FACE OFF Artist Spotlight: Mike Egan

Mike Egan is one of 10 main artists that will be featured at the Skull Appreciation Day 2013's Face Off show. He is a Pittsburg, PA based artist who has spent time working as an embalmer in funeral homes. His paintings are made using acrylic paint, shellac, wood and nails and tell stories about death, devils and saints. He's greatly influenced by The Day of the Dead, Halloween, horror films, churches, The German Expressionists and his time in funeral homes. To see what inspires Mike, more of his artwork, and photos from shows, check out his Tumblr and Flickr. You can purchase prints, t-shirts, and toys featuring his work, in his shop. To see what else Mike is up to, check out his Facebook and Twitter.

Cult Followers

Every Time I Die I Think of You

Sharing My Colors

Mike's work has been exhibited at numerous solo and group shows. He was one of the artists at the Skull Appreciation Day 2011 show "Skull" in Richmond, VA. He created Skull of 77 using a paper mache skull and paint. Oddly the skull we provided, works will for his existing minimalist skulls featured throughout his artwork.

To see some of Mike's amazing artwork in person, go to the International Museum of Surgical Science from May 31 till August 25, 2013 to see the FACE OFF: Skull-A-Day VS Street Anatomy show.

FACE OFF: Skull-A-Day VS Street Anatomy

May 31 – August 25, 2013

Opening reception: Friday, May 31  5–9 PM

International Museum of Surgical Science

1524 N. Lake Shore Drive  Chicago, IL

FEATURING

Mike Egan

Tom French

Emilio Garcia

Ali Gulec

Joshua Harker

Meyoko

Nicolas Obery

RX Skulls

Dan Springer

Rob Tarbell

Skull Pipe

Someone over at Crafthaus was nice enough to let Michael Mueller know about our site and suggested he make a submission. Thanks to both of them we have this little beauty from his German workshop to share as well as a great description...


"This is a 3d printed, fully working tobacco pipe. The head is made with glazed ceramics, the mouthpiece is antique bronze glossy."

"A pipe is definitely a matchmaker. It makes you look distinguished and sexy. Like a successful scientist, a confident playboy, or an experienced sailor."

"Yeah, tobacco is bad for your health, so use bubbles instead! Works even better cause it gives you a great lemon flavor! Of course this depends on the dish soap you use. The ladies will appreciate it!"

I'm just as impressed with the final result as I am with the process of making it.  I might just have to break down and get one to reach that level of sophistication I've been trying to achieve.  Of course I'll use bubbles, too, but I might have to go with the  lavender floral & mint scented soap on our counter here.  Thanks for the great submission, Michael!

FACE OFF Artist Spotlight: Joshua Harker

Joshua Harker is based out of Chicago, IL. He is one of 10 main artists that will be featured at the Skull Appreciation Day 2013's Face Off show. We've been fortunate to work with Joshua several times. He's a great artist, and most known for his 3D printed works. The ones we've featured are of course skull related, but he does have many insects and tangles that are equally wonderful. His prevalent use of the 3D printing technology came from a passionate search for a way to make his tangle drawings into sculptures. Before 3D printing, there wasn't a perfect way to make that happen. Joshua is one of the most recognized artists in the 3D printing field. He holds the #1 and #4 spots for the most funded Sculpture projects in the history of Kickstarter, for which we were happy to help promote for him. To see some of Joshua's amazing artwork in person, go to the International Museum of Surgical Science from May 31 till August 25, 2013 to see the FACE OFF: Skull-A-Day VS Street Anatomy show.

Crania Anatomica Filigre

Till Death Do Us Part

Anatomica di Revolutis

FACE OFF: Skull-A-Day VS Street Anatomy

May 31 – August 25, 2013

Opening reception: Friday, May 31  5–9 PM

International Museum of Surgical Science

1524 N. Lake Shore Drive  Chicago, IL

FEATURING

Mike Egan

Tom French

Emilio Garcia

Ali Gulec

Joshua Harker

Meyoko

Nicolas Obery

RX Skulls

Dan Springer

Rob Tarbell

[CONTEST REMINDER] Win a Signed FaceOff Poster

Don't forget you have until 11:59pm Eastern USA Time Friday, May 24, 2013, to enter the the current giveaway. We're offering a Skull Appreciation Day 2013 FaceOff show poster signed by both Noah Scalin and Vanessa Ruiz, the poster artists and show curators. You can find the original contest post by clicking the side bar ad, or this link.

[NOTE: If you are reading this on Facebook or Google+, you must go to THE ACTUAL BLOG POST HERE to enter this contest! You CANNOT enter this contest by commenting on Facebook, Twitter, or Google+]

Crocheted Skulls

Laurie Kahn shared with us some of the Day of the Dead Skull themed crochet pieces she's made.

