spilligan.com

MOTHMAN - 1966

2012-01-20T08:47:00.000-08:00

All,

This is something I started a long time ago and finally got it all done and out onto the web. Not too many things freak me out in this world but, the first time I saw "The Mothman Prophecies" I was hooked and terrified by the accounts and sightings of this creature. You should go check out this movie. The only thing bad about it is that it has Richard Gere in it. If you squint you barely notice he's there since, he has the acting ability of a wet sock.

I can take blood and guts all day but the psychological thriller freaks me out every time. I re-watch this movie yearly and I always feel the same after watching it. I think that the Mothman is the angel of death but, that's just me. I posted some videos in the last blog post if you want to catch up on the lore and one of the creepiest scenes in The Mothman Prophecies.

For the art, I wanted to portray the Mothman sightings and the events in Point Pleasant, W.V. during 1966-67 like a heavy metal band rock poster.

Let me know what you think,

Regards,
SF

THE MOTHMAN.......stay tuned

2012-01-19T14:49:00.000-08:00

Stay tuned.....more to come

2012-01-19T14:48:00.000-08:00

2011 year end SPILLIGAN re-cap

2012-01-03T21:10:00.000-08:00

As I look back on 2011, I believe I accomplished a lot in only a year. I thought it would be fun to look back on 2011 and recount some of the highs and lows and the happenings of spilligan.com last year. Please keep in mind that all of this was accomplished while working a 55 to 65 hour work week at my day-job in the AZ desert heat.

First off, 2011 was met with a bit of controversy. My piece “tyrant” was accepted and then not-accepted to show in the Sundust gallery in East Mesa. After a misunderstanding and an explanation I totally accept the judgment. Galleries are not just art galleries they are also businesses. Ron Floyd didn’t think this piece was right for his clientele and was afraid it wouldn’t sell in his gallery. He was right since it has never sold or shown anywhere else than my private art-room. I still love the piece and feel it was one of my strongest. You be the judge.

Then there was EVERMORE NEVERMORE. First off I loved this place. Never again in life will there be and; ever be again a cooler juxtaposition of cool stuff in one place anywhere. Evermore Nevermore was a dream come true. It showed me that I could make art that people would actually want to put their hard earned money down to have and hang on their walls. Due to the down economy E.N. closed their doors in December. I will miss it extremely, although I think it will turn into something bigger and badder in the future….stay tuned. Here are a few of the pieces that adorned the walls there.

AZ Rollergirls: this is an all-girl flat-track roller derby league in East Mesa. After my sister from another mister C-Dub made the “Lolita’s De Los Muertos” team I was asked to do some logo art for all three teams. I am currently working on revisions to the old designs I did below.

I got my first piece of fan art by Jakob Shuell: It was so amazing on so many levels. This little guy (11) took the time to do a piece for me. Words can’t express how happy it made me to find a really cool piece of art in the mail. I hung it up on the corkboard over my drawing table. I think he has a future in art and definitely a vivid imagination.

Science textbook commission: This was a hard lesson on how not to accept an art gig. I will never accept another job with the words “if it sells then, we can pay you” ever again. I worked my ass off on a bunch of art that I had never attempted before. That part was good in a sense since, it forced me to do stuff out of my comfort zone. In the end we settled on a minimal fee for my time and to this day I don’t know if the book ever published with my art. So I guess I remain unpublished. Lesson learned.

In September I took part in my first mini-comic book convention to try and test the waters. I have wanted to do a comic book since I started drawing. I have an idea for a great book but, It is a daunting task to do a comic book. I have some good friends/artists willing to help. Just need to do it!!! stay tuned in 2012.

Then, the clouds parted and I got the gig of a lifetime. I haven’t posted the pics yet because I was waiting for it to launch. Now it is time to unveil the art and project I was working on for James Kottak, drummer of “the Scorpions,” “Kingdom Come,” and “Kottak Attack.” This dude is a rock god and I was fortunate enough to be asked to do art duties on a drumming app for the ipad featuring James. I was tasked with working on the James Kottak avatar for the app. This was such an awesome project. Please check it out on itunes. Available now.

getting the gear right as well as the muscles

really rough sketches

finished model ready for animation

Next up in the music world is another dream come true for me. Working with legendary Italian rapper J-AX was a blast. I was asked to do a logo for his online fan club “Vaffanclub.” This was amazing to see my art in another country entirely and everywhere. J-AX didn’t disappoint. I saw my work in videos, stickers, print, online. I never thought I would get noticed in the US let alone Italy. I hope to work with J-AX on some more stuff coming up.

unused design

logo concept - unused

To round out the year, I sort of got involved with the “occupy” movement and got into doing band art for a local band “slender man.” A looooooong time ago I did a few art pieces for a local band “slugworth” I loved doing stuff for local bands. I have wanted to get back into doing art pieces with a musical influence since music is really important to me and the creative process. This year in August I will launch “spillipalooza” a music themed online artshow for bands that don’t exist, promoting a show that will never take place. To my knowledge this has never happened in history. Stay tuned in August for that.

slender man

occupy phoenix

more slender man

I also dabbled in branding and advertising in an effort to turn "spilligan" into a brand and not just a website.

I also did my first art collaboration in a long time with my friend Jared Liebhart:

I have promised a few people some art. I will also try to knock out those commissions this year as well as finish a few pieces I have started but not finished. I just got in my reference material/inspiration for 2012.

Hopefully I will be as productive this New Year as I was last year.

Love,

Slender Man

2011-12-31T14:22:00.000-08:00

Hola,

I was asked a while ago to do a commission for a local band called Slender Man. What is slender man besides a local band?

Well here you go:

"He is described as wearing a black suit strikingly similar to the visage of the notorious Men in Black, and as the name suggests, appears very thin and able to stretch his limbs and torso to inhuman lengths in order to induce fear and ensnare his prey. Once his arms are outstretched, his victims are put into something of a hypnotized state, where they are utterly helpless to stop themselves from walking into them. He is also able to create tendrils from his fingers and back that he uses to walk on in a similar fashion to Doc Ock, the Spider-Man villain in the Marvel Universe. The superhuman stretching ability could also be seen as a similarity between himself and Mr. Fantastic of the Fantastic Four. Whether he absorbs, kills, or merely takes his victims to an undisclosed location or dimension is also unknown as there are never any bodies or evidence left behind in his wake to deduce a definite conclusion.

