Bell by iamsymmetrical

If you took 10 minutes out of your day to watch my latest vlog (video blog spelled the lazy way), then you know that this weekend, we stopped by the opening night of Kidrobot’s Munnyworld exhibition. Before I keep going, I want to thank the Mr. for putting together video in the fastest turn-around pace ever. =D

This weekend is looking to be a great one so far, we have the upcoming opening of Leontine Greenberg and Scott Campbell at MyPlasticHeart, but Kidrobot’s MunnyWorld Custom Show will also be held this weekend and the line-up is looking AMAZING!!!

We’ll be there tomorrow and hopefully will be able to film on the premises and maybe do on the spot interviews? Hopefully. We will definitely take pictures and share them with you ASAP. BTW, I get to see Tesse tomorrow. Woot-woot!!

Scene: Kid Robot’s “Death to False Vinyl” Rally from IHCS on Vimeo.

On Friday September 4th KidRobot held their “Death to False Vinyl” rally on the corner of Houston and Lafayette in New York City. The three of us (the Mr., Meg and myself) chose to be supporters of the event meant to provide the public with information on the true designer vinyl movement, instead of the rip-off’s that Taco Bell was handing out with their latest Bellheadz. Unfortunately, though I believe their hearts were in the right place, I don’t think KidRobot really achieved that. If you’re interested in my opinion, hit the jump to keep reading, if not, just check out the video.

Tomorrow, at 11:30am, Kidrobot will be holding a rally on Houston & Lafayette in NYC. I will be there to take pictures. I’m still not sure how I feel about the Taco Bell Bellheadz situation– or the fact that of all people it’s KR who’s protesting against them. The only reason I have my reservations about them holding the protest is because they’ve gone mainstream on some of their recent licensing stuff and people are accusing Taco Bell of diluting designer toys– which I fully agree, it’s just KR has pushed that line too.

Maybe I’m being too harsh– as of lately, I feel like KR the company is taking some steps in the right direction. Ultimately, I hate it when people steal other people’s art and ideas. It is a blatant rip-off, and whether or not I believe the company’s made the best choices in their career, I will indeed be supporting their rally. Actually, it seems all of us at IHCS will be there tomorrow. So, if you see us, pose, I’ll most likely be taking a picture. Maybe I should start a Free Hugs sign while I’m there. =D See you all tomorrow. [Via: Kronikle]

Wow!! Although I’ve had mixed feeling about KidRobot, most of which had to do with their mean staff members and that bogus no-black-books rule (which they seem to have rectified), they do know how to put on great events. Seriously. Although I hate waiting on lines, and sometimes I’ve been lucky enough to not have to wait at all, I’ve pretty much always had fun at their events. I wish I was in Texas today to meet the talented and beautiful, Erykah Badu.

*video provided by The Baroness’ Flickr

When KidRobot released their Simpson’s toys, it caused a rucus amongst collectors. The Simpson’s toys posed a bit of a problem in regards to whether or not they were “designer” toys or not. I didn’t really focus on this problem, because I’ll admit that I liked them. I liked that they were warped into this chibi style, their paint jobs weren’t bad and I really liked their weight.

Well, it’s official– the Futurama figures have been announced and this brings loads of joy to my life. I’m a fan of Futurama, and in my honest opinion, I think it’s the best of the three Matt Groening shows. The plus side is that the Mr. really likes Futurama, so we might be getting a case. Oh snaps! What do others thing of this series?

This upcoming weekend, Bwana Spoons, will be stopping by Kidrobot NY for a special book and print release. His book, Welcome to Forest Island, contains 144pgs of his art– which I haven’t seen in person, but I hear is stunning. The book will retail for $30 and I have no details on the print, other than the name: Jesse & the Pinwheel.

I will definitely be attending this show, even though its on a Sunday and interferes with my Monday Morning anxiety. Haha. =) I’m hoping that I’ll be able to score a sketch from him in my black book, anyone else going?

Tomorrow is the series launch of Tara McPherson’s Gamma Mutant Space Friends!! The sexy, smart and gifted artist will be stopping by a KidRobot near you to celebrate her latest release which will retail at $7.95ea and will hopefully be signing too? I’m not sure. But, she will be on hand to talk to her fans (I’ve had the pleasure of meeting her and scoring a sketch in my blackbook too). She’ll also have copies of her new book Lost Constellations the sequel to Lonely Hearts available, which adorns each page with her spunky pastel-colored characters.

Taken from MPH's Flickr

I’m not sure if I’m going to the KidRobot event, although, it would be a great opportunity to take pictures of her. As some of you already know, I’m in lust with her. I get way too nervous around her, but I think I’d settle for grabbing a copy of her book directly from her. <3 I’m blushing already and I’m not even next to her, I’m the worst. Check out her blog for a schedule of her really LONG upcoming book tour.

I’ve said it over and over again– I really love this community. For me, last year’s NYCC really fortified my love for the designer toy world when I got the chance to meet an array of talented artists and they didn’t behave like douches. <– Those are some really kind words aren’t they? Either way, I knew that I loved these people and that I planned on sticking around for a while after that event.

We sometimes get into arguments within the community and sometimes it’s targeted towards the artists, sometimes we blame the companies– but it doesn’t matter! What we need to focus on are the positive things that many artists and members are doing. I’ve had my fair issues with KidRobot, but the Toy Baroness (who to me is the face of the company) along with the many talented friends she’s made along the way, has been working on an admirable project. I cannot put into words how much I respect her for her selfless act.

Many people get caught up living the good life and forget to give back to their community/world. The Baroness, on the other hand, is using her powers for good. Above you’ll find her flickr video containing photos of the 30 pieces that are being auctioned off now through April 24th to benefit the Children in Cambodia. I hope to someday accomplish something as important and life-impacting as what she is doing. I know times are tough, but please take a second to acknowledge the things we take for granted that these kids do not have. I love packaging kawaii packages and I might just get in contact with the 1st Lady of Kidrobot to see if she’ll accept a donation from me. Head on over to the auction site, and if you’ve got zero dollars in the wallet, spread the word!!

Peace.