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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

Canadian Girl Project continues

Canadian/Colombian Flag

                                                           12x12inches, acrylic on canvas

commission

from the "Canadian Girl" series

click the label "canadian girl" to see this ongoing series, and yes all work is my property, no printing it out and hanging it in your tourism office, I've got my eye on you Cape Breton!

have a great weekend,

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com
follow on twitter @madcraftshoppe

facebook Andrew Shay Hahn (the mad craft shoppe)



The Man Who Loved His Accordion

The Man Who Loved His Accordion

12x12inches, acrylic on canvas, framed

commission ($160.00)

I think this is my fourth accordion painting and they just aren't getting any easier to do, I do like this Hohner Student model, the musician actually has a black finished one, but I prefer this mottled almost tortoise shell model for the piece.

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

check out the Press Club this weekend for Press Fest (850 Dundas West) show is up there til the end of July scroll down the blog to see what's hanging there.



The Flaming Czars TDesign and Press Fest kicks off to a melty start

Here's the finished TDesign for the UK based folk duo, "The Flaming Czars", taking a break from writing out in the heat to work in the new studio on some commissions, no writing today, maybe just notes.

"Press Fest III" kicks off tonight at the Press Club, 850 Dundas West Toronto, if you like your music sweaty that's the place to be, here's a link to the weekend listings

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2050302030032&set=a.2011183812101.2107204.1618943436&type=1&theater#!/event.php?eid=121074224652491

posted some fun new photos a couple of days ago over at "Any How Town", click the link to check them out, moving into Book Three in first draft of the series and it's going well, your support is always appreciated.

The show is up until the end of July at the Press Club, if you had inquired about work it's there (see photos below) but nothing is being reserved, if there's something you like or contacted me about, I suggest you grab it now, Press Fest is a busy time.

 stay cool,

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

Vodka, Accordions, Left Handed Guitars and the burning head of Nicholas himself!

Yesterday was not kind my friends, this was all that I got accomplished, sad times. After two weeks of straight writing I wanted to do some drawing, luckily I was asked to do a design for the East European UK based folk duo, "the Flaming Czars" these are the concept sketches, yes there will be flaming russian heads.I thought I was going to finish but I was just really tired, the spiritual tired, when nothing works no matter how hard you force it. So, expect to see this and some other paintings by the end of next week. I know, I know, I keep pushing my commissions back because I'm enjoying writing far too much.
  As always please head down to the Press Club (850 Dundas West ) and check oot the stoof and for other news, head to the Any How Town link, I may post a couple of diorama shots later today.
 cheers,
A.Shay Hahn
madcraftshoppe@live.com

Oh where oh where have you been ?

Sorry if I haven't been around "the mad craft shoppe" for awhile, but I've been in Any How Town for the past two weeks (see links, Any How Town, and click!). I've been writing steadily and things are going very, very well. It's been two years in the making but I am finally buckling down to finish the first two books (no longer graphic novels, but illustrated books) of the series, of which there large and messy plots for SEVEN books, you can read all the news at the other blog. I've been trying to write 25 pages a day longhand, and although I've fallen short a few times, it's a reasonable goal as my handwriting is quite large.

 My show is still up at the Press Club (850 Dundas West) they open around 6pm and you have to get to their back patio and sit under the shade of the pear tree and the grape vines, it's a wonderful urban oasis, but if people watching is your thing, well, stare at the person you're with. The show is up for the month of July, not sure about August, and there is a photo tour at a post below. I would love it if you came and checked out the show, it looks great, and I'm trying to fund my continued writing of this series with sales from the show. Also PRESS FEST III is next week starting Thursday, bands will be playing all day and all night for three days, check their fb page "the Press Club" for the line up.

 I do have a couple of commissions that I'll be doing next week and hopefully some extended news about doing the design for another cd/album - a job that I really enjoy, but truth be told, it's been impossible to get away from writing - I love it, its a great change. I wrote some plays in the early 2000's and forgot the fun (yes, I said fun) of making characters speak, joke, argue and dispatch all manner of threats together.

