I just read about this. I know he had a polarizing affect on this board a few years back, but I enjoyed his postings - they were usually funny and came from somebody who had skin in the game. I was dissappointed when he left after getting tired of the shit he was getting for hawking some of his toys [i.e. painted RxH, big fiberglass Belzors and such]. And for squaring off w/ those who trolled or threw sit his way. And who could forget his legendary sale. Sorry to hear he has passed.
Oh shit, for real? Damn… I didn’t own any of his toys, but he definitely was one of the artists who got me sucked into designer toys in the first place. (Believe it or not my goal early on was to customize platform toys, but then I tripped and fell into sofubi.) RIP to a guy who definitely divided SB quite a bit, but who was absolutely a powerhouse of art.
Kozik is a man among men. I got to meet him at Dcon, and he doodled on a toy for me while handling business and like three conversations simultaneously. His record label was a bastion of noise and grit and to this day has some of my favorite rock albums of all time. I joined the board long after he left, and don't really collect his toy work, but wish him well as he steps into the void.
You just assume folk have been and will always be there. Then one day they’re not. The impact he had on the scene. I remember following vinyl pulse’s blog just to see what new crazy stuff he got up to. Rest In Peace Frank
Really sorry to be waking up to news of Frank's passing. Sincere condolences to his family and legions of fans, both present and historical. As many have said, he rightfully earned his place in this hobby, and whether you were a personal fan of his toy work or art or not is irrelevant. His impact on the vinyl toy scene cannot be measured. Indirectly or directly, the work of such artists is what lead to a resurgence of the hobby and kept things like this board going. Many people found their way into this from his work, name, or KR connections. His artistic output and dedication over decades speaks to his ongoing passion well before any strife set in. For all that he gave he earned the respect. Losing him is a tough blow. His art will live on on, as will his influence. RIP Frank.
We had our online 'run-ins' occasionally . . . but his crap english accent cracked me up whenever our paths crossed in the real world. The Secret Base sale was indeed legendary, and his BxH Labbit collaboration was a pivotal moment in Japanese x Western toy culture. I'll miss knowing the grumpy old fart isn't still around.
I did not know Frank well, I was only acquainted with him through Skullbrain when things got started here and really didn't know anything else about him. About fifteen years ago when I was first thinking about making a toy, I PM'ed him asking for advice on a couple of things, and without any prompting he sent me his phone number, saying if I wanted to pick his brain, call anytime. That turned into a couple of very long discussions where he generously provided so much good information and many important considerations to mull over. Frank was very business-minded when it came to his approach to projects. Years later when he was put in charge of Kid Robot, I knew they made a good choice. That first toy project eventually evaporated, but years later when I got a new one off the ground, I had one in hand to show Frank when I saw him at DesignerCon last year. I told him he probably didn't remember me or our conversations, but I really appreciated it nonetheless. I'm glad I was able to thank him before he was gone. I know some folks here and elsewhere had their issues and various scuffles with him but he always struck me as nothing but a straight shooter. It is sad knowing that he's not going to be around any more.
I never knew or met the man, nor had any interactions here. Well before I got into sofubi, I knew of his graphic design and posters from when i was in college. After starting down the dark path of soft vinyl collecting, what he was doing was inspirational. Love or hate his toys, he did his own thing unapologetically and I have mountains of respect for that. Its heartbreaking he passed so early in life. He was a legend when he was with us and will be forever after. RIP King.
He did his very own thing. In any creative scene you gotta respect that. I never knew him, but I do remember when he frequented SB and enjoyed his presence here. May he rest in peace.
So here's my own encounter with Frank... When RxH released the Fruitty Peeble Chaosman, i managed to trade it from Frank... Years later, and i mean 7 or 8 years if not more, i was having dinner with friends in an area of Paris where i rarely hang around ... At some point, looking in the restaurant, i spot a couple having dinner and though...man, i know this guy .. After a close look, i decided to go to them and say ''hey, are you Frank Kozik?" and he said ''yeah, that's me''.. Then i asked him if he still has the Exclusive Black Garada K7 from Unifive...and yeah, he still had it... So i told me that i was the guy he traded it too... And then after enquiring if he is enjoying Paris, i left him and his wife enjoy their dinner... Very small world and a very nice guy to chat with.
I worked with Frank for a few years in his studio in SoMa. I learned so much from him. He was a very giving person as anyone who asked him for help or advice on art/toy making can attest. I got to know Frank and his amazing wife Sharon and their family well over those few years and they always treated me like family. I am forever grateful to Frank for all that he taught me. I wish I had more to say but am finding it hard to put into words what Frank meant me. He obviously has a lasting impact on the Art/Toy/Poster scene, but more importantly he had a positive impact on a lot of people on a personal level which says a lot about who he was. You always think you will have more time to reach out to that friend you haven’t talked to. Don’t wait.let them know you’re thinking about them. Ask how they are. Make it a point to make time for them in your life. RIP Frank Kozik
Met him only once at a con , emailed a few times over a couple of his toys. Yet he made time for me and was a very cordial as well as monstously talented guy. I always liked his studio/garage posts, never knew what he'd start fixing up next.
Ride on Frank http://skullbrain.org/bb/index.php?...ould-be-funny-if-the-misfits.5856/#post-74334 weird to think that was posted 17+ years ago. seems like yesterday.
Shocking and very sad! Condolences to Sharon and the family. He was an icon to be sure and I will miss him and his work. And yes, I adore the giant Belchors https://lavitsfigure.com/products/f...ju-zagoran-belcher-purple-ver-30-vinyl-figure There was a feature article with great pics of his giant works, but I can't find the link. Here is a smattering http://www.jeremyriad.com/blog/art/art-multiples/putting-the-squeeze-on-frank-kozik/ You will be missed.
It's always a bit sad that people never hear the sincere comments while alive. I was never a fan of his toys but really appreciated his artwork especially with bands. Condolences.
Very sad to hear. I def started out collecting w/ his mini smoking guys. Wish I woulda kept the cig smoking a cig! Let us never forget the time he went to the ultimate flipper/scammer's house to fuck his shit up! http://skullbrain.org/bb/index.php?...-or-elizabeth-record.43632/page-4#post-724253
