the mad craft shoppe

Canadian Tire Cash, send it along!

2012-01-25T06:48:00.000-08:00

http://www.dontspendithoney.com/

Be a part of a true Canadian caper!

A.Shay Hahn

Canadian Tire Cash Caravan

2012-01-24T06:33:00.000-08:00

Tonight is the first of two SOLD OUT nights at the Tranzac where Corin Raymond and the Sundowners will be recording their live record, read all about the journey (man I hate that word) here

http://www.dontspendithoney.com/

keep a smile on your face, it's a grey one out there

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

Don't Spend It Honey, it's serious now, cats are involved

2012-01-23T08:03:00.000-08:00

If something is truly important on the Internet at some points cats take interest and become involved and it looks like the "Don't Spend It Honey" campaign is no exception.

http://www.dontspendithoney.com/

For those who have asked if these will be available as prints for purchase at the Tranzac, I'm sorry the answer is no, I did these to promote Corin's campaign for Canadian Tire cash because he's a friend and I want to support him. If I were to print and sell them I would have to reshoot them all, lit perfectly, a better camera, pay for printing etc. and that takes me away from why I did them in the first place.

It's fun, just let it be fun and support Corin Raymond.

cheers,

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

Magic Canadian Tire Carpet Ride!

2012-01-22T07:58:00.000-08:00

Just a short post today, all the info you'll need to send your Canadian Tire money to Corin Raymond is found here at this address http://www.dontspendithoney.com/

have a great day,
A.Shay Hahn
madcraftshoppe@live.com

Don't Spend It Honey! (Diorama Day #3)

2012-01-21T09:42:00.000-08:00

Just a short post today, all the info you'll need to send your Canadian Tire money to Corin Raymond is found here at this address http://www.dontspendithoney.com/

have a great day,

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

I solemnly swear not to spend it honey

2012-01-20T06:23:00.000-08:00

I promised Corin last night that I'd do a diorama every day until the 25th of January, which is the second day of the live recording at the Tranzac, Ragu Lokanathan is opening that night, you have got to hear his stuff, "Blue Girl" is an incredible album.

Once again here's a link to Corin's Fundraising site, and announced today the Stratford Festival is collecting on his behalf, why not join in and set up a donation jar at your place of business/employment, everyone always has some CT money in their wallet or maybe you're like my friend Madman Coupland who donated $70.00 that he had saved up. It feels good to give folks.

Here's Ragu's site

http://www.raghumusic.com/

and here's the Don't Spend It Honey homepage

http://www.dontspendithoney.com/

all the best,

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

Send Your Canadian Tire Money

2012-01-19T07:13:00.000-08:00

For the first time in the history of my time in the blogosphere I'm doing a double posting here and at Any How Town (see links) to support Corin Raymond.

Corin is a great singer/songwriter and a generous spirit who promotes the work of other musicians, theatre makers, authors and artists. If you have a stack of Canadian Tire cash, or just some loose bills gathering dust in your home, please take the time and mail it to him, it will not be wasted.

Here's the link where you can see news stories, photos, buy tickets to the shows, hear songs and where to send your CT cash and other ways to contribute the recording of the album.

http://www.dontspendithoney.com/

best,

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

Press Club Dedicated Wall, Jan 17th 2012.

2012-01-18T05:38:00.000-08:00

(from top left) Pick Axe $140.00, Uncle Deadly SOLD, Propellor $140.00, Six Million Dollar Man $80.00, The Pilot $140.00, Rayguns! $80.00 each (two for $150.00), Mariachi SOLD, Musical Goon $220.00, Deep Sea Diver $140.00, Woman with an Axe SOLD, The Duel (Two Drummers) $140.00, Deep Sea Diver $140.00, Chimpanzee $80.00

There is not a single bad painting on this wall, what art gallery can say that ?

Heres what is hanging at the Press Club (850 Dundas West) and here are some events that are going on there this week/next that would be worth your while to check out.

Sat. Jan 21. Band: Ron Leary, Tara Watts & Steph CopelandGenre: Folk Rock10:00 pmNo Cover
Sun. Jan. 22 Band: Staggy Townsend, Genre: Country Rock,10:00 pm,No Cover
Mon. Jan. 23 "Domestic Bliss Mondays",Band: Drala w. Guests,Genre: Rock
*Half Price Nachos10:00 pm No Cover
I'm not actually sure if the nachos are half price but they are awesome and about $7.00 which is the best price in town, you can put pulled pork on it, and there is usually Veggie Chili.
I'd reccomend checking out Ron Leary on Saturday he's a great singer songwriter and a wonderful fella, if you go to the label "Pub Life Sketches" you can see the poster that I did for him.

Please support Corin Raymond's Canadian Tire Money drive, see links and stories on this blog and please support my continued work on the Any How Town (see links) series of books by purchasing some art work, all proceeds go to me and buy me time to keep writing. I'm currently at around 19,000 words in Book One and have 76,000 more to go in this draft.

Untitled and send your Canadian Tire Money to Corin.

2012-01-17T06:20:00.000-08:00

Untitled

12x12inches, acrylic on canvas,framed

$140.00

Still trying to perfect a way to transcribe and do rewrites in the Any How Town books, working on Books One and Two simultaneously to allieviate the boredom of typing and keep my mind fresh. Hopefully today goes as well as yesterday did and I can stick to my goals of getting one book transcribed every month for three months, will then go back for Third draft fixes.

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com
Also if you have Canadian Tire Money to send to Corin Raymond to support the recording of his album here's his mailing address, Corin Raymond 39 Oxford St. Toronto, ON, M5T 1N8.
You can purchase the remaining advanced tickets for next week's album recording shows by clicking http://www.dontspendithoney.com/?page_id=10...scroll down and all will be revealed and a reminder that the shows are at THE TRANZAC, not The Cameron House.

The Blue Moods of Rooftops

2012-01-16T10:19:00.000-08:00

A Quiet Place to Call My Own III

12x12inches, acrylic on canvas, unframed $120.00

A Quiet Place to Call My Own V

12x24inches, acrylic on canvas, unframed $260.00

Continuing with our "blue" theme for today, which is apparently the saddest day of the year, both of these paintings can be purchased framed for an additional $20.00, but I'd need some time to build them.

Click to enlarge and enjoy.

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

The Blue Moods of Small Towns

2012-01-16T05:41:00.000-08:00

Small Town (blue)

24x24inches,acrylic on canvas

$400.00

It's been over two years, maybe three, since I've done a "Small Town" (see label) this is the last remaining of the first six or seven that I did and tonally I think it's outstanding, the heavy medium giving a feeling that the village is built on ice or is a series of fishing huts.

Really love this one, I would've painted over it long ago if I didn't

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

World View, the Painters' Assistants and the Hammer Team

2012-01-15T13:55:00.000-08:00

The Painter's Assistants, The Hammer Team

30x30inches,acrylic on canvas

$700.00 each

These are the two largest pieces that I've completed (that weren't commissioned) in the past four years, I just love them both and can no longer bear to have them sitting in the basement. They have to be out in the world, they need a wall to be seen on. I do want to do more work this size in 2012 but can't stomach the idea of having a basement filled with large paintings.

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

Pilgrims and patient Lake Watchers

2012-01-15T07:58:00.000-08:00

Pilgrim (with wings)

Waiting For the Lake To Freeze

both pieces are 16x20inches, acrylic on canvas, farmed

$260.00 each

I've started working on the first two books of the Any How Town series at the same time, I realize that I should try to mimic my process when I paint, I work in series and I move back and forth between paintings to prevent boredom and let new ideas come in. Last week was a pretty bad week for writing in Book One so I jumped into Book Two and ran with it. Hopefully this week will continue that way and will let serious 2nd draft and Final notes work be accomplished.

