Artprize Recap

(photo: Rex Larsen | The Grand Rapids Press)
It has been a crazy six months, and all is finally calming down a little bit. Artprize isn't over, but we now know we aren't in the top 10, and can finally relax a little bit.
We didn't win the competition, and are now out of the running, but we gave it one hell of a serious try. The competition was, as you know, only the beginning - a maiden voyage.
I still go up to the museum install every day to do minor maintenance/checking, wiping the dirt and dust off of the paintings - and I spent the day today finishing cleanup at the warehouse build site at Van's Delivery Service... but these last two days were more calm than anything I have experienced in nearly half a year.
Nearly a week of standing out in the freezing rain from morning through night marks the end of 6 months of 16+ hours a day - and I celebrated by catching up on the first 2 Dr. Who Episodes of the past season.
The previous three weeks were more hectic than the rest: from painting for 35 hours at a time, with 4 hours rest in between, to the big build - nights and nights of pre-assembly and decorative touches in the Warehouse, to the big move - cranes, lowboy trucks and all... but not a day of these last 6 months has been anything short of insanely busy.
It isn't over, but the crazy and relentless hours are, for the most part done.
For the next few weeks, I'll be catching up on rewards, and for the next few months, I'll digging my home and business out as well, leading to the first dis-assembly, warehousing/storage, and looking for our next venue to appear at.
The machine has been working wonderfully thanks to David Braun of http://Cogbots.com - and to all the wonderful local people who have helped out on this huge project: Glen Swanson, Deana Swanson, David Baar, Stacy Baar, Thomas Birks, Alicia Vanheulen, Kelli Stakenas, George Komar, and Megan Brown - as well as great companies such as Four Elements Energy, Repcolite Paints, Van's Delivery, Bud's Wrecking Service, The Stone Zone, Andy Mark, Lohre and Associates, One Girl's Treasure, Kokomo Arts Association, and Dick Blick.
Until October 9th, we have it running from 10 AM till 11PM everyday, running completely on solar for this installation - and we have been storing a lot more energy than we have been using each and every day. You can see it at the Gerald R Ford Museum in Grand Rapids MI right now - but stay tuned: We hope to be appearing at Maker Faires and other such events as soon as we regroup - and will be adding more and more to the machine on each and every new setup.
Thank you so much for helping us to reach this point,
Myke Amend
349
Backers
$12,267
pledged of $9,450 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding period
Apr 7, 2011 -
May 23, 2011
(46 days)
- First created · 0 backed
- Myke Amend 971 friends
- Website: infernaldevice.net
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10 backers
Everyone who donates any amount $1 and up can have "Cooties", a download exclusive to kickstarter funders. To give it away at this low price, this print will be sent to you as a high resolution PDF. Print it up on a $2 piece of fine art paper from your local craft store, and you'll have a beautiful representation of this bit of Steampunk silliness from Myke's Upcoming book. You can view the image here: http://www.mykeamend.com/new/2011/05/16/cooties/ - or in this kickstarter's updates tab.
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5 backers
Our eternal gratitude and a huge personal thanks should we ever meet you, plus your being a part of art history. Seriously, small donations are hugely significant. If everyone who visits this page donates a single dollar, we'll be in good shape.
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11 backers
Airships and Tentacles scrapbooking kit, loaded with images from all of the paintings in the series, sent as a Downloadable PDF file for you to print at home or through the instant printing service of your choice (Snapfish, Kinkos, Walgreens... wherever).
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21 backers
The above, plus your name on our public listing of sponsors and contributors for the project (unless you want to remain anonymous)
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8 backers
The Above, PLUS - a PDF download of the Airships Tattoo Flash (8 airships, plus sky krakens and other monsters) You can view it here: http://bit.ly/jRBxaq
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43 backers
The above, plus a signed and personalized 5x7 print of any artwork by Myke Amend.
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37 backers
A 26-page Airships and Tentacles Coloring Book featuring Steampunk and Steampulp art by Myke Amend ( for more info and images, go here: http://bit.ly/iVd8rT )
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66 backers
The above, plus a signed (personalized if you wish) 8x10 print of any artwork by Myke Amend.
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18 backers
Your name engraved by Myke Amend on some visible part of the device - there for the hundreds to thousands of years it stands.
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32 backers Limited (68 of 100 left)
An exclusive to Kickstarter contributors, limited edition 8x10 giclee of our graphic (the storybook Illustration by Myke Amend), on beautiful fine art rag paper, signed by the Infernal Artists.
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11 backers
A signed 11x14 print in Epson pigment inks on heavyweight metallic professional paper, of "The Rescue" (HMS Ophelia airship Painted by Myke Amend for Abney Park's Robert Brown).
