There are people in the paintings of Joe Sorren, but they’re not quite human. We have ways to relate — they hold instruments, they take pictures, they build sand castles by the sea — but there is something in them that is not like us.

I have always felt that the occupants of the world of Joe Sorren are more innocent than those in mine. Their hands may be the size of heads, their heads the shape of balloons, but in all of their twists and distortions, their eyes are sources of infectious calm.

Sorren’s work has appeared in publications as varied as Rolling Stone, Print and The L.A. Times, and is a part of many significant collections worldwide. Universally loved and lauded, you’d do well to be aware of the work of this Arizona-based artist.

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What was your favorite comic book when you were in elementary school? Jorge Mascarenhas’ classmates would say ‘Ferhinhas [Little Beast],’ which was the comic book that Jorge produced and started selling to his buddies at age seven. We have massive respect for that kind of entrepreneurship at such a young age. Now he has turned his illustration talent to create rich characters he finds in everyday life. Check out a full body of his works at his website and see a little bit of the process and dialog that he puts into his work at his blog.

Portland’s db clay has done it again … on the eco-friendly tip, of course. Besides the fact that they’re handmade (and honestly, who takes such pride in wallet craftsmanship anymore?), the version 3.1 design patterns are fairly off-the-wall. We don’t use this term lightly. The new collection has oddities like Mr. Diggles Razors, Childhood Chores, and Slow Bugs, all of which come from of the minds of madmen on a mission to make a money minder. Please do us, and yourself, a big favor and check out their new website. We’ll also let you in on a little secret. Use promo code: spear20 at checkout to get 20% off your order. Now get out of here before we change our minds.

Zune Arts is an absolute must-see for anyone who wants to be on the cutting edge of emerging art. The collaborations they foster between artists are dependably kick ass and always push the envelope.

They continue to break new ground with "epic intergalactic adventure" The Lost Ones, an upcoming graphic novel written by 30 Days of Night comic horror master Steve Niles. In the collaborative spirit, The Lost Ones' four chapters will be illustrated by a different graphic artist, giving each section its own style, while also working in tandem to visually bring Niles' story to life.

Particularly impressive is the diversity of these fantastic four: Dr. Revolt, an original in the legendary NYC graffiti crew The Rolling Thunder Writers; amazing surrealist illustrator Gary Panter (pictured left); innovative Brooklyn-based art and design studio Morning Breath; and up-and-coming fashion designer/painter Kime Buzzelli. Scheduled for release in June, The Lost Ones will be up for grabs in both paperback and collector's editions. And grab it we will.

Justin Gignac and his girlfriend Christine are going to Las Vegas. While they’re there they’d like to gamble, hit up an all you can eat buffet for two, and even see some showgirls. Why should you care? Because you’re going to pay for them. While catering for other people’s vacation whims probably wasn’t on your list of things to do this year, the clever pair behind Wants for Sale are out to prove you can always get what you want. Don’t worry there’s something in it for you: matching Sin City-themed paintings depicting typical Vegas activities. So ante up! Maybe you’ll get lucky and they’ll bring you back a souvenir. Or a showgirl.

Camouflage means two things: potential military aggression or you’re going buck hunting. However, the new DPM Spring/Summer ‘08 line from Penfield is neither. The New England outdoor apparel experts have collaborated with camouflage specialist Maharishi to create a design that accentuates its “natural roots and artistic influences,” instead of guns and ammo. At the heart of the collection is a pattern adapted from the 1950’s era “Belgian brushstroke.” Previously associated with the elite troop units, this particular pattern is replaced with feathers to depict the “lightness” of the Penfield brand. Odds are if you see someone walking down the street with feathery camouflage they’re probably ready to make love, not war.

See Dick get vintage cool. See Jane become art. See Dick and Jane on your wall as a whimsical conversation piece. Whether they're part of your memories of early childhood education or not, the nostalgic kick of Dick and Jane has become a universal part of North American culture. Anyone who doesn't know See Spot Run just hasn't been paying enough attention. With a blend of retro-chic and a naughty wink, Sundance has given authentic grammar school Dick and Jane flashcards a second life. The cards come in neutral tones on matte black metal frames. But the twist is that these elementary vocabulary words are mixed into more adult themes: "I Work For A Clown", "Let Them Eat Cake," and our personal favorite, "Go Go Boots". Each piece is totally unique and range from $150 - $225. See us spend.