 I'd also like to thank those who read this blog in Toronto, via "networked blogs" on fb, where the mad craft shoppe is ranked #44, please continue following along, I really appreciate it.

 all the best, hit the Fringe this weekend, it ends on Sunday.
 A.Shay Hahn
madcraftshoppe@live.com

The Royal Families and others, at the Press Club, July 2011

Press Club, July 2011 East wall
Artemis, Propellor $160.00 each
Robot $240.00
Orange II $240.00
Pilots $240.00 each (I think, could be $220.00

 Press Club July 2011, West wall

The Night Tree $260.00, The Fire Watcher $260.00 (i think), Piano (new big oceans) $240.00



Press Club, July 2011- West wall
A Brave Choice, Life Jacket, Fireflies, Violin, Sledghammer I, Sledgehammer II, Pitchfork I, Sail Boats, The Duel, Pitchfork II
from the Royal Families $160.00 each

Press Club, July 2011 East Wall

Mariachi, Red Devils, Deep Sea Diver, etc $80.00 each
Pram, Pitcfork III, The Hunting Party, Drum $160.00 each

Press Club, July 2011 Back wall
Deep Sea Diver $200.00
Lady with Two Axes $140.00
Fox/Crow $40.00 each
Rescue Dog $140.00
A Cup of Crows, Trumpet $160.00 each

 

Press Club, July 2011- East wall

Pilot, Pickaxe, Axe $160.00 each Grapefruit, Deep Sea Diver w/Gretsch $240.00 each
Press Club, July 2011 back wall
The White Glove Test $180.00
Man with Hammer $200.00
Woman with Two Axes $180.00
Rescue Dog $140.00
The Falconer $200.00 (i think, could be $180.00)
Rescue Dog $140.00

 






Okay, here's the show at the Press Club for the month of July, the Press Club is located at 850 Dundas West, between Euclid and Manning on the North Side of the street across from the great Cafe Brassiliano. They are usually open by 6pm, 7 days a week and have a kick ass back patio. As you can  see some of the work has been lowered in price, this is not because I think the work is weak, I would've gladly kept it at the original  price. I just don't want to move it to the East End, the new studio is pretty full as it is and more work would just upset the fine balance that I've established. So I pass these savings onto you. Of course at the end of July I have to move it back to the East End and prices will return to normal. SO take advantage of this one time offer now!
 And have a HAPPY PRIDE!
A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

and if this post looks crazy, blame Blogger, I have no patience for their crappy formatting.

Canadian Girl Project

Hey Happy Canada Day, it's a wonderful day outside but for those who can't tear themselves awayt from screens take a tour through the many posts that comprise my ongoing series of paintings, "The Canadian Girl Project"     http://madcraftshoppe.blogspot.com/search/label/canadian%20girl

 have a great long weekend, moving lots of paintings around today
A.Shay Hahn
madcraftshoppe@live.com
follow on twitter @madcraftshoppe

facebook Andrew Shay Hahn (the mad craft shoppe)



The New Studio is almost set up, The Royal Families is moving

I'm almost finished setting up the new studio, but thought I'd take a break to write to you and play some Half Life 2 on the old (old) xbox, there are only a few bibs and bobs left to do and I'm pretty excited about the layout and getting back to work after a month of taking it easy. As you can see in the corner I've set up a dedicated aread for building and shooting Any How Town.
Today is the last day to see "the Royal Families" at the Cameron House, but hey Corin Raymond is playing from 6-8pm so why not take this time to head down there.
 I'm taking the show down tomorrow and moving selected pieces from The Royal Families and a bunch of older work to the Press Club (850 Dundas West) for the month of July. I am discounting a few of the paintings, because there just isn't as much room here to store them all and I refuse to move them to the East End, I'll be posting photos of what is at the Press Club and which works are slightly reduced in price.
enjoy the sun,
A.Shay Hahn
madcraftshoppe@live.com

Any How Town is where it's at folks

After today for those who are interested in what I'm up to besides painting please join me over on the "Any How Town" blog (see links) it's the resource/research for a book I'm writing that began as a graphic novel and has morphed into something alot more fun (I don't mean GN's aren't fun, I buy them all the time, it's just I'd have to do the whole thing myself, write it, draw it AND ink it and it would never be done). 
 I will be posting some commissioned work but I am taking the summer to get AHT going, this is a place for folks of all ages, you can read some posts to your kids, show them the goofy models I've been making and sketches of folks who live in the town, email me there questions about certain people etc. and I'll be sure to write back.
 Hope to see you at the Cameron House today from 5-8pm the show comes down July 1rst, so the LAST day is the 30th, I will update here if any work sells today so you know what is still available if you can't make it down. It's also okay to buy directly in cash from the bar staff, ATM on site.
cheers, would love to hear from you
A.Shay Hahn
madcraftshoppe@live.com

