I’m sure, in your internet wanderings, that you’ve checked out Kickstarter and IndieGoGo, or at least heard about them by now. You’ve probably backed at least one campaign. Every week thousands of new projects are launched through these websites, and many creators have found that this is a great way to bypass the regular publication/distribution model, to get their projects directly into the hands of their fans.
It really is a bold new era, where creators come to you directly with their wares, and properties sink or swim based on the whims of the fans instead of editorial edicts and profit margins.
But seriously, crowd funding has been a game changer in its few years as a viable publication model, allowing many projects that wouldn’t necessarily have seen the light of day come to life because of fans like you. In a lot of ways it has become THE new distribution system, getting unique product directly into the hands of the consumer. Now, there are so many different campaigns being launched on a weekly basis, with a little something for everybody. But where do you start?
Let us be your guide to the thrilling world of crowd funded comics, art books, film, toys, games, and associated geek and sundry. Each week we’ll scour the aforementioned websites, and profile those projects that we feel are worthy of your Paypal fees. Those projects that are offering something different than what you get at your local comic shop. Projects that defy classification, ones with interesting backer rewards, books that you might love, but would otherwise probably not happen without your support. Plus, you get cool stuff!
This week we focus on Allan Amato’s Temple of Art documentary.
“Temple of Art is an ongoing 2 year art and photography project, a unique conversation between over 50 artists that include original work incorporating multiple modalities and disciplines. The show currently has a book published by Baby Tattoo, bi-coastal gallery openings, and a feature length documentary.” – From their Facebook page.
It all began with some photographs. Allan Amato had a photo shoot with fan-favorite Kabuki artist, David Mack, and while loving the final product, he wanted to touch up a few of the photos. Then, a thought came to him. Why not have Mack paint over the images instead? So that’s exactly what he did. Shortly thereafter, David brought the legendary Bill Sienkiewicz to the studio, and this is where the idea for Temple of Art first popped into Amato’s head.
Pretty soon he had sat down for a series of portraits with over 50 artists from the world of comics, illustration, and fine art, and through collage, ink, paint, and other art forms had the photos transformed into whole new pieces of art. This documentary follows that project, providing an insightful look into the lives and inspiration of over fifty prolific artists.
“Ultimately, by merging the objectivity of portrait photography with the subjectivity of drawing, painting, and sculpture, the artist is contextualized within the constructed reality of their own work. An artist’s work can act as both bridge and barrier; at once deeply personal and highly distorted; the lens through which we present our perception of the world, and the world that in turn interprets us.”
Produced by Amato, Neil Gaiman, and Amanda Palmer, the film features artists as diverse as Barron Storey, Jason Shawn Alexander, Dave Mckean, Coop, and so many more, all making art and talking about their lives, experiences, and inspirations. What informs them, moves them, and motivates them? These are seriously some of the most talented artists working in their respective fields today, and this film delivers some killer insight into what compels them to create.
The artists he assembled for the project are a who’s who of MY favorites; artists whose vision has taken me on exciting journeys, painters who have informed parts of my worldview, collage artists that continue to blow my mind to this day.
But wait… there’s more! As if the film itself isn’t enough, they are offering some really fantastic rewards to sweeten the deal. Wallpapers, posters, and shirts featuring some really beautiful art, signed DVDs, copies of the Temple of Art hardcover, limited edition signed Giclee prints, an invitation to the exclusive release party at La Luz de Jesus gallery in Los Angeles, limited edition exclusive books, your very own Temple of Art photo shoot, original art by one of the assembled artists, and even a photo shoot/David Mack collaboration!
Celebrate artists celebrating life with Temple of Art and Allan Amato, only via Kickstarter.