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

Ideas and Fishermen

2012-01-14T06:11:00.000-08:00

An Idea Is Like A Storm

Fiserman (Pisces)

both pieces are 11x14inches, acrylic on canvas,framed

$160.00 each.

The first piece was done after I painted a mural for the Toronto Fringe Festival two years ago (see label "Murals") I don't usually go for poncey titles, (we just got a new print for our home and the photo is so good, but the name is so stupid) but I liked "An Idea Is Like A Storm" normally I would've just called it "Red Book" but I think the idea title is more pro literacy, pro active, pro creative.

I love the stylized look of the two fish, I haven't painted any fish for awhile but I have loved the pieces I've done in the past of a small girl carrying a huge fish.

Here's your morning fix,

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

The Fire Watcher, Classic Canadiana at it's finest.

2012-01-13T09:34:00.000-08:00

The Fire Watcher

18x18 inches, acrylic on canvas, framed

$340.00

I have always thought that this would be a great album cover, so holler at me bands and songwriters, you can see other albums and posters I've done if you click the lable "Pub Life Sketches" over on the right.

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

besides joining the group at facebook, Andrew Shay Hahn (the mad craft shoppe) and following the old tweet box I should let you kind viewers know that I do take paypal and we ship worldwide.

The Night Tree, The Sisters, from the archives

2012-01-13T05:57:00.000-08:00

The Night Tree, 12x224inches, acrylic on canvas, framed $280.00

The Sisters (White Glove Test), 11x14inches,acrylic on canvas, framed $160.00

Here's your morning fix of paintings, be sure to shovel your front walks and drive safe out there, this morning was quite a surprise.

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com
You can follow me on twitter (see sidebar) to know when new work is posted or join my facebook page "Andrew Shay Hahn (the mad craft shoppe) we'd be glad to have you, unless you're a bot.

"Piano, Prometheus, Robot", no this is not a Radiohead song.

2012-01-12T10:58:00.000-08:00

Piano (New Big Oceans)

Prometheus

First Look At The Stars (Robot)

all paintings are 14x18inches, acrylic on canvas,framed

$240.00each.

Here are your lunctime treats as promised.

Here's a great link to the Toronto Star to read about Corin Raymond's unique approach to funding his next album, Corin has been playing every Thursday at the Cameron House with his band the Sundowners, his records are brilliant, he's a great guy who goes out of his way to promote other musicians, local theatre and books, he deserves your support.

http://www.thestar.com/business/article/1114250--toronto-musician-aims-to-pay-for-his-next-recording-with-canadian-tire-cash?bn=1

Don't spend it honey,

A.Shay Hahn

Citrus and Women, from the archives II

2012-01-12T05:45:00.000-08:00

Orange II

Graperfruit

14x18inches, acrylic on canvas,framed.

$240.00 each

Almost all of the work that I'm showin in these posts are paintings that I cannot figure out for the life of me why they have not sold, most of them have been " almost sold" several times. "Almost Sold" - is a term in the art world where people contact you about work and you reply to them, and then never here from them again. But anyways, here are two more for your morning and I'll post two more for your lunch time.

enjoy the rain/snow/mush whatever you're getting out there

A.Shay Hahn

Rescue Dogs, from the archives

2012-01-11T07:04:00.000-08:00

Rescue Dogs Fire Axe, Deep Sea Diver, Scuba Gear

11x14inches, acrylic on canvas,framed

$140.00 each/ $400.00 set of 3

While taking breaks from writing Any How Town I'm cataloguing some of the work that I still have here in the studio that you may not have seen. All work is available for purchase by contacting me at the address below and all funds go to the Any How Town project.

I will be taking down the show at Cowbell Bistro today, many thanks to Mark Cutrara and the staff for hosting my work there for the past two months, I love the place, you have to eat there sometime if you haven't already and if you have, go back for more.

best,

A.Shay Hahn

Any How Town Book One

2012-01-06T06:47:00.000-08:00

Hey there and happy 2012 to you, for the next month (and possibly all the way to March) I'll be posting more at the Any How Town blog (see links at right). I'm currently deep in rewrites for the first book of the series and hope (fingers crossed etc.) to get all the way to Book Three by the end of March, so I'll be spending most of my time updating that blog and posting character sketches and models over there, I reccomend you check it out, it's going to be a crazy ride.
I'll still be available for commissioned work that I'll post here but don't expect too many new paintings over the next three months, finishing these books has been a dream of mine for a long time, I started working on them over two years ago and now that's where I have to put my focus.
To see my work that's up in Toronto you can go to the following places all monies made from artwork sales are going directly into buying me time to continue the writing process, believe me, it will be money well spent.
My show at Cowbell Bistro comes down on the 11th of January and you can also check out my dedicated wall at the Press Club, also work from "the Royal Families" show (every 10x12 piece, see labels at sidebar) is on sale this month for $140.00 each.
wishing you all a very happy new year.
A.Shay Hahn
madcraftshoppe@live.com

Press Club Dedicated Wall, Wednesday, Dec. 21rst

2011-12-27T07:07:00.000-08:00

(from top left) The Rowboat SOLD, Uncle Deadly $40.00, Deep Sea Diver $140.00, Six Million Dollar Man $80.00, The Pilot $140.00, Rayguns! $80.00 each (two for $150.00), Mariachi $80.00, Musical Goon $220.00, Deep Sea Diver $140.00, Woman with an Axe $140.00, The Duel (Two Drummers) $140.00, Deep Sea Diver $140.00, Chimpanzee $80.00
Here's the wall at the Press Club (850 Dundas West) as I left it before Christmas, as you can see the paintings from "the Royal Families" are still at a great price. Enjoy!
A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

Holiday Dogs

2011-12-27T06:44:00.000-08:00

Hope

Georgia

both pieces 16x16inches, acrylic on canvas, framed

commissions ($300.00 each)

It's no secret that I love painting dogs, they have been showing up in my work since I could hold a crayon, here are two recent commissions of dogs that I was asked to paint. I'd say more but our house is a mess and we have to get ready for a party.

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

The Press Club Wall, Friday December 16th 2010

2011-12-16T20:39:00.000-08:00

Uncle Deadly $40.00, Deep Sea Divers w/ Guitars or Drum $140.00 each, Rayguns! $80.00 each (or 2 for $150.00), Six Million Dollar Man $80.00, The Pilot $140.00, Mariachi! $80.00, Musical Goon $220.00, Woman with an Axe $140.00, Red Devil $80.00, Chimpanzee with Viking Helmet $80.00

Yes, things change awfully quickly this time of year on the wall at the Press Club, but still lots of great things available, I can't believe I haven't sold that Six Million Dollar Man painting, love it.

cheers,

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

Press Club Wall December 15th

2011-12-15T19:22:00.000-08:00

Muppets! $40.00 each, Rayguns $80.00 each or two for $150.00, The Pilot, Woman With An Axe, Deep Sea Diver w/guitar $140.00, Goon with Guitar $220.00, Chimpanzee with Viking Helmet $80.00
Here's what's up at the Press Club on the dedicated wall, the muppets are now going quick, so if you want what's there please hurry up. UPDATE Statler and Waldorf have SOLD, so I'll be by again this eve to change up the wall again.
A.Shay Hahn
madcraftshoppe@live.com

Tis the Mad Crafty Season, Jennifer Schmitt sings "Blue Christmas"

2011-12-15T05:51:00.000-08:00

I was trying to post a video of Jennifer Schmitt playing her ukelele, you can subscribe to her Youtube Channel "Parkdalian" to hear her singing "Blue Christmas" but blogger didn't seem to want to upload it, so here's the link http://www.youtube.com/watchv=MTaQoR2NpIs&context=C28453ADOEgsToPDskKuZCnFA2p5L6Jjn-4GBI0q
click on it and go have a listen, (UPDATE: I've tried three times to get this to work, it won't, I guess you'll just have to go to Youtube yourself, try pasting the link in there) you may recognize someone hanging out in the back enjoying the tunes.
A.Shay Hahn
madcraftshoppe@live.com

