tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304726072011-08-29T06:31:28.186-05:00"Dancing in the ashes, drunk on fear."Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.comBlogger2221100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-27744592531552267972010-05-19T20:04:00.000-05:002010-05-19T20:04:17.329-05:00

This WIP is more like the actual character hero from Full Body of Horror.Tougher, meaner, monster-killer.

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-66216553212688018432010-05-16T23:13:00.000-05:002010-05-16T23:13:20.224-05:00

Let's take a look at this. With a logo on it. Sweet.

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-62596744172907486512010-05-16T22:55:00.001-05:002010-05-16T22:59:11.575-05:00

I knew I couldn't leave it alone. It took just a couple of seconds to realize that the extra octopus tentacle, the witch's broom and her drawing board were getting in the way of the axe head and that the robot's chest piece should darken up to let the axe handle stand out more. Plus, I tweaked all the colors up for more contrast and saturation and I think it puts the focus on our hero's face, the

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-7660450328227365012010-05-16T22:23:00.000-05:002010-05-16T22:23:00.853-05:00

Okay, I think this is it. Of course, I'll sleep on it and change it tomorrow.

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-29925381463888501422010-05-16T19:58:00.001-05:002010-05-16T19:58:59.342-05:00

Okay, got the monsters in. Time to go back to work on our star.

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-71362640557902025842010-05-16T03:41:00.000-05:002010-05-16T03:41:07.755-05:00

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-32751542875180856522010-05-16T03:02:00.000-05:002010-05-16T03:02:40.323-05:00

Okay, moving along with this piece for the Full Body of Horror launch. Getting the basics down.

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-66996366159594248452010-05-15T18:17:00.000-05:002010-05-15T18:17:52.547-05:00

Okay, I'm trying to get many pieces of art done this weekend. I'm working on a sample page for a gig, page layouts to go over with Dave Dorman, the big painting for Full Body of Horror, and a piece of art for the FBOH launch party postcard on May 28th at Lucky Number Grill. All of them need to be done, RIGHT NOW. Here's a WIP (Work In Progress for those of you playing at home) from the postcard

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-44498158266952359352010-05-11T01:28:00.002-05:002010-05-11T01:32:20.381-05:00

This is a t-shirt design I did for the Old Neighborhood Grill restaurant, which is where I eat a lot (its right across the street from my studio) and where they are having an outrageous promotion. Namely, if you can eat this Monster Burger its free. If you can't eat it in half an hour, you pay $49.99. Its six burger patties, 12 slices of cheese, 12 pieces of bacon, gyros slices between each

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-29110201884781778882010-05-11T00:59:00.002-05:002010-05-11T01:36:40.496-05:00

This is a poster I designed for Seanachai Theatre's production of Dancing at Lughnasa.

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-22231288887731487392010-04-01T17:11:00.001-05:002010-04-30T23:48:05.534-05:00

This blog is now located at http://burningcityinc.blogspot.com/. You will be automatically redirected in 30 seconds, or you may click here. For feed subscribers, please update your feed subscriptions to http://burningcityinc.blogspot.com/rss.xml.

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-40492456167471188162010-02-04T21:27:00.000-06:002010-02-04T21:27:29.339-06:00

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-49253150262743950202010-01-29T17:12:00.002-06:002010-01-29T17:12:27.859-06:00

Horror? Well, it depends on who is watching this video. It features Charlie Athanas, WildClaw Theatre's poster artist and occasional set designer, being interviewed at Wizard World Chicago 2009 by the folks from the "Bettie Page Reveals All" documentary.

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-4736213079386335282009-12-05T13:17:00.000-06:002009-12-05T13:17:17.022-06:00

Help support horror theatre and my not-for-profit theatre company, WildClaw Theatre. Check out the tees and greeting cards we have at Red Bubble.

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-77321004329537272142009-11-21T23:23:00.000-06:002009-11-21T23:23:48.762-06:00

Looks like they are doing an artist reading of Neuromancer called CASE at the New Museum in New York today. I guess if you call it an artist's interpretation you can get around those messy copyright infractions.

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-76510355062956524112009-10-28T01:31:00.003-05:002009-10-28T01:34:34.597-05:00

Okay, we've got a whole new design over at the main Burning City website. New bio, new graphics, a timeline of projects from 1983 to today. Go check it out.http://burningcity.com.

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-74605384179983999702009-10-15T17:09:00.000-05:002009-10-15T17:10:22.421-05:00

"THE UNTAMED promises to be an epic tale, conceived and crafted not only with a great love of comics, but also a profound understanding of the power of visionary storytelling." -- Clive BarkerOur talented pals, Sebastion A. Jones and Peter Bergting, have created a cool new comic book, The Untamed. Definitely worth checking out!

