Everyone thought Krafft was just being ironic with his blue and white ceramic mugs and teapots that depicted history’s tragedies and villains, but this King of Controversy shook up the art world when it was revealed that the impetus behind all those Hitler portraits may have been an association with white nationalists.  Quoted as denying the events of the Holocaust, Krafft made the art world take a hard look at the artist’s intent, and if it matters to the reception of the work.  It was especially awkward because for years he was critically acclaimed. Now I browse through the serial killer cups on his website and wonder if he admires them, too. Very creepy.

The so-called “dark angel of Seattle art” fell quickly once all that was revealed.  But there were some hints to his weirdness wayyy before then:

1. He lived in in a cabin at an artist’s commune in a remote Washington town for 12 years trying to learn how to meditate.


2. In 1999 he adopted a technique where you mix bone in with clay, but replaced cow skeletons with human ashes.  Now he makes art out of people’s cremated remains.


3. He’s been quoted as saying that he, “prefers to be in the company of criminals, undertakers and blue-haired grannies.”


4. And apparently Nazi sympathatizers. It’s worth mentioning again the guy is a Holocaust denier.

If all of this has not convinced you he’s a total wackjob, spend a few moments browsing the disturbing Charles Krafft website. There’s a Kim Jong Il coffee cup and statue of a bunny shooting up.  ‘Nuff said.