A.Shay Hahn's "The Royal Families" at the Cameron House, Closing Reception

It's the end of an era and a start to something new and wonderful as I finish packing up my studio in the West End and moving to the East End, it's been a great four years here and I really feel that I came into my own working in the space day in and day out. Almost everything has been moved except these two big "coffins" which I've used as easels/painting and supply storage for a number of years, once they get set up I'll really know that I have moved.

I'd like to remind you to come on out this Saturday, June 25th from 5-8pm to the Cameron House for the closing party of "The Royal Families" music will be supplied by Little Jimmy's Chicken Pickers, it would be great to see you there, the show is up at the Cameron until the 30th of June and you can see the work if you just scroll down the blog. Also if you want to go by early Corin Raymond and the Sundowners are playing the front room today and they are not to be missed, yes, I say that alot about the bands in the front room of the Cameron but I do so with good reason, they are some of the best this city has to offer.

cheers,

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

Andrew Shay Hahn's "the mad craft shoppe", what I do...

Hey welcome to "the mad craft shoppe" the main site for all the work that I produce, you can see new paintings, works in progress, posters and TShirts for bands and everything just by navigating the links section.

• For band concepts posters etc, see the link "pub life sketches" also "Tshirt designs"
• For current and past shows head to the links "The Royal Families", (50), "Come on Pilgrim", "Silver", "Lost Houses" and "Fables" you can navigate these and see what I've been up to over the years.
• If you've arrived at this site looking for my popular kids letters that brighten up rooms all over the place just go to the link (right side bar "links") "the alphabet shoppe".
• and if you're here because you're interested in the ongoing development of my series of books "Any How Town" you can get the advance into in the links section at "Any How Town"
• You can also join my page on facebook, Andrew Shay Hahn's (the mad craft shoppe) which is new as my HUGE group was archived for no good reason, and you can follow me on twitter to know when new posts come up (see right sidebar).

A reminder that "the Royal Families" is up at the Cameron House until the end of June, the Closing Reception is Saturday, June 25th from 5-8pm with music by "Little Jimmy's Chicken Pickers".

I always appreciate getting emails and feedback from folks who've come to the site, feel free to send me a message
best,
A.Shay Hahn
madcraftshoppe@live.com

The Reverend Uncle Bastard TShirt.

                        Here's the almost finished design, just a few touch ups and she'll be good to go!
                                                      When the shirt is done, you'll see it here.
                                                                          A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

Concepts, Creation and Dancing Nuns

I love doing design and poster work for bands, it's a great switch from painting, but I hate inking, most of the work I do is as simple as possible, the name of the band and a "one hit" image (see the link pub life sketches for other concepts I've done). I believe band posters/ T's should be as simple as possible, legible from a distance and easy to remember.

A couple of days ago I was chattin' with S.Barber at the Cameron and he was talking about going out on a tour by himself, maybe bringing along another musician but he wanted a name for the solo tour, I immediately started scribbling down names and we settled on "the Reverend Uncle Bastard".  I headed home and started doing some small sketch breakdowns.

The first (top left) looked a little too Vault of Horror to really show what the tour was about. Mr. Barber likes playing Honky Tonk songs and gospel tunes, I moved away (top right) from the horror lettering and got into the classic tattoo look, channeling some ideas about snake handlers, I liked the vibe and will finish this design in time but I feel that the Ed Hardy clothing line has really done a job on Classic Tattoos and has made them look tired and trite (which is a shame as half the work I have is classic styled). I did hit on something with the snake handling and decided to instead do some dancing snake handling nuns.  This made me smile.
so (center) here's the first breakdown awaiting his approval, hopefully this is what will be used as the TShirt and poster. I think it has "cross" appeal and is fun and could be worn by anybody.