Not much is known, about origins, but his objective and habitat are made very clear. He has the need to kidnap children, and is seen right before the disappearance of a child or multiple children. He seems to prefer fog enshrouded streets and wooded areas as a way to conceal himself from being noticed. It should also be noted that children have been able to see him when no other adults in the vicinity could. Children also have dreams or nightmares concerning The Slender Man before their disappearance. Confiding these stories to their parents are met with the usual parental admonition: overactive imaginations.

He appears to the unwitting mostly at night, and most always peering out of wooded areas or near rivers. He has also been reported to peek inside left open windows and to walk out in front of lone motorists on long uninhabited roads. The Slender Man or men, have appeared everywhere from Japan, Norway, and America to name a growing few."

The guys wanted something to represent their band aside from stuff ripped from Google and slender man blogs and online mythos. If you have ever seen my art before then you know that this is right up my alley. A creepy dude in a business suit! hell yes! I wanted to keep the grainy, foggy look and I decided to do a bunch of watercolor / ink drips and sprays using compressed air to get a sort of eerie feel. There is a TON of stuff on the internet about slender man. It is real interesting and creepy you should check it out.

For information on the band slender man go to their facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/slendermanabndaz

Cheers: SF

Now for the art:

SPILLIGAN art print SUPERSALE !!!!!

2011-12-05T20:27:00.000-08:00

Hey,

Due to our elected political heroes completely screwing up our economy, many small businesses have had to close their doors. Unfortunately Evermore Nevermore is one of them :(

But there is a silver lining on this dark cloud. Yes, of course I am talking about spilligan prints. All your favorites are on sale for the last time inside Evermore Nevermore. jack, bats, Alvin, MAXX, etc. EVERY print is on sale for $5.00 and if you buy 2 prints the third print is free while supplies last. If you have never had the chance to check out the store you should come in and check out the coolest pop-culture shop ever conceived before it's gone forever. I will be there to sign prints and talk about quantum physics (a subject I know very little about).

December 9th @ Evermore Nevermore
127 West main Street Mesa, AZ 85201

Come on down and check it out yo!
Steve Failla

OCCUPY PHOENIX

2011-10-12T17:46:00.000-07:00

Hey,

I was asked to do some real quick art for the "Occupy Phoenix" protest this Saturday. I am still learning about the movement. There are some things I agree with and there are some things that I do not. Most of my knowledge comes from watching the news. Most of it has been in the form of jokes and mocking of the protesters, If the media is against something then I am probably in favor of it. Without getting too political I just wanted to post these before the protests so that I can get some recognition as the artist. I just hope this movement gains a bigger voice and finds some more direction and I thought I could lend a hand in at least helping it get some sort of brand recognition. Make up your own mind. I just wanted to get out the word that I am the artist that did these posters that will be popping up all over the valley "hopefully" you may notice the (SPILLIGAN) watermark in the low right corner. If you don't see that on the poster. Then it may have been altered or transformed into something I did not intend. I just did these and handed the files over. Whatever happens to these from now on is none of my concern. I may re-visit this at a later date but for now I will just see what happens.

Peace,
SF

ENCREDICON 2

2011-09-07T15:02:00.000-07:00

Hey,

I will be at the legendary Evermore Nevermore on Friday night for their ENCREDICON 2 event. Encredicon stands for (Evermore Nevermore's Comic Review of Enlightened Drawing & Inscribing Convention). It is an annual showcase of local comic book creators who are showcasing their creations. I will have a NEW PRINT available for purchase based on the Image comics character "the MAXX" created by Sam Keith. The MAXX was one of the characters that inspired me to do comic-book style art so, it is only fitting that I do a MAXX piece for this show. I will also have a teaser giveaway for my new comic-book project that will be out in 2011.........ish.

For more information click the link
http://www.evermorenevermore.com/encredicon/

Hope to see you there,
Steve Failla

the MAXX print will come in two different sizes and printing methods for your enjoyment.

science textbook illustrations

2011-08-26T20:30:00.000-07:00

I was commissioned a while back to illustrate a chemistry textbook. The whole process was a big time learning experience and in the end, wasn't very fun, and I will never get paid. But, there was some art that was produced that wasn't used in the end that I felt would be noteworthy to post since it took alot of time to produce for nothing. Oh well, I guess this is the life of a freelance artist. The publisher just ended up using the image I did for the cover. If it ever publishes I will post it. These are some of the galaxy variations I did for the first chapter and some type and title font work.

VIVA MI BLOG,
SF

AZ Rollergirls / Team branding logo's

2011-07-08T14:25:00.000-07:00

All,

I was fortunate enough to work on some logo designs for the AZ Rollergirls "all-girl flat track rollerderby league" and wanted to post them. I am really happy to see them turn out better than expected and cant wait to see them at the bouts in the future. I am pretty sure that this is only the beginning of the art I will produce for the AZ rollergirls so I will keep you posted. There are three teams so far "The Hail Marys, Cadaver Crue, and the Lolitas De Los Muerto's." They each have their own unique identity but are a close knit family within the league (except on bout day). therefore, I wanted to keep them close in design but unique as well. I used the same face but changed the design to fit the characteristics of the teams. If you have never been to a rollerderby bout than you are missing out. They are alot of fun and sometimes totally brutal. I have been to three so far and I have never been disappointed. Definitely worth the price of admission. The next bout is July 9th at the Broadway recreation center. Go check out their website www.arizonarollergirls.com

Thanks again to all who support my art: I love you all!