A.Shay Hahn, Who I am and What I do

2011-12-14T11:19:00.000-08:00

Hey there, I just wanted to get a post up and let you know where you can find my work in Toronto, if you scroll down a bit on the blog you can see my dedicated wall at the Press Club (850 Dundas West) it changes almost weekly depending on sales, expect to see a new photo on the blog Friday, but there is where my smaller work hangs year round, I usually do a show at the Press Club once a year so always come back and check when that may be happening.
I also have work hanging at Cowbell Bistro (1564 Queen Str. West) until January 11th, you can see the whole show if you scroll down a bit on this page - this work is stunning, I love it and it looks incredible in the space, very proud of this, definitive work for me for this year and reccomended for your collection.
I've recently been doing more album design, this year I created album art for Dany Laj, Shotgun Wedding Band and the Unseen Strangers - you can read about that process and see my TShirt designs and band posters at the label (see right) Pub Life Sketches.
You can see the letters that I paint for kids of all ages at my other blog "the alphabet shoppe" (see links.)
or go to "Any How Town" a series of books that I've been writing on and off for a year or so and will be finished the first book in the series by the end of January, God willing.
Okay, I hope that helps anyone who has been looking for me on the Internet.
best,
A.Shay Hahn
madcraftshoppe@live.com
Incidentally this is the 700th post for this blog, bit of a milestone I suppose, bully for me and 400 Tweets, which is not very many, if you combine the three blogs it's over 900 blog posts.

Deep Sea Diver with White Gretsch CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

2011-12-06T11:41:00.000-08:00

Deep Sea Diver with White Gretsch

10x12inches, acrylic on canvas, framed $140.00

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL All 10x12 paintings from "The Royal Families" (see label)
are $140.00 until Christmas
Ain't you folks lucky.
A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

"Favourite Animals" The Scottish Bull

2011-12-06T06:37:00.000-08:00

The Scottish Bull

12x16inches, acrylic on canvas

$200.00 / $220.00 framed

I was polling on facebook what people's favourite animals were, the response was rather anemic, "my dog" is not much use to me (and would be a commission). I probably should've been more specific ie: What animal is a triumph of design? Or what animal looks the most like nobility ? Maybe we'll try again today.

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

Head to the Press Club (850 Dundas West) to see my dedicated wall o'work (scroll you fool!) or Cowbell Bistro where I have hung some stunning paintings (scroll) .

Deep Sea Diver with Drum CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

2011-12-06T06:31:00.000-08:00

Deep Sea Diver with Drum

10x12 inches, acrylic on canvas, framed $140.00

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL All work from "the Royal Families" is also $140.00 until Christmas.
A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

Deep Sea Diver with Acoustic Guitar

2011-12-06T06:25:00.000-08:00

Deep Sea Diver with Acoustic Guitar

10x12 inches, acrylic on canvas, framed $140.00

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL All work from "the Royal Families" (see Label section) is also $140.00 until Christmas.

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

Buy Handmade at the Press Club

2011-12-01T05:43:00.000-08:00

Dedicated Wall, November 28th 2011.

All Muppets 6x6 acrylic on canvas,framed $40.00 each,Mariachi! 8x10, framed $80.00 each

The Pilot , 10 x 12, framed $140.00, RAYGUNS! 8x10 framed $80.00 (or two for $150.00)

MusicalGoon 12x15 framed $220.00 Woman with an Axe 10 x12framed $140.00

Chimpanzee W/ Viking Helmet 8x8 framed $80.00

Here is the wall at the Press Club, whicch is located at 850 Dundas West (between Euclid and Manning) I doubt that it will stay this way for long, I only have two other muppets available (a doozer and another Beaker) they'll show up on the wall when there's some space. I love the Musical Goon, best thing I've done in a while and yes paintings from the Royal Families are $140.00 until Christmas and will then return to their usual price $160.00

I've been having a great time doing illustrations of comic characters over at the Any How Town blog (see links) so you gotta go over there and check them out, I've been doing alot of sketching for a new series that I want to get to soon, so expect a few more things to show up here.

It's getting a little close for commissions but if there's something you want for Christmas, let me know this week. Also scroll down to see my show at Cowbell Bistro, those chairs are bee-eutiful.

all the best from Canada's most beloved painter,

A.Shay Hahn

macraftshoppe@live.com

MUSICAL GOON The Hammer!

2011-11-26T11:39:00.000-08:00

Musical Goon (the Hammer)

12x16inches, acrylic on canvas$220.00 framed, $200. unframed

but only until Christmas!

Here's the last Goon of the day, wanted to use the Pink Floyd Hammer logo for this but I don't like how the hammer heads are both pointed in the same direction, so I flipped em face out.

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

p.s feel free to contact me if you'd like to commission a Goon, any team, any instrument I can handle it, (though I'd prefer Devils and Bruins fans to contact me first).

Goalie with a Gretsch, Goons!

2011-11-26T09:04:00.000-08:00

Musical Goon (Goalie w/a Gretsch)

12x16inches, acrylic on canvas$220.00 framed, $200. unframed
but only until Christmas!
I have no idea why the stupid alignment control on blogger chooses to work some days and not others. Anyways it was only a matter of time before a beautiful Golden Gretsch showed up at Goon Pond, such a beautiful design it's like sculpture.

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

Musical Mountie (Goon III)

2011-11-26T07:28:00.000-08:00

Musical Mountie (Goon III)
12x16inches, acrylic on canvas,
$220.00 framed, $200.00 unframed
but only until Christmas!
I'd been wanting to do this for awhile, don't ask me why, but "Sexy Mountie" and "Musical Mounties" kept recurring in my sketch notes. There may be a couple more traditional pin-up style Mounties there may not, just depends on my mood and interest. I do like the loose and caricature based look of the Goons, feels right for the pieces though it may seem a little different from my usual more sombre realist style. I am starting to enjoy the 12x16 size more, I originally found it awkward as I do usually prefer a square canvas, but I figure by doing a run of pieces in this size I'll end up with a nice grouping if I'm asked to show them anywhere. I may even do a run on some of my favourite superheroes/villains in this style on this size of canvas. Still taking Christmas commissions I figure I can comfortably take orders until the 18th of December or so.
To see my work in Toronto head to Cowbell Bistro (scroll down to see what's there) and my dedicated wall at the Press Club (850 Dundas West) which will change this Monday, so expect a new photo of what is there by Tuesday am.
A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

MUSICAL GOON Number Two

2011-11-25T14:32:00.000-08:00

Musical Goon II

12x16inches, acrylic on canvas, $220.00 framed, $200. unframed

but only until Christmas!

I may do a tweak or two on the fella just yet, he looks fine in the painting, but in the photograph, something looks off, it's the shading on his left leg. It's interesting having the "Stats" system on the blogsite, it tells you what people are googling that brings them to your blog. I'm surprised at the amount of traffic that comes here looking for me by name, but then does not contact me. If you have questions about my work, commissions etc. please do not hesitate to contact me at the address below.

Going to see "Red" this weekend and I do like a nice Rothko now and again, I am more of a Franz Kline guy, that's what I'd buy with my first million.

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

MUSICAL GOONS! (the new series)

2011-11-25T14:26:00.000-08:00

Musical Goon I

12x16inches, acrylic on canvas

$220.00 framed/ $200.00 unframed

but only until Christmas!

