By WILLIAM J. WRIGHT
In what can only be described as a match made in horror collectible and dark art heaven (or hell, as the case may be). Montreal-based premium toy and collectible brand House of Gog has teamed up with Oakland artist Skinner. Skinner is best known for his nightmarish psychedelic works, which range from paintings and murals to bizarre video art. that blend horror, humor, sci-fi and fantasy into the unmistakably macabre melange that has become his signature style.
Artist Skinner with “Goraxx” statue from House of Gog
House of Gog, founded by P-A L’Espérance, former Operations Manager for the consumer products team at video game giant Ubisoft, and Hugues Martel of Pure Arts (which handles House of Gog’s design and production), a company specializing in producing high-end toys and collector’s editions for video games, has previously worked with such talents as digital artist Pascal Blanché on exclusive limited edition statues and prints. Both passionate collectors with a combined twenty years in the industry, L’Espérance and Martel are committed to bringing their unique vision directly to collectors and art lovers around the globe through House of Gog’s online shop and at events.
P-A L’Esperance, House of Gog’s co-founder and creative director
“We like to describe House of Gog as similar to a record label, but instead of producing albums with various artists, we collaborate with visual artists to create a limited series of high-end statues, statuettes, and art prints,” L’Espérance explains. “Just as a label curates music, we curate works of visual art, bringing them to life in collectible form.”
In contrast to other collectible brands, House of Gog is distinctly artist-driven in its approach, taking original artworks from the portfolios of world-class artists and transposing them into meticulously crafted collectible statues. Its goal – and primary challenge – is to remain true to the artist’s vision, capturing not just the visual detail, but also the “essence, vibe and emotion of the original piece to create an authentic extension of the artist’s work in every aspect.” To further honor this connection, each statue is signed by the artist. The company’s alliance with Skinner is the perfect reflection of this ethos.
House of Gog co-founder and art director Hugues Martel hard at work
However, this partnership did not come about in the usual fashion, with the brand seeking out the artist, Amazingly, it was Skinner, recognizing the brand’s kindred aesthetic, who contacted the brand, first reaching out via Instagram to congratulate L’Espérance and Martel on a recent statue from the art of Pascal Blanché. That informal introduction sowed the seeds of a long-lasting friendship.
“It’s a dream come true! I never imagined my art would be handled with such care. [House of Gog] believes in what they’re doing, and I definitely benefit!” Skinner says of the collaboration, adding, “I love seeing my art be brought to life in a poly-dimensional way so that it can live and breathe in newer and classier ways!”
“Welcome to the Machine”
The third monstrosity from the mind of Skinner to be brought to the masses by House of Gog is titled “Welcome to the Machine.” Rendered in 100% polystone resin, the hand-painted and handcrafted statue (limited to 150 pieces) comes with a small high-quality art print (9.5 x 7 inches), a metallic collector card, a deluxe collector art box and a certificate of authenticity signed by House of Gog founders P-A L’Espérance and Hugues Martel.
“The titans lived their lives in the way that Titans do. Looming in massive fashion above the mortals of many worlds, creating when needed and destroying when so inclined.
Worshiped and feared as they battle and politic in the upper pantheons of their long-lasting lives. And even in their great power and magnificence, the Machine waits to devour them all. The great return to nothingness where their essence and natures become cosmic ingredients from which the Machine will make them anew.
A procession of ending and beginning in the carnival of nightmare gods where the machine is forever entertained! None too large or menacing shall be turned away, for all are welcome to the Machine.” – Skinner
“Welcome to the Machine” retails for $1,200.00 and is available for order now at the House of Gog website.
