ESCARGOT DE LUXE Outdoor sculpture with smoker's seat & ashtrays. Commissioned by Ville Valo. Stefan Lindfors 2008. Photo: Jenny Nyman Ville Valo of HIM wanted a large ashtray for the garden of his residence. Lindfors said “I can't design just an ashtray for you, it's not big enough of a deal. And besides, don't you need somewhere to sit while you're smoking away?". Valo and Lindfors decided to let the whole case be a surprise for Valo, and Lindfors created and built a large-sized structure in which he integrated a comfortable seat. And two ashtrays just in case... The structure within which Valo would sit and smoke and think reminds of a huge snail shell, and Lindfors called it "Escargot de Luxe". "Escargot" is French for "Snail". One option would be to "let different weeds grow inside and around your Snail House, and it will live and change forever", Lindfors figured. Lindfors' partner in building the piece was Harri Ojala, and the sculpture is welded, rusted and lacquered steel round stock. "Escargot de luxe" was installed on the last day of 2008 in Mr. Valo's garden and it was unveiled in the evening of January 1, 2009, by Bam Margera and his wife Missy.”...