Crochet lends its self to being very delicate and having intricate designs. When it's done with crochet thread, the lacy effect really shows well. These crocheted skulls by Laurie are beautiful. A skull is a hard shape to create with crochet, but Laurie seems to have mastered it. These are 3 of the crocheted skulls she's made. Head over to her Etsy shop, Spider Mambo, to see more great skull pieces.

[CONTEST REMINDER] Win a Signed FaceOff Poster

Don't forget you have until 11:59pm Eastern USA Time Friday, May 24, 2013, to enter the the current giveaway. We're offering a Skull Appreciation Day 2013 FaceOff show poster signed by both Noah Scalin and Vanessa Ruiz, the poster artists and show curators. You can find the original contest post by clicking the side bar ad, or this link.

[NOTE: If you are reading this on Facebook or Google+, you must go to THE ACTUAL BLOG POST HERE to enter this contest! You CANNOT enter this contest by commenting on Facebook, Twitter, or Google+]

Lego Skull

I'm not sure whether to thank Craig Horky for this sweet ass Lego skull, or the friend who suggested that he submit it. It's reminiscent of another Lego Skull that we've seen here before

This somewhat random assortment of parts seem reflective of our own DNA being the building blocks for our physical structure.  The smaller parts make the whole; which is why it's important to not forget them.  Thanks to you and your friend for the flashback, Craig!

[CONTEST] Win a Signed FaceOff Poster

Street Anatomy and Skull-A-Day have banned together to bring you FaceOff, a skull infused show opening on May 31, 2013, celebrating Skull Appreciation Day. Vanessa Ruiz and Noah Scalin are curating the show, and have created this amazing show poster using the concept of the show, digitally fusing together the skull artwork of two artists. Since people have been so excited about this poster and want one of their own, we are giving away one FaceOff poster to one lucky fan! To make this giveaway even more awesome, Noah and Vanessa will SIGN the poster!

The poster hanging on a wall.

The poster in digital form, so you can clearly see the details.

PRIZE INFO: 1 Poster from the FaceOff show, signed by Noah Scalin and Vanessa Ruiz. The poster measures 11" wide by 17" tall and is printed on extra thick 100# gloss paper. The poster will be signed a the show opening on May 31, 2013 and shipped to the winner afterwards.

HOW TO ENTER: The FaceOff show is unique, in that it combines the skull artwork of two different artists into one final piece. To enter this giveaway, comment below answering this question. Who are your two favorite artists? For me, I love Vincent Van Gogh and Andy Warhol.

CONTACT INFO: The winner, chosen at random, will be contacted via email by one of the Skull-A-Day editors within 7 days of the end of the contest. If that winner doesn't respond, another winner will be chosen. With your comment, please INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS!!! Entries are only valid with this information.

WHERE TO ENTER: All entries must be made on this blog post, on Skull-A-Day.com. You CANNOT enter this contest by commenting on Facebook, Twitter, or Google+.

CONTEST CLOSES: 11:59:59 PM Eastern USA Time Friday, (May 24, 2013).

NUMBER OF WINNERS: One

PRIZE SHIPS: This contest is open to all skull lovers around the world. The poster will be shipped after it's signed at the opening of the FaceOff show.

IF YOU DON'T WIN: Don't fret, the poster is available for purchase in the Street Anatomy store. There is a 20% discount for the FaceOff posters, until June 4th. Enter FACEOFF20 at checkout.

Sunday Simulacra - Version 6.50

Today's simulacrum come from our very own Skull Master, Noah Scalin.

He noticed this somewhat surprised skull in a paper creation from Charles T. Mayer...

... as well as this skullrific gift box!

Almost 7 years after starting Skull-A-Day Noah still sees those sneaky skulls hiding around us everyday. With your help and watchful eyes maybe we can continue presenting these for another 7 years. Jut make sure you submit them to us and we'll continue to post them. Thanks for showing us your finds(again), Noah!

"Good Friend"

French artist BL67 paints a wonderful picture of a "Good Friend".  This acrylic on canvas painting of a dog who was "man's best friend" has turned 180 degrees on the former master.

Nervous as he may be, he can't turn down the attention.  Perhaps he simply misses the feeling of flesh on his bones, or maybe it's because he can't run away without any muscles.  None the less it's a great painting that we thank you for sharing, BL67!

Ink Skull

Vienna, Austria based artist Michael Tripolt, a member of the Austrian art- and design collective ATZGEREI, sent us this ink-drawing he completed in April 2013.

Sigmund C says:

There is a dream like feeling to this piece, it has part feeling of woodblock print and part feeling of a comic illustration.  I am imagining that this skull as having been discover floating in outer space many millinium from now by a space archeologist. Thank you for sharing your work with us.

[CONTEST REMINDER] Win a Metal Skull with Brain Pendant from Anatomical Element

THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED! Thanks for participating!

Don't forget you have until 11:59pm Eastern USA Time Friday, May 17, 2013, to enter the giveaway from Anatomical Elements for a Skull Pendant. You can find the original contest post by clicking the side bar ad, or this link.

