Friday, June 7, 2013

"The Jungle Runner" - New print for IAM8BIT show tonight!

Hello friends, I'm pleased to debut a new art print for the iam8but Entertainment System art show.Here's the tagline: "Over 80 Artists from Around the Earth Fulfilling their Retro Gaming Fantasies!!!" Well, I sure did.
Inspired by the original PITFALL game for the Atari 2600, "The Jungle Runner" is 27x10 giclee, gallery edition of 36. About the print: From the beginning, Pitfall was there.. It was the first game that consumed me on the 2600, and the first that gave rewards for achievements (Explorer's Patch!). Yes, the graphics were simple, the action extremely limited, but this did not matter; it was simply an excuse to invent imaginary virtual surroundings. The 8-bit graphics seem ancient now, but rudimentary display never seemed to limit my enjoyment of the game. In place of blocky pixels, I saw green dense jungle, and fierce organic-looking beasts. If you could magically be in my head while I played the role of Pitfall Harry, this image is a pretty close approximation of what you'd see!
Tried to include a few fun game items- gold bar, white scorpions, rattler and logs, and of course the crocs... there's also a nod to the game's designer/programmer, and an abandoned 2600 console left in the trees...Originally I had a screenprint planned (of another image entirely) but we ran out of time. In the end that was a good thing- imo this particular piece was best served by abandoning strict separated colors and just trying to create vibrant surroundings. Opening night: Friday, June 7
7 to 11pm
Tunes by DJ R-Rated
Iam8bit
2147 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, California 90026
I can't make it due to being buried under by deadlines, but if you're in the area you should head down..in addition to the incredible art on display, there will be interactive exhibits as well. 

Saturday, June 1, 2013

Roll, tube, label, tape... repeat...

Hey all- my apologies if you're still waiting on a tube- took me longer than planned to get all that hand-finishing etc. completed! whew.

FYI the last batches of pending orders shipped out this week (a few overseas stragglers going out Monday).
UPDATE 6/4: Doh! Discovered about a half dozen tubes that didn't get shipped last week- getting them out now so if you're still one of those waiting- tube coming!-JC

In between iam8bit show stuff and furious SDCC prep, I've been even crazier than normal round here!

Also, many of you have asked about the "Three Voices" onsale-  announcement this coming week (wanted to focus on getting orders out before worrying about any new stuff!)


On a more personal note- finally found my Explorers' patch!