Vintage Spokesmodels and Ben-Day Dots

When I started making art back in the 1990s there wasn't an internet that could supply me with endless vintage appliance models. This meant I had to hunt down my original mid-century Better Homes, Life, Post and Look magazines source materials at flea markets and antique stores.  

Not much has changed in that I'm always on the hunt for that especially unusual model's expression that, when blown up, looks a little maddening and wacky.  

What I love about using these images is that they are printed using "Ben-Day" dots and they really show the vintage coloring process.  Lichtenstein is famous for using a version of them in his paintings. (below) 

Another pre-tech challenge was finding appliance models that were fully intact without an appliance in the way.  I would often create a composite using two different ladies, taking legs from one and pairing them with the torso of another. 

Now I'm able to use images those flawed images that might only need a little Photoshop work in order to come together. Check out this Norge ad.  The back end of the guy's foot is gone.  But thanks to my guy at Fiverr, now I've got a perfectly useable model.

These spokesmodels grace a new piece that's set to make its debut on April 15th at Gallery 825 in Los Angeles, CA.