Expect a few of these to show up over the next few days, awhile back I'd painted some Hockey Goons ,just click the label "50" at the the top of the labels section on the right.I wasn't getting anywhere with the last sketches for a series I had planned so I decided to switch gears and just enjoy myself. I love hockey, I love music - done.

hope you enjoy,

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

Cowbell Bistro, here's the show

2011-11-12T08:37:00.000-08:00

Here's a tour of the show at Cowbell bistro, which I truly believe looks excellent, the show will be up until the 11th of January but work is available to be purchased and taken home at any time, just contact me and I'll meet you there. All 20x20 pieces, (see photos 1,2,3,4 and 6) are $500.00 each and photo #5 each piece is $400.00. If you have any questions don't hesitate to send me an email at madcraftshoppe@live.com and here's a link to cowbell's website for reservations, a look at menus etc.

http://www.cowbellrestaurant.ca/
have a great weekend,
A.Shay Hahn

Cowbell Bistro, Nov 11- Jan.11th

2011-11-10T10:54:00.000-08:00

Red Buoy, The Chairs

each piece is 20x20inches, acrylic on canvas, unframed

$500.00 each

We'll be hanging at Cowbell for an extended stay until January head to one of the best resto's in town and check out the show. I'm pretty sure I'm hanging tomorrow afternoon and then off to go see Atomic Vaudeville's "Ride the Cyclone" at Theatre Passe Muraille and then rest for a couple of days.

Commissions for Christmas? Yes, but you'll have to get at me soon.

I promise to write some longer entries next week, there's alot going on right now.

cheers,

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

Working Title "The Brave Crossing" Jewelry Box Diorama

2011-11-08T06:20:00.001-08:00

Let's hope that all my pals over on facebook can come up with a better name than, "The Brave Crossing" for this amazing diorama, I love it.
A.Shay Hahn
madcraftshoppe@live.com

Where Tin Men Are Made, Jewelry Box Dioramas

2011-11-08T06:16:00.000-08:00

Still doing some paint touch up on these pieces, but I'd like to formally introduce you to my new obsession, jewelry box dioramas, the above are "Where Tin Men Are Made I & II" I'll be talking about how they were built over on the Any How Town blog (see links, right side) but here at the mad craft shoppe I'll just be posting the finished pieces. Expect alot of these two show up in the next two weeks, I am truly obsessed with making them.
A.Shay Hahn
madcraftshoppe@live.com

Press Club Dedicated Wall, Tuesday Nov,8, 2011

2011-11-08T06:08:00.000-08:00

All Rayguns, CHIMPANZEES!, Mariachi, Red Devils and the Six Million Dollar Man are

$80.00 each you can get two Rayguns for $150.00 if you act fast, "Sand Pail" is $160.00, the Press Club is located at 850 Dundas West. Back to work finishing some commissions, work to hang at Cowbell and also my new obsession, jewelry box dioramas, it's pretty messy round here.

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

RAYGUN Wall at the Press Club, November 4th

2011-11-04T09:49:00.000-07:00

Press Club Dedicated Wall: rayguns, mariachi, red devils, deep sea diver and Six Million Dollar Man are $80.00 each, two rayguns for $150.00, each is 8x10 inches,acrylic on canvas, framed

Violin and Sand Pail are 10x12inches,acrylic on canvas, framed and are $160.00 each.

back to work,

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

White Buoy

2011-11-03T07:05:00.000-07:00

White Buoy

18x18inches, acrylic on canvas, unframed $400.00

this will be the back cover for the Unseen Strangers new record, I love this guy, for something so simple he really carries alot of weight in the painting, very happy with it and can't wait to see the CD when it is fully assembled.

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com
Flying Chairs and paintings from the Royal Families come down on Friday, head to the Wilson 96 (615 College Str.) to check them out. And the wall of Rayguns is still up at the Press Club (850 Dundas West).

Domestic Bliss at the Press Club, Monday Oct 31st Poster

2011-10-31T10:54:00.000-07:00

Tonight@The Press Club...Domestic Bliss Mondays continue with rockers The Rough Notes! $5 pints of Stratford, cheap nachos, chili and pulled pork. mini corn breads too! see you there, kids!

What else do you need to know.

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

Woman with Two Axes, commissions

2011-10-31T10:46:00.000-07:00

Woman with Two Axes

11x14inches, acrylic on canvas, framed

commission

Sorry to have been away for so long working on a bunch of different things and getting close to finishing some of them. Here's a commission for an axe piece, would love to stay and chat and yes my posts have been bried lately but there's much to do. If you are interested in commissioning something for Christmas now is the time to get in touch.

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

HUSK "Hot Corn" cover design first proof

2011-10-23T11:03:00.000-07:00

First Proof, Needs Tweaking.

Here's the companion design that goes with the "F'n'R Stew" cover design a few posts down and later on I'll post a link to band camp to check out the music you can stream and purchase. There may be two more done in this style, we'll keep you posted.

It's getting to the time of year where I reccomend you contact me if there's anything you'd like to commission for Christmas gifts, yes, it seems a long way off but my dance card does start to fill up right about now.

Paintings from my show "the Royal Families" (see label right) and the beautiful flying chairs will come down on the first of November, they are currently at the Wilson 96 (615 College Street, the Royal Families pieces are $160.00 each or two for $300.00) also the wall of Rayguns is at the Press Club, (850 Dundas West) don't forget to go to "Domestic Bliss Mondays" at the Press Club for Beer Specials, $7.00 nachos and $5.00 chili, prices to good to miss, music by Lamburger with Poor Ol' Jim.

and tonight at the Wilson 96 the below is happening

Sunday Supper! Chilli- the return.

Chilli night was such a hit we have more. Come on by for a bowl.

Beefknuckle is playing tonight from 6-9. To celebrate we have $5.00 Pints of Mill Street Organic and $4.00 shots of Jag all night.

(apparently they spell Chili with two "l"s, must be a College Str. thing)

Send us a question, we'd love to hear from you,

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

Canadian Girl Project (w/Jamaican Flag)

2011-10-19T12:47:00.000-07:00

Canadian Girl (w/Jamaican Flag)

11x14inches,acrylic on canvas,framed

commission

The leaves are blowing and the wind is howling, fat grey skies spit hard bits of rain and here I am inside, cozy and content watching , "The Black Donnelly's" on Netflix and painting this lovely lady. Enjoyed the change in size for this piece, usually the Canadian Girls (see labels, right side) are done on 12x12 or 10x12 but to get a good sense of the Jamaican Flag and to satisfy the request of the client I got to something longer on the horizontal and it turned out quite well.

Lots of commissions happening right now, another album, a smiling monkey and a few other things that will keep me amused for quite some time.

A reminder to head to the Wilson 96 (615 College) to see flying chairs (this is the weather for them) and pieces from "The Royal Families" (see label, right side) and the Press Club (850 Dundas West) a mere ten minutes away to check out the Rayguns!

have a cocoa,

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

RAYGUNS!

2011-10-18T06:38:00.000-07:00

Here are the final three ray guns, each is 8x10inches, acrylic on canvas, framed $80.00 each or two for $150.00 a fine decor item for your home.

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

Chimpanzee (w/jester hat)

2011-10-18T06:28:00.000-07:00

Chimpanzee (w/jester hat)

8x8inches,acrylic on canvas,unframed $80.00

Slow start to the day so far, usually I leave all this internet stuff til lunch when I need a break but just having a hard time getting into gear this morning.

have a great day,

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

Chimpanzee with Genius Lightbulb Helmet

2011-10-17T10:08:00.000-07:00

CHIMPANZEE! (w/genius lightbulb helmet)

8x8inches, acrylic on canvas, unframed, $80.00

Working away on a few small things right now, another chimpanzee and two or three more RAYGUNS! Tonight at the Press Club it's Domestic Bliss Mondays! with a live musical performance by the Goodtimes!

