Stranger Factory

Call it a Seesaw or Teeter Totter

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Seesaw_Ham_front_webGet ready for another fun-filled trip down memory lane, because we have another preview from Gary Ham’s “Sentimentrees“.

Crank up the nostalgia meter to 11 because this one we all probably know very well.

Some call it a seesaw and some call it a teeter totter, but for most of us, it was a staple of our childhood. Fond memories of pushing up into the air faster and faster …and then your cohort jumps off and you crash down hurting your bum.

Well, Gary has captured all the fun of the seesaw, with his little wooden kids and the huge smiles on their faces and not a care in the world! The anthropomorphic totter is a bright smiling ray of sunshine, and on the reverse is a pleasantly exhausted night.  Being a new father, we suspect that Gary is drawing on a lot of real life for this show.

Seesaw_Ham_back_webDid you notice the wood cut blades of grass? Gary’s attention to detail is stunning, as usual, and we can’t wait to see these perfect little playsets set up for the show!

“Sentimentrees” by Gary Ham is based around the personification of his own sentimental childhood memories.

If the things we loved as a child could walk and talk, what would their childhood be like? As children, we saw our treehouse as a trusted friend and sanctuary; as adults we see a wood box nailed into tree branches. “Sentimentrees” brings us back to seeing our playthings through the optimism and unconditional love of our youth. 

November 1st – December 1st, with an opening reception on Friday, November 1st from 6 – 9 PM.

Stranger Factory
109 Carlisle Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
505-508-3049

Ragnar’s “Engine” carries on.

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DSC_0775 (1)Happy Monday…well, now it is! We got another preview image from the almighty Ragnar for ya’. It looks like Brandon is trying to pick out the proper frames for a few of the pieces for “Engine“. This will be a very creature heavy show from him, and we couldn’t be more pleased. His love of early cartoons really shows in these ghouls.

DSC_0771We thought it would be fun to throw in some of Ragnar’s paints too, but if you look to the right you will see a little preview of another piece from the show.

Ragnar’s “Engine” opens alongside Gary Ham’s “Sentimentrees” on November 1st at Stranger Factory with an opening reception from 6-9pm.

 

Merry-Go-Round!

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Gary Ham is full of playground mischief for his upcoming show at Stranger Factory! Once again a favorite on the playground, this Merry-Go-Round shows another duo of kids spinning until their hearts are content(or until they barf).

merrygoround_redo_3 Merrygoround_redo_4

I’ve been really loving Gary’s take on simple childhood pleasures, and his anthropomorphic playground equipment is certainly no exception.

But – that’s not all! They move too!


“Sentimentrees” by Gary Ham opens November 1 at Stranger Factory with a reception from 6-9pm.

Moons over my HAMmy

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Oh. we can’t sit on these too long because we far are too excited.

We have some updates to a previous post on what Gary Ham will have at his show “Sentimentrees“.
Boxboy_Ham_3_hires (1) Boxboy_Ham_2_hires (1)Oh, the hours upon hours of entertainment a discarded cardboard box could bring. It was always a fort, star ship, base, tank, or solace away from siblings. A good cardboard box could be anything at anytime. Box Boy is that embodiment of our youth.  You can see the joy (taped) oh his face along with that of the two little ones having the best day ever with him.

“Sentimentrees”  by Gary Ham opens November 1 at Stranger Factory with a reception from 6-9pm. Gary will be present!

Ragnar’s “Engine” revs up!

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DSC_0793Recognize this wrinkled, triangular face, eyes huge, glaring hypnotically adorned with a fez from 1932?  It is Boris Karloff, in The Mummy.
Ragnar has taken this iconic film into his own graces. As you can see, this is still a work in progress, but we can already tell that Ragnar is doing an exceptional job. The color palette and precise features are perfect for a film character close to a century old. Engine is definitely revving up for one amazing show!

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Ragnar’s “Engine” opens alongside Gary Ham’s “Sentimentrees” on November 1st at Stranger Factory with an opening reception from 6-9pm.

 

The smell of fresh sawed wood!

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Ramps_WIP_HamWe got in some in progress shots from Gary last night for his show “Sentimentrees” coming up at Stranger Factory in a few weeks, and we can practically smell the fresh-cut wood. Who doesn’t love the aroma of some fresh sawdust?