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14 backers
Bethalynne Bajema's "The Lovers ( Image: http://bit.ly/kOLBXq ) Fixed to hardwood, routed, stained, and varnished- ready to hang ( total size: 12x18 inches, print size11x17 inches ) $30
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11 backers
Our gratitude, your name on our list of contributors (if you please), and a commemorative limited crew member t-shirt showing you were a part of this experience.
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8 backers
An Original Never-before Published Exclusive Short Story by award winning author G.D Falksen; You get a hard copy of the short story in a binder, decorated with exclusive print by Myke Amend (an illustration of the story within) - each illustrated cover HAND EMBELLISHED, numbered, and signed... making for a *very unique* work of literature and art combined.
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23 backers
Our gratitude, an 8x10 Signed print by Myke Amend, your name on our list of sponsors (if you please), and a commemorative limited crew member t-shirt showing you were a part of this experience.
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8 backers
The above, plus a hand-pulled art screen print on a sepia toned bandana, exclusive to Kickstarter supporters.
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5 backers Limited (45 of 50 left)
The Above, plus a limited edition 16x20 commemorative giclee on fine art rag paper, signed by all three of the Infernal Device Enginartists.
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1 backer All gone!
The Magic Hut (Steam Pulp Baba Yaga) - Shown in the UPDATES section of this kickstarter (update #17) Drawn in graphite pencil on 11x14 400 lb 5 ply Bristol Board and sealed. This image is my retrofuture and pulp take on Baba Yaga and her hut. PLUS You also get the commemorative Infernal Crew Tee shirt, and your name engraved on some part of the machine.
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1 backer All gone!
"The Lost City" Original Painting(see image in project description) 11x14 inches painted on 400 lb bristol in acrylic paint. PLUS one of the special limited-run Infernal Crew T-shirts, PLUS all the downloads, PLUS the coloring book, PLUS your name engraved into some part of the machine.
Pledge $200 or more
3 backers Limited (12 of 15 left)
A unique Wooden relief, hand carved by Myke Amend, stained, sealed, polished, and lit by LEDs to make the design really stand out on your wall. Piece will be 12x18 inches or bigger (depending on what best fits the design). Quality of work can be seen here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/66679599/lighted-gadreel-over-mackinac-bridge plus one of the special limited-run Infernal Crew T-shirts, PLUS all the downloads, PLUS the coloring book, PLUS your name engraved into some part of the machine
Pledge $250 or more
0 backers
A very unique commemorative art etching on brass (one custom to this project), 8x10 inches, hand-made by the artists, signed by all three artists (engraved on back), never available again, PLUS one of the special limited-run Infernal Crew T-shirts, PLUS all the downloads, PLUS the coloring book, PLUS your name engraved into some part of the machine
Pledge $255 or more
1 backer Limited (14 of 15 left)
A hand-made limited edition wooden keepsake box made by Myke Amend in traditional quality fashion, expertly joined, sanded, stained, sealed, and polished - 9x12x3 inches, with the Airship Pirates design hand painted on the inside - hand numbered, hand signed, and personalized to you. Design can be seen here: http://www.mykeamend.com/new/products-page/?ptag=airshippirate Box quality can be seen here: http://www.mykeamend.com/new/products-page/?ptag=redhand - PLUS one of the special limited-run Infernal Crew T-shirts, PLUS all the downloads, PLUS the coloring book, PLUS your name engraved into some part of the machine
Pledge $265 or more
0 backers
Your/Your company's name on our list of sponsors, plus your web banner/graphic on our site for the life of the site (which will be up until *at least* October of 2012), PLUS one of the special limited-run Infernal Crew T-shirts, PLUS all the downloads, PLUS the coloring book, PLUS your name engraved into some part of the machine
Pledge $275 or more
0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)
"The Ruins" original painting (see project description for image) PLUS, an Infernal Crew limited Tee shirt, PLUS all the downloads, PLUS the coloring book, PLUS your name engraved into some part of the machine
Pledge $275 or more
0 backers Limited (20 of 20 left)
An original 8x10 engraving done by Myke Amend on Ampersand Black Clayboard, PLUS one of the special limited-run Infernal Crew T-shirts, PLUS all the downloads, PLUS the coloring book, PLUS your name engraved into some part of the machine
Pledge $300 or more
1 backer
Bethalynne Bajema will do your portrait in the tarot card style of her Black Ibis collection, as the card of your choice. You will also receive her black Ibis Deck, so you have a deck to put your card into. You also get the 11x17 print of her lovers card (listed above under $30), all of the PDF downloads, the Giclee print of our main graphic (Allie and the Machine), the commemorative Infernal Crew Tee shirt, and your name engraved on some part of the machine.