Lots rolling around in my head right now re. new directions for my work, keeping the technique loose, blops of colour etc.

hope you're Monday is treating you well,

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

Chimpanzee with a Sailor's Hat, Attila Richard Lukacs at AGH

2011-10-16T07:56:00.000-07:00

CHIMPANZEE! (w/a sailor hat)

8x8inches, acrylic on canvas, unframed $80.00

Had a nice grey afternoon in Hamilton at the Art Gallery of Hamilton checking out the Attila Richard Lukacs show, here's the fb link with all the info. https://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=204314649634654 it's well worth seeing if you're a fan of his work which I was. His paintings were a great inspiration on me when I was in University there were only a few of us who were intertested in figurative painting so it was nice to know that someone was out there in the world succeeding at doing the same. What really blew my hair back was the Tanenbaum collection, it's a must see of French paintes, where Lukacs fails in technique these pieces really succeed in their fine application of layers and glazes, amazing stuff.

The hat on the Chimp above is from Lukac's painting "Michael" which you can see at the AGH, just my way of tapping my cap to a great influence.

cheers,

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

Loosening Up With Chimpanzees

2011-10-15T07:05:00.000-07:00

CHIMPANZEE! (w/viking helmet)

8x8 inches, acrylic on canvas, unframed $80.00

Yesterday I was feeling a little stiff and trapped in my ways, I hadn't just pushed paint around in awhile and missed the sensation of blopping colour in places with no finished images in mind. The night before I was out for a pint and just sat and read one of my sketchbooks that I hadn't picked up since May (I usually have two or three of different sizes in circulation so some ideas get lost in the shuffle) I noticed I had a lot of notes about just painting freely, pick an object and paint it, no plan, no series and there was a list of about thirty images to paint, don't plan just get to work.

I missed that feeling so yesterday I just sat down in the studio and started to paint some chimpanzees, or what began as chimpanzees, then I decided they needed more colour, something unique and asked friends on facebook what kind of hat a chimp would prefer to wear and received about twenty five suggestions. I started with the image above and am very happy with it, I may do one a day for awhile until I feel like I'm using paint properly again, it was a good day and a good lesson for me just to roam around the canvas and add colour.

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

F'n' R Stew album cover, 10 years in the making

2011-10-13T05:57:00.000-07:00

This album cover originally started out as a two panel mural for a recording studio, I was asked to do the preliminary sketch for Twang Records probably in 1999 or 2000 I'll have to ask Carl to confirm that. The studio was busy and there never seemed to be a good time to do the piece and time went on for all of us. I was contacted last week for permission to use the drawing as an album cover for Twang Records (project details still secret, I'll fill you in when the album comes out). I couldn't possibly just have that sketch printed and we decided to advance the idea. I wanted to keep the comic book aspect of the sketch intact, I didn't really want to paint it, I thought that doing a bar scene that may have taken place in the Haight or London in the late 60's would be best and then add the idea that it was an underground comic or leaflet/poster handed out at gigs. The next image was the block in for the second drawing and the bottom image is the final, I think it captures the spirit of the times quite well and has a very cool rock'n'roll feel.

This is my fourth album design this year, I've done Dany Laj "the match, Shotgun Wedding Band "OK Alrite", Twang Records "F'n"R Stew" and am still working with the Unseen Strangers on their album cover, each is different in design from the other and that's what I like about working with musicians other collaborators I get to flex another part of my brain producing something unique that serves both the music and the identity of the band, the whole album sound, it's alway interesting....hmmm I have more to say about this, but I have some work to do.You can see all my designs, posters, T'shirts etc. if you click the label "Pub Life Sketches" or TShirt Designs
cheers,
A.Shay Hahn

New Series Block Ins (tentative)

2011-10-13T05:41:00.000-07:00

Early days on these, not happy with anything that's going on in them, but I wanted to continue the "conversation" I was having with myself about the flying chair paintings. That furniture can represent people pictorially so somehow these are portraits, or images of folks. I'm still trying to figure it out I may trash the whole thing, but this is where my head is at right now, a lack of figures, exploring objects in a plane.
yours vaguely,
A.Shay Hahn
madcraftshoppe@live.com
p.s Ray guns are already selling so if you like'em best get to the Press Club (850 Dundas West) tout suite and head to the Wilson 96 (615 College Str.) for flying chairs and paintings from the series "The Royal Families" (see labels section to the right).

The Cameron House 30th Anniversary Celebrations

2011-10-11T13:09:00.000-07:00

This week is the 30th Anniversary of the Cameron House, my second home, make sure to stop by to see some music this week. Here's a facebook link to Cameron House records to read about events and etc. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1634977327174.2082579.1618943436&type=1#!/cameronhouserecords

Here's a link to read an article on "the Grid" about the genesis of the label and the TShirt designs done by yours truly and available at the bar (see pic above) http://www.thegridto.com/culture/music/cameron-house-records/

and here's the facebook link to the 30th Anniversary event week https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1634977327174.2082579.1618943436&type=1#!/event.php?eid=153491618077596

the paintings posted are from my last show at the Cameron House, "The Royal Families" selections from it are hanging at the Wilson 96 (615 College Str.) until the end of the month.

head to the Cameron, have a pint, hear some tunes and be a part of the best bar in Toronto.
A.Shay Hahn
madcraftshoppe@live.com

I feel a new series coming on.....

2011-10-11T05:55:00.000-07:00

I don't have a show booked for December for the first time in years, usually I would have a show at the Cameron House or the Press Club for November or December-January as one of my "big" shows which happen twice a year, November and May. This year I'll be showing at Cowbell from November - January and I'm working on just a few new pieces for the walls there but have been so busy with commissions and writing/building Any How Town that I don't have alot of new work, not the numbers that I'm used to. I work in series I like to take one or two themes and work on 15 + paintings from around those themes (birds, books etc.) but suddenly late in the game I had a great idea for a series of paintings, I may not be able to show it in December, they may not get shown until April or May but there's something in the works folks and I'm very excited about it.

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

RAYGUN Wall at the Press Club, Monday Oct 10th

2011-10-11T05:49:00.000-07:00

All of the RAYGUNS! are now up at the Press Club and you can get two for $150.00, why ? Because who am I too deny you what you want.

have a great day,

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

Domestic Bliss at the Press Club, Monday Oct 10th

2011-10-10T09:30:00.000-07:00

Tonight at the Press Club it's "Domestic Bliss Mondays"! Beer Specials! and I'm thinking there will be NACHOS and CHILI at great pieces and be entertained by the musical stylings of Ray whimsey's Sweet Piece, I"ve seen Ray play a number of times and he always brings the show. So undo another notch on that belt and head down to 850 Dundas West for both a hoot and a holler and perhaps a gobble.
I'd like to take a moment to thank everyone who visits the blog, checks out my work, commissions stuff and comes to my shows, I'm so thankful that I get to do this for a living and I owe it to your support and interest.
I hope you've had a great holiday weekend with close friends and family, best
A.Shay Hahn
madcraftshoppe@live.com

I am thankful for RAYGUNS!

2011-10-08T11:11:00.000-07:00

RAYGUNS! 8x10inches, acrylic on canvas, framed $80.00 each

These aren't at the Press Club just yet, but they will be, I'll letcha know, have a great Thanksgiving Weekend and hug the one ya love.

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

Decorating Your Home with Rayguns

2011-10-07T07:00:00.000-07:00

Rayguns!

8x10 inches,acrylic on canvas, framed

$80.00 each

at the Press Club

I just can't stop painting these Ray Guns, they really cheer me up, not that I'm depressed, let's say they keep up the good mood to which I am most accustomed, I've got two more to finish today and I will also be doing a couple of Han Solo blasters that may get up here Saturday or not til the end of the long weekend.

The first time I did the Ray Guns I think I did three and they were bought by the same person I've seen them hanging as a group in her home and they really look good, that's your decorating tip for the day courtesty of me, A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

Press Club Dedicated Wall, Friday Oct. 7th

2011-10-07T05:49:00.000-07:00

All the Rayguns, Mariachi, Red Devils and the Six Million Dollar Man are 8x10inches, acrylic on canvas, framed and are $80.00 Each, the Deep Sea Diver w/the Black Strat is $200.00 and the Lady with an Two Axes is $180.00 (why these two pieces haven't sold yet boggles the mind)

Hey I know I just posted one of these but I wanted to get the rayguns up on the wall at the Press Club for the folks to see, the other work that was there is not sold and is still available (see entry below).

