This exhibition features celebrities and important pop culture icons reimagined as nostalgic vintage toys.
I’m not sure where I came up with the idea of turning famous people into iconic Fisher Price Little People, but it seems like the more I make, the more ideas I get for new ones! My favorite part is trying to figure out how to translate the person or character into the “language” of the classic toy. Little People have a certain vocabulary (no arms or feet, specific facial features, etc.) that I try to work within, while capturing the likeness of the subject. I’m open to using a little artistic license, but if I stray too much, the less it looks like a real Little People toy.
Celebrity and fandom has always been an interesting subject to me. What better way to celebrate these larger-than-life personalities than by transforming them into fun little toys?
Stay young and stay fun,
All pieces are painted in oil on 6″ x 8″ or 4″ x 6″ wood panels.
Fab Four
Mister Rogers
Seinfeld
Bob Ross
Mary Poppins
Smooth Criminal
Thriller
Madonna
Johnny
Tom
David
U2
Frank
Elvis
Jimi
Reba
Ferris
Back to the Future
Harry, Ron & Hermione
The Dukes of Hazzard
Charlie Chaplin
Jesus & Mary
Indiana
The Avengers
Batman & Joker 1960
Justice League
He-Man & Skeletor
Willy Wonka
Luke & Leia
Han & Chewie
Mando & The Child
Kirk & Spock
Walt & Jesse
Bucky Badger
Dr. Who #10
The Heartbreak Kid
Behind The Scenes
Here are some photos of my process. I primed the panels with a grey gesso, compliments of Mr. Bob Ross. I usually do an underpainting with Liquitex acrylics and use Gamblin oil paints to finish things off.