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-16230450371857926952009-07-21T15:30:00.001-05:002009-07-21T15:30:37.445-05:00

Come by Booth 4401-4500 in the Illustrators Section to see Dave Dorman, Chris Moeller, John Van Fleet, Scott Hampton, Durwin Talon and The Devil's Candy Store (Denise Dorman and I). There will be lots of great art for sale and big plans are afoot for the next year. Can't wait to see you there.Other Devils in the Illustrators Section:Donato Giancola: Booth #4503Craig Elliott: Booth #4812Other

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-61967230120969035602009-07-09T02:07:00.000-05:002009-07-09T02:08:14.584-05:00

Travis Louie's Monster? Group Art Show is opening this Saturday, July 11 at CoproGallery in Santa Monica, CA. the cool thing is all of the works in the show can be seen online.Some of the artists featured are: Dan May; Jessica Joslin; Audrey Kawasaki; Brom; Bob Eggleton; Amy Botello; Molly Crabapple; David Chung; and many more."Creature" by Vincent DiFate

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-8945394045179678762009-07-01T10:32:00.000-05:002009-07-01T10:33:31.475-05:00

Unbound Saga at IGN.comOur pal, Mike Kennedy, over at Vogster Entertainment has written a fun PSP game called Unbound Saga. Check out the trailer.

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-81346200083238855012009-06-09T22:02:00.001-05:002009-06-09T22:02:45.331-05:00

A tip of the hat to author, William Gibson*, for pointing out the videos of Festo. While seemingly mundane in the first couple of minutes, these videos become pretty damn cool, pretty damn quick. SkyNet, indeed. And William Gibson's claim to fame? Well, he coined the term "cyberspace" and wrote the groundbreaking novel, Neuromancer.

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-91850735946880546982009-06-09T22:00:00.001-05:002009-06-09T22:00:44.927-05:00

Head to New York this winter to see a major career retrospective for Tim Burton at the Museum of Modern Art.© 2009 Tim Burton

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-77830290345244962352009-05-29T23:41:00.001-05:002009-05-29T23:42:27.396-05:00

Laura Hooper and Brian Amidei in The RevenantsWildClaw would like to thank everyone who came to our latest production, The Revenants, by Scott T. Barsotti, as directed by Anne Adams. And thank you to Rich and everyone at Angel Island Theater for being such great hosts.

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-64564111836594896452009-05-15T22:35:00.002-05:002009-05-15T22:39:13.344-05:00

Only 6 more shows left of WildClaw Theatre's The Revenants. We're selling out, so get those tickets online.

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-87317783480188244582009-05-07T03:04:00.004-05:002009-05-07T03:11:24.962-05:00

Two of my favorite artists work together again in a Chanel No. 5 advert.

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-11448088667087955982009-04-29T12:42:00.001-05:002009-04-29T12:43:20.474-05:00

While attending Conceptart.org's Reverie workshop in Dallas with Dave Dorman, I participated in a WIP podcast by Peter Mohrbacher and Jeff Himmelman (also, with WIP is Anna Mohrbacher.) You can listen to the WIP interview and read more about WIP at John Schindehette's Art Order blog. As an added bonus, there is a link to Devil's Candy Store artist, George Pratt, and work process.ArtOrder: George

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-21576525460728162192009-04-11T23:17:00.001-05:002009-04-11T23:17:41.738-05:00

When I was growing up, there were still Polynesian restaurants or "Tiki Bars" everywhere and everyone went to them, not just arty hipsters who read Juxtapoz Magazine. It was a family outing with exotic food in a dreamlike setting, usually a waterfall, a bridge over a running stream and a night sky painted on the ceiling. Very tropical. And, to the adults delight, the menu featured tasty tiki

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-89563376074509233642009-04-02T19:51:00.000-05:002009-04-02T19:52:03.389-05:00

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-57642731623129458162009-04-02T19:50:00.001-05:002009-04-02T19:50:47.048-05:00

Greg ManchessBobby Chiu shows Dave Dorman the digital ropesBobby Chiu teaches classDave Dorman paints acrylics over oil (You can't do that)Dave Dorman paints digitally for the first time!

