everyone knows that there's a lot of junk on craigslist [from the "broken tools" to the "i saw you but you didnt see me lets date" posts] but craigslist shouldn't be underestimated whenever it comes to finding quality household items ... and not spending an arm and a leg on them.

I found this blue velvet reproduction Victorian sofa on craigslist for $75 [when all was said and done I paid $65]. It was well build, sturdy, and [after I lint rolled it free of pet hair] clean. You could easily pay 10 times as much at an antique store or reproduction warehouse when with just a little digging you can find really striking pieces of furniture at vastly superior prices online.

In addition to craigslist modern stores such as Ikea can contribute the odd accent piece provided that you keep your eyes open. The ornate frame propped up above the couch [that I have yet to fill & hang] is one such piece. It cost me about $20, but with the right picture it should really compliment the style and period look that we are trying to accomplish.