Art Gallery Tiki ...

Ventured from the Secret Island this morning with a school party of unruly natives. I wasn't exactly that inspired by the exhibits at the gallery until I stumbled outside.

Titled Tanifa O Tagaloa it was created by Fatu Feu'u in 2003.

Carved from Australian redgum it is completed with Cook Island black pearl shells. Its an imposing piece standing at 309cm x 103cm x 50cm.

Steve Croquett, Heads Up, Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi 2011...

The Sculpture by the Sea event in Bondi celebrates its 15th anniversary this year from the 3rd - 20th November 2011. The spectacular Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk is transformed into a 2km long temporary sculpture park featuring over 100 sculptures by artists from Australia and across the world.

This year has me more excited that normal as it features the work of Steve Croquett titled Heads Up. Whats more these could be standing closer to home after the event if you have the cash! Check out Sculpture by the Sea for more details.

Classic Cocktail Set from Derek ...

Derek Yaniger is about to release details of his Classic Cocktail set created for him by the good people at Tiki Farm.

This Summer (Fall for you guys north of the tropics!)as featured in the premier issue of Tiki Farm's magazine 250 sets of these beauties will be available. Created with a "brand-spankin’ new sandblastin’ technique" they are due to fly off the shelves.

Keep checking back with Tiki Farm for all the release details.

Shag Shopping ...

It's been a while between Mai Tai's but I'm back with news of Shag's latest offering. A set of three Terrificaly Tiki hanging lamps.

With the Stock Market stooping to new lows it would seem that these lamps are a rare sound investment! This NEW Limited Edition SHAG TIKI LAMP SET includes Three Tiki Themed Lamps measuring in at 8" in Diameter x 24" high each!

This set of three lamps will only be sold as a set and are limited to 50 signed & numbered sets. You'll need to act quickly if you want to acquire a set of these.
If these cool lamps weren't enough on their own, they come complete with Three Mini Prints by SHAG to compliment each of the lamps. Each of these mini prints is hand signed & numbered by SHAG and are a must for the SHAG completist.

Available for $750 US downgraded dollars from M-Modern.

Red Pepper Retro Vintage Style Graphics ...

Most things here on the Secret Island, and around the rest of world I guess, work best through word of mouth and so today I'll share a little love for someone locally who is becoming a real mover and shaker in the world of vintage design and graphics.

Red Pepper Retro was established in 2009 as an offshoot of the successful graphic design business, Red Pepper Graphics. Founder Susan Cadzow had discovered that many of her clients shared her love of vintage and retro, and there was a huge demand for graphics in that style. Rockabilly bands like the Sonic Aces and Blue Denim needed CD covers designed and retro illustrations drawn. Sydney vintage icons Limpin Jimmy and the Swingin Kitten needed a website to run their gig guide and promote their DJ business, Doll Deluxe and Retrospec’d needed labels designed for their retro fashion ranges, and on it goes!

The Vintage, Retro and Kustom Kulture world is growing in popularity and it seems even people in the mainstream are now contacting Red Pepper Retro to create evocative, iconic imagery to promote their products and services. Susan can create custom illustrations and designs for people who require exclusive or personalised work.  Or she has a vast library of vintage clip art and imagery to create a design tailored especially for you ... the examples shown here are both available as freebies!

With a wealth of experience, and very reasonable prices, there are packages to suit all budgets. Please contact Susan to discuss your needs at Red Pepper Retro.

Visit the Tikiyaki Polynesian Village Resort ...

As I mentioned in my previous post the Secret Island is currently under the firm grip of an Icy Winter... 16 degree maximums inside a bamboo hut has me wishing for Summer and/or warmer climes!

I stumbled across the Tikiyaki Orchestra Village Resort and found a really good deal. Not only to you get the keys to room 151 for a week in the sunshine you also get a copy of the Tikiyaki Orchestra's new album Aloha Baby and a whole heap of booty that Tiki aficionados swipe from reputable Tiki establishments ... you know the mugs, ice bucket, matches, ash trays ... need I go on?

Here is a little more about the hotel itself...

"The Tikiyaki Polynesian Village was constructed at great cost on the golden sands of Waikiki Beach. The well known architectural firm of Dewy, Chetham & Howe was contracted to draw up the plans and build the tropical destination. All the interiors were contracted to be designed by I.M. Bland-one of Hawaii's greatest interior designers. I.M. Bland chose the decore of the Shanghai International Trading Company (ShITCO) as the outfitter for the well appointed room. ShITCO was chosen for its hand made Island look featuring carved furniture made of real Polynesian driftwood and other found artifacts."

