Describe your style in one sentence:
Layered works of fun!
How did you came up with your Ripple character?
I wanted him to be a retro 1950’s gas station toy. I wanted him to be iconic and simplistic, and I got to do it. My vision actually came to life, I’m really happy about that. It’s exactly what it’s supposed to be. People think it looks like the Ghostbusters toy, or the Michelin man, or something else, and I’m smiling and thinking “that’s exactly what I wanted you to say”. I created him to be a brand icon for myself… I’m really, really happy with him.
How did you first start creating vinyl toys?
I collected comics and old-school arcade games, and stumbled onto toys from one of my boys. I was talking to Mark Bodé at the time and he was mentioning how he was making a Cheech wizard toy. I asked if I could come down to a show in NYC to look at the prototype. He said, “Sure, I’ll introduce you to some people”. I met Tristan Eaton that night, and Filth. They were both working with Kidrobot at the time I proceeded to talk to Tristan about the designer-toy business and what was going on. From there, it’s history. I started off doing the Dunnys then moved on to my own designs. I just was really excited about a new medium and have loved it ever since.
What has been your most rewarding collaboration?
My favorite was my daughter! The story behind the Dae Dae Dunny was after seeing Series One she mentioned to me that all the Dunnys look like they were for boys. I gave her some templates to color up and one of them stood out to me so I took some elements from her design and, of course, tightened them up. We submitted it with some other designs and Kidrobot went with that and the Camo design. It was cool to do something like that and it will live in her memory forever.
Who/what are your creative influences?
Wow, EVERYTHING! I mean specifically on the pop culture part you’ll see the iconic logos and images that I use. If it was prominent in my youth you will probably see me touch upon these images.
On artists: Everything from Warhol, Lichtenstein, Mondrian, Jasper Johns, Miro and Basquiat.
On Graff: Eros16t5, Seen, Doze, Cavs, Sent, Key, Wane, Dero, Ghost, Reas, Dash and crews like TFP, AOK, Cod, Imok, SV, UA and FC.
What’s the first picture you can remember drawing as a child?
It would have to be something to do with Star Wars.
What music is rotating on your iPod?
Hammock, Sigur Rós, Highspire, Led Zeppelin, The Smiths, KRS One, A Tribe called Quest. We can go on for days you know my library is 5,000 songs deep, lol.
What’s the most unusual thing that’s ever inspired a piece of your art?
Garbage.
What things have you seen recently that are going to inspire a piece of art?
Fabrics, color pallets, blue prints.
What’s the most extreme reaction you’ve ever had from a fan?
A lady who collected my stuff came up to me at the NY Comic-con. She was visually upset and overwhelmed by the fact that she was meeting me and that I was drawing for her. I was really taken aback. I’ve never had that happen before. It was so weird. But I like fans, so that’s OK. I’ll take the time out for them any day. But nothing too crazy has happened to me. Nothing like Huck. Girls go mad for Huck. They want him to sign their tits and everything. He’s a crazy dude.
Could you share three things in your work space that inspire you?
KLOV.com, old children’s books and vintage toys.
What art do you have on your walls?
Seen, Tim Biskup, Tristan Eaton, Vaughn Bodé, Harry Oh and Katro Storm.
What websites do you check out regularly?
formatmag.com, Channel1online.com, Facebook, Twitter, toycyte.com, spankystokes.com and wizardsleevetoys.com.
If you had to change careers, what would be next?
A Mac Tech.
Are there any upcoming shows or projects you’d like to share?
Check out Prepositions of Direction at Koffee in New Haven, CT on June 6th and Soul School Special Assembly at Mix Ultra Lounge Hollywood, FL, live art by SKET-ONE, PON, SHANE on June 20, 2009.
