Treat Yo' Self and Support Independent Artists While Social Distancing
We are all bummed about missing the cons and festivals that have been canceled because of this whole global pandemic situation. But for a lot of people, canceled cons mean more than just not seeing the latest trailer or missing out on getting a poster signed; it’s a major loss of income.
GeekTyrant loves the independent artists and artisans who make the convention floor such an amazing place to be, so we’re going to highlight a few people making stuff that we think is great.
Dave Cain Fine Jewelry
This Atlanta based artist makes beautiful chain mail jewelry. He has years of experience making armor before branching out into jewelry, and all of his pieces are hand coiled, cut, and woven. I am currently in love with the Celtic Labyrinth Chain Mail bracelet, but if you are more into Japanese or dragonspine or Byazantine or Turkish roundmail chain mail, He has you covered there too.
Dancing Heron
Dancing Heron makes amazing art that mixes modern and ancient in weird and wonderful ways. Like, Pokémon on greek amphora-style art, or the Egyptian god Anubis drumming. They also have a new Cthulhu shirt they were planning on selling at cons this year. Check out their apparel and prints, because it is really interesting and original.
Monkey Minion
Monkey Minion has fun, geeky space and science themed art, including books, prints, and apparel. I absolutely love this recruitment poster for the “Science Expeditionary Force,” and my fridge is looking pretty bereft without the Saturn V rocket magnet. Take a look at their stuff and see if there is anything you can’t live without.
Maevean
Maevean is another jeweler because my birthday is coming up and this post is maybe 30% just me shopping for myself. Maevean jewelry is inspired by historic New England, specifically Salem, Massachusetts, so all the pieces have a cool, witchy vibe. In my experience, women with cool, witchy vibes make up a large contingent at cons, so check out their site and give me ideas on how to justify buying the Eclipse statement necklace for myself.
Secret Planet
Secret Planet has a variety of cute, bright prints and pins and shirts to check out. This Kiki’s Delivery Service print is great, but I think my favorites are the retro-futuristic space posters. There is a Moon Facts poster that my kids would love for sure. And I am in love with the Strong Astronaut series. Look for yourselves and see what’s great.
Finally, if you are bummed that you missed the chance to wonder through Artist’s Alley at WonderCon, SDCC Blog has posted a directory with links to the portfolios and shops of all the artists who were supposed to be there. Do yourself a favor and take a virtual stroll through their stuff and see if there’s anyone you would like to support with a purchase.
If you or a friend make great stuff, let us know! We can’t promise to feature everyone, but we would love to help get the word out about great geeky art!