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Be Your Own Banksy, Hirst, Quinn, Whithead, Emin or Eggleston!





The brainchild of Naroa Lizar Redrado, iArtist of London, sells 'Do-It-Yourself' kit versions of famous art pieces by contemporary artists Damien Hirst, Banksy, Marc Quinn, Tracy Emin, Rachel Whiteread and various photographers such as William Eggleston.



iArtist London is self-described on their site as:
a cool new brand that enables you to make real contemporary pieces of art from the comfort of your home. All those pieces that you always wanted to have but couldn´t afford. We believe art should be for everyone. Our boxes contain all the necessary elements so you only have to concentrate on creating. In no time you will have a masterpiece created by yourself. It couldn’t be easier!

A cute and clever idea, you can now make your own version of Damien Hirst's For The Love Of God, (a diamond encrusted skull only with crystals, of course... consider it the Bedazzler version), paint with Banky's famous street art stencils, create your version of Marc Quinn's "self" (a sculpted head filled with the artist's own blood), make your own tracy emin tent, yur own version of Rachel Whitehead's hot water bottle or turn photography into easy art.

Below are images of the original art upon which the DIY kits are based and descriptions of each kit, along with included content.

The iHIRST:

above: Damien Hirst's For The Love Of God

For the Love of God is a sculpture by Damien Hirst that consists of a platinum cast of a human skull encrusted with 8,601 fine white diamonds, including the centerpece, a massive pear-shaped stone on the forehead. It cost 14 million pounds to produce and sold for $100 million US dollars.





Now, with iHIRST you will be able to create your very own replica. The kit includes a human size plastic skull, all 8,601 crystals, the glue and even the tweezers. You can choose to customize your design by adding crystals of different colorsor alter it however you'd like. It's up to you whether or not you want to replicate the original or create your own.

CONTENTS: PLASTIC HUMAN SIZE SKULL, CRYSTAL BEADS (8,601 PIECES), GLUE, PAINTBRUSH, TWEEZERS, SILVER PAINT, INSTRUCTIONS.

The iQUINN:

above: Marc Quinn's Self (1991)

Marc Quinn's Self (1991) is a sculpture made out of the artist´s own blood that had been collected over a year and that the National Portrait gallery has been fighting to acquire. With IQUINN you will get the directions to make your own sculpture using your own blood and a cast of your head or any of your loved ones' heads.





*Children under 18 years old, pregnant women, elderly or those who suffer from any serious illness should not use this product. Contact your doctor before proceeding with the sculpture or call our hotline for more information.

CONTENTS: PVC BLOOD BAG, ALGINATE, PLASTER BANDAGES, COTTON, FACE CREAM, DISPOSABLE GLOVES, SILICON SWIMMING HAT, BAND-AID, INSTRUCTIONS

The iEMIN:


above: Tracy Emin's The Tent, exterior and interior

Tracy Emin's Everyone I have Ever Slept With 1963-1995 (also known as the tent) is a piece of contemporary British art created in 1995. The work consists of a blue tent with the names of everyone the artist had slept with during that period of time, sewn in various fabrics.





iEMIN is a complete package of all the elements to create your own version. Just cut letters out from the colorful fabrics provided and sew them onto the blue tent. The original was destroyed in a fire in 2004

CONTENT: CAMPING TENT FOR 2 PEOPLE, SEWING KIT, COLORFUL THREADS, ASSORTED FABRICS, INSTRUCTIONS.

The iWHITEHEAD:

Above: Rachel Whiteread's Untitled (Pink Torso) 1991, Courtesy the artist
PHOTO CREDIT: Mike Bruce at Gate Studios, London

Pink Torso
is a sculpture made using simply a hot water bottle and alginate (dental plaster) created by Turner Prize winner Rachel Whiteread. Now you can do it yourself: fill the empty space and create a new and interesting sculpture. Kids love it, it is designed to stimulate their creativity and development and has been tested and approved by the toughest of children.