Pledge $325 or more
0 backers Limited (30 of 30 left)
Your likeness painted into the big rotating painting, PLUS a signed giclee of the panel containing your likeness, plus one of the special limited-run Infernal Crew T-shirts, PLUS all the downloads, PLUS the coloring book, PLUS your name engraved into some part of the machine, PLUS the limited 8x10 giclee
Pledge $400 or more
0 backers Limited (4 of 4 left)
One of the only 5 remaining limited edition giclees of "The Rescue", painted by Myke Amend for Robert Brown of Abney Park - signed, numbered, and dated in paint before varnishing, with a serialized holographic seal on back and matching serialized seal on the certificate of authenticity. PLUS the special Infernal Crew T-shirt. PLUS the commemorative 8x10 giclee of Allie and the Machine (our main graphic), PLUS the downloads, PLUS the coloring book, plus your name engraved on some part of the machine.
Pledge $450 or more
1 backer Limited (9 of 10 left)
$450 One of only 50 full sized (48x24) limited edition giclees on canvas of "Behold the Machine", painted by Myke Amend for Vernian Process - signed, numbered, and dated in paint before varnishing, with a serialized holographic seal on back and matching serialized seal on the certificate of authenticity. - PLUS - The special Infernal Crew T-shirt - PLUS - The Brass etching signed by the three crew members.
Pledge $500 or more
0 backers
The special Infernal Crew T-shirt, signed 11x14 and 8x10 prints, the 16x20 giclee, the 8x10 giclee, the brass etching, PLUS your name engraved on some part of the machine, or painted within the painting, along with a signed photo of your part of the final work, PLUS the coloring book, PLUS the downloads
Pledge $700 or more
0 backers Limited (3 of 3 left)
ALBUM/CD ART: Myke Amend ( http://mykeamend.com ) will design your CD Cover. Includes all prepress/text/layout/typesetting, converting any *existing* logo into a professional vector file (trade booths, billboards, vinyl decals, plotting, video), and a high resolution file (press kits, and files where a vector file won't do) and as a 3d file (for video and animation), management and placement of up to 15 photos for the inside and back, and custom artwork for the front cover (done in digital). The cover booklet, tray card, cd imprint, and inner tray card are included in this deal. All working files will be supplied to the new owner in their highest resolution (so the band/musician can have posters and other big printed items made). Artist reserves rights to use artwork only as art (no logo), for art books, art magazine features, and fine art prints to be sold at conventions - In other words, you own all rights to the images, your covers, etc - but allow me the right to share my art (while giving you free advertising) Also includes a commemorative Tee shirt, all of the downloads listed above, the coloring book, and a banner link from our site to yours... you can also of course hang out with us for a night or day for your own private tour, and bring guests.
Pledge $1,000 or more
0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)
"MoonBeam" (see picture in project description) One of Steve Brook's favorite custom steampunked guitars. In addition to making beautiful pieces, Steve takes extra care to make sure every instrument sounds and plays perfectly before the first decorative touch is made. This is a beautiful one of a kind work of art, and if you are in a performing band - a perfect added touch to your stage appearance. PLUS one of the special limited-run Infernal Crew T-shirts, PLUS all the downloads, PLUS the coloring book, PLUS your name engraved into some part of the machine.
Pledge $1,000 or more
0 backers
Signed 11x14 and 8x10 prints, the 16x20 giclee, the 8x10 giclee, the brass etching, PLUS your name engraved on some part of the machine, or painted within the painting, along with a signed photo of your part of the final work, PLUS your own personal meet and greet tour of the workshop in Grand Rapids Michigan (visits available between August 1st and September 20th). Plus a custom sculpture by Steve Brook, PLUS one of the special limited-run Infernal Crew T-shirts, PLUS all the downloads, PLUS the coloring book
Pledge $1,200 or more
0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)
The Original Painting: "ChaiThulhu" (Reign in Purple) Featuring Chthulhu in elegant Victorian garb drinking a cup of chai, by Myke Amend. Painting size is 24x12, painted on wood panel in acrylic. And can be seen in the updates section of this project -PLUS - The special Infernal Crew T-shirt, signed 11x14 and 8x10 prints, the 16x20 giclee, the 8x10 giclee, the brass etching, PLUS your name engraved on some part of the machine, or painted within the painting, along with a signed photo of your part of the final work - PLUS - PLUS your own personal meet and greet tour of the workshop in Grand Rapids Michigan.