Peace Homeys,
SF

2 new art prints available at "Evermore Nevermore" and July "winning"

2011-07-04T08:59:00.000-07:00

All,

I was invited to participate in the "Dead, White and Blue" art show at Evermore Nevermore that is taking place over the July 4th holiday. The show boasts "macabre patriotic" art from the likes of Marco Turrubiartes, GILEAD, Davis T Saint Albans, Russ Kazmierczak and Jordan Thomas as well as yours truly. Here are the two art prints that are available at Evermore Nevermore. These are the new "Spillicom" prints that are presented in a Mylar sleeve and have the new thick backing boards so you can hang em up immediately. Each one is numbered and signed in a limited print run of 10 each. Get them while you can!!

Also spilligan.com was one of the winners of "Dynamod's Portal of the Month" for July 2011. Pretty busy month for me. I will have another announcement very soon as well as more art!

Peace,
SF

Jakob Shuell "AWESOME PICTURE!!!" fan art

2011-06-08T19:56:00.000-07:00

All,

I just received my first piece of fan art from my new little buddy Jakob Shuell. My mother works with Jakob's mother and she had said that Jakob really liked the "Hellboy" piece I did. So I mailed Jakob a print for his 11th birthday. Then I received this very professional envelope from Jakob and inside I found this awesome piece of artwork!

This is the original piece of art that Jakob did. But, he didn't stop there. He then scanned it in and did some digital coloring! This kid is awesome........

Thanks Jakob! I absolutely love the artwork. Keep drawing little guy!

2nd Friday part 2/2 "connected"

2011-04-04T22:01:00.000-07:00

All,

Here is the 2nd print that I will have available for purchase on April 8th during Sci-fi Friday event on Main Street. This one took me awhile to get right but I think it turned out better than expected. I think I will also have a black and white smaller variant print available along with an additional surprise. I will keep you posted. Spilligan.com is bringing it in 2011. Show up and show your support for local art.

2nd Friday part 1/2 "the dee-lo"

2011-03-29T20:41:00.000-07:00

All,

I will be signing prints at the 2nd Friday event on Main Street (sci-fi Friday) on Main Street in front of Evermore Nevermore. The first print for sale is the "dee-lo." The design was done by Jared Liebhart. I work with Jared and have kind of taken him under my wing to try to get him exposed to the wacky world of art as best I can. This kid is the next Chip Foose. He can draw just about any car you can throw at him and he is an amazing artist. We collaborated on this print of everyone's favorite time machine. Jared designed the look of the car and then handed it over to me for coloring duties we both had a hand in inking the final version. I am really excited to introduce Jared to the local art scene and he will be with me to sign these prints as well. The "dee-lo" will be printed on 11x17 high quality matte paper and will come inside a mylar sheath.

Stay tuned for the second print by yours truly titled "it's all connected" but for now enjoy the dee-lo.

SF

Megaman Tribute reveal - "Megaman in Spillivision"

2011-03-03T17:49:00.000-08:00

Hey yo!

It is time to reveal my entry into the Megaman tribute art contest, "Megaman In Spillivision." Sadly, I wasn't one of the chosen winners simply because I haven't heard $h!t from the UDON guys about anything. Anyway's, my loss is your gain because now you can see it, and buy an exclusive 8.5" x 11" print from me directly or at "Evermore Nevermore" whichever you prefer. I will be dropping off the prints at Evermore Nevermore tomorrow and I will always have prints available if you would like to contact me directly at steve@spilligan.com.

Peace Homeys,
SF

Lolitas de Los Muertos - roller derby / Christal tribute

2011-02-24T11:07:00.000-08:00

All,

Christal has been asking me for some time to do a piece of art for her. I wanted to do a special piece but never could find exactly the right project that says "Christal." Christal is pretty much my sister from another mister. I have known her since we were in diapers and I am so stinking proud of her. Recently Christal became part of a roller derby team known as the "Lolitas de los Muertos." Peoples reactions to this decision were mixed. Christal just said "I want to do it" and then she went out and did it. I really admire that about Christal and I wanted to do something special for her to commemorate her first bout as "Ivanna Beer."

I will be cheering her on Saturday March 12th at the Broadway Recreation Center. You should too!

for more information please visit: http://www.arizonarollergirls.com

This artwork is in no way affiliated with the AZ ROLLERGIRLS organization, this is just a tribute poster for Christal. All designs are copyrighted 2011 Steve Failla

P.S. if anyone wants prints let me know at steve@spilligan.com /

I will be doing a limited print run of 11"x17" prints for $5. Christal will get the original drawing if she wants it.

Late,
SF

New Art! This is also a spillipalooza preview.......hmmmmmmm

2011-02-22T19:41:00.000-08:00

Special thanks to Chris Wahl for the free photoshop brushes..!

2nd Friday on Main Street

2011-02-09T20:09:00.000-08:00

Hello all,

So this Friday night I will be walking around the events for "2nd Friday" on Main Street. If you haven't been down there lately it is completely been revamped and it is fun and exciting again. There are cool shops and cool galleries and they re-opened "The Nile Theater" where most of my time was spent in my younger days. You can go check out Evermore Nevermore they are having a "something I can never have" art show. I will not have art in this specific show but you can check out all of the new Spilligan prints and originals that are gracing the walls there. Check out their site here www.evermorenevermore.com. There is also alot more shenanigans going down at E.N. for you to check out. This Friday night will also be the debut of Shane Campuzano's first galleried painting at Sundust gallery www.sundustgallery.com. So there will be alot going on I hope to see you there.

Starts @ 6:30 P.M.

Peace Homies,

New and improved SPILLIGAN products now available @ eVeRmOrE NeVeRmOrE

2011-02-03T19:32:00.000-08:00

Hola,

I have just signed a consignment deal with the totally awesome store "Evermore Nevermore" on Main Street in Mesa. What is this store you ask? Evermore nevermore is like if "Hot Topic" and a comic store started dating, got married, and had a kid, and then this kid grows up to become a fashion designer. Then, this fashion designer goes on a Charlie Sheen drug binge with a bunch of local art galleries all while banging a collectible/toy store on the side. Basically, it is the raddest store EVER! So go inside and say hi to Amanda (total sweetheart) or Bob (awesome as well) and support local business and local artists! I will be selling an "exclusive" print run of 13"x19" selected pieces and a few originals. ALL of them are signed and numbered and come in a "handy dandy" protective mylar sleeve so you can immediately hang it on the wall, or in a closet, or above your toilet (your in control). Go check them out today.......