What has sold in this photograph is "the Running Man" in his very cool skeleton suit, he has been replaced with the black/silver raygun that you'll see if you just scroll down a touch.

and head to the Wilson 96 to see work from the Royal Families and some wonderful flying chairs.

SEE UPDATED PHOTO ABOVE

A big thank you and congratulations to anyone who went out and voted yesterday and found a place to do it, a woman I gave directions to was told to vote at the Charles Public School on Manning Str. which is currently being demolished and turned into town homes, I wish I'd taken a picture of that (there it is), you almost got away with it you sneaky Hudakian Invaders.

have a great day,

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

A Raygun Salute for Steve Jobs

2011-10-06T05:26:00.000-07:00

Raygun

8x10 inches, acrylic on canvas, framed

$80.00 each

Sad news last night, I respect the innovators, fighters and the rebels more than anyone else and when one passes it only encourages my resolve to continue what I'm doing irregardless of the slow times, the broke times, the indecisive times, just sit down and make something, just keep making things, folks will come around, if it's what you were meant to do, it's the only thing you should be doing.

Thank you Steve Jobs, you were a fighter and you will be missed.

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

RAYGUNS!

2011-10-05T07:40:00.000-07:00

RAYGUN!

8x10inches, acrylic on canvas, framed

$80.00each

I have a couple more of these on the go right now and I really dig'em, I'm thinking I may do some larger scale versions maybe 24x18 or so down the line. These will probably end up at the Press Club on the dedicated wall this week, I'll let you know when that happens.

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

MARIACHI! at the Press Club

2011-10-04T05:46:00.000-07:00

MARIACHI !

8x10inches, acrylic on canvas, framed

$80.00 each

at the Press Club

Folks you gotta head down for Monday night "Domestic Bliss" Nachos ($7.00) and Chili ($5.00) at the Press Club, I will continue to post what band is playing the events here at the blog with all this gloomy weather and grannies getting arrested on Wall Street you gotta have a little warmth in your life, nacho warmth, chili warmth, beer special warmth and the healing warmth of rock n roll.

Also the Deeper Sea Diver with Acoustic Guitar sold, so I added these fellas to the wall also, they too are 8x10 inches, acrylic on canvas, framed $80.00
I can't believe I still have this Six Million Dollar Man Doll painting, it rocks.
cheers,
A.Shay Hahn
madcraftshoppe@live.com

Nuit Blanche at the Wilson 96

2011-10-01T06:11:00.000-07:00

Hey there, while you're out and about nuit blanching be sure to head up to College Str, to see my work at the Wilson 96, yes I am a one man nuit blanche event. I won't be there to see you but do stop by to check out the amazing chairs (see above and in posts below, $500.00 each/ two for $900.00) and work from "the Royal Families" (see labels) each piece is $160.00 (or two for $300.00) the show is up until the end of October and will change as work sells, the Black Canadian flag girl is there Rae Johnson if you're looking for her and so is "the Man Who Stopped to Read" also,

Drink specials for Nuit Blanche are $5.00 White Russians and $5.00 pints of Mill Street Belgian Wit from your bartender Kev. Also at the Wilson 96 enjoy the day after Nuit Blanche with, SUNDAY SUPPER with Dave Picco (6-9pm) On the menu this week is Cottage Pie ( like Shepard's Pie but with beef) and salad. $15.00 or $20.00 with a pint of Mill Street or a glass of wine.
A.Shay Hahn
madcraftshoppe@live.com

Press Club, Dedicated Wall Saturday, Oct 1st

2011-10-01T05:28:00.000-07:00

Let's see if I remember what everything costs, I know the diver with the strat is $200.00 and I'm pretty sure all the other larger pieces, man with hammer, the axe women, the falconer are either $180.00 or $200.00. The diver with the acoustic guitar is $140.00 and the Red Devil and the Running Skeleton are $80.00 each. Be sure to head to the Press Club for "Domestic Bliss" Mondays where I believe the beer will be cheap and they will have their kitchen open and will be making nachos. How can you beat dat ?

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

Angel In A Rowboat

2011-09-21T07:07:00.000-07:00

The Angel who could not swim II

12x24inches, acrylic on canvas, framed

commission

It's always best to sit on a piece for a day or three before delivery, I wasn't sure if this piece was finished and went back and forth with adding something else to the composition, what is most obvious now is that if I kept going back and forth trying to find something to add there was obviously nothing I needed to add or I would've known already.

Trust your gut folks, that's what it's there for - and for digestion.

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

A.Shay Hahn where to find my work in Toronto

2011-09-20T11:49:00.000-07:00

Deep Sea Diver w/ Banjo (night) / Deep Sea Diver w/Banjo (Day)

CD cover Options,18x18inches, acrylic on canvas

for the Unseen Strangers upcoming CD

$400.00 each (unframed)

After dropping a 18 ft. 2inch thick board across my legs and feet in the shop yesterday I decided I wasn't quite back to 100% full health and wisely stayed home to work in the studio on these two pieces and a commission and I believe that was the right choice.

I'd like to point you towards College Street to go check out the Wilson 96, (615 College Str. across from the Royal Cinema and the CHIN building) my work is currently hanging there and will be up for the month of September and October, tonight is TRIVIA night there, it's a helluva lot of fun so get a team together and head on down. In November you'll be able to see some new work at the wonderful Cowbell restaurant, you can also check out my dedicated wall at the Press Club on Dundas West. ( I have to get a photo up of what's there, apologies for the delays).

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

Indian Flag (Canadian Girl Project)

2011-09-16T11:22:00.000-07:00

Indian Flag (Canadian Girl Project)

10x12inches, acrylic on canvas, framed

$160.00

commission

commission your own flag by hollering at me, especially as we're getting so close to Christmas and you can use paypal.

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

all images are property of A.Shay Hahn.

Unseen Strangers, Album Design Day 3

2011-09-15T13:23:00.000-07:00

Here's the block in for the second version of "the Unseen Strangers: album cover, at first I was leaning towards the heavier blue black night sky of the first, but these tones seem pretty warm and a bit more appealing. Maybe I'll push the other even darker to make a better contrast between the two images. Also below it is the almost finished TShirt design, just some more touches and line fixes here and there and we'll be good. I just wanted to say how glad I was that the band contacted me, the DSD has really become something I'm known for over the past couple of years, people really love them and I never really get tired of painting them (well after painting five of them I get pretty tired). I think this will be a great way for the band to be identified while they promote the album, it's got the right amount of hit and recognition, you'll know it's their record, their poster, their T etc. I hope that it helps to spread the work , visually of course.

