Matt
It’s that time again, time for us at The Toy Chronicle to sit down and have a little chat with an artist. This time round it’s someone that may not be known to some people, a relative new comer in the toy scene but who has a recognisable style with his leafy creations.
Without further ado allow me to introduce….Uncle Absinthe!!!
So…Introduce yourself, what’s your name (other than your artist/business name)?
Ian Rout….or that beardy bloke dancing in the corner.
Were you an artist from the get go, or developed through time and being in the hobby?
I am still just a fledgling really, I never studied Art or dabbled in it till quite recently….although I have been called a Piss Artist quite a few times does that count??
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[/su_frame]Fake Plastic Teas by Uncle Absinthe
How did you discover the world of designer/art toys?
I used to buy Be@rbricks from this shop local to me back in the day but I think I was more into the thrill of the blindbox surprise than the actual product. It wasn’t until my good lady wife brought me a large Lunartik in a Teacup for Christmas one year that the real slippery slope into this world of wonder began.
What inspires You?
Breathing, my Wife, the Green Muse and my Beard.
Who/what is your biggest influence?
Being under it.
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[/su_frame]Viridis Persona by Uncle Absinthe
When you sit to create, can you describe your ideal setting? For example: do you have music playing, if so what kind or artist, what kind of drink do you have next to you and what are the tools that are a must for you to have on your desk?
If I could I would do all my work in the bath, Im actually in the bath as I type this! But “pink and wrinkly fingers not a sculptor makes” so I do work on dry land too. If I want to get things done music is a must, anything from Dean Martin to Kraftwerk. At the moment I’m loving Grimes, go listen to her now! I love people, I really do but when I’m working I’m best left alone mainly because I sing to the music Im listening too and no one wants to witness that! Tool wise I have my trusty blunt as an elbow craft knife that is perfect for a lot of jobs, I feel lost without it.
Do you have a favourite piece of art, that you created, that you cannot part with?
No, if someone else is getting enjoyment from it then that’s a bigger pleasure.
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[/su_frame]Shit Unicorn by Uncle Absinthe
Is there anything you’re working on that you can tell us about?
I am busy with ToyCon plans at the moment, including a collaboration with my booth buddy the mighty Blue Frog which will be very cool and of course everyone’s favourite Shit Unicorn is going to make his glorious début ! I don’t want to give too much away yet but he will be an original sculpt not a custom which is very exciting.
Who are some of your favourite toy artists?
I try not to have favourites, Im odd like that.
What do you think of the current designer toy scene?
Its had some lows this last year with Kidrobot and other places of worship closing but if anything its made the scene a bit more hardened and exciting, with artists experimenting with their own ideas and platforms. I think a lot of positive steps will be taken by people in 2014.
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[/su_frame]Treevey by Uncle Absinthe
Have you got any shows coming up within the next year?
Toycon is the main event of course, its going to be such a great day for all involved….dont forget to get your tickets people!
Do you have any words of wisdom for an aspiring artist wanting to begin showing his/her work?
Make sure you are fully into what your doing, art is an extention of yourself, be proud of it, caress it give it some good loving, wine and dine it till it becomes a drunken love bomb you can’t live without….only then should you set it free.
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[/su_frame]Sylas – Custom War Tourist by Uncle Absinthe
Thanks for taking the time out to talk to us, finally where can people check out your work/contact you?
Thank you! You can find me here…. www.facebook.com/uncleabsinthe …..or contact me here…. uncleabsinthe@hotmail.com
