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

Sounds like FUN!

This one is especially amusing!


Now I just have to convince the Hubby to change his schedule!

That last shot of the painting in his studio is amazing !

wow

Regarding that painting grace. Eric said he painted it after he wondered if robots ever get stood up on dates. I love it.

Tee Hee! Thanks for the info on the painting inspiration Alex! Now the painting makes sense! 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!

Lost in Space robot's name was just "Robot."

Ha! Those were the days... simple times! Poor Robot, didn't even have a proper name!

Is anyone going to the show? Looks like a good one!

I'LL BE THERE AND SO WILL THE REST OF BASK IF THEY KNOW WHAT"S GOOD FOR THEM!

I'd hate to have to sell protos to a passer by on the streets.

i'll probably stroll on by.. dum de dum

might have to go to steal stuff from glenn's box again!

Going to really try and make the show. The gf and I are going to be in SF for the Dog Run Dog race in the morning and then possibly meeting up with some friends for Fleet Week. May have to run the dog back home and re-trek back out to the city. What's S7's policy on dogs? j/k

I'll be there in spirit . . . just toss the good stuff in with my 'holds' . . .

My girlfriend and I will be there.

Alex is hanging the work right now and everything looks amazing. Everyone should come down and check it out!

Yay! Plans have changed, we can go after all!

some more awesomeness i found on this duder

totally bumbed i was unable to go!
how was it?

We were unable to attend as well .
Poor Kittee is sick again . Please post pics if you have any to share, hope everyone had a good time.

It was awesome! No one came and took photos because there were no toys involved for them to post on their blog.

(or were there? )
(new vampire rose was on display but now is gone.)

*ahem* I was there. I don't take photos because my memory is MUCH better. I've seen a doctor about it.....

the two originals were awesome at the show and eric was super cool. his work mixing genres of film/tv-media is in many ways reminiscent of the more lowbrow work from the Bennett show. Although you can't get more opposite in terms of display. Joyner's work is all framed but majority prints were for sale; Bennett's work was all originals but that guy needs some frames/lessons in self-presentation.

Eric Joyner's print of the robot being hanged with the bird in the corner: one day I will own it.

this is awesome, i would definitely buy a print of this.

I thankfully own that("this is this") and "the rope" now. This show was mine and was stoked Eric was an artist that I loved long before I worked at S7.

prints will be up this week. We have this!

sweet, ill try to pick one up.