I'm also glad to get this much laid in along with the two other commissions I'm working on I think I've hit upon the first head cold of the year and feel like I'm crashing fast, so I'll be glad to rest for a day or two this far ahead. One way that I can really tell that I'm getting sick is by rereading the above babbling, so I'm off to go slug down my cuppa neo citran and then six more litres of H20.
A.S.H
madcraftshoppe@live.com

Shotgun Wedding Band Tour Dates

2011-09-14T05:20:00.000-07:00

Here are some tour dates for the Shotgun Wedding Band, be sure to check them out if you're in any of the following cities. If you scroll down on the blog you can see the creation of the album cover.
A.Shay Hahn
madcraftshoppe@live.com

Favourite Ebay Store, Monster Party

2011-09-14T05:15:00.000-07:00

Nothing breathes life into a house like some brand new art and I would like to reccomend heading over to ebay to check out the art of the Monster Party, I was roaming around the art section in the folk art/primitives category and came across their store, these four cosmonaut pieces had to be purchased immediately, they brought an instant smile to my face. And the prices are great, very affordable for artwork, actually incredibly affordable, more affordable than my work,you have to go check them out if you want something small (these are about 7"x 8" each) to add to your collection.
A.Shay Hahn
madcraftshoppe@live.com

Unseen Strangers, Album Design Day 1

2011-09-13T12:05:00.000-07:00

There are going to be two versions done of this Deep Sea Diver playing the banjo, the first will be this more ghostly, heavy looking figure and another that will have lighter tones in the sky, have started blocking in both but I wanted to get a post up so you can go and check out the musical stylings of the Unseen Strangers at the link http://www.unseenstrangers.ca/ check them out, you won't regret it. Stay tuned to the blog as the covers and commissions progress.
And head to the Wilson 96 (615 College Str.) to see my work there for the month of September.
ASH
madcraftshoppe@live.com

Angel In A Rowboat, Work In Progress Day 4

2011-09-12T12:21:00.000-07:00

It's non stop toning here at the studio today and also "camera frustration day" I cannot get a good overall shot of the toning work on this piece. I should be finished by the end of the week for delivery but I'm going to need a day away from it just to get some distance and new perspective. I keep going into an area, toning coming out, going in somewhere's else, balancing etc. Until my eyes are playing tricks on me. So maybe Wednesday there will be a finished shot of the piece, but here's your terrible progress photo for the day.

As always you can see my work for the month of September at the Wilson 96 (615 College Str.) head on by and have a look.
A.S.Hahn
madcraftshoppe@live.com

The Wilson 96, 9/11 Ten Years On

2011-09-10T06:57:00.000-07:00

At the Wilson 96 Sunday Eve, an event organized by Michael Lista, here's the info
"Please join me and Siobhan Power of The Wilson 96 this Sunday for an hour of readings from some of Toronto's best writers to mark the tenth anniversary of September 11th. Siobhan and I have asked six writers to read work that they themselves haven't written which in some way is connected to the events of a decade ago. Expect poems, essays, passages from holy books, song lyrics, e-mail exchanges and more. Our six readers are:

Damian Rogers, Adam Sol, Mark Medley, Tabatha Southey, Stacey May Fowles and Catherin Bush
The readings will last for an hour, though Siobhan and I encourage you to stay and have a drink and chat. David Picco Plays from 6-8, the event will begin at 8:30 here's the fb link to the event,

https://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=148821638542577

ASH
madcraftshoppe@live.com

Angel In A Rowboat, Work In Progress Day 3

2011-09-08T13:09:00.000-07:00

One of the definite advantages of getting up at 7am and working until 4-5pm is on display right above this text. Here's the major block in of the wings, unfinished of course, but coming along nicely. I think my approach to alot of my larger work is like watching an old polaroid develop, or something blurry coming into focus, toning and touches here and there, light and shadow (oh you use light and shadow ? How Revolutionary!). Without sounding too stupid, I enjoy the process, nuff said.
A.Shay Hahn
madcraftshoppe@live.com

Angel In A Rowboat, Work In Progress

2011-09-08T10:38:00.000-07:00

It's not like me to leave a commission this long before starting it, its been almost a year since I got to this stage with this painting which will become an angel with wooden wings rowing a boat. To be honest the painting had slipped my mind as I received other commissions and worked on them, so it was great to be reminded that A) the client was still interested in the piece and B) Was not at all pissed at me for forgetting to start it. So here is two days worth of blocking in and adjusting the boat and the figure. Originally the sky was a much darker tone and that wasn't working at all, adding the lighter sky will allow more detail on the wings and any other objects that I will add to the piece.
A.S.H
madcraftshoppe@live.com

The Man Who Stopped To Read, the Sartorialist

2011-09-06T10:46:00.000-07:00

The Man Who Stopped To Read

10x12inches,acrylic on canvas, framed
$160.00

One of my favourite blogs is "the Sartorialist" http://www.thesartorialist.com/ a great blog that gives a, "from the street" view of fashion around the world, since I wear a coverall five days a week I rarely get to wear my good clothes, so it's always nice to see people dressed well and using their clothes to do something other than keep their hangars warm. The sites creator, Scott Schuman also posts some great vintage shots,which is where the inspiration for this piece came from, (see other photo below, no idea why blogger put it there). I had first started to paint the sky with a mild blue, "end of summer" feel but felt the image lacked any kind of drama, so after tangling with it for a number of hours (the skies do still take me a long time to render to my satisfaction) I stopped here.
A.Shay Hahn
madcraftshoppe@live.com

Skeletons Running Amok!

2011-09-06T08:45:00.000-07:00

The Running Man

8x10inches,acrylic on canvas, framed

I dunno mebbe $80.00, mebbe a hunnert dollars.

Yes, fall is coming and so are the skeleton gangs! Hopefully will be finished his two friends today and touch ups on a piece I finished last week, expect some posts, expect less text. I expect to see you at the Wilson 96 on Friday from 5:30-8pm for an after work drink.

cheers, my feet are cold!

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

Deep Sea Diver with Stratocaster

2011-09-01T09:06:00.000-07:00

Deep Sea Diver w/ Strat

14x18inches, acrylic on canvas, framed

commission

And here's another DSD rockin a Stratocaster, commission a Deep Sea Diver playing your favourite instrument, don't be afraid to ask.

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

The Wilson 96, Friday Sept.9th Get On the Bus!

2011-09-01T09:02:00.000-07:00

Deep Sea Diver w/ Acoustic Guitar

10x12inches,acrylic on canvas, framed

$160.00

Come on out Friday, September 9th between 6-8pm and meet me for a drink at the Wilson 96 on College Str. and later that night get your dancing shoes on for "The Old Soul" DJ party here's the event posting ,
https://www.facebook.com/groups/125053947520695/#!/event.php?eid=277846112231908
I imagine it's going to be alot of great old vinyl being played. So there's two things to do in one day and at one location! Hope to see you there.

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

Hanging at the Wilson 96, New Deep Sea Diver

2011-08-31T06:53:00.000-07:00

Deep Sea Diver w/ yellow ukelele

10x12inches, acrylic on canvas, framed

$160.00

I'll be hanging the beautiful chair paintings at the Wilson 96 today (College Str. across from the Royal Cinema) and they are going to look great in there, finishing one more today and also working on a great commission for a Deep Sea Diver playing a strat. I thought I'd warm up to doing the commissioned diver by painting this fella right here, and after I fix that crazy thumb I'll be happy with the piece.

ASH

madcraftshoppe@live.com

The Chairs By Day II (white chairs)

2011-08-29T12:26:00.000-07:00

The Chairs By Day (white chairs) II

                                         20x20inches, acrylic on canvas, $500.00
                                                             at the Wilson 96 in Sept.

                           see above post, my eyes now hurt from squintin' and I need a glass o'gin.

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

The Chairs By Day (white chairs)

2011-08-29T12:21:00.000-07:00

The Chairs By Night, Field I & II
20x20inches, acrylic on canvas,
$500.0 ($900.00 pair)
at the Wilson 96 in Sept.

Oh wow do these take a long time to do the toning, had to break away from my "Six colour rule" and add some pale yellow to this piece to really make the sheen on the chairs bounce.

Will probably sell one by the end of the day.

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

The Chairs By Night, Field I & II

2011-08-28T08:20:00.000-07:00

The Chairs By Night, Field

20x20 inches, acrylic on canvas

$500.00 each, set $900.00

at the Wilson 96 in September, Cowbell resto in October.

What I was babbling about early when I wrote about the chairs was that they are like people, they are representations of a person who is absent, maybe a place holder, not a ghost image. But the chair is a person, something with qualities so directly related to a figure that it becomes a figure itself, no longer an object.