Evermore Nevermore

127 west Main Street

Mesa, Arizona 85201

480-964-4624

You can also check out E.N. on their website www.evermorenevermore.com

You can also check em out on facebook www.facebook.com/evermorenevermore

you can also check out Amanda's "Modified Minds" clothing line and apparel @ www.modifiedminds.com

Thanks Homies,
SF

Inside E.N.

Spilligan "originals"

Spilligan "prints"

N8 Van Dyke's tribute to ZOE - thank you so much!

2011-01-29T00:15:00.000-08:00

This is Nate's beautiful tribute to Zoe's memory-

Hello,

I wasn't going to blog about this but something truly remarkable has happened out of a horrible event in my life and I feel that I must share it with you all.

Kat and I lost our little girl at the beginning of this month. This has been an extremely heartbreaking thing to go through. Especially on the heels of another family tragedy only a few short weeks prior. Zoe had eye surgery for an ulcerated cornea in her right eye. She was a rare white boxer and as you may or may not know boxers have genetic problems in their eyes, especially the white ones. After her surgery Zoe was never the same dog and it was apparent that something was not right. She never did bounce back from this and soon got even worse. At this point she had been to three separate veterinarians and a specialist for canine eye surgery. It was becoming more and more apparent that she had all the symptoms of a brain tumor and also valley fever. She was immediately treated for valley fever and bounced back slightly then got progressively worse as time went on. Kat and I had decided at that point that her quality of life had diminished to the point that it was unfair to let her go on in this condition.

I have been emailing legendary artist N8 Van Dyke back and forth for about two years now and we have become pretty good friends. He is a huge animal lover, wonderful person and all-around great guy not to mention a world famous artist. He and his girlfriend are going through a somewhat similar situation with their dog “Hambone.” So we had been talking about our situations back and forth and he totally surprised me with this beautiful tribute to Zoe’s memory. Words cannot begin to express how honored I am to have Nate do this out of the kindness of his heart. He is truly a wonderful person. I cant begin to thank him enough.

This is the original blogpost link please check it out

http://n8vandyke.wordpress.com/

This is the picture my wife took of Zoe. This was taken about a year and a half ago.

"Tyrant" deemed too controversial for Sundust

2011-01-15T14:24:00.000-08:00

Congratulations!

The selection process has been completed. Your artwork listed on the attached PDF - "Retro 2010 Selected Artists" has been selected to be included in the Retro 2010 Exhibit at Sundust Gallery. We had a tremendous response to our "Call for Art" , making it extremely difficult to make selections among the submissions.
Congratulations on your selection.

This is how the email started from Sundust gallery owner Ron Floyd pertaining to the January exhibition at Sundust Gallery in which I entered my piece "TYRANT." I just cut and pasted the exact opening paragraph.

This blogpost is in no way meant to slam anyone or hurt anyones feelings in any way. I just found the following conversation interesting and I thought I should share it as well as my thoughts. On the night of the grand opening my wife arrived at the gallery before I did and, could not find my piece anywhere in the gallery. She then found owner Ron Floyd to talk with him. Ron is the owner of Sundust Gallery and a pillar of the Arizona art community, an awesome person and instructor. I am truly lucky to have met Ron and be a part of what he has done and is trying to do at Sundust Gallery as well as the art scene in Arizona. I love Sundust gallery and I feel that everyone should go down there and check out what it has to offer. There are some amazing pieces there by amazing artists.

Ron then said that I had not been selected for this particular show and that the email had stated that in the attached PDF. Well I didn't feel the need to open the PDF since the first paragraph included the word "congratulations" twice followed by the sentence "Congratulations on your selection."

So my fault, I understand. My art doesn't resonate with everyone nor can I ever hope it to. But, this piece is different from anything I have ever done before and it had high praise from my toughest critic's.

Ron then went on to explain that my piece was "too controversial" to hang at Sundust, and that it is a retail business as well as an art gallery and he didn't think my piece would sell given the clients he sees in the gallery. He did go on to praise the piece and technique however. He said that he personally liked my piece but didn't want it to offend anyone or spark any controversy by hanging it. My art is far removed from anything else that is presented in the gallery at any given time. I am lucky to have shown in a gallery at all.

However, as an artist I feel the goal of any piece is to evoke an emotion inside the person viewing it. Whether it be anger, sadness, happiness and in this case fear. Which I feel is ironic since "TYRANT" is a depiction of Saddam Hussein. Sundust gallery is a retail business but, doesn't it also have an obligation to represent the local Arizona art community as a whole? Regardless of the subject matter or style of art. If a piece is good enough, then why not let it hang? Art is changing in America, new contemporary or "lowbrow" art is gaining momentum so why not allow some of that art in your gallery? When I was at the gallery I saw only about 10 to 15 people there. Maybe if you allow other kinds of art in, it might attract a different kind of market that may be willing to buy art and therefore help out the bottom line. Which helps out everyone.

Even though my artwork wasn't allowed to hang at Sundust, I feel that this experience has been a tremendous success for me as an artist. I have been deemed "too controversial" for an art gallery. That means that "TYRANT" evoked such a strong emotion that it was best to leave it in the closet rather than deal with the consequences of showing it in public. It is also a success because it doesn't depict blood and gore, violence, sex, profanity or anything that could be construed "explicit" in connotation. As for the economic viability of the piece. Only time will tell if I can make any money on it. If you would like to prove Ron wrong and buy this piece let me know by contacting me at steve@spilligan.com

Until then, I will keep plugging away on my art and I will not be deterred from doing what I love,

Peace Homies,
Steve

Sundust Gallery "TYRANT"

2011-01-11T21:08:00.000-08:00

Hello,

My piece "TYRANT" was selected to show at Sundust Gallery this weekend through the end of the month. I am extremely proud of this piece and I am even more happy to share it with everyone who will see it. This will be the third time I will be showing my art at Sundust Gallery and I hope to be showing more pieces there in the future. The exhibition opens this Friday night. I am selling the original (pictured) for $100 at the gallery. I hope to see you there.

whats coming up for spilligan.com in 2011?

