National-Barbie-in-a-Blender Day: Celebrating Free Speech and Fair Use

In 1999 a lawsuit was filed by Barbie manufacturer Mattel Corp against artist Tom Forsythe over his photograph of a Barbie in a Blender (as a comment on crass consumerism says the artist).  Five years later on July 27, 2004 Mattel lost the suit and had to reimburse Forsythe $1.8 million in legal costs because the judge in the case ruled that it ran counter to the first amendment.  In celebration of free speech and fair use, FreeCulture.org created National Barbie-in-a-Blender Day. 

Photo courtesy of Ellisly

Here are some more artists following in Forsythe's footsteps and featuring Barbie in their eclectic artwork.

Barbie and Ken as American Gothic painting by Brad Goodell / Spring Creek Arts

Above is art created by Margaux Lange in high school (with artist's favorite - Carrot Barbie) seen on Midge's Mind.  Below is some of Lange's more recent Barbie work-Body Part Jewelry.

Since body parts have to come from somewhere....

Wilde Moon's collection of Barbie Murders prints absolutely delights me.

If anyone wants to buy me a present, please make it this! I am in looove with artwerx by Tracy Webster's  Altered Barbie Birdcage sculpture. 

"I want to be Barbie - that bitch has everything."

You Can Have It All pendant by G Jarvis Jewelry, Etc.

And finally....

"Ride 'em Cowgirl" original Barbie art by artist LaVonne Sallee. Photo by Paul Chinn / The Chronicle as part of an annual Altered Barbie Art Show.

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The No Good, Terrible, Horrible, Very Bad Week

Have you ever had a time in life where things get so bad it is like time is standing still? I am happy to be back and while there is still a lot to deal with, it is nice to be able to let my mind wander online and well, my wandering led me to check out some "Very Bad Day" pieces:

My brother introduced me to Exploding Dog and I am obsessed. Robots and sarcasm - does it get much better?

Sometimes you just feel like the rain cloud is hovering over your head. Illustrator Riikka Kurka designs some beautiful pieces, but I am drawn to the Huono Päivä (translated: "Bad Day") T-Shirt she made for a TaiK school project. 

Wow octopus AND robot prints in one post. A moneky would be the holy trinity, but really...who wants to see a sad monkey? Tuesday Was A Bad Day by Emma Klingbeil just makes me smile. 

My sentiments over the last week exactly lol.  Love this - the "F*ck the Rain" umbrella seen on the Cool Hunting Guide. 

Some days a girl can't even bear the thought of going out of the house without a bag over her head. 

The Large Lucy and her Bad Hair Day Doll by Poppy Seed Tree is adorable. I love her paper bag disguise and want to just give her a big hug and tell her "tomorrow is another day."

Keep smiling and I will see you tomorrow!

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Thursday Treasury

I love Etsy. Since the day I started my store has been on http://www.etsy.com/ and I have met some of the nicest people in the world through the site. Therefore, every week I plan on paying homage by featuring all Etsy stores and artists in Treasury Thursday.

Last night I dreamt that I had a four headed dog and I toured with a circus after training him to jump through a fiery hoop.  No clue what that means, but it gave me the perfect theme for this week's treasury:

WELCOME TO THE FREAK SHOW

Jen's A Freak Show - Bearded Lady

Original Painting By See Jens Creations

 

1 1/2" Button By The Angry Robot

Amazing Tripod Girl - Freak Show Diva By Artsy

Victorian Grotesque Medical Curiousity Garland

By Flapper Girl

Two Heads Are Better Than One - The Brothers

By Pam Wishbow

Freak Show Ticket Stub Wooden Pendant

by Buster and Boo

SAMSON MERMAN Underwater Circus Strongman

By Cart Before The Horse

OWLCTOPUS Necklace Pendant By Cosmic Firefly