If you want to see a show that will blow your mind check out Alex McLeod at the Angell Gallery, here's a link http://www.angellgallery.com/

and also the George Zimbel show at Stephen Bulger

http://www.bulgergallery.com/

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

The Chairs Series

2011-08-25T11:56:00.000-07:00

I picked up these dollhouse chairs at a Dollar store today, they come in a strange reddish colour, but I've painted these six black and will probably grab some white ones and do the same. Since doing the Shotgun Wedding Band cover I thought I might explore building some 3D renditions of my paintings, more for source material than for profit. Dioarama photography has been pretty big for the past three years and I don't have the time or the equipment to really explore high end resolustion photos, I think I'll just keep it in the "fun" category and share them here.
Was talking with someone about the chairs, what they are about, why folks like them, I think they fall into a nonfigurative/figurative aspect (I"m just spitballing here) like when I painted the flying hats (see label : lost hourses) the objects imply people but aren't people. They aren't ghost images, they still have the "magically real" potential of a lot of my work, hmmmm, still sorting this out.
A.Shay Hahn
madcraftshoppe@live.com
A.Shay Hahn
madcraftshoppe@live.com

The Chairs By Night II

2011-08-24T12:46:00.000-07:00

The Chairs By Night II

20x20inches, acrylic on canvas
$500.00
(pair $900.00)
to be shown at the Wilson 96 in Sept.

A.Shay Hahn
madcraftshoppe@live.com

The Chairs By Day II

2011-08-24T12:43:00.000-07:00

The Chairs By Day II

20x20inches, acrylic on canvas
$500.00
(pair $500.00)
to be shown at the Wilson 96 in Sept.

Lots to do.
A.Shay Hahn
madcraftshoppe@live.com

Nova Scotia Flag, Canadian Girl Project

2011-08-23T06:16:00.000-07:00

Nova Scotia Flag (Canadian Girl Project, Old Version)

12x12inches, acrylic on canvas, $140.00 unframed

commission

Yes let it be known that I hate the alignment button on blogger and may just forget about centering things altogether.

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

Newfound Land Flag, Canadian Girl Project

2011-08-23T06:12:00.000-07:00

Newfound Land Flag (Canadian Girl Project)

12x12inches, acrylic on canvas
$140.00 (unframed) commission
The Press Club is getting a patching and a new coat of paint early this week, but I'm sure that the will be open for business again by the weekend, all work is still available by contacting me here and we'll meet somewhere else if you'd like to pick it up. Doing more painting that usual this week, the commissions for Canadian Flags just keep on coming, so I'm trying to balance my days between the two and get a couple more "Flying Chair" pieces finished to show at the Wilson 96 in Sept. and Cowbell in October.

Rest In Peace Jack Layton, you were a hell of a fighter.
A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

Quebec Flag (Canadian Girl Project)

2011-08-19T10:38:00.000-07:00

Quebec(Canadian Girl Project)
12x12inches, acrylic on canvas

$140.00 (unframed)

See the label "Canadian Girl Project" for others, commissions accepted.

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

Nova Scotia Flag (Canadian Girl Project)

2011-08-19T10:35:00.000-07:00

Nova Scotia (Canadian Girl Project)

12x12inches, acrylic on canvas

$140.00 (unframed)

The project continues.....yes I do requests and commissions. see the label "Canadian Girl" for others.

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

Shotgun Wedding Band Day 7 - some assembly required

2011-08-16T05:35:00.000-07:00

Front and back cover for "Ok Alrite" by Shotgun Wedding Band,

design by A.Shay Hahn, concept done in collaboration with the band.

Now I think this turned out looking great, something I haven't seen in a long time, I think it will stand out from the pack quite nicely, let me know what you think. Doing this assemblage has also got me thinking of using the models for AHT to maybe do some staged dioarama photographs to print, so did the opening credits of "Dinner for Schmucks" but beyond that, the movie was a bloody waste of mine and my best girl's time.
Here's a link to Shotgun Wedding Band's Myspace, check'em out
http://www.myspace.com/jamesplouffe

Time to get back to writing.

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

New Model Navy or Shotgun Wedding Band Album Day 6 cont'd.

2011-08-13T15:02:00.000-07:00

Early stages of assembly, will be adding several more elements to the wave, birds etc. fixing compass, amazing the difference and couple of different angles and crops can make. Steep learning curve time.
A.Shay Hahn
madcraftshoppe@live.com

Shotgun Wedding Band Day 6 -Tshirts and models Post 1

2011-08-13T14:04:00.000-07:00

Still a little tweak or two to do on the lettering, but coming along nicely, wanted there to be options for the shirt in case it's printed on different colours. Hard at work in the back yard studio building the model for the cover, first dioarama wave was too severe and had to cut and reglue it, placed figures, adjusted background, much happier with results, photos to come.
A.Shay Hahn
madcraftshoppe@live.com

Album cover creation, Day Two

2011-08-10T13:18:00.000-07:00

for this album cover I wanted to combine both Two and Three dimensional elements, taking some of the stuff that I've learned from building models over at Any How Town (see links) and combining it with my painting. I want a really unique look for this cover, I never want to do something that I've seen before, or I want to bring back something that I've seen that I liked, for this, the cover of "Ritual de lo Habituel" by Jane's Addiction was a bit of a jumping off point.
So step one was to build the wave out of hard card, step two was create a bunch of texture with paint and tissue and Step Three is going to be creating a collage on top of the wave using playing cards, candle, plastic birds and all kinds of stuff so that the wave is made up of objects, that step should begin tomorrow or this evening depending on drying times.
The painting in the background is the rough image that will serve as the "backdrop" for the dioarama with the band's name "Shotgun Wedding Band" being painted dead center. The dark and stormy cover of the Pogue's "Rum, Sodomy and the Lash" is also an influence for this piece.
Head on down to the Press Club (850 Dundas West) to see my stuff, can meet you there if you want me to.
best,
A.Shay Hahn
madcraftshoppe@live.com

Shotgun Wedding Band plays Friday

2011-08-09T11:29:00.000-07:00

Here's a link to the Facebook Event to check out the Shotgun Wedding Band on Friday at the Silver Dollar, we're currently working together to design their new album, TShirt etc. there are links at the event to check out their music http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=194823583907533 . Many thanks to my friends in Kemptville for supplying me with some spent shells, just wish I'd had a chance to fire off a few.
A.Shay Hahn
madcraftshoppe@live.com

Rise Against VS. The Canadian Girl

2011-08-09T06:40:00.000-07:00

Yes, our influence has spread so far and wide even a band that I can only describe a "political lite" enjoys interpreting the " Canadian Girl" image (see labels "Canadian Girl" ).Is this a theft of an idea ? Or maybe I'm just doing this because I haven't posted a blog entry here in over a week, you decide.

Here's a link to photographer Evan Hunt's site http://haharadio.blogspot.com/2011/03/back-in-november-i-got-call-from.html some nice shots there.

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

The Press Club (850 Dundas West) until the end of August, please support my efforts to finish my book Any How Town by purchasing a painting, art work can be seen if you scroll down.

Extended at the Press Club and Other Notes

2011-07-28T10:53:00.000-07:00

Hey folks, just a quick note my work will be at the Press Club for the month of August, you can see what's there if you scroll down (yes, down) on the blog. I am available to meet either this evening or tomorrow but will be unavailable the following week. We made some big strides over at Any How Town (see links) where you can read about the series of mysteries that I'm working on and see the characters, dioramas etc and support the project by purchasing a painting.
thanks for your support, we always like hearing from you
A.Shay Hahn
madcraftshoppe@live.com

P.S if you have any of these WWII action figures by 21rst Century toys I'll give you $2.00 a piece for them, if you have a whole bunch, over a twenty, I'd even consider a trade.

A Tribute to Norway (Canadian Girl Project)

2011-07-25T08:56:00.000-07:00

Norway (Canadian Girl Project)

8x10inches, acrylic on canvas, framed

http://madcraftshoppe.blogspot.com/

label "Canadian Girl"

for the people.

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com