2011-01-01T12:56:00.000-08:00

Hey all,

I have been creatively derailed lately due to some ongoing personal issues but, my resolve is becoming more resolute in the hopes that this year (2011) will be a better year. I have been commissioned to illustrate a Chemistry textbook that could turn out to be a lucrative venture. "Spillipalooza" was derailed right in the middle of the project but I am confident it will be finished in the next few months. I wanted to start my year long project (????) in January but it will be on hold for a little while. I will be designing my own line of greeting cards and I will have stickers due out by the end of the year. I also want to have at least one new piece of art showing in Sundust Gallery every month, (this is a personal bet with myself) I think "Tyrant" will show in January so stay tuned. As always I appreciate your support and I hope you find the upcoming projects exciting.

Happy New Year,
Steve Failla

New Logo Design -Exclusive magazine-

2010-11-22T05:37:00.000-08:00

Hey all,

I finished this logo design work a long time ago and wanted to post it and get some feedback on it. This was for a commission from Kamrashyphotos.com. They will be launching their new website hopefully soon and I was asked to design a logo and brand for the look of the many webpages of their new site. It is taking them a while to get their site finished so I wanted to at least post the stuff I did. I will definitely let you all know when their site is up and running.

If you recall I pitched a few ideas to them a while ago and since then they have changed their minds and have decided to go with a silhouette image rather than a comic book/ manga image which I previously had posted.

enjoy,

TataGala THIS FRIDAY-

2010-11-10T15:49:00.000-08:00

Yo Yo Yo,

Check it out the Tatagala is this Friday. My piece "butherface" will be showing this Friday at the event in Sarasota Florida. Prints are always available "just contact me." Brother Neil and his lovely wife Lia will be representing the Florida branch of Spilligan.com and will also be providing re-con and intel on the "happenings" and "what-have yous" of the event. Stay peeled for his "hard hitting" and "in-depth" report. He will also be sporting his new spilligan.com "shrunken head stickers that are available in the online store, at the show to lend his support for all things spilligan.

Bear has also been made the official quality control officer for spilligan.com and the new stickers have passed the Bear test with flying colors.

Special thanks to you Bear you are definitely appreciated. We will carve your name in the pillars of the spilligan castle on Valhalla.

Until next time homeys,
SF out

New art piece "tyrant"

2010-11-08T01:48:00.000-08:00

All,

I decided to do some fine art this time. This is my second piece of America's favorite dictator. This was done with drawing ink splatter, spray paint, and colored pencil. Thanks again to everyone for your kind words and support. I love you all.

SF

New spilligan.com frontpage logo

2010-10-24T19:15:00.000-07:00

Hey all,

I have beeen wanting the greeting image to be something special when you first visit spilligan.com and I have finished it and updated. I liked some things on the old image but wanted to freshen it up and keep some of the same elements as the old. Please go check it out and tell me what you think.

here it is in a few forms.

the old spilligan.com logo:

Second the older new website logo:

Here is the new logo:

Tata Gala 2010 - submission / update

2010-10-15T23:08:00.000-07:00

Hey,

I have entered a new piece of art (Butherface!) into the Tata Gala 2010 show. If you have no idea what this is...well, its a juried exhibition show for illustrators and artists to do works of art for breast cancer research. The theme of the show is....you guessed it "Boobies." All of the proceeds go to breast cancer research and everyone that entered a piece this year will be included on their website. This is a great cause and great exposure as well. Here is my entry. www.tatagala.org

enjoy,

Butherface!

UPDATE:

My piece "butherface" was just accepted to appear in the tatagala 2010 and 2011 shows in Sarasota Florida and New York. It will show digitally on their website as well.....forever.......

This will grant tons of exposure to my art as well as help out breast cancer research.

The Sarasota Florida show is:...

NOVEMBER 12th 2010 Doors Open @ 7:00 PMFOOD, MUSIC, & DRINKS WILL BE PROVIDED.

SARASOTA DESIGN CENTER.

1419 Blvd. of the Arts Sarasota, FL 34236

The details of the New York show have not been finalized yet. I will be posting that information as soon as I know. I will not be able to attend the show but, I will of course be selling prints for $20 ea (this should cover my cost as well as shipping). Just contact me and we can work out the details.

new t-shirt and sticker design on spilligan.com

2010-10-07T12:38:00.000-07:00

Hey all,

I have designed a new sticker and t-shirt design now available in the online store:

paste/click the link below to order:

http://www.redbubble.com/products/configure/6055713-sticker

Legendary artist N8 Van Dyke comments on spilligan.com

2010-10-06T17:29:00.000-07:00

Hey all,

For those who aren't familiar with N8's work check out his amazing stuff here at www.n8vandyke.com. I have been emailing Nate back and forth for a few years now, picking his brain and shooting the shit. Nate is the real deal. In my opinion he is the master of pen and ink. He has graciously signed the guestbook on spilligan.com and added his thoughts/comments of my work which is truly an honor coming from someone I admire greatly.

You can do the same just by going to www.spilligan .com click on contact and add your contact information and comments in the field and it will automatically add your comments into the guestbook. The first ten people will win a prize. I will email the winners shortly.

Here is an example of the brilliant work that Nate has done. This one is called Reign

Thank you N8, and thank you all for your support,

Steve

Fallout is released at the 2010 International Horror and Sci-fi Festival

2010-09-27T16:52:00.000-07:00

FALLOUT is released: Again a big thanks to Legendary Director Paul DeNigris for letting me work on such an amazing project.