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-11788506500686370602009-04-02T19:48:00.001-05:002009-04-02T19:48:53.983-05:00

Waiting for Reverie to officially startJason Manley of Massive Black gets the ball rollingAndrew Jones paints from lifeShawn Barber, Carl Dobsky, and Dave Dorman paint with oilDave Dorman lays down the background in oil. Tomorrow he will finish with acrylics. And, yes, that defies the laws of physics.Carl DobskyKim Saigh (tattoo artist from L.A. Ink) and Shawn Barber

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-43786959712045662512009-04-02T19:46:00.000-05:002009-04-02T19:47:18.060-05:00

Just a quick peek at the dj dance floor, model setups and the crowd.

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-35249469999968030042009-04-02T19:45:00.001-05:002009-04-02T19:45:47.659-05:00

More scenes from the kick-off party at FIG.

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-80745333268166298872009-04-02T19:42:00.001-05:002009-04-02T19:43:51.009-05:00

A few quick scenes from the kick-off party for Conceptart.org's Reverie Workshop in Dallas, Texas.

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-28890662108460763602009-03-27T22:20:00.005-05:002009-03-27T22:38:01.080-05:00

Well, Dave Dorman and I made it thru a very bumpy flight to Dallas. We're in Texas for Conceptart.org's Reverie workshop, which is another like the Revelations Symposium in Seattle last January. Dave is an instructor at this one and I'm just here being an artist. I loved the last one and I see no reason that Dallas won't be better. The whole thing kicks off tomorrow in typical Conceptart.org

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-10577935252322485092009-02-28T22:52:00.000-06:002009-02-28T22:53:29.888-06:00

The Spectrum 16 winners were announced tonight. Spectrum is a prestigious annual dedicated to the "Fantastic Arts" and is one of the most coveted awards in illustration. © 2008 Craig ElliottCraig Elliott won the Gold Medal in Editorial for his Damali Richards painting in the concept art book, Exotic Contraband: L. A. Banks' Vampire Huntress Legend, published by The Devil's Candy Store.Another

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-37038372708934871492009-02-26T02:47:00.000-06:002009-02-26T02:48:17.015-06:00

Holy S#!t! You have got to see this.

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-14562945493153994672009-02-25T17:54:00.001-06:002009-02-25T17:54:44.794-06:00

A double-amputee New Zealander approached WETA to help her realize her dream of becoming a mermaid. And WETA came through.

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-55447335336589264762009-02-25T14:31:00.001-06:002009-02-25T14:31:29.034-06:00

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-7903085784585216042009-01-31T01:24:00.000-06:002009-01-31T01:25:00.111-06:00

Tonight's the night! At the stroke of midnight, January 31, your the chance to be The Keeper of the Sword will be over.You can own Damali Richard’s Madame Isis shero sword. The Devil’s Candy Store is holding an essay contest that will be judged by L. A. Banks. The winner will receive the Madame Isis sword created by Hollywood armourer, Tony Swatton (a $6,000 value).Originally to be offered at

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-52590217351644757882009-01-30T17:29:00.002-06:002009-01-30T17:38:26.887-06:00

Hey, you three people who read this blog! If you had fun with WildClaw Theatre this year, drop on by the Chicago Reader poll and vote for us in the Theater section. http://media.chicagoreader.com/Best-of-Chicago/2009/ballot/voting/category/performing-arts

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-84549192485624545502009-01-22T03:21:00.004-06:002009-01-25T22:00:49.242-06:00

Hell, ya. Sweet news for all of you artists out there:ConceptArt.Org International Art and Design Workshop: DALLAS TEXAS - March 28-31 2009Stay tuned for registration details and other stuff coming out this week. The Symposium in Seattle last January was inspiring and mind-blowing. Check these videos of past events.PLUS: The Massive Black Concept Art book is out.This video of the Seattle

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-56431350892074377312009-01-09T17:11:00.001-06:002009-01-09T17:11:53.876-06:00

Ray Frenden worked on five of these puppies for Black Tide. Art direction and animation, Motherland. Characters, Ray. Kick ass.

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-13803589399415115322009-01-09T16:53:00.001-06:002009-01-09T16:53:41.309-06:00

© Laurie HassoldThe amazing sculptures of Laurie Hassold evoke remnants of Elder Gods unearthed at a little known dig site in the Sahara. Go to Bert Green's Fine Art Gallery site to see more of these fully-formed skeletons of alien life. There is also an excellent interview with Laurie in the current edition of Hi Fructose Magazine (Vol. 10).

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-40516418201761329542009-01-07T15:48:00.003-06:002009-01-07T16:01:21.227-06:00

© Debra Simon "Roost"Friday, January 9, 6-9PMPacker Schopf Gallery942 W. Lake StreetChicagoPacker Schopf is having a gallery reception for Amy Talluto and Debra Simon. Both are fomr New York and do cool work. Simon actually creates life size Indian Bats which are about 2 feet in length. I want one.