Aloha Lanes just one of the substandard facilities available to guests!

Scootiki: Mods and Gods ...

Elroy Artspace Gallery in Portland, Oregon is about to host its 2nd Annual Tiki Fine Art Group Show Opening on the 7th July.

As well as an impressive selection of work from some of Tiki Art's biggest names a special mug will also be released designed by tiki artist Mulder142 in collaboration with, and produced by Paul Neilson of Munktiki! I'll feature this in a future post.

Elroy's "Scootiki: Mods & Gods" show will serve also as the official Art Show of the National Lambretta Jamboree held in Portland July 8-10th!

Here are my picks of the work on show. I tried to go for some artists who I wasn't familiar with ...

Sherill Ann Gross - "Orange", 9" x 9" / 12" x 16" (framed) - $200

Benjamin Burch.

Chris Young.

Adventureland T-Shirts ...

It takes a little while for the Jungle Drums to reach the Secret Island, and sometimes it means you miss out on what's hot... like this fantastic shirt from graphic designer Richard who describes himself as..

"A born dreamer & doer. An idea guy who understands the importance of magic. Specializing in graphic design, typography, painting and illustration."

His blog page is stuffed to the brim with wonderfully creative designs for Disney, that are in every way unofficial but are of the quality that should demand respect from the head honchos in purchasing.

His retro inspired designs have created quite a stir around Tiki Blogs and Forums. To avoid any complications with Disney this shirt design is not based on a show or attraction. Richard says

"Within Adventureland at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World, there's a "must eat" on every visitor's list: the Dole Pineapple Whip! If it's not on your bucket list, it should be. It's the most amazing frozen concoction in the parks! The Dole Pineapple Whip is a staple and is so popular that Disney added a whip machine in the Polynesian Resort back when the quick service area was refurbished."

"I tried to take a whimsical yet kitschy approach with the design. I wanted to not only represent the whip itself, but to also reflect the tropical Tahitian feel of Adventureland. What better icon to represent the spirit of Oceania than a Tiki warrior? To throw a bit of tongue-in-cheek humor into the design, I thought it would be clever to have him holding a whip in his hands. Of course this fierce tropical warrior couldn't be so mean when enjoying this delectable treat, so his intimidating frown has been turned upside down. I can imagine after the park closes that the statues, carvings and idols from around Adventureland break their poses and all hit up the Dole Whip stand to reward their hard day’s work of entertaining guests."

The good news for Richard is that the demand was so huge that he fulfilled his order ... the bad news for most of you guys and me is that we missed out! ;0(

... it won't happen again!

Tiki Farm: Von Franco Ashtrays ...

In a short term departure from mugs Tiki Farm have created from the artwork of Von Franco two new ashtrays.

Done up in “Purple Haze” and “Mellow Yellow” glazes, the ashtrays are further finished in an authentic mother-of-pearl overglaze! Each ashtray features 1 cigar rest and 3 cigarette rests.

They only have 250 of each color so the supply of these is limited. AND… are you ready for the price? Their Smokin’ Joe ashtrays are only $11.11 each!

Get down to the Farm quickly!

Reviewing iPhone Cases Tiki Style ...

It's been a while since Tiki Talk (on of my favourite Tiki Blogs) drew my attention to a rubber iPhone case for the third generation model.

But having upgraded to the 4G version I'm looking for a new case to replace my rather nondescript black one, the reception is remarkably good here on The Secret Island. I was disappointed that the makers of the case above don't have a 4G update and so it was onto the internet to find the best of the rest and I thought I would share...

#3. Tiki Amakua skin from Skinit.com


This one comes in at $14.99 and is a front and back skin. Not a bad look but offering minimal (none!) protection against drops but will keep those scratches at bay!

#2. Magma iPhone 4 Slider Case from Cafepress.

The Magma Tiki iPhone 4 with this back cover, two-piece case. It features a removable bottom (with a soft grip for easy handling) that slides off for quick docking. A hard plastic design protects from scratches.

• Fits iPhone 4g
• Hard-shell two-piece protective case
• Sliding case, with removable bottom for docking
• Felt-lined inside
• Easy access to all controls
• Apple® and iPhone® are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries

They also have the Eclipse... both available for $25. Cheap when you consider the price of a replacement!