Story by Trevor Green/

An image of a desecrated "Welcome to Phoenix" sign ushers viewers into the bleak, post-apocalyptic world of the movie Fallout. Shots of bombed-out buildings littering downtown Phoenix are awash in sandy orange hues. The jet wash from a military drop ship kicks up dust as weapon-carrying troops hit the ground feet-first. The ensuing events unravel a science-fiction tale rich with espionage, counterterrorism, action and deception.
University of Advancing Technology's Digital Video program utilized its strengths in post-production - editing, computer-generated visual effects, compositing - in making Fallout. The year-long project featured contributions from 31 students and staff to realize the cutting-edge vision, a promotional and educational vehicle for the DV major.
"The whole thing wasn't so much about the outcome as it was about the process. The outcome is great. What we've got to show for it is just tremendous. It's a tremendous achievement for the students that were involved, and it's a great piece for their portfolio," said Digital Video Professor andFallout director Paul DeNigris.
Fallout is an Official Selection for the 2010 International Horror and Sci-Film Festival, taking place Oct. 14-18 in Tempe, Ariz.
Fallout 's Wild Cards
Fallout focuses on the investigation of a failed mission by Department of Homeland Security counterterrorism team, the Wild Cards, to stop a group of terrorists holding a suitcase nuclear device. All but one of the Wild Cards appear to die with the nuke's detonation. Military investigator Rawls (played by adjunct professor Steve Briscoe) examines for evidence of betrayal - via questioning and memory extraction - though has his own agenda regarding the Homeland Security department.
DeNigris wove the futuristic story from disparate television and movie sources: military and science-fiction nods to Stargate SG-1; the action and ulterior motives of 24; and minor influences like the colleague tension of The Wire (Rawls was named after a character on the show) and the technology ofMinority Report.Â He also infused the script with UAT culture - technology and concepts influenced by Leonardo da Vinci Society for the Study of Thinking recipient Dr. Michio Kaku, mystery solving inspired by tabletop games, and virtual reality sparked by the Game Design/Game Programming majors.
DeNigris wanted to have a top-notch team to bring the movie to life. After reevaluating the Digital Video program's focus on post-production, he wanted a project to show his students' talents. In summer 2009, he recruited undergrads from several majors that impressed him with their modeling, texturing, compositing, audio and visual effects work. He sprang the script on them and got an enthusiastic response, and the film took shape over the academic year.
Student Matt Buresh, Fallout assistant video editor/behind-the-scenes editor, came onboard after learning about and seeing the passion of everyone behind the film.
"I naturally wanted to be a part of this awesome project that Paul was presenting to his students. I always take full advantage of any project that Paul presents to his students because it's always nothing but hands on learning that you can really count on to get a well rounded education from," said Buresh.
The most notable evidence of the team's post-production prowess is the film's imagery. Almost every frame was filmed on the University's green-screen set. The Phoenix sign and city landscapes: digitally manipulated pictures. The drop ship: computer generated. The soldiers setting foot in Phoenix: DeNigris and three crew members in the campus parking lot, jumping off of an apple crate in boots while fans blew sand into the camera.
"It just didn't make sense to do it green screen," said DeNigris of the lone location shot.
The Green-Screen Dance
Filming almost entirely on a green-screen set introduced new challenges. The confines of the small space and blank background forced the actors and crew to plan performer interactions and movements, imagined environments, key lighting and continuous camera movement. For example, filming an over-the-shoulder shot involved switching around actors, lights and props.
"We end up doing this dance every time we do our turnarounds and basically spin the entire room around the camera, which is [the] total opposite of how you would do it on location," said DeNigris.
"We did eventually get over that hump, get over that learning curve and figure out how to be more efficient and really get into the groove of it, and by the end we were just rocketing through our shot list."
While the set's visual challenges could be manipulated, audio distractions could not. Imprecise acoustics and outside noise forced DeNigris to have actors rerecord nearly every line of dialogue. The compromise reshaped parts of the script and performances, and the clean audio was reworked to add reverb and equalization to simulate the movie's environments.
Compositors filled in the green blanks with computer-generated walls, object shadows, particle effects (like fire and glow examples) and motion tracking (ensuring the backgrounds move with the camera). DeNigris had a quality standard to ensure continuity through compositors' works - an assigned area one segment (fight, warehouse and interview scenes) for each artist. The goal was to make sure nothing looked out of place.
"There are some things you never realize are really critical to a movie until you don't have them there," said student Monica Thies.
Educating the Masses
DeNigris plans a multi-tiered approach to giving Fallout exposure. For theaters, the movie will be entered in various film festivals - local and specializing in visual effects, sci-fi and action movies. The movie's physical copy release (on DVD and Blu-ray) will include behind-the-scenes featurettes and options to watch the finished version, green-screen footage and back-to-back versions of both simultaneously.
DeNigris hopes that the labor, experience and spotlight give the cast, crew and DV program positive attention.
"It's designed to be a promotional tool for the DV program as well as an educational tool for future generations of DV students."
The finished movie impressed the creators with how far their vision was captured on film.
"Seeing the final version of it, I was really ecstatic. I couldn't sit still after watching it. It hit everything that we were expecting - plus some. The story sucks you in once you get into the visual effects," said student Mitchell Faherty. "That's what we were hoping for."
Thies was similarly enthusiastic.

new art piece

2010-09-02T16:54:00.000-07:00

All,

Just did this piece last night. Have no idea what it means just woke up one day with this in my head.

enjoy,
SF

My art in a sci-fi movie????

2010-08-20T17:34:00.000-07:00

Hey all,

I was involved in a completely digital green screen movie with Director Paul Denigris and "jack of all trades" Steve Briscoe whom I have worked previously with on a short film called "Cowboy Dreams" with Bill Engval and Danny Trejo. I did a small piece of art for this movie. It is the logo for the team of space marines called the "wild cards" which is emblazoned on the side of their ship. I have embedded the link here and if you wish to view the entire movie. You will have to enter the password "getnorris" to view this because they are still waiting on approval from "the scorpions" for use of their song. This password is only good for a week and will not work past that....enjoy...