CONTENTS: HOT WATER BOTTLE (2 LITRE), ALGINATE, INSTRUCTIONS.

The iBANSY:

above: montage of Banksy street art images courtsy of weburbanist

Now you can create your own Banksy graffiti for just thanks to our IBANKSY boxes and machines located in the key areas of London*. Each box contains one spray can and a A4 stencil with one of the famous Banksy designs. Choose between one of our 6 designs and collect them all. The stencils are totally reusable. *Check the website to find the vending points.

CONTENTS: SPRAY PAINT, STENCIL, INSTRUCTIONS.




The iPHOTOGRAPHER:

above: William Eggleston photo

The iPHOTOGRAPHER kit allows you to get personalized versions of master photographs on photographic paper using a traditional enlarger that you can then customize. No knowledge of photo developing is required.

Send iartist the image of your choice, choose between their 3 levels of difficulty: amateur, photographer or master (the more difficult, the more layers, colors and detail); and you will get a package containing the stencils and a diagram with the instructions. Simply put the stencils on top of the paper and choose the corresponding numbers and time in the enlarger.

It's like painting by numbers only you will be painting with light. You can create a cool image to put on your wall and the stencils are totally reusable so you can explore, change your colors and try endless options.

This is the perfect gift. Send your favorite images. Their 3 different sizes are perfectly adapted to suit the standard paper sizes.



Below is a sample of an Eggleston print with iPHOTOGRAPHER:




Shop at iartist London here.

If Apple Made Sex Toys - Jimmyjane's The Usual Suspects





Note: this post was updated in 2013 to include the latest items

Design-centric erotic product company Jimmyjane, a brand founded on the belief that life is better with a sexy twist and best known for their little chroma vibrators, has adopted some of the most iconic sex toys and 'curated' them to become modern designer versions of the traditional originals. Now they look like they belong perfectly in the Mac family of white iPods, earbuds, iPhones, iMice and the like.

The collection is called The Usual Suspects but with pale grey text and accents on all white versions, they should be referred to iConic rather than Iconic items. (Coincidentally, since this post they have nicknamed the items the iRabbit, The iRing, the iPocket, the iSmoothie and so on...)



ICONIC RABBIT AKA "TWICE AS NICE"


The original rabbit that started it all:



A little vibrator history for you, courtesy of Jimmyjane:
Perhaps the best known vibrator ever made, this “Rabbit Habit” is the original that inspired hundreds of derivative products. Created in Japan over 25 years ago, it was the first to offer simultaneous internal and external stimulation. This configuration was so successful that it launched an entire category of products, now known in the industry as “Twice As Nice” vibrators. The popularity of this design is telling. Conservative estimates indicate that over 5 million “Twice As Nice” vibrators are made each year, and production levels are still growing. Adding to the momentum, several celebrities have spoken openly of their affinity for the product. No stranger to the limelight, it has made appearances on numerous TV shows – most memorably, its cameo on Sex and the City in 1998. The curious appearance of the vibrator is functionally derived, but culturally embellished.

The Rabbit Habit features a stylized rabbit attached to the base of a shaft, which, upon closer examination, is detailed to resemble a woman, complete with a caricature face, necklace, and bob haircut. In Japan there is a long-standing taboo surrounding the depiction of genitalia. As a result, in sexual implements dating back millennia, faces and other details were often sculpted onto otherwise phallic forms to soften their visual impact and disguise (albeit only slightly) their functional intent. Some of the more elaborate designs even included swords, kimonos, and other details to represent samurai and geisha characters. Today, an entire menagerie of Twice As Nice vibrators is available, featuring animals ranging from dolphins to seahorses, monkeys to birds



detailed images:


details:
• All materials are body-safe, including hygienic, non-porous, phthalate-free, latex-free elastomer.
• Individually controlled dual motors in the shaft and tickler.
• Features tracked pearls and is bendable above the shaft.
• Thick, supple elastomer adds a soft touch.
• Replaceable batteries for extended life.
• One year limited warranty.

