Nice tie in, Mr. King

For the last couple weeks, I have been Slowly thrust into the world of 1958 Derry, Maine. I have been reading Stephen King's newest novel, 11/22/1963. I'm only 129 pages into the 850 page tale of time travel, but I'm hooked. The characters are so vivid and the narrator is phenomenal.

The story begins by introducing the audience to Jake Epping, a High School English teacher. Jake talks about his life changing as he read an essay from one of his adult students. The essay causes Jake to feel sadness for the student and sets up a lunch meeting for the teacher and pupil at Al's Diner. Later, Jake returns to the scene of the lunch where he is exposed to a hole in time. Al explains the "rabbit hole" and urges Jake to enter. Entering the portal causes Jake to travel in time back to 1958.

When Jake returns, it has only been two minutes in real time. Al explains that the real reason for showing Jake the portal was so that he could stop the assassination of JFK and change history. Reluctantly, Jake accepts and once again enters the portal.

This story is different from what King is known for, however, I was drawn in from the first chapter. My favorite aspect so far is the tie in that Stephen King made with "IT". Well played, Mr. King, well played.

The Secret Society of Fiends

This afternoon, I came home after a fun filled weekend in Las Vegas for the Rock and Roll Vegas half marathon. As I arrived at my residence, I was welcomed by a white box with red and blue tape around it. I giggled with joy as I recognized the familiar "USPS" tag on it. Could it be? Had my hoodie finally arrived? I knew it was true when I read the sender's name, "Eric Pigors".

I briefly referenced Pigors in my previous post about Dienzo. Dienzo and Pigors work well together and you can see it in their work as many of the characters are similar. Dienzo has a dark approach that is reminiscent of a world in the mind of Tim Burton, while Pigors takes a different approach and brings you a landscape which could be found in a Rob Zombie music video. When I first viewed Pigors' work, I immediately thought about the Beavis and Butthead acid trip in "Do America". Unlike Dienzo, Pigors' creations are cartoon like and have a ... Disney feel? Well if Disney was a saw blade wielding damsel with large boobages and fishnet stockings, that is. And speaking of Disney, some of his characters look oddly familiar.

Based out of Southern California, Pigors, or "Unkle Pigors", is a dominant force in the horror art genre. His career spans over 18 years, where a large portion has been spent spent at Walt Disney working on many projects with them. In 1999, he created "Toxic Toons". Toxic Toons is a company created by Pigors which includes a clothing line, masks, toys, and much more. Pigors has created many designs and posters for musical powerhouses including, but not limited to, Metallica, Dragstrip Demons, Psychocharger, and The Murderdolls.

The art of Unkle Pigors art can be viewed and purchased online at www.toxictoons.com and viewed on facebook as well. Add him as a friend, you will not be disappointed. Upon his acceptance, you will be exposed to his wall of loyal subjects, or his "Secret Society of Fiends". All fiends have a great appreciation for what Unkle Pigors is trying to create. Have I said too much? Absolutely not! Too much can never be said about the work of this great artist.

I have been a friend of the horror genre for many years in all aspects of art including film, literature, as well as visual works. The art of both Dienzo and Pigors is by far my favorite. Their works, whether combined or apart, take on lives of their own and bring the viewer into a new world, sometimes frightening, many times comical, but every time mesmerizing. I challenge all who read this blog to continue venturing into the minds of these truly amazing artists and support their work. Until next time, take care. I'm going to put my new hoodie on. It's only 17 degrees out tonight!

Dienzo Alibi

It has been requested, and therefore will be noted, that I inform the readers of my blog that the first picture is a collaborative effort. It is entitled, "Dienzo Pigoring", and Dienzo is paying homage to Eric Pigors. The characters are Eric's as seen through the eyes of Dienzo. Thank You for the information Rick, this is my favorite work!

The art of Dienzo

At first glance, his art looks like a twisted love child shared between "The Nightmare Before Christmas" and "The Addams Family". However, after closer inspection, you are drawn in by the vivid detail and attractive characters that Rick "Dienzo" Blanco creates.

The art of Dienzo can pull in even the most amateur art critic. The art is simple, yet complex. Dienzo's work usually includes one or two characters and the landscape and backdrops are uniquely simple. The fascinating aspect of the paintings are the characters themselves. Whether it be a seductive vampiress walking her man, an overbearing beast resembling Frankenstein's monster, or a simple young boy waiting on a corner after, what can only be assumed to be, another round of Trick or Treat, the viewer is drawn in by the life which Dienzo creates.

Dienzo has managed to take the romantic allure of the horror genre and insert his own unique blend of nightmarish fright with a hint of childish innocence. If you were to google "Dienzo" and click on images, you would most likely see many paintings of women, who appear to be seductive, yet in sorrow, as if they were trying to reach out to the viewer themselves. You may also see Dienzo's own takes on such classics as "Thriller" and "Ghostface" from the Scream franchise.

Whether you love his work or not, you cannot help but be attracted to it. The sinister innocence created on his canvas takes on a life of its own and politely invites you to come inside the world of Dienzo.