Pledge $1,350 or more
0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)
SUPER-RARE BOOK - One of a kind, hand carved book with hand-tooled brass securing and hand-sculpted decor on front ( viewable at http://www.mykeamend.com/new/?p=1684 ): I will fill it with every print from the Airships and Tentacles series -- Each printed on a fine rough-edged rag paper -- Each page annotated as the coffee table book would be, but in my own handwriting -- Each page signed discreetly and numbered "1 of 1" -- Each of these prints will be an entirely unique size from any editions made -- The front page will have "to [Your Name]" and my signature. -- To make it even more rare, I will make one unique work or original art to complete the piece. Yes, one page will be an original work of art to complete the series. PLUS one of the special limited-run Infernal Crew T-shirts, PLUS all the downloads, PLUS the coloring book, PLUS your name engraved into some part of the machine.
Pledge $2,000 or more
1 backer All gone!
Myke Amend will design your new website. This includes making a great web format logo from your existing logo, site design/templating, blog, twitter and facebook integration, a web store, up to ten unique site pages - plus site population with ten starter posts, and insertion of ten items in your store. You, or your workers will be instructed/shown how to use the interface to easily make new updates, and add new store items. Free domain name and a year's free hosting will be furnished through Topclasshost, Dreamhost or other suitable web host. (hosting after that year will be $59 a year, or $8 a month, and can be taken over at any time by you.... really I prefer it that way). Also includes a commemorative Tee shirt, all of the downloads listed above, the coloring book, and a banner link from our site to yours... you can also of course hang out with us for a night or day for your own private tour, and yes, please bring some guests.
Pledge $2,500 or more
0 backers
Steve Brook's favorite Custom Guitar: The Steamhag (shown in project description): "This Modern Hagstrom Jazz 500 features 1800s fillagree covered with real gold leaf. The pick guard has been rebuild with rotating polished clock gears. Also featured are custom two of a kind antique glass knobs lit with flashing LEDs. In addition LEDs have been attached under bridge and in the body cavity. The effect is remarkable with any of the alternating lit conditions." PLUS one of the special limited-run Infernal Crew T-shirts, PLUS all the downloads, PLUS the coloring book, PLUS your name engraved into some part of the machine.
Pledge $2,500 or more
0 backers
Your likeness painted into the final work, PLUS- a Steve Brook Guitar! PLUS the personal Meet and greet, PLUS the Engraving signed by the three artists, PLUS the 16x20 giclee- PLUS one of the special limited-run Infernal Crew T-shirts, PLUS all the downloads, PLUS the coloring book, PLUS your name engraved into some part of the machine ... and, if you want full sponsorship privileges (links, banners, blog entries, press releases, and whatever added exposure we can offer).
Pledge $2,700 or more
0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)
The prototype scale model, finished - including a scale version of the painting on the finished work, painted completely by hand by me (Myke Amend). There is a lot of woodwork, measuring, assembling, and reassembling in this work. And I took great care to make all of the woodwork exceptionally sturdy. I'll go a step further and add the LED lights and make miniature sculptures for the four posts. This is a truly one of a kind work of functional art, and the closest anyone could come to having the original for their home (unless their home has 20 foot doors and a 200 lb/psi+ concrete floor anyway). The Tee shirt, and signed 8x10, 11x14 and 16x20 prints would of course be in this deal, as well as a solo tour of the workshop and a night out, build site picnic, or private dinner with the artists. PLUS one of the special limited-run Infernal Crew T-shirts, PLUS all the downloads, PLUS the coloring book, PLUS your name engraved into some part of the machine.
Comments
Creator Rebecca A Feiner on October 10, 2011
What a lovely comment from Gudrun, and I utterly agree! You may not have made it to the top 10 in this particular show, but when I opened the mail and saw the image, my first thought was "Oh, she's beautiful!" What a wonderful thing to be a part of! I'm so proud to have my work to earn the dollars even faintly associated with your genius and work to build the Infernal Device. Thanks for giving us the opportunity to be a small part of it!
Creator Gudrun Thäter on October 1, 2011
Dear Myke,
I will take this moment to thank you for taking me with you on this incredible journey. You know, I just liked your idea and the design. It was no big effort to give you some money. And moreover, for my 10$ I got a wonderful cute piece of art, which makes me smile several times each day. But what you gave me for my pledge is so much more: you took me through all the steps. Being honest about hopes, doubts and the struggle, wonderful pictures of all steps included. I live on the other side of an ocean but you made me feel very much connected to your art project and in the end to you (at least the part of you invested in the project). So I take off my head and make a deep bow! Thank you and keep up the creative thinking and doing. I will always be happy to lend a hand or a dollar and I am curious to see where your way will lead you from here on.
Gudrun from Karlsruhe in Germany
Creator Chuck Lohre on September 30, 2011
Wonderful peace of beauty.