Hmmm. I'm new to this welding game, but isn't that a gas cutting torch? It certainly looks like he's cutting. The sign is all a-kimbo. Although that doesn't look like a set of gas bottles there. Now why would he be cutting? Possibly because the North Pole population has changed. Someone leaving? Someone arriving? Someone pregnant? Now THAT would explain the devilish grin. Or is it SYMBOLIC? Is the '86' being used to mean "nix" or "abandon"? The myth of Santa abandoned? The end of innocence? Or something MORE SINISTER??

Wake up people. Can't you see when a devil-worshiping graphical artist is pandering to your particular sub-culture? I think your tin-foil hats have slipped off!

ChrisG,

I don't get where you're coming from. I don't see any of the sinister remarks you are referring to buddy. I mean we all have ways of seeing, and maybe I'm way off track here, but what's so sinister about this Santa? Can you explain the "86" symbolism? I'm not familiar with it at all.

Have you been to Oliver's web site? Here's what she has to say about this Christmas card. "No he's not vandalizing that population sign. My sister in law works at a company that makes all of the road signs and barriers for all of Utah, they needed a Christmas card this year that was somewhat relevant to not only Christmas, but to their line of work. So here it is, YAY."

..."devil-worshiping graphical artist" A bit harsh, isn't it? My tin-foil hat is a little crumpled so I'm not sure what vibes I'm receiving...

My first reply was trying to be hummerous. The thread then became interesting and may be time to end it.

Don

I'm not certain what "hummerous" means, but I was certainly trying to be funny (admittedly Northeastern humor probably doesn't work so well Minnesota). Expect to attract some non-conformists if you use "ART" in your mission statement.

LOL you cracked me up...... I actually thought it was pretty funny. Hummerous.......isn't that a funny looking Hummer? Maybe the newest model. H4

Non-conformists are more than welcome ChrisG. I just couldn't figure out how you were interpreting the card. Now that I've done some lookups on "86," I too am wondering what the subliminal message is on this Christmas Card. The dictionary shed some light:

eight·y-six or 86 (t-sks)

tr.v. eight·y-sixed or 86·ed, eight·y-six·ing or 86·ing, eight·y-six·es or 86·es Slang

1. To refuse to serve (an unwelcome customer) at a bar or restaurant.

2.

a. To throw out; eject.

b. To throw away; discard.

 

So maybe you are right? Is the artist saying Christmas is dead?

 

Maybe I should cantact the artist to get the real scoop... 

Well - this is funny. It looks to be a harmless bit of humor, but I suppose a little clarification wouldn't hurt.

#1. Sorry, satan, I don't worship you.

#2. 86 was the a random number (it's subliminal meaning was to indicate low population in the north pole) (side note I did get kicked out of a restaurant one time).

#3. As far as welding goes, I wouldn't know a cutting torch from a regular welder (although I do recall using a spot welder once in shop class) so sorry about any misinterpretation. Santa is actually supposed to be fixing the poor sign.

Most of all I'm glad the piece was noticed, thanks for the comments and thanks to my sister for the cute idea. I wish you all a merry Christmas.

Oliver

oliverchipping.blogspot.com