Head to the Cameron to see "the Royal Families"
all the best,
A.Shay Hahn
madcraftshoppe@live.com

UPDATE 2:35 pm, Client loves final concept, will proceed with final drawing, will post shirts when printed.

The Royal Families, coveted, "This Guy" Status Expanded.

So the work has started to shuffle it's way out of the Cameron House and I will be bringing down the Deep Sea Divers and skeletal Mariachi from the Press Club, to add to the walls over the next couple of days. I'm still pretty burnt out and am just working on some small commissions for now I simply don't have the energy for anything else. I'll be sure to post photos of what goes up at the Press Club and the new work at the Cameron. A reminder that the Closing is Saturday, June 25th, 5-8pm with Little Jimmy's Chicken Pickers supplying the music.

Awhile back on fb I jokedthat I had finally reached "This Guy" status as an artist in Toronto, as in "I love this guy's work!", "This guy's work is awesome.". Below is a post that gets us a little closer to name recognition.

"Decided against a 5 star, simply because my limited experience in the area would make that a very hasty call. That being said, I friggin love this place. The few times I've been so far were welcoming and relaxed experiences. Really nice layout and vibe, excellent artwork by A.Shay.. something. The bands have also always been very entertaining, great showmanship and good pace. From a newbies perspective, this place immediately feels like home."
-Alex H. reviewing the Cameron House on "Yelp.com"
http://www.yelp.ca/biz/cameron-house-toronto

enjoy the sun, contact me below
A.Shay Hahn
madcraftshoppe@live.com

The Royal Families, Welcome to the Cameron House (photo tour)

Here's a quick photo tour of "the Royal Families" at the Cameron House for the month of June, all work is 10x12inches, acrylic on canvas, framed $160.00 each.

The painting "Woman with Wings (coup sticks) has sold, all other work is currently available for purchase in advance from the bar staff, don't worry you can take it home on the date of purchase and there is an atm on site.

The Closing event is Saturday, June 25th from 5-8pm with music supplied by Little Jimmy's Chicken Pickers if you would like to meet me in person in advance of the Closing to discuss the work, please contact me at the email address below.

what a beautiful day,

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

also here are some great bands playing the front room this week that are not to be missed,

tonight Kevin Quain 9pm, June 6th The Sure Things & the Magnificent 7's 6-8pm, David Gavan Baxter 10pm,June 7th Elana McMurtry 6-8pm, June 9, New Country Rehab 6-8 and Jack Marks at 10pm

The Royal Families, oh where oh where have you been ?

Hey folks, this is the longest I've gone without posting since going to Cuba, yes it's been three or maybe four days without a new painting being posted but I took the week off. I have been moving more stuff  from one studio to the new studio, got the show up, the Closing Reception is Saturday the 25th of June from 5-8pm at the Cameron House with Little Jimmy's Chicken Pickers, and just decided to take it easy for a week. I'm sure that if I pushed it I would've ended up with a cold and that wasn't going to cut it.

 I'll be slowing down on the posting for next week also, I have two or three small commissions to work on but I want to get into a more relaxed groove finishing them and doing the final builds for Any How Town (see links) and then after that I think I'm going to try to write and maybe finish most of the first story the following week. What I mean is write the big wide draft of the story and then start to fill it in.

Oh yeah, my phone is acting up so if you are trying to contact me via  phone, just send my an email instead, should have a new phone by Monday or so.

hope you'll head to the Cameron either on the 25th or before if there's something you like, have a great weekend.
A.S.Hahn
madcraftshoppe@live.com

also tonight is the Press Club's 4rth Annivesary under the Hickey Brother's stewardship so head there to hear Alan Pigguns play at 10:30 or hit up the beautiful patio out back. Also this weekend you can see Casey McGlynn's (my favourite Toronto Painter) new show at Bau-Xi gallery or Kirsten Johnson's new show "Prom Storm" at KWT Contemporary, both will be great shows to see and all within walking distance of the Cameron House.

