blik. press release

Blik introduces surrealistic still life graphics from LA-based artist, Greg "Craola" Simkins. Let your imagination run wild with these new graphics that throw together a dash of pop culture, a wee bit of nature and some carnival kitsch. Sounds like a wild ride to us.


Parrot $55	Raptor $55

VENICE, CA: Blik, the innovative maker of self-adhesive surface graphics, announced today the launch of three new graphics from LA-based surrealist artist, Greg "Craola" Simkins. Simkins comes to Blik via progressive art brand Upper Playground

Born in Torrance, just south of Los Angeles, Simkins grew up with a menagerie of animals that often emerge in his paintings. His childhood obsession with Disney cartoons, Watership Down and The Chronicles of Narnia, have become fodder for his work today, in addition to fascination with the different elements of nature.

At age 18, Simkins started doing graffiti art under the name "Craola" and later translated his artistic skills into his work with acrylics. Since then, he has been featured in numerous group exhibitions and sold out shows. His careful weaving of pop culture, the old masters, nature, carnival kitsch and a warped imagination has made Simkins a sought-after surrealist painter.

"Blik puts out an amazing product," said Simkins. "They have the ability to transform my line art to a large-scale decorative piece, something I have been waiting for... It was a no-brainer choosing the pieces to use for decals and I'm stoked to be able to decorate my studio with them."

The three dark and mysterious graphics created for Blik: "Raptor," "Parrot" and "Charon" embody a fantasy world of vivid nature images coined by Simkins as the eco-structure of "The Outside." According to Simkins, "The Outside" is a world in which to escape and inhabit, and for others to enjoy. He hopes Blik fans will enjoy bringing this fantasy world into their home. Craola for Blik graphics begin at $55 and will be available online on June 3 at Blik

High-res images available. Email pr@whatisblik.com

ABOUT GREG "CRAOLA" SIMKINS: Greg Simkins was born in 1975 in Torrance California, just south of Los Angeles. He began drawing at the age of three and his art continued to progress to the age of 18, when he started doing graffiti under the name "CRAOLA." After receiving his Bachelor's Degree in Studio Art from California State University of Long Beach in 1999, Simkins worked as an Illustrator for various clothing companies. He later moved on to Treyarch/Activision where he worked on video games while attempting to paint with every free moment he had. In 2005, Simkins pursued his desire to paint as a full time artist. Since then, he has been featured in numerous group exhibitions and sold out solo exhibitions. His client/collaboration list includes Disney, Mattel, Upper Playground, Juxtapoz, To Die For, Vans, Converse, AFI, Saosin, Gym Class Heroes, Pennywise, STRANGEco, Ningyoushi, Kid Robot, Zero Friends, Epitaph, Dark Horse, Iron Fist and Pulse International. Simkins' artwork currently appears in galleries throughout the U.S. and can be explored at www.imscared.com.

ABOUT BLIK: Based in Venice, CA, Blik is the leading designer and maker of innovative self-adhesive, removable surface graphics. Co-founded in 2002 by architect Scott Flora and food editor Jerinne Neils, Blik was an exploration into the concept of the "wall as canvas." Today, through groundbreaking production methods, original design and collaboration with such brands as Threadless, Upper Playground, Nintendo and Charles & Ray Eames, Blik is an I.D. Magazine Product Design Distinction Award Winner and participated in the esteemed Cooper-Hewitt National Design Triennial. The full Blik product line is available online and at retailers worldwide. For more information please visit www.whatisblik.com.

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