ICONIC RING AKA "VIBRATING RING"


Only recently introduced to the market, Vibrating Rings have immediately become a favorite. The first hands-free vibrators to become widely available, they’re an easy way for couples to share sensation.

Unlike the disposable products that are most common on the market, the ICONIC RING features replaceable batteries for an extended life. It’s also one of the most versatile products of its kind, featuring a unique touch-sensitive vibration mode and shower-friendly water resistance.

Embraced by many for their ease of use and no-nonsense design, Vibrating Rings are enjoyed by first-time vibrator users and experienced enthusiasts alike.

Details:
• All materials are body-safe, including hygienic, non-porous, phthalate-free, latex-free elastomer.
• The vibrator is water resistant and shower-friendly.
• Unlike similar products on the market, the ICONIC RING has replaceable LR1130 batteries.
• The dual vibration modes include both pressure sensitive and constant vibration.
• One Year Limited Warranty.

ICONIC POCKET AKA "POCKET VIBRATOR"



Pleasure to go.

Pocket Vibrators were first produced in Japan over 25 years ago. Their compact all-in-one design made them the most portable vibrators available at the time other mini vibrators were wired to a separate battery pack, and were clumsy by comparison. Pocket Vibrators were also among the first waterproof vibrators in wide circulation, ensuring that they immediately made a splash.

While Pocket Vibrators were designed to be compact, they were also engineered to be powerful. The four hemispheres on the tip of the vibrator help intensify sensation by varying the contact pressure as they are moved across the body. The versatility and innocuous appearance of the Pocket Vibrator, combined with its usefulness for non-sexual massage, has given everyone a reason and an excuse to keep one handy.

Details:
• All materials are body-safe, including hygienic, non-porous, phthalate-free, ABS plastic.
• The vibrator is waterproof and bath-friendly.
• Travel-ready, the ICONIC POCKET is compact and good to go.
• One Year Limited Warranty.


NEWLY ADDED ITEMS SINCE THE ORIGINAL POST:

THE ICONIC BULLET


Its unintimidating form and obvious ease-of-use make ICONIC BULLET a very popular first-time vibrator. Both powerful and discreet, it makes a welcome addition to any glove compartment, handbag or carry-on.

Details:
•Body-Safe and Phthalate-Free – Hygienic ABS plastic
•External Use – Stimulate the clitoris, labia or other pleasurable spots
•Dynamic Intensity – Three power levels
•Waterproof – Bath-friendly and completely washable
•Travel-Friendly – Compact and good to go
•Dimensions – 2.25" x 0.75"
•Batteries Included – 3 x LR44
•One Year Limited Warranty – Our commitment to quality

THE ICONIC SMOOTHIE


With its elongated shape, ICONIC SMOOTHIE is quite versatile. For many, this popular design is what springs to mind when a vibrator is mentioned. New to sex accessories? ICONIC SMOOTHIE makes an unintimidating and inexpensive starting point for pleasure.

Details:
•Body-Safe and Phthalate-Free – Hygienic ABS plastic
•Internal and External Use – Stimulate the clitoris, labia or G-spot
•Dynamic Intensity – Vibration level increases as you twist the cap
•Waterproof – Bath-friendly and completely washable
•Dimensions – 7" x 1.25"
•Batteries Included – 2 x AA
•One Year Limited Warranty – Our commitment to quality


THE HITACHI 'MAGIC WAND'


This legendary, powerful "massager" is sure to relieve tension in the most deserving areas. The soft, flexible head has a plethora of uses, from stimulating the clitoris or labia, to working the kinks out of a sore back.

Details:
•External Use – Stimulate the clitoris & labia, also great for full body massage
•Dual Vibration Levels – Strong, and Really Strong
•Dimensions – 12.5" x 2.5"
•Plug-In Power – 110-120V 60Hz AC for US, Canada & Mexico only

all images and description copy courtesy of Jimmyjane

Shop The Usual Suspects collection here.

