[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrExdFWak8w]
To say the folks in the Strip House were surprised as Lexxy walks through the door instead of Mac or Nick would be accurate. More interestingly is Amy’s reaction. She needs a Maki Pineapple. Or three. Stat. And while folks recognize Lexxy as a competitive challenge, no one is as intense and freaked about the creator’s change-up as Amy. Amy is struggling with contest vs. peers vs. making friends, here’s hoping she doesn’t self-combust.
Is it a bird? A plane? What the eff. It’s Lexxy!
Regardless, Lexxy’s in, Mac and Nick are out; the next day is the next social challenge. And as varied as the challenges have been, today is no exception. It’s a sculpt off! Each person will have to sculpt their version of the word or phrase that Graham gives them. Each person then votes for which one they think is best. Some of the pieces were great, but really, it was a toss-up between Katie, Maki, and Lexxy. Unsurprisingly, Katie won and receives a redraw ticket. Whether that means choosing another topic, or getting to re-draw your elimination strip is up for discussion.
Can’t wait to see the artists get all stressed on Friday. It’s a guilty pleasure to watch ’em sweat.
My current top three now remain unchanged:
Katie, Tavis, and Maki
New episodes air Tuesday and Friday on Penny Arcade and youtube.
Current Standings:
Abby Howard, 20, Montreal, Quebec.
She’s the youngest and has the least experience. But she draws dinosaurs! However, will any of those things even matter?
Alex Hobbs, 22, Tempe, AZ.
This swear-word dropping free-spirit is highly likeable, but will his work be up to par? Set to graduate post-Strip Search, it’ll be interesting to see where this will take him. Eliminated 1st Challenge
Amy Falcone, 24, Noank, CT
Gamer to the innards, Amy is serious and competitive to a fault. Will that fault be her undoing? Whatever the result, quitting her job to do Strip Search shows her passion.
(Challenge #1 Winner)
(Social Game #3 / Drawing Blind Winner – Intuos5 Tablet)
Erika Moen, 29, Portland, OR
Proven work in social and sexual commentary brings her to the contest with a following that marks her as one to have eyes on.
(Social Game #3 / Drawing Blind Winner – Intuos5 Tablet)
(Challenge #4 Winner)
Katie Rice,31, Burbank, CA
A soft-spoken artist with a following of her own. Some of those fans are also fellow contestants. Will she use the star power to stun?
(Kept: Elimination #1)
(Kept: Elimination #2)
(Social Game #4 / Street Art Winner – Artist Alley booth at NYCC ’13)
(Social Game #5 / Sculpt-Off Winner – Redraw Ticket)
Lexxy – Alexandra Douglas, 27, Carmel, IN
Also seen in Penny Arcade: The Series, she’s dealt with Gabe and Tycho’s reality egos. If that helps or harms remains to be seen. Eliminated 3rd Challenge (but BARELY)
(Social Game #2 / Seattle Trivia Winner – Wacom Cintiq HD Tablet)
(Returned to compete after the double elimination #4)
Mac – Mackenzie Schubert, 26, Portland, OR
Quiet, doe-eyes Mac has a very defined artistic style all his own. It’ll be interesting to watch how his gentle soul deals with the mood swings a competitive show can bring. Eliminated 4th Challenge
(Social Game #4 / Street Art Winner – Artist Alley booth at NYCC ’13)
Maki Naro, 31, Brooklyn, NY
While I sincerely hope this guy watches Psych, his cool logic and talent may very well be what brings him to the final set of competitors.
(Social Game #1 / Fax Machine Winner – Redraw Ticket)
(Social Game #4 / Street Art Winner – Artist Alley booth at NYCC ’13)
Monica Ray, 22, Northbrook, IL
While seemingly quiet at the beginning, Monica’s super-power of Always Doing Something And Befriending All seems a gift. Remains to be seen if that gift implodes or explodes.
Nick Trujillo, 30, Walnut Creek, CA
Something of a philosopher and jack of all trades, Nick’s ability to be alright with people and make good art is something to watch. But will his relative newness to the industry be a detriment? Eliminated 4th Challenge
(Challenge #2 Winner)
(Challenge #3 Winner)
Tavis Maiden, 31, Mesa, AZ
Bringing the attitude only a parent can, Tavis wants this more than any five-year-old screaming for the last piece of cake. He may get it, too.
(Kept: Elimination #3)
Ty Halley, 25, Portsmouth, OH
Clipped, dry witted Ty has no brain-to-mouth–filter. And, he’s using his time on Strip Search as material for his own daily life strip. That will be interesting. Eliminated 2nd Challenge
All bios and links to the personal websites of each artist can be found here.
