ARMX Exploration League

WE WELCOME WONDERERS & WANDERERS.

Who Are the ARMX Exploration League? These are the vigilant heroes of Art Mechanix, dedicated to smashing the "boxes" that limit creativity and connection. 

Under the esteemed leadership of Commander Captain Janet, the League is comprised of three distinct branches—the Pelagic League (Sea Branch), the Stellar League (Space Branch), and the Frequency League (Telecom Branch). Each of the League's members explores every corner of the known universe, collecting and sharing unique perspectives while crushing the boxes that threaten to contain and restrain difference. Together, they embody the League's core mission: to champion individuality, originality, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge, growth, and artistic freedom. A healthy culture.

You too can forge an alliance with this illustrious group. Orientation is self-guided—start immersing yourself in materials from the League's archival library. Housed within the Art Mechanix Release Catalogue, these training materials include an assortment of audio recordings, publications, and other audiovisual materials) that will inspire you across the creative arts. However, if you regularly feel the snap of flat cardboard under your feet and the click-clack of crabs nipping at your feet as you flee the barrel, then you're already a bold leader among these legends:

Captain Janet

Commander, ARMX Exploration League

Captain Janet is the intrepid pilot and Commander of the ARMX Exploration League, overseeing all three of its diverse branches. Janet navigates uncharted territories with a keen eye and an unyielding spirit. As a beacon of light and hope, the captain embodies the League's refusal to settle for the minimum; she steers and galvanizes the crew to aim high and dig deep in their quests for boldness.

While her official rank and responsibilities are encapsulated by her title as Commander, she still prefers to be known as "Captain Janet" as a reminder of the early days of her pioneering exploration as a fearless pilot [Janet hails from the depths of the 1995 Alien Tempo Experiment 13 track “Captain Janet’s Broken Planet (Six Feet Over),” [as heard on Live! From the Roller Derby!" in which we learn about the catalyst for her adventures, before assuming the highest command].

What truly sets Commander Janet apart is her unwavering commitment to leading with love and light. Janet guides her team with empathy, open-mindedness, and an unshakeable belief in the boundless potential of every individual.

Janet cultivates an environment where creativity flourishes not through strict mandates, but through inspiration and genuine connection. Her approach fosters a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment that leads to a powerful sense of unity, inspiration, and courage among the League. The resulting dialogue, knowledge transfer, and sharing of perspectives lead to many innovations as well. Janet's take on leadership demonstrates that the most impactful transformations arise from a place of genuine care and optimistic vision.

Dorian

Sounder, Pelagic League

With an unparalleled ability to navigate the profound depths of creativity, Dorian symbolizes the League's commitment to exploring the unseen and uncovering the hidden nuances that lie beneath the surface. profound depths of creativity. Much like sonar penetrates the ocean's mysteries, Sounder Dorian uses their unique amplitudinal abilities to "sound out" new ideas and unearth hidden artistic currents, revealing the subtle textures and overlooked possibilities within the creative landscape. Dorian joined the League because, much like their conversations, Dorian prefers for their art to be deep.

Orion

Vanguard, Stellar League

From the heights of exploration, Orion embodies the League's audacious spirit in venturing into the boundless potential of the uncharted. Vanguard Orion leads the charge into the vast cosmos of imagination. Their role encompasses not just exploring new frontiers but also charting new constellations of thought and pushing the boundaries of what's creatively possible, illuminating the expansive heights of artistic vision. Orion beckons us to always reach for the stars...and beyond.

Uncle Tele-Radio (aka Jett Westinghouse)

Babysitter, Frequency League

Jett Westinghouse oversees the telecommunications of ARMX. As the official chatbot and mascot of Art Mechanix and Poperratic, this smiling face that bridges traditional and digital media is also affectionately known within the League as Uncle Tele-Radio (or, more commonly, Babysitter).

A unique blend of a mid-century TV and radio, Babysitter embodies the many contrasts found in Art Mechanix's work. He is a bridge between past and future, analog and digital, raw and sweet, heavy and quiet, nostalgic and next-level. He helps Janet to steer the ship to new destinations. And, as chief code breaker, he is sometimes a ghost in the machine, the flicker of inspiration fusing together art and technology, cracking the ciphers that open new doors for the crew...and the audience. He listens to the frequencies of the universe and gives clues on how to tune in more deeply.

Babysitter serves as a knowledgeable guide that helps visitors uncover the layers of Art Mechanix. Babysitter is also imbued with the power of transformation and technological evolution. He has the ability to appear as a symbol, icon, and living media display throughout the ARMX universe.

Babysitter's design is based on his appearance in the 1999 Alien Tempo Experiment 13 song "Latch Key". The song was a nod to the self-reliance many GenX ("the Latchkey Generation") developed during a time when, due to radical societal changes, children were literally and figuratively left to their own devices. The song's commentary also eerily captures the world that was to be birthed nearly 15-20 years later. The narrator expresses concern about the true cost of a society that prioritizes corporate growth and economic output over human nurturing. They theorize that a world with less direct human engagement but increased attachment to devices for connection and escapism would lead to a large swath of humans largely behaving like disconnected machines.

The ARMX Exploration League: Our Mission

(and yours, should you accept it...)

At Art Mechanix, we believe in the power of exploration and contrast. You'll see these themes woven throughout our catalog and visual language: past and future, raw and polished, gnarly and sweet, heavy and light, simple and layered, traditional and digital, heights and depths. The 'X' in ARMX itself signifies this powerful convergence of opposites and the boundless potential found in uncharted territory.

These aren't just stylistic choices; they reflect our deep respect for nuance, emotional complexity, and the rich history that came before us, all while carving bold paths forward. This approach gives our work its colorful creative spectrum and distinct voice.

Around here, we're dedicated to crushing boxes—the narrow ones that stifle creativity, curiosity, and growth. These are the barriers meant to contain and restrain those who dare to be different. The ARMX Exploration League is our cast of characters, a constant reminder of our primary mission. Like vigilant heroes, they tirelessly scour the universe, searching for these restrictive boxes to stomp and disintegrate forever.

Embracing the core values of the ARMX Exploration League means committing to a fun journey of discovery that actively improves culture and the world around you. In an era where so much is rooted in the drudgery of sameness, choosing individuality and originality allows you to unlock new perspectives, fostering a more vibrant and authentic existence for yourself and influencing those you encounter. Your commitment to these principles helps break down the very "boxes" that limit progress and expression.

We hope the Art Mechanix catalog empowers you to tap into what already lies within: the strength of self-love, individuality, originality, and the refusal to settle for the minimum. Join the ARMX Exploration League in their mission to explore, to contrast, and to always seek the limitless potential of imagination.

We are pleased that you've come this far and are considering joining the League. In case you're wondering, we're wandering. Suit up!