#1. Tribal iPhone 4 case by Grove.

Okay, okay so it's not strictly speaking a Tiki but my choice case is hard to resist. Part of its artist series (Jonny Wan, UK) this skull design has all the trademarks of a quality tattoo etched into bamboo. Each case is created from a piece of bamboo with a scary amount of accuracy. The back is a mere 0.075" while the whole thing weighs .6oz!

You might not even notice its there ... even your wallet will feel lighter! But I guess at $89 and taking into account the style and workmanship you certainly get what you pay for!

Derek Does It Again ...

Derek Yaniger has been a busy boy. Invited to contribute three pieces for an exhibit at Miami’s fabulous Harold Golen Gallery he sent in 3 full color original art pieces torn right from the pages of his very own personal sketchbook…now each one is framed and ready to hang on your wall. Two are pictured below and you'll need to get in contact if you want them...

He is also planning on releasing some serigraphs in the near future (like the one pictured below) if you like the look of this one sign up for the emailed news at Derek Art and get in the queue!

Introducing Trevor Carlton...

Trawling through Tumblr this week, whilst sheltering from a tropical cyclone,I came across the work of artist Trevor Carlton. I was immediately impressed with not only the subject matter but also the patina of the finish. I love that vintage, slightly worn paint effect to the point that some people who know me quite well just don't understand why I'm attracted to the sort of stuff that most consider tatty or just simply rubbish!

Monte Trevor Carlton was born in 1972 in Olympia, Washington State. Although he took up painting in high school, the first artistic passion that Trevor embraced was acting. He decided to forgo an art scholarship in favor of attending a dramatic arts scholarship at Skagit Valley College.

Trevor next attended the Lee Strasberg Acting Workshop. The following year he relocated to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. Amidst the chaos of auditions and callbacks, Trevor paid the bills by working in a custom furniture store, specializing in antiquing and faux finish designs.

It was here that a style was born. Using reclaimed lumber as his “canvas”, he started painting images of vintage Americana with subjects ranging from pop icon celebrity to the hey day of jazz.

After numerous gallery shows in Los Angeles and private commissions he has now combined his unique style to that most American of symbols, MICKEY MOUSE. Along with a series of classic lobby card paintings, he has also created a performance piece that has him painting a large canvas of our favorite Disney characters in a matter of minutes.

Find out more about Trevor and his work here.

Professor Papaya’s Wild Wahine Bikini Machine...

Derek Yaniger has been as busy as usual with details of new works being published or as Derek himself would put it "I got lots to lay on ya’…so lend an ear and I’ll commence to beatin’ my gums!!"

First up PosterPop Derek will release sixteen new sticker and t-shirts designs. Pictured here is false idols...

Now here on the Secret Island we like our wahines of the week, but sometimes a week feels like a long time between Wahines! Professor Papaya might just have the solution in the form of a new piece for the upcoming Tiki Caliente 3 art show to be held in Palm Springs from May 20th ’til the 22nd. Entitled “Professor Papaya’s Wild Wahine Bikini Machine” this is Derek's only contribution but is sure to sell!

Robert Lopshire - Native Dancers...

This delightful Twentieth Century illustration for a mens magazine by Robert Lopshire titled native Dancers was recently sold at auction for a price in the region of $1800.00 US.

It was painted in gouache on board measuring 11.75 x 23.5 in. I'm not a great fan of pin up art, but I do have a soft spot for this as it so very much reminds me of the covers of the boy comics I would read as a kid.

Shag's Still Life with Cocktails ...

Shag has released a new set of twenty small ink and acrylic paintings. Measuring in at 25cm x 33cm these two-color original drawings will be shown to the public at M Modern Gallery Opening Reception on Friday, Feb. 18, 8 - 11 pm. Its free and open to the public so if your anywhere near Palm Springs get there...

SHAG will be in attendance to meet & great you as well as sign prints, books & merchandise purchased from the event.

Apparently the first three customers we contacted the gallery bought six of the twenty! So you'll need to be quick if you want one!

A new exclusive Print titled "Welcome to Palm Springs" will also be on offer at a special price throughout the weekend. There will also be more Artist Proof Prints (of previously Sold Out editions) than they time to count, plus other SPECIALS like SHAG's Disney "Pirate Boy" on SALE for $20 each (regularly $60 each).

See all twenty originals - SHAG Still Life (with cocktails)