(ed. note: many people do not like the smell of fresh sawdust, Brad.)
Merrygoround_WIP_HamFrom the two glimpses into Gary’s woodshop, we see the beginning stages of some wood work he is doing.

Continuing with the theme that embodies our childhood treasures and memories, it looks like Gary has transformed our beloved amusements into walking personifications. The halfpipe will make all the old skaters relive their days of pushing around skateparks for hours while trying not to twist an ankle. The spinner was always one of the most popular playground treats. We would always try to go as fast we could until sick or make someone fly off. Is there an adult park I can go to do these right now?

“Sentimentrees” opens alongside Ragnar’s “Engine” on November 1st at Stranger Factory with an opening reception from 6-9pm.

 

Marked Fragile

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BoxteaserComing up this November at Stranger Factory is the wonderful show “Sentimentrees” by Gary Ham, which will be a throwback to childhood memories and all the wonderment that it entails in Super Ham form.

We have only seen a small handful of what Gary has in store for us for the show, but from what we have seen, it is wood working magic! The above image is just a glimpse of a piece Gary has coming. It must be a box of sorts, marked fragile… and the tape mouth looks reminds me of my 3rd grade Halloween costume (I was a robot). Wait, this is exactly what Gary was planning!

“Sentimentrees” along with Ragnar’s “Engine” open November 1st – December 1st, with an opening reception on Friday, November 1st from 6 – 9 PM.

One last trio before the Bewitching III preview

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The Bewitching III preview will be coming out very soon, and have you signed up at www.strangerfactory.com to receive it? Well, to get your artistic mind salivating, we thought we would shot you three more pieces from the show.

JOSH STEBBINS - CANDY_ROTS_OTHER_THINGS_TOO - 300DPIJosh Stebbins‘ “candy rots other things too”. The creepy factor with this work is astounding from the vacant eyes to the rotting teeth, the veins in the face,  and even the old world clothing. Even the sepia tone is perfect!
Jay_Hollopeter_frighteningfez2“Frightening Fez” by Jay Hollopeter adds more fun to Bewitching III’s already stellar lineup. Who doesn’t love a good fez and with candycorn!!!!! The bright colors pop on this as does the bad luck black cat that isn’t a fan of you looking at him!
Robert_Hoggard_Thereminbot_insetOur last titillating teaser is by Robert Hoggard.” Thereminbot” allows you to bring your own creepy soundtrack to your holiday party because ol’ Thereminbot is a playable theremin and amp! This bot will set the mood and creepy factor when those trick or treaters come knocking! He even comes in his own vintage traveling preacher’s case!

Bewitching III opens this Friday, are you ready????

Bewitching III gets a tad creepier!

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Three days until Bewitching III, so why not show you three spooky contributions to the show?

Joe“Oozing” by Joe Scarano is a nice evil and melty mix of floating Halloween goodness.

Halloween houseMike Egan has our lucky number attached to his “Halloween House”. There is still room for the last 2 skulls in the house, should we pull you up a chair?
Ryniak and his duderChris Ryniak’s little monster “Gourdwort” will light up the night since his ribs tend to glow.

Bewitching III opens this Friday, October 11 at Stranger Factory with more ghouls and ghosts than Scooby Doo could ever imagine!

Paul Kaiju is ready for Bewitching III

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Gutzpon and Gordy

 Paul Kaiju has unleashed a trio of terror for Bewitching III. Two custom Mr. Rees start off the devilish fun, and we don’t really mean fun. Known as “Gordy” and “Guts Bunny” these two are ready for Halloween and more importantly – Devil’s Night!

Paul is a wizard when it comes to paint application and sculpting, and seeing these two just solidifies his place in the art and kaiju community. Simply put,these two are badass.
HolesWe can’t forget about Paul’s King Jinx for the show! This one is known as Pumking Jinx! Showing off his magical skills again with a stellar paint job, this Jinx is looking ripe and can’t be near any pumpkins because he sure to smash them all with his mighty claws.

We can say these won’t last long when Bewitching III opens October 11. They will be in and out before you know it – just like Halloween!
Pumking Jinx