Celebrating Hairy Men; A Beautiful Book And A Backlash To Waxed Men Everywhere


Hairy, Photographs by: Robert Greene


This latest book is categorized by powerHouse books as "Gay Interest/Nudity" but it's so much more than that. At a time when waxed chests and smooth bodies are all the rage (note my previous post on Gillette's manscaping site, Norelco's Bodygroom Manalogues and the Mangroomer), I am so pleased to see someone celebrating the masculinity of a hairy body. All hail the hirsute!

Not that I want a fur rug to spoon with, or that a hairy hiney turns me on, but because the natural beauty of a testosterone-laden male form is far preferable to me than that of a man who looks and feels like a dolphin- or a 12 year old. Or whose legs are smoother than mine. I even had some exes who were handsomely hirsute and went to the trouble to painfully wax themselves. Yuck.

That said, let me introduce you to the latest book of photographs by artist Robert Greene, Hairy which will be followed by a gallery of Hairy Hotties.

images from the book:



The following text is courtesy of powerHouse books:

Painterly rhythms have seeped their way into Robert Greene’s world of photography in Hairy, a collection of Greene’s images taken over many years, in many places, of many dogs, and many hairy men. An undercurrent of über-masculinity and its sexiness is revealed, yet not in the familiar form of muscular, hard-jawed, clean-cut youth. Instead, Greene celebrates a more restrained and naturalistic virility.

Greene’s photographic eye is full of adoration for his subjects and their environments. There is a very intimate, personal feeling here; one not posed, but observed and captured. Greene shifts from long-range portraiture, to close-up shots where specific textures, shapes, and tones become the subject of the image. This abstraction weaves a visual spell, such that even those without a predilection for hirsute men will be enthralled. The photographs provide the space for longing, imagination, and adventure. Hairy is an unusually quintessential book—portraying an incredibly focused and fleshed-out vision of a very beautiful, hairy world where man, dog, and nature swirl together.


Images from the book:



Hairy will be released in conjunction with an exhibition at Robert Miller Gallery in New York City. Pssst... if you pre-order it from amazon as shown below it will cost you less.


Hardcover, 9.25 x 12 inches, 96 pages, 85 tritone photographs
ISBN: 978-1-57687-527-8


About the artist/author:
Robert Greene was born in New York City in 1953. He attended Syracuse University, College of Visual and Performing Arts, before receiving his Bachelor of Industrial Design degree from Pratt Institute in 1976. Greene is both a fine-art photographer and painter, and is currently represented by Robert Miller Gallery in New York City. His painting was included in the 1987 Whitney Biennial, and his work is in the permanent collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Whitney Museum of American Art. He currently lives and works in Los Angeles, California.


Be sure to see Robert's work at the Robert Miller Gallery online here.

See Robert Greene on Artnet here.

Some Hairy Hotties For You:

above: Clive Owen

above: Jon Hamm

above: Peter Saarsgard

above: English rugby star Ben Cohen

above: Paul Rudd

above: Matt Lauer

above: Simon Cowell

above: Sam Elliott

above: Alec Baldwin

above: Hugh Jackman

above: Sean Connery

above images of Shawn Christian courtesy of squarehippies.com

above: Tom Selleck

I'm not alone in my predilection for hairy men, there are tons of sites that feature hirsute men or focus on hairy chests:
Square Hippies has a great gallery of chests both hairy and smooth (A shirtless vault) and a Guess This Chest game.
Bearotic
The Hairy Chest Celebrity Pool on flickr
Hairy Chests of The Rich and Famous
The Return Of the Chest Hair (gallery) on Daily Beast.

and check this out...

above: the shirt reproduces his actual chest hair in a stretch fit t-shirt. The work, entitled “Finally Chest Hair” was created in 1997, but it was recently featured in an exhibition entitled “Vreemde Dingen” (Strange Things) at the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen.

Amazon's Guide to Famous Hairy Chests

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