Gary Ham

One Eyed, One Horned, Flying Purple Wooper Looper

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Ok it doesn’t have one eye or one horn and it doesn’t fly but it is a purple.

You loved this fella at SDCC and swooned at the Bewitching II color and now, the Designer Toy Awards have another exclusive for this happy axolotl. Get ready because it is the clear purple colorway of Gary Ham‘s “Wooper Looper“. Like most releases at this award show it is ultra limited  to only 8 copies and only $60. It seems you will have to pick and choose at the DTA award show because you wont get many of these exclusives.

Designer Toy Awards
Oct. 13 at 8pm
Providence NYC
311 West 57th St.
New York, NY 10019

Review: Stranger Factory’s Exclusive Wooper Looper

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To start off, let me say that the term “spirit animal” gets tossed around a lot at Stranger Factory. Some of us know our spirit animal no problem but others are still searching. I am of those others. I bring this up because the Wooper Looper (or axolotl) is quite the creature to behold: the term “Wooper Looper” is mainly used to explain a group of salamander indigenous to the areas around Mexico City (or so Google has lead me to believe). Now if you had asked me if I found it possible to relate to a salamander at some point in my life, I don’t think I would have even taken you seriously. Until Gary Ham made a toy of him, that is.

Designed by Gary and sculpted by Chauskoskis, the Wooper Looper is quite the impressive piece of sofubi. The extensions from the head alone create some very interesting production challenges. That said, the lengths the factory went to preserve the charm of Gary’s character really helps make the piece shine as a whole. The figure serves as a great example of the playful side of sofubi in general.

The main feature I find so endearing about the Wooper Looper (besides that cheesy grin) is the choice in articulation. I really enjoy that the figure has a solid body piece and the tail is used to create a firm anchor so the toy is guaranteed to stand. Also the arm articulation really helps to sell the fun idea behind the figure: he reaches out like he really wants to give you a hug!

All in all,  the team of people that made this toy possible all deserve kudos. The toy is a definite gem and something I will happily display on the shelves in my house.

The cute shelves. Not the creepy ones.

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The Stranger Factory exclusive Wooper Looper is an edition of 33 pcs and retails for $68. The figure releases on Tues., Oct. 9th at noon PST via the Bewitching Preview. Want to catch one for yourself? Get the full scoop here!

Important Preview Info for Bewitching II and Dead Wood!

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Freaks and geeks, witches and ghouls, our favorite day is upon us and is sure to make you drool! The boards are coming off the doors and windows, the candles lit and cobwebs dusted at Stranger Factory as we busily prepare for the opening of our biggest show yet: Bewitching II. Featuring the works of roughly 40 artists from all over the globe, this show may very well bring about the apocalypse. The teasers alone are enough to cripple all expectations, self-restraint and bank accounts and those were just a sampling of what’s to come.

And we musn’t forget the sheer brilliance of this year’s sideshow act: Gary Ham’s Dead Wood. This will certainly be an exhibition to remember, and for the souls around the globe who can only attend in spirit, I bid you to listen well …

As per every exhibition, locals get first crack at the goods starting tonight through this weekend. Online collectors, the request period opens TUESDAY, Oct. 9 at  12 noon PST. It’s been pushed back a day on account of Baby Tattooville. Given the volume of art on the preview, an email may not be sent out to collectors in time. That said, the list is being constantly updated on the Stranger Factory website so check in this evening for the full spread. Please avoid camping on the site as it creates a lag for everyone. Art from both shows will be compiled on the same page.

Bewitching II and Dead Wood open TONIGHT with an reception from 6-9pm. Gary Ham will be in attendance! The exhibits run through Nov. 4th.

 

Dead Wood: A Conversation with Gary Ham

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So Halloween is kind of a big deal in these parts and we’re all stoked to bits as fright night creeps ever closer. We have two cracking exhibitions in store for the event: our second annual All Hallow’s group show, Bewitching II, and Dead Wood, a mini exhibit from the great Gary Ham. Our Steve Brown recently caught up with Gary to gab about the show and the surreal spookery he’s bringing to Route 66 Oct. 5th.

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Steve Brown: Let’s talk about your upcoming exhibition, Dead Wood. What’s the story with this new group of work?

Gary Ham: With the show taking place in October along side the Bewitching show, I thought it would be a lot of fun to keep my theme to creatures of the dead and an overall Halloween feel. I love drawing monsters and working in wood, so Dead Wood felt like the perfect title for the show. Usually the monsters might lurk behind the trees, but in this case, the trees became the monsters.