My picture appears at the 9:02 minute break, and it also appears in the very beginning but is half covered up by the ships thruster.

Fallout - pre-release screener from Locked Horns Productions on Vimeo.

spilligan.com under construction

2010-08-13T11:51:00.000-07:00

Spilligan.com will be under construction......I am going with a different hosting service that will enable me to run flash animations and have a contact page and a store that doesn't skim off the top and goes directly through me.

Keep checking in periodically for new stuff that will be added.

Spilligan.com art scientists are working hard to bring you new and exciting content....

VIVA LA MY BLOG.

OUT,
SF

2010-07-26T16:32:00.000-07:00

THEY digital recolor

2010-07-24T15:48:00.000-07:00

Hey all,

I recently decided to digitally color my painting that I did for Sundust gallery that hung during May. Just decided to post it for all who didn't get to come and see it in the gallery.

Peace homeys,
SF

"Gentlemen Broncos" movie review

2010-06-05T09:51:00.000-07:00

GENTLEMEN BRONCOS

This is the third movie from the makers of Napoleon Dynamite. In a word this movie is STRANGE, well to say this movie is strange would be an insult to strange movies everywhere. Basic synopsis of the film is boy goes to science fiction writing camp called "cletus fest." At said festival meets life-long hero science fiction writer Dr. Chevalier, who then steals this kids story called "the yeast lords" and turns it into "Brutus and Balzaak" and gets all the credit. After this story arc the story gets extremely disturbing. There is vomit scene that nobody should have to witness. But the highlights of the film are the re-enactments of the book that are portrayed by Sam Rockwell who plays the hero "Bronco" as told by the kid and Brutus by Dr. Chavalier. Its a nod to old trashy science fiction novels that we all grew up with but the stories in this movie are waaaay over the top strange. This movie sucks. But it is worth a watch to see the spectacle of it all. Just like Napoleon Dynamite this movie reaches some awesome moments and laughs.

2 out of 5 worth a rent

"Huevo" concept art

2010-06-03T11:25:00.000-07:00

My buddy Chef Victor had asked me to do some concept artwork for a cartoon show idea he had and wanted to pitch to Nickelodean / Adult Swim. I said what the heck, and here is the artwork for the show called "HUEVO". He has hired an entertainment lawyer and I guess we will see where it goes. Even if it doesn't go anywhere it was fun to do and even more exciting to see someones ideas come to life. It is always fun for me to work for a client and collaborae different ideas.

Sundust gallery 2nd coming

2010-05-10T16:47:00.000-07:00

I will be showing my latest mixed media piece at sundust gallery on May 14th. This wil be the second time I have shown my art there. The first time I won an artist of distinction award in the grand opening event so hopefully this new piece titled "THEY" will be received well also. Please come out if you can, I have attached a preview of the image as well as the flyer for the gallery.

VIVA LA MY BLOG

spilligan.com hits 666

2010-05-05T17:30:00.000-07:00

just wanted to say that we hit 666 hits at spilligan.com. eeeeeewwwwww!

Spilligan.com reviews “KICK-ASS”

2010-04-26T19:08:00.000-07:00

Spilligan.com reviews “KICK-ASS”

FORWARD- From now on Spilligan.com will be reviewing any form of media I come across, movies, books, comics, video games, DVD’s. Mainly because I am always asked what I think of different movies and video games and other crap and I think it would be fun to have “real” person review stuff as opposed to Robert Wilonsky, Ebert, or Maltin, Plus- you can trust my judgment. I also would like to review stuff to drum up some business for my website and forthcoming “in the works” website. I would also like to gain more followers on my blog. So if you would like to follow my blog and spread the word just click on the “follow” button and follow the prompts and don’t forget to tell your friends 

KICK-ASS the movie-

is based on the TPB (trade paperback) comic book by Mark Millar and John Romita Jr. Kick ass is a fun, violent movie definitely worth your time. I wouldn’t rush right out and see it in the theater unless you’re a total dork like me. You can wait and see this one on DVD and get about the same experience as in the theater.

Kick-ass is a total loser, geek in High school that hangs out at the Atomic comics store and dreams of being a superhero. Atomic Comics is featured in this movie a lot, if anyone is interested in checking that out. But it’s just the logo and the store was recreated in England so it isn’t exactly like the local shop here in Arizona. Anyways, so this dork decides to dress up like a superhero and try and fight crime. While he is out on “patrol” he gets beaten up badly and then hit by a car. He spends a long time in the hospital recovering and then after healing he realizes he doesn’t feel any pain anymore and sets out again as his alter-ego KICK-ASS. While defending a citizen from random thugs someone films the half-assed battle and puts it on You-tube. KICK-ASS becomes an overnight sensation and sparks a whole set of events into motion that lead to the rest of the story.

What really makes this movie worthwhile are the superheroes “Big Daddy” played by Nicholas Cage and his 10 year old daughter “Hit Girl” played by some random 10 year old girl. Without these two, the movie would have fallen flat on its ass. It is just worth it to see these two in brutal violent action. This little girl kick MAJOR ass and steals the movie. I had high hopes for the kid who plays “Red Mist” in the movie (McLovin from Superbad) but I felt that he sucked. It would have been better if they just cast a different nerd (I personally would have cast the kid from Zombieland). He delivered lines in this movie that made me cringe when he said them. There is also an awkward teenage sex scene that I felt shouldn’t have been included in the film although the chick was real hot but no boobs were shown. (A guys first question is always “is there tits in it” and I will always answer that question.) This movie was way over the top violent and action packed and it never got boring at all. I especially liked that they played an Ennio Morricone song during one of the fight scenes. The story is really good and pretty believable or at least plausible. The ending was beyond lame and it deviated from the comic so they can open it up for a sequel, which is Hollywood’s way of saying “show me the money.” So, if you want to see a brutal, violent , bloody-ass, action-packed, but somewhat lame “at times” movie then check out Kick-Ass or wait for it on DVD. Either way you won’t be disappointed.

7 out of 10

VIVA LA MY BLOG!!!!
SF

Just in time for easter get your Creeps shirt!!

