Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Toy Army Tuesday - Wood Labbit

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Hi all! This is a continuation of last weeks Toy Army Tuesday in which I talked about the toy on the left (Wood Donkey Dunny). Today am going to tell you all a little about the Wood Labbit by Amanda Visell and Frank Kozik (on the right).


Image source: Styletax


To start with, I think it is important to tell you exactly what a "Labbit" is. Smorkin Labbits are cute and often naughty rabbit like vinyl toys typically found smoking... among other things. Smorkin Labbits were created by the graphic artist, Frank Kozik.

"Credited with single handedly reviving the “lost” art of the concert poster, his creative career rose largely out of his enthusiasm for Austin’s growing underground punk rock scene in the mid-eighties. Starting with black and white flyers for friends’ bands posted on telephone poles, his reputation grew as an artist whose work was graphically compelling as well as culturally gripping. Kozik is based in San Francisco, California, where he produces artwork, toys and graphic design. He formerly managed his own record label, Man’s Ruin Records (1995-2001). Under which, he released over 220 singles and full length albums including the first Queens of the Stone Age single. He has produced artwork for a diverse range of musicians such as Pearl Jam, the Butthole Surfers, Green Day, Neil Young, Sonic Youth, the Melvins and many more." - Nevermind Gallery.

Needless to say he is a pretty cool guy with awesome artwork. I even bought my boyfriend one of his prints for christmas since he loves his work too. Let's get back on track though - on to the Wood Labbit.

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The 5" Wood Labbit was a San Diego Comic Con exclusive in 2009. This Labbit is unique because it was the first Labbit designed by someone other than Kozik himself. According to the box the Wood Labbit roams the forest with an axe in place of his missing ear. After losing his ear to Kozeek, a deranged lumberjack, the Wood Labbit devises a quite appetizing plan for revenge (see the image of the lumberjack on his belly). Only 300 of these were made, making the item pretty rare.

As you can see, my little guy is signed by both artists! This is by far my favorite vinyl toy. Unfortunately, I did not start collecting my toys until last year, so I obviously did not get to meet the artists for their signature. I bought this little guy from Signed by Kozik.com last year as a christmas present to myself. I have no regrets as my set is complete, and I am happy to own something both the artists have touched.

Until next time...have a beautiful afternoon!!

23 comments:

  1. My hubby and I collect KidRobot toys and we have wayyy to many lol. I love this wood labbit though, I may just have to order one!

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    1. I am so glad to meet another KidRobot collector!! They are so addictive. Oh man..it is a little on the pricey side, but so worth it! :]

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  2. those are absolutely adorable toys! great sophisticated kids gifts


    xx



    http://spoonfulofdiamonds.blogspot.com/

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    1. They are, and they make fantastic gifts, haha.

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  3. I love the back story of this one! And heck yeah for Christmas presents to yourself. These are so interesting! You make toy collecting a million cool : )

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    1. :] I figured I had worked hard enough during the year for it. Haha thanks!

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  4. So cool! I love the story behind the toy, this is such a great feature!

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  5. Ahh the wood labbit is adorable! I love the little back story behind him :) So cute!
    xo Heather
    http://ahopelessnotebook.blogspot.com/

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  6. Aw, so adorable! Was a really interesting read too.

    I've tagged you in the 11 questions on my blog by the way! You can check it out here if you're interested.

    xO, Vicky
    http://somehowlovely.blogspot.com

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  7. I love meeting the members of your toy army! Wood Labbit is awesomely cute and I love it's story. So cool that you got a signed edition too!

    I'm so envious you're going to Japan and I'm sure you're going to have an amazing time and maybe pick up some new toys ;) Totally looking forward to seeing your journey through photos Allison!

    Thanks for the well wishes and encouragement! It's been tough but I hope I'm on the path to recovery. I'm actually feeling pretty good today so I'm living it up while it lasts. Lee Seung Gi is so dreamy lol :)

    rolala loves

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    1. I am glad you like hearing about my collection. Some times I feel as though I ramble on too much. The Wood Labbit is just too cute though.

      I am hoping to pick up another Blythe *crosses fingers. Thank you so much! I can't wait to get there and document it all.

      I am so glad you are feeling better today and hope it keeps getting better!! Tehehe, he really is :]

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  8. Haha, I love the ironic twist of this naughty rabbits! How does the production work? Does he make them by hand or are they manifactured?

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    1. :] Most of them are manufactured, but he also does customs and makes those himself. Those are WAYYYY more expensive though.

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  9. The collection is very pretty! What a sweet wooden art to own! It's great that you got them signed by artists!
    Good luck!

    skinnymoonstick.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you so much! I was so glad to find him signed because I think it gives him more character :]

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  10. Woow your posts are wonderful! These look so nice :)xx

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  11. your blog is very nice :)

    http://rainbowgatherer.blogspot.com

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  12. I enjoyed the fact that the artist's inspiration came from Austin's underground punk scene. Super cool!! I wanna live in Austin next. It's such a great city.

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