Read More »Dead Wood: A Conversation with Gary Ham

Gary Ham’s SF Exclusive Wooper Looper for ‘Dead Wood’ 10.5

As part of Gary Ham’s Dead Wood exhibition opening next month, Stranger Factory is offering an exclusive colorway of his popular sofubi figure, Wooper Looper! Sporting the gallery’s signature black and orange, this adorable axolotl is here just in time for Halloween. Designed by Gary Ham and sculpted by the great Chauskoskis, this edition is a run of just 33 pieces and can only be purchased through Stranger Factory. Be sure to sign up for the preview via the email form on the Stranger Factory homepage for the full scoop (if you haven’t done so already — you need only sign up once!).

 Dead Wood opens Oct. 5th in conjunction with Bewitching II. A reception will be held for both exhibitions on Oct. 5th from 6pm to 9pm. Shows are on until Nov. 4th!

Wooper Looper Gets the Halloween Treatment for Gary Ham’s ‘Dead Wood’

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While I’m not too clear on what he has planned for tricks, Gary Ham certainly has some real treats in store for us with Dead Wood, opening next month at Stranger Factory alongside Bewitching II.

It appears our favorite axolotl, Wooper Looper, also has a taste for Halloweenia: doning a pumpkin head and striped slacks, he’s looking ready to fetch himself some candy, or TP a tree or two (or trick Linus into thinking he’s the Great Pumpkin…). The limited letterpress print is a run of 31copies and will be available at the show and online. A  custom Wooper figure based on the character will also be up for grabs.

Dead Wood opens Oct. 5th with an opening reception from 6 to 9pm. The exhibit runs through Nov. 4th.

Monster Toytem by Gary Ham this October

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We saw this a while ago and we were hoping for an SDCC release but things happen. But ready for Halloween, the Monster Toytem is finally coming!  Gary announced a pre order right now for this fun monster mash.

The Monster Toytem is a stackable and interchangeable 7 piece vinyl toy set. Each piece is 2″ tall and when you put them all together this beast is 14″ tall. (I do not suggest letting it do battle with Devastator)
And if you want, gary will sign Individual pieces and or the box upon request.

Pre order can be found here.

Stranger Factory Presents: Gary Ham’s “Dead Wood” 10.5

Just when you thought the barnburner that is Bewitching II couldn’t get any better, Gary Ham comes along and joins next month’s hoedown at Stranger Factory with Dead Wood, a mini side showcase of new works utilizing a whole range of mediums including wood, plush and vinyl.

Inspired by his love for Halloween (and alleged fear of scary trees), Dead Wood will feature fresh incarnations of some of our favorite characters from the Arizona-based illustrator, along with a pair of highly-anticipated debut releases: his vinyl Monster Toytem, first seen as a wooden custom at Stranger Factory’s 2011 Winter Salon, as well as a brand-new Wooper Looper! Limited to just 33 pieces and sporting Stranger Factory’s signature black and orange, the toy will ONLY be available through the gallery. More info on that to come!

Dead Wood and Bewitching II open Oct. 5 through Nov. 4th. An opening reception will be held Oct. 5th from 6pm to 9pm.

Stranger Factory Presents: “Bewitching II” Group Exhibition, 10.5

It’s the most wonderful time of the year: Stranger Factory‘s annual Halloween group hoedown, Bewitching II, is back for another season of chills and thrills!

The traditions, folklore, costumes and nostalgia associated with All Hallow’s Eve are all strands that unite the Circus Posterus collective and Brandt and Kathie have called upon nearly 40 of their friends and peers — established and emerging, local and as far off as Japan — to interpret Halloween in their style. Andrew Bell, Lana CrooksDoktor A, FERGGris Grimly, Charlie Immer, Yohei KanekoJason Limon, Rhode MontijoRagnar, Chris Ryniak, Amanda Louise SpaydShigeta Tanaka and Chet Zar are just a tasty sampling of the talent, and the prices are suited to fit any collector’s budget.

To further the excitement, coinciding with Bewitching is the opening of Dead Wood, a mini-exhibition of new works from Arizona-based illustrator and toy designer Gary Ham. The show also marks the release of an exclusive colorway of Gary’s popular “Wooper Looper” vinyl toy; more on that soon!

Bewitching II and Dead Wood open Oct. 5th with a reception from 6pm to 9pm. Both exhibitions will be on view through Nov. 5th.