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-19237454041129740402009-01-06T16:24:00.003-06:002009-01-06T16:27:32.366-06:00

If you are going to be me a present for my birthday, this will be the one you will buy.

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-35968803067851773002009-01-05T00:33:00.004-06:002009-01-05T00:46:18.783-06:00

Writing the UnthinkableI'm on a roll now. 2008 started with an inspirational, ass-kicking symposium with Massive Black's Revelation event in Seattle, Washington. This year's ass-kicker was Lynda Barry's Writing the Unthinkable two-day seminar at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago. Lynda was funny, informative, witty and a diligent taskmaster getting us all to write and write and write

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-89680805937953961262008-12-31T01:53:00.000-06:002008-12-31T01:54:46.988-06:00

I just completed the graphic for our upcoming zombie play, The Revenants, by Scott T. Barsotti. The show opens April 20th, 2009 at the Angel Island Theater in Chicago. This intimate, dare I say, claustrophobic production will be directed by WildClaw company member, Anne Adams.Poster by Charlie Athanas

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-54286624559983994972008-12-29T22:49:00.001-06:002008-12-29T22:49:49.634-06:00

Massive Black is releasing a 700-page concept art book to be published by Ballistic Publishing. There are various editions, so get yours now.

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-15523587951630704722008-12-29T22:46:00.000-06:002008-12-29T22:47:29.121-06:00

Massive Black is releasing a 700-page concept art book to be published by Ballistic Publishing. There are various editions, so get yours now.

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-71926346102870148612008-12-22T15:42:00.001-06:002008-12-22T15:42:44.136-06:00

Damali Richard's Madame Isis Vampire-Killing SwordYou can own Damali Richard’s Madame Isis shero sword. The Devil’s Candy Store is holding an essay contest that will be judged by L. A. Banks. The winner will receive the Madame Isis sword created by Hollywood armourer, Tony Swatton (a $6,000 value).Originally to be offered at auction, this gold-plated, gem-encrusted, one-of-a-kind vampire-killing

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-58403841558777450652008-12-16T00:15:00.006-06:002008-12-16T16:15:24.973-06:00

I was commissioned to create the infamous changing painting for the Lifeline stage adaptation of The Picture of Dorian Gray. It was directed by my pal, Kevin Theis, adapted by Rob Kauzlaric, had scenic design by Tim Burch, and lighting design by Kevin D. Gawley. All of them played a role in making the paintings transform onstage. The play was a raving, critical success and I was very proud to be

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-70230024445597361512008-12-11T21:56:00.006-06:002008-12-11T22:40:16.228-06:00

Bettie Page held a special place in my life, as I am sure she did for most of my friends. She was beautiful, cool, a Muse that inspired, a Pin-Up Queen from an other-worldly place and time.Detail from a multimedia Bettie Page piece for World Tattoo GalleryThe first piece of gallery art I ever sold was a Bettie Page piece. It was at Tony Fitzpatrick's World Tattoo Gallery on the southside of

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-87191597036767125112008-12-09T00:20:00.004-06:002008-12-09T00:38:39.269-06:00

Frak Me! They are auctioning off EVERYTHING from BSG. Production art. Models. Props. Costumes. Set pieces! The Resurrection Tub, fer Frak's sake.One the many dresses worn by Six (Tricia Helfer)Tricia Helfer in said dressThe Cylon Resurrection Tub!

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-34613926618997260692008-12-08T21:54:00.003-06:002008-12-08T21:57:17.956-06:00

Bettie PageOur thoughts go out to Bettie Page who suffered from a heart attack Tuesday. She is listed in critical condition in a coma.

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-22818494505419641722008-12-05T00:25:00.003-06:002008-12-05T13:23:02.835-06:00

When I started this blog, it's intent was to expose my creative process as I wrote my vampire story/play, The First Fear. (More on that in upcoming posts.)During the making of the play The Great God Pan earlier this year, I documented that play's poster design process pretty thoroughly. Now that The Dreams in the Witch House is up and running and getting good reviews, I thought I would expose the

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-30598816714864359902008-11-25T00:25:00.003-06:002008-11-25T00:50:40.954-06:00

If you don't know about Mark Pauline and SRL, you should.Image by Garth WebbIn 1990, at Art Futura in Barcelona, I got to attend the conference by being an "aide to SRL". While I did very little to help them, it was fascinating watching them up close as they prepared for a performance. It was at this conference that I formally met William Gibson, among others. It has been a touchstone in my life,

