About the Designs“I think everything an artist draws is a self-portrait in some way or another. The art I created for the cufflink designs for Hobbs & Kent is no exception. I illustrated the theme, 'The Four Vices of Man'. It began with what I think is the first and most powerful vice: women. As they say, 'The picture says it all.' Next came alcohol, which I’ve never had a problem with, yet like many I can fondly recall days in college when humorous events and situations were lubricated with nights of Olympic drinking. Next came gambling. Other than the occasional poker game with the same gang every three or four months, I’ve never been an avid player. l am humbled by my lack of ability to win the big pot. But hey, it’s not whether you win or lose, its, ‘whens the pizza coming?’. Finally, we have horses. I have ridden exactly twice in my life and had no idea of what I was doing. The horse knew it too. These are ‘The Four Vices’ according to me. Some of you will relate, some will not, but the important thing to realize is that like a good vice, cufflinks never go out of style.” -Gary Taxali | Artist BioGary Taxali was born in Chandigarh, India in 1968. A year later, he and his family immigrated to Toronto, Canada. The encouragement of his parents led Gary to take art classes as a child that eventually led him to pursue an art education. In 1991, he graduated from the Ontario College of Art and immediately began working as a professional illustrator. A few years later, he began showing in various exhibitions and galleries throughout North America and Europe. In 2005, he launched his first vinyl toy, The Toy Monkey, which included a special edition specifically created for The Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City. Gary was also asked by the Whitney Museum to donate a limited edition print to be given to top donors at their annual fundraising Art Party. Aside from his gallery shows and illustration work, Gary also devotes a portion of his time traveling through lecturing and teaching at various arts organizations and schools such as The Ontario College of Art and Design in Toronto, Canada. He is a Founding Member of IPA (The Illustrators’ Partnership of America) and sits on the Advisory Board of 3x3: The Magazine of Contemporary Illustration. Currently, Gary is working on his next mass production toy figure, “Oh No”, and “Oh Oh” under the name of his new company, Chump Inc. as well as ‘This Is Silly”, a children’s book published by Scholastic and slated for a spring 2010 release. He has been commissioned by Rolling Stone, GQ, Esquire, Time, Newsweek, Fortune, The New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, Fast Company, Reader’s Digest, Business Week, Warner Bros., Paramount Pictures, Converse, Levi’s, Sony, McSweeny’s, MTV, Coca-Cola. In addition, Gary created the cover and inside artwork for Aimee Mann’s latest release @#%&*! Smilers which was nominated for a Grammy for Best Package. | All Rights Reserved. © 2008-2009 Gary Taxali

"The Holy Grail for many collectors is a pair of The Four Vices, a popular theme of the early Edwardian period. Wine, women and gambling (cards and horses) are the vices depicted with Monopoly-style tokens. These were usually handmade by jewellers and a hallmarked pair in sterling silver can easily fetch $1500 today." - James Cockington, The Sydney Morning Herald."