[NOTE: If you are reading this on Facebook or Google+, you must go to THE ACTUAL BLOG POST HERE to enter this contest! You CANNOT enter this contest by commenting on Facebook, Twitter, or Google+]

Skull Whistles

Howard Kistler of Tabula Retina Studio is "a glass and clay crafter who has recently started making ceramic whistles. The skull whistles have been warmly received, and are a lot of fun to make. Here is a photo of the latest batch, a trio affectionately named Manet, Meau, and Jacques (The Ded Boys).

These skull whistles remind me of the death whistles I read about recently. They were used by various Central America tribes, but the reason for them has been lost. Perhaps they were for some type of death ritual, or possibly buried with bodies in case the people were not truly dead. In Victorian times, many bodies were buried with a bell's string tied to them, or a horn added to the coffin, because they were incapable of determining the difference between dead and comatose. The buried people, if they were actually alive, could ring the bell or blow into the horn to alert the graveyard keeper that they needed to dig up the person. Which ever way these type of instruments are used, the melody is sure to be eerie.

[CONTEST REMINDER] Win a Metal Skull with Brain Pendant from Anatomical Element

THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED! Thanks for participating!

Don't forget you have until 11:59pm Eastern USA Time Friday, May 17, 2013, to enter the giveaway from Anatomical Elements for a Skull Pendant. You can find the original contest post by clicking the side bar ad, or this link.

[NOTE: If you are reading this on Facebook or Google+, you must go to THE ACTUAL BLOG POST HERE to enter this contest! You CANNOT enter this contest by commenting on Facebook, Twitter, or Google+]

Slashø Skull

Slashø has been a long time fan of Skull-A-Day, but is now here to turn into a contributor for us. This tall sugar skull is a great way to start.

I'm getting a kick out of this elongated fellow. Possibly an animated version of a skull of one of the Nazca people, but definitely something I could see appearing in an episode of Adventure Time(yes, I have kids!).

Let this be a lesson to the rest of you. Slashø shouldn't have waited so long, and neither should you! Submit those skulls for the world to see. Thanks for sharing your skull with us, Slashø, no matter how long it took.

[CONTEST] Win a Metal Skull with Brain Pendant from Anatomical Element

THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED! Thanks for participating!

Rachel Stork Stoltz, of Anatomical Element, is a medical illustrator and obsessed with anatomy. She started metalworking as a way to rip herself away from the computer and get her hands dirty. Her very first piece was an anatomical heart and the anatomical skull with brain soon followed (and is one of her favorites!). Rachel made a skull pendant from old roofing copper that she found in her grandfather's barn. She is giving away this skull pendant to one lucky Skull-A-Day fan!

 Close up, so you can see the details.

A perspective view to show the layers of metal

Hanging on a neck, to give you a better idea of size

PRIZE INFO: One anatomical skull with brain pendant from Anatomical Element. The pendant is about 1 3/4 inches wide and 2 1/4 inches tall. It's hand cut and hammered, layered with steel rivets. Bottom layer is copper, skull layer is aluminum, and the brain is copper with a fire scale patina.

HOW TO ENTER: A fancy skull like this deserves to be worn somewhere special. To enter this contest, comment below telling me what special place you would wear this pendant to, if you won it. For example, I'd likely wear it to the International Museum of Surgical Sciences in Chicago, IL, on May 31st, for our Skull Appreciation Day show opening.

CONTACT INFO: The winner, chosen at random, will be contacted via email by one of the Skull-A-Day editors within 7 days of the end of the contest. If that winner doesn't respond, another winner will be chosen. With your comment, please INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS!!! Entries are only valid with this information.

WHERE TO ENTER: All entries must be made on this blog post, on Skull-A-Day.com. You CANNOT enter this contest by commenting on Facebook, Twitter, or Google+.

CONTEST CLOSES: 11:59:59 PM Eastern USA Time Friday, May 17, 2013.

NUMBER OF WINNERS: One

PRIZE SHIPS: This contest is open to all skull lovers around the world.

IF YOU DON'T WIN: Don't fret, her jewelry is available in her Etsy shop, Anatomical Element. Rachel is offering a 10% discount on your entire purchase, if you enter the promo code skulladay13 at checkout. The discount is good from Monday, May 13, 2013 until Saturday, May 25, 2013. You can find out what Rachel is making on her Facebook page.

Sunday Simulacra - Version 6.50

Food is definitely one of the most popular places that our readers find those sneaky little skulls hidden around us daily. These two are no exception...

Dawn Doty writes, "My kids are huge fans, so my daughter was thrilled when she spotted this skull while we were rolling out sugar cookies"....

...and Sarja Hasan found this tasty morsel of a skull in some soup.

Skullicious! I always dig seeing these food simulacrum, but it always makes me hungry. Speaking of which.... Thanks for sharing these, Dawn and Sarja! Don't forget to submit your skull simulacra to share with our readers each and every Sunday.