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-84408763559185586812008-11-18T11:49:00.001-06:002008-11-18T11:49:36.168-06:00

Those horror fiends at the Viking Youth Power Hour wrote about their experience at The Dreams in the Witch House. Here are some choice excerpts:"This past weekend I spent one of the more enjoyable Saturday night’s I’ve had in Chicago in some time at our city’s resident 'Horror Theatre' experts newest production, an adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft’s 'The Dreams in the Witch House.''Witch House' tells

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-26119775471950975662008-11-18T00:39:00.001-06:002008-11-18T00:40:58.577-06:00

"The Dreams in the Witch House is spectacular, in the old school, carnival funhouse sense of the word. Do you like your theatre eerie, gory and surprisingly witty? Enjoy your protagonists pale and plagued by witches? Your good guys questionable (to say the least), and your bad guys such gibbering maniacs that the word "bad" no longer applies? The Dreams in the Witch House has it all. Plus The

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-75575781312187359112008-11-09T23:55:00.000-06:002008-11-09T23:56:22.071-06:00

Big begins buildingToday we erected the set for H. P. Lovecraft's The Dreams in the Witch House at the Athenaeum Theater. Tech week has officially started. Platforms have been hoisted, screws tightened, paint flung. We open next Sunday, November 16th and run through December 21st.Get your tickets now for WildClaw's most ambitious show. Centerstage has already called it a Must-See Show and

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-62951478757334135232008-11-04T08:47:00.002-06:002008-11-04T08:50:23.632-06:00

Go vote. Americans have fought and died for your right to vote. Go vote.

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-72764458220308298362008-10-29T17:36:00.000-05:002008-10-29T17:37:29.414-05:00

This past weekend, after the Music Box Massacre 4 event, Clive Barker had a showing of his artwork at the Packer Schopf Gallery in Chicago, which included new pieces based on Midnight Meat Train. It was well attended and the new pieces are spectacular.Photos from the Packer Schopf show. Clive Barker and Charlie Athanas© 2008 Anthony Kosar

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-57264492382873997922008-10-28T12:15:00.001-05:002008-10-28T12:15:36.431-05:00

© 2008 Dave DormanThis Thursday night, October 30th, the Tattoo Factory Gallery and Pabst Blue Ribbon present Tura! Tura! Tura! A group art show happening celebrating the stunning, sexy, kickasstastic Tura Satana! Superstar of Russ Meyer's "Faster Pussycat! Kill! Kill!From 7-11PM at 4443 N. Broadway, Chicago.Featuring artists like Shag, Niagara, Glenn Barr, Molly Grabapple, Lisa Petrucci, Mark

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-61142990528416339142008-10-23T21:44:00.000-05:002008-10-23T21:45:10.953-05:00

In 1982, when I first arrived in Chicago, I answered a flyer in the Gingerman bar for a film looking for a synthesizer player. At the time I was sleeping on the floor of the Leo Lerner Theater box office, very broke, and often drunk. How could I say no? This was how I met the amazing Frank Garvey and his eternal film project - Omnicircus. In 1988, it turned into a live performance project. Think

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-8458671348862361742008-10-03T10:26:00.002-05:002008-10-03T10:29:12.472-05:00

The Chicago Tribune video interviews artists in the Diane Tanios Gallery art show, including Deathscribe jury member, Tony Akins.Don't forget, WildClaw Theatre's Deathscribe Festival is this coming Monday, October 6th! Get your tickets online or at the Music Box Theater.

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-12019281761080349142008-10-01T00:56:00.004-05:002008-10-01T01:22:23.100-05:00

This is why I love theater and don't take bad reviews* to heart. My job is to make the director I am working for happy and if I can achieve that, my job is done. That said, I recently did a project for Kevin Theis and Lifeline Theater, The Picture of Dorian Gray. Great project, great director, great design crew, great theater company.Detail from Dorian Gray Portrait for Lifeline TheaterI was

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-66208617257950646472008-09-26T16:45:00.003-05:002008-09-26T16:51:39.017-05:00

On October 6, 2008, WildClaw Theatre will premiere an annual event known as Deathscribe. It is a festival of juried entries for ten minute horror plays to be performed as radio plays with foley in a live theater setting. This year it will be at the Music Box theater.Fangoria did a nice write-up about it.

