Toymaker
Toymaker (2010)
18½×24 Pastel on Pastel Paper
Original is Available at Gallery XO
Rather than assembling the same traditional children's toys day after day, Mickey harbors a passion for crafting a completely different kind of plaything, proving that adults deserve a little holiday magic of their own.
I wanted to create something fun and joyful for this year's Christmas piece, leading me to a playful narrative about Santa's workshop. Toymaker follows Mickey, a workshop elf who stands out from the rest