2010-04-01T19:10:00.000-07:00

hey all,

Just wanted to drop you a line and let you know that my second t-shirt is out. Get your Creeps shirt now!!

Death of artist's "car" at age 8

2010-02-06T15:36:00.000-08:00

Yup, I totalled my car. I loved my car. I have never been in an accident and it was a weird and frustrating ordeal. I fractured my nose but other than that i escaped with very minor injuries. I guess that is what really matters when someone loses ones car in an accident but it still was a very horrible incident. I do not recommend it to anyone. Here are the pics.

You can tell its my car by the mound of fast food wrappers in the passenger seat!

I will post when I buy my new car next week! Until then VIVA LA MY BLOG!!!

sellout piece

2010-01-01T11:57:00.000-08:00

Happy New Years everyone,

I just wanted to say that I recolored the infamous "award winning" sellout piece and I will be selling it in a limited run of 25 prints from my home. These prints are printed with pigmented inks on premium matte paper, and I will sign and number them. Prints are 15$ (signed + numbered) Framed prints are 25$. Please contact me at rynofailla@gmail.com if you are interested. Also the original is still on sale for $300.

the GILF shirt

2009-12-06T07:19:00.000-08:00

SPILLIGAN.COM launches the GILF shirt. log on to get yours today.

fencistitute

2009-11-23T19:51:00.001-08:00

I was just hired to do storyboard work and art direction on a new upcoming short film called the "fencistitute" which I cannot really discuss at this time but, I am really Jazzed to be working on this project. I will have more later.

VIVA LA MY BLOG

SF

Department of defense

2009-11-23T19:50:00.000-08:00

We are nearing milestone 5 on the DOD project. We will have a working "ALPHA" mod of the game by then which wont really consist of much but I will be able to post a few pics from the concept phase so keep checking.

VIVA LA MY BLOG.

SF

Sundust Gallery opening 9/11/09

2009-09-12T11:34:00.000-07:00

Thanks everyone who came out to see my piece at the gallery showing last night. It really means alot to me to have such awesome friends and family not to mention the support. I think the turnout was extremely positive and i think my piece was perceived well. I was chosen as one of three artists of distinction at the show and I will be asked to show again at a later date in 2010. So I will keep you posted and thanks again for coming.

New studio in September

2009-09-03T16:44:00.000-07:00

I just got accepted to finally move into my new house sometime this month so I will keep you posted on the new happenings and post some pics of the new abode and studio space. Peace Homies. Also go see District 9 before it leaves theaters. Truly a worthy movie and a must see.

VIVA LA MY BLOG

My new backyard!

I was accepted.

2009-08-31T18:46:00.000-07:00

All,

Just got word that I was accepted to show in Sundust gallery. Like I said earlier I only have one piece to show but, this could turn into something big so I will keep my fingers crossed. Also I just had my man Scoble update my website. So you can finally check out my online store and blog. Hope to see you there on Sept 11. Also i will meet with another movie director on Labor day weekend to discuss storyboard work on her upcoming short movie "greasewood flats" so that will be cool. OH and DOD Game work begins next week so look forward to it.

Spilligan.com has a few more pieces too so check it out.

VIVA LA MY BLOG.

SF

new blog and new online store

2009-08-26T16:45:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

Welcome to the new spilligan.com blog. This "blog" will clue you in to all the happenings within the bowels of the spilligan. I will blog about upcoming art events things of interest and new gallery shows that I may be involved with or showing art in. I will also do movie reviews because I can and I think I can do it better than Leonard Maltin. So please visit this blog frequently because I will be trying to post something new every week in an effort to become a household name. OK news so far with my upcoming art.

I just finished logo work for "Light's out Exterminating" My buddy Jason's new exterminating company. If you need any bugs killed, then "J" is the guy to call. He has over 10 years experience killing defenseless insects in the valley. He needs the customer base, he's a quality guy, my parents used him to kill a bunch of bees and termites that had invaded my childhood home, and he will work with you on prices. Call him at 480-365-8177 or visit his website at service@lightsoutexterminating.com Here are some pics of the logo I designed for him.

Pretty frickin snazzy eh? It rules to see someone take your artwork to the next step. OK now on to the spilligan.com online store. I have set it up and as of tomorrow you should be able to access the new online store as well as the new online blog by just logging into http://www.spilligan.com/ and clicking on the store or blog button in the top of the page. I only have x1 print available for purchase (BFF) as of yet because I am still researching copyright law and I don't want to get sued by "Jack in the Box" if you know what I mean. The prints in the online store are extrmemly high quality, but are kind of pricey. If you would like to purchase a cheaper, lesser quality print directly from me, please email me at rynofailla@gmail.com. Please note that if you order directly from me I can print out anything on my site and I will sign it for you as well. "if you want me to ruin it for you"

I just secured an internship with the Department of Defense. Yes the same department that nuked Japan. They are developing a middle school videogame that will educate and deter cybercrime through education. I was picked to be an artist on the project. The theme of the game is "superheroes" so it is right up my alley. This project will consume most of my time for the rest of the year except for one comission that I have in the works and the gallery show in October. I will be adding artwork form this project as I finish it so keep checking back periodically.

Gallery show??? Sundust gallery owner Ron Floyd has been calling for art for his new gallery space in downtown Mesa. Please go to this gallery frequently and see what he has going on over there. This is a great thing for Arizona. AZ has no art culture and Ron has taken the opportunity to show that Arizona can be an art hub in the future but, he will need a ton of local support from you. So go there. The Gallery opens up on Sept 11 from 6-9 P.M. the first show is called Rythm, Movement, and or Music. I have entered one piece that I call "sellout" it is the picture to the left. I am still in the approval process but I am confident my piece will be chosen to be one of the first pieces to be shown in Sundust. It better be chosen because I worked my ass off on it and it is the biggest piece I have ever done by hand. I will let you know after it is accepted the address and the upcoming show information. That is it for now. Please feel free to comment or email me with comments or questions.

VIVA LA MY BLOG.