The Royal Families, The Room of Portraits

The Royal Families is now hung at the Cameron House, Closing Party with "Little Jimmy's Chicken Pickers" will be Saturday, the 25th of June, 5-8pm, more on that as we get closer to the date. There seems to be a problem with the photo uploader right now so let me say all the work that you see below that is tagged, "the Royal Families" is there. Each piece is 10 x12 inches, acrylic on canvas, framed $160.00 Work is already selling so if there is something you like you can go and get it. If you can't wait and want to see some photos of the work in the Cameron House head to my fb group, "Andrew Shay Hahn (the mad craft shoppe) and it's all there for your perusal. This week I'll be finishing some other pieces that I didn't have time to get to before I hung the show and replacing work as it sells. I can't stress enough that if there is something you want, you have to go get it, I don't do reserves because of past let downs for prospective clients.

all the best,
A.Shay Hahn
madcraftshoppe@live.com

The Royal Families, Inspiration

 Artemis (II)

10x12inches, acrylic on canvas, framed

for the Royal Families, to be shown at the Cameron House, June 2011

$160.00

Blondes, bows and hoodies ? What is this ? An Abercrombie and Fitch catalogue ? Nope, far from it the inspiration for this entire painting comes from this piece of paper that I have scanned for  you from a poster at the Cameron House that I was so taken with the colours and shape I had to take a piece, sometimes I may make up stories to make the work seem more interesting, this isn't one of those times. If I was using the "good" camera you could see the matching tones, so instead go see the work in person Sunday afternoon. Date for the closing reception still TBA

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

now I do think that Abercrombie & Fitch should hire me to paint a catalogue for them, if someone could hook that up it would be much appreciated.

The Royal Families, The Hunting Party

The Hunting Party

10x12inches, acrylic on canvas, framed

for the Royal Families, to be shown at the Cameron House, June 2011

$160.00

wish I could spend all day here on the blog rambling about all the great ideas I had last night while I was sketching, but there simply isn't time, expect another piece to show up soon.

If you've come here from Tumblr or have found one of my invite cards, welcome, there's lots to see.

best,

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

The Royal Families, Fireflies

Fireflies

10x12inches, acrylic on canvas, framed

for the Royal Families, to be shown at the Cameron House, June 2011

$160.00

I'd been looking for something with a similar power to the Prometheus image, I thought I'd try this image of jarred fireflies, though it isn't as dramatic, I like the more relaxing or lyrical feel of the piece.

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

The Royal Families, the Family Tree

The Royal Families, at the Cameron House, June 2011

all work is 10x12 inches, acrylic on canvas, framed

$160.00 each

I love doing one of these grid shots when I have a series that is uniform in size, I wish I could've fit another row into the shot, but I stand on a chair in my basement studio to do this and the ceiling is only so high. I'll be framing the whole lot on Saturday (that will be a long and bloody day full of cursing) and then hang the show Sunday aft at the Cameron House, which I hope to do as efficiently as possible and then you can come in Sunday and buy the work directly and disrupt the whole aesthetic, that's fine by me.

back to the easel,

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

Press Club Wall May 24th

PRESS CLUB WALL May 24th

Red Devils $80.00 each, The Running Man $80.00,Deep Sea Divers (7x9) $80.00 each, Mariachi Skeletions $80.00 each, Steve Austin $80.00, The Falconer $200.00, Deep Sea Diver (large) $200.00, Woman with Two Axes (small) $140.00, Woman with Two Axes (large) $180.00, A Cup of Crows $140.00, A Quiet Place $140.00.

the Press Club is located at 850 Dundas West. you can pay with cash directly to the bar staff.
A.Shay Hahn
madcraftshoppe@live.com

The Royal Families, just look at that sky

Black Hammer

10x12inches,acrylic on canvas, framed

at the Cameron House, June 2011

$160.00

I can't wait to shoot this whole show with my new camera, these photos never do my work justice, but it sure does cut down on image theft. I think this is my 600th post since beginning this blog about six years ago. I wish I was able to write more for you to read, but just keep coming back and watch the show grow. All work is available for purchase once it's hung, (probably Sunday) and cash can be paid to the bartender and you can leave with the piece when you purchase it.

cheers,

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

The Royal Families, studies in excellence

Untitled (study in grey)

from the series "Royal Families"

to be shown at the Cameron House, June 2011

10x12inches, acrylic on canvas, framed

$160.00

Looks like I might hit 600 posts today, the work is coming along really well.

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com