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-868561312640251352008-09-21T01:21:00.005-05:002008-09-21T02:14:10.364-05:00

Arlington National Cemetery, Washington D.C.On September 18, 2008, my father, Gus Athanas, was laid to rest in Arlington Cemetery. It was a beautiful, sunny day. Peaceful and awe-inspiring in a way only Arlington can provide. As a Captain in the U.S. Marine Corp., my father had earned the right to have an Honor Guard military ceremony. With the solemn playing of taps, a 3-volley gun salute, and

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-23316258056675554612008-08-04T01:01:00.000-05:002008-08-04T01:02:05.154-05:00

Charlie and Aly are back from the madness and horror that is San Diego as they spent time in The Devil's Candy Store booth with Leslie Banks, Kevin J. Anderson, Dean Haglund, and many more assorted creators. But Aly actually spent some quality time with a very happy Wookie.More convention news and photos to come. Like this one from the X-Sanguin VII Ball where Aly actually met said Wookie. Trust

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-55165765893480850102008-07-20T02:00:00.003-05:002008-07-20T02:07:33.937-05:00

Come on by The Devil's Candy Store booth #1704 this week at the San Diego Comic-Con. We'll have L. A. Banks in our booth signing Vampire Huntress merchandise created by our own devils.Dave Dorman's cover art. © 08 Dave Dorman.Plus, you can pick up "Sex. Death. Art." t-shirts:And Zippos™:

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-85829950758803961212008-06-12T14:38:00.001-05:002008-06-12T14:40:37.304-05:00

The New York Times has just done a report on a report on artists. Very interesting.

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-34428707262181128562008-05-23T22:03:00.009-05:002008-06-13T00:39:17.548-05:00

It's been a month since my last post. Why, you ask? Well, three things:• The Devil's Candy Store and the San Diego Comic-Con 2008• WildClaw Theatre's second season promotion• The First FearThere will soon be a new website for The Devil's Candy Store as we venture into the selling of exotic contraband from impossible worlds. We are working with author, LA Banks, and using her Vampire Huntress

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-46729628126824486572008-04-26T01:14:00.002-05:002008-04-26T01:22:31.810-05:00

A book I have been waiting for a loong time is finally out. One of my favorite concept artists, Sparth, has finally had his book, Structura, released to the public.While at the Massive Black/ConceptArt.org Revelations Symposium this January, I had a chance to watch him work up close and ask specific questions about tools and techniques. Great guy.

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-47700899271094671112008-04-02T00:04:00.003-05:002008-04-02T00:24:23.509-05:00

The Great God Pan has completed it's run. For a first production of a new theatre company it was an unqualified success. Thank you to everyone who saw the show and to the many, many folks who helped behind the scenes.Striking the Pan set. Michaela is on the ladder cleaning blood off the walls.It has been a smooth venture of creativity, problem-solving, passion, and fun. It's been nice to work on

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-43487536625548589892008-04-01T23:53:00.003-05:002008-04-02T00:01:39.706-05:00

Bjork's new stereoscopic 3D video for "Wanderlust" shows her never-ending commitment to art and her fight to make it happen on her terms. Her ability to protect collaborators is amazing.

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-35621334144842535342008-03-26T23:26:00.005-05:002008-03-26T23:39:40.466-05:00

What do you mean you haven't seen it?!Okay, it's now or never. There are four more performances of The Great God Pan at the Athenaeum Theatre.Don't be one of those folks who asks us if we videotaped the show for everyone who missed it.We didn't."This is a major achievement as a piece of horror theatre...engaging and scary"-ChicagoCritic.com"fantastically executed"-Killer_works.com"It delivers the

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-33358133346148620822008-03-19T19:37:00.000-05:002008-03-19T19:38:33.938-05:00

Chicago's Field Museum has a new temporary exhibit, Mythic Creatures, that examines man's fascination with mythic creatures and looks at where these myths may have originated.March 19 to September 1, 2008From the Field Museum website:"Since the dawn of time, creatures of the unknown have fascinated cultures the world over. From medieval fire-breathing dragons to the magical powers of the unicorn,

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-11399591812412999892008-03-12T13:02:00.001-05:002008-03-12T13:05:19.860-05:00

Ray Frenden is exploding. And now he has gone and won the 2007 Threadless Bestee Select Award for his "Medusa" t-shirt design. Congrats, Ray!

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-54199806002828745702008-03-11T13:00:00.003-05:002008-03-11T13:06:20.479-05:00

Dave Stevens passed away yesterday. May he rest in peace. Dave will always be an inspiration.© 1983 Dave Stevens

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-91822836842663597862008-03-09T22:56:00.003-05:002008-03-09T23:10:15.356-05:00

It has been an exciting 2008 so far. I started with ConceptArt.org's Revelations art orgy in Seattle, did 8 large paintings and a big sculpture for the play, we opened The Great God Pan, in connection with that I interviewed Clive Barker and seem to be starting a biz relationship with Weird Tales magazine. Sue had her baby! We got a visit from Donna. The Devil's Candy Store is ramping up again.

