In the years following World War II one of the major exports from Japan wasn't cars or electronic equipment, but toys, specifically tin toys. Crafted in the shapes of submarines, planes, trains, cars and horses, one of the most popular motifs were toy robots. Constructed in virtually every shape imaginable from the 1940s throughout the 1960s, these toys are fondly remembered by collectors today, and ranged in appearance from horror to science fictional characters. Today, these toys are not only fondly remembered by collectors but are being recreated for a whole new generation! Capturing this period in history became a passion of painter Eric Joyner's, he celebrates this forgotten era in a series of whimsical, thoughtful, sometimes tragic but always stunning paintings depicting mechanical men and women inspired by the designs of those toy tin machines, often in outlandish and impossible settings. And almost always, with donuts. (Why? Well, who doesn't love donuts?)
Prints and a few originals will be available on a first come, first serve basis. Show opens at 7 pm this Saturday October 10th. Eric will be on hand to sign books and chat. Donuts provided!
Here is a photo I snapped while visiting his studio awhile back. truly awesome
I was feeling sorry for the robot (did the Lost in Space robot actually have a name? I forgot 
), he looked like he wasn't sure what to order, since they can't eat and drink... poor robot! Eric and his work are quite interesting. I might miss opening night (drat! I'd like to actually speak to Eric), but I'll definitely stop by S7 to catch the art at some point! 
What's S7's policy on dogs? 
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