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-31343105801382770162008-03-05T22:12:00.002-06:002008-03-05T22:17:16.317-06:00

Tuesday I had the good fortune of interviewing Clive Barker for the WildClaw Theatre website. Always charming and an effortless interview (you just sort of mention a subject and Clive is off and running), Clive was gracious enough to talk to me during a very hectic schedule. He is a creating machine. You can read the interview here.Clive helped us out with an interview before when Steve Pickering

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-57755302926918092952008-03-04T00:47:00.003-06:002008-03-04T01:00:53.272-06:00

"Fantastically executed... It would be impossible to tell the story literally from Machen's text, but Charley Sherman (adaptor/director) does an excellent job of creating a narrative flow that makes sense. Lighting and sound skillfully move you around the stage, help set the tone and punctuate the moments of tension. The acting is also of high caliber and the female leads Lily Mojekwu (as the

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-499631546312020142008-02-29T17:14:00.002-06:002008-03-04T00:46:55.836-06:00

Another review is in for The Great God Pan. This one is from Tom Williams of ChicagoCritic.com."RecommendedThis is a major achievement as a piece of horror theatre...(a) well acted and eerie work (with terrific lighting by Paul Foster with outstanding mood setting sound design by Adam Kozlowski), delivers Machen’s relatively unknown work quite effectively. This production of The Great God Pan is

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-57704073326097409562008-02-29T14:26:00.003-06:002008-02-29T14:28:25.781-06:00

2 for 1 tickets for students for Thursday and Sunday performances of The Great God Pan. Now you have no excuse not to see horror theater in Chicago. If you get scared during the show, you'll have someone to hold onto.

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-86039155714170640582008-02-29T14:20:00.003-06:002008-02-29T14:34:27.055-06:00

Go see Steve Pickering in FATBOY at Red Orchid Theatre. It's loud, nasty, raucous entertainment, performed with panach and grace in sweaty fat suits. And if that ain't Chicago theater, I don't know what is.But see The Great God Pan first, damn it.

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-78882320265695143702008-02-26T23:55:00.002-06:002008-02-27T00:00:58.847-06:00

If you're in Chicago come see us. We opened our stage adaptation of Machen's The Great God Pan and the show is off and running. We've gotten a couple of reviews so far and both are good:"If this is the WildClaw standard for horror, we'll gladly be horrified again."-Kris Vire, TimeOut Chicago"Our take: next time you're in the mood for a spine-tingler, put down the Netflix and give this play a shot

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-84722682984170760642008-02-26T23:39:00.005-06:002008-02-26T23:52:41.178-06:00

Wow. Very weird, but not unexpected these days. My video that was created with Johnie Horn in 1985 has appeared on YouTube via EVL. 4 bit color, ZGrass animation language, digitally scanned referenced footage from shooting a monitor with a video camera and converting that to digital. Wow. Flash from the past. It's a little truncated on the front and Johnie's cool credits are missing, but that's a

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-79547815211644903782008-02-20T23:53:00.003-06:002008-02-21T00:01:08.583-06:00

Well, I got a nice little birthday present today. There is an article in Animation World Magazine (AWN) on comic books and computers. The author, Joseph Szadkowski, was nice enough to mention that Shatter was the first computer-generated comic book and throw in some quotes from me. One of my pieces from Shatter (First Comics)

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-87750341836184236992008-02-18T22:46:00.005-06:002008-02-18T23:06:49.320-06:00

And with that lovely quote from The Thing From Another World, Tor has announced it's soon to be launched super scifi website. Sign up now to get free downloadable books from Tor prior to the launch. I did.My illustration for the poster from Who Goes There by John W. Campbell, Jr., adapted by Steve Pickering (World Premiere production at the Organic Theatre, Chicago.)

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-75115627281734100812008-02-18T00:23:00.004-06:002008-02-18T00:52:12.408-06:00

For my birthday, Julienne got us tickets to see Hephaestus at Lookingglass (check out the promo video). Great show! It has been extended until March 9th so get your tickets if you haven't seen it. If you have ever wondered what it would be like to be sitting onstage watching a Cirque Du Soleil show, this is your chance.Plus, Hera and Aphrodite are as beautiful as their namesakes and they

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-31225062410304360192008-02-18T00:07:00.004-06:002008-02-18T00:13:20.186-06:00

I have been painting and sculpting this week. Acrylics and plaster. I haven't done that since 1978. And then it was mostly oils. Much fun. Big challenge was to produce these images in the manner requested by the director. Not my style, at all. (The paintings, not the taking direction part.)I would show you more of these pieces, but they are part of The Great God Pan set and I wouldn't want to

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-35765171521391029712008-02-16T11:01:00.003-06:002008-02-16T11:09:00.907-06:00

Our friend, Clive Barker, has a new movie coming out this year - Book of Blood. Over on Clive's official website, Revelations, there is a production journal being written by Joe Daley. Here is the first teaser poster -

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-29503263260195525882008-02-16T00:35:00.002-06:002008-02-16T00:39:54.764-06:00

Register now for ICON 5 - the Illustrator's Conference in New York CIty, July 2-5.I mean, c'mon, Marshal Arisman is running a seminar, fer chrisakes.

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-62765875169104982362008-02-11T16:12:00.000-06:002008-02-11T16:13:01.151-06:00

Ever wonder what a James Jean illustration would look like if it came to life? Well, wonder no longer. Prada has utilized Jean as a concept artist for this short promotional film by James Lima. And yes, Pan makes an appearance as a fashion god.PRADA - Trembled BlossomsUploaded by BloGraphiC

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-40150668054794007642008-01-21T17:28:00.000-06:002008-01-21T17:51:20.251-06:00

Chicago Artist Forum in actionA year ago, Denise Dorman put some ideas into the head of one, Kevin Sandstrom of Dick Blick Art Stores. Next thing you know, a place for artists to gather, show off portfolios, and generally talk shop and fun was born in Wheaton, Illinois. It has now grown to a nice little event that brought out about 30 artists in 0º Chicago weather this past Saturday.The artists

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-19356872804667110782008-01-10T00:15:00.000-06:002008-01-10T02:03:28.953-06:00

Dancing Tattoos in the Space NeedleI just spent four days in Seattle at Massive Black/Conceptart.org's Revelations Symposium. Steve Bialer and I were joined by Bruno Warneck of Midway Games as we wallowed in concept art, both digital and traditional. Hundreds of artists from around the world converged on the Northwest to learn and draw and network. For the opening night party the conference had

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-68086725311182488962007-12-31T15:51:00.000-06:002007-12-31T16:40:05.155-06:00

To all three of you who read this blog - Happy New Year! My much better half, Julienne, and moi.2007 was quite a treat in Burning City's life:- San Diego Comic-Con- The Devil's Candy Store- Los Angeles Movie Studio Trip- My father's 90th birthday- My 50th birthday (and Sputnik!)- Many family visits!!!- My sister's wedding!- Sue's wedding!- WildClaw Theatre company- Many, many great new friends-

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-18439248084716833072007-12-28T01:35:00.000-06:002007-12-28T01:44:12.731-06:00

Wow. I have just watched all the DVD extras on the super-duper 5 DVD collector's edition of Blade Runner and I am blown away. It took a couple of nights to do it, but it was worth it. Blade Runner was pivotal in my life as an artist, a movie fanatic, a science fiction fiend, amateur futurist, and cultural outsider. You either loved Blade Runner or you didn't. I did.I think I'm going to watch it

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-32128629943219995732007-12-19T14:43:00.000-06:002007-12-19T14:44:46.485-06:00

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-90859645888273683582007-12-10T22:44:00.000-06:002007-12-11T22:52:07.741-06:00

WildClaw Theatre: Charley Sherman; Paul Foster; Catie Foster; Anne Adams; Aly Greaves; Brian Amidei; Charlie Athanas; and Aaron Christensen (kneeling)The shot above was taken at 4AM immediately after our blowout Wicked Winter Carnival Benefit. A tired, but hardworking and grateful crew. Thank you to everyone who came and had fun, gave us money, performed or just said, "Go kick some horror ass,

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30472607.post-1241955454718939542007-12-10T15:49:00.000-06:002007-12-10T15:56:46.762-06:00

A big thank you to all of the entertainment at WildClaw's Wicked Winter Carnival this past Saturday night (and Sunday morning, we stopped at 3AM!) The Pat Smillie Band did a kickass acoustic blues set that rocked the house. Pat is going to be with same lineup in Wrigleyville this Friday night for FREE. Check them out for a great blues night:PAT SMILLIE BAND (Acoustic set)Friday (12/14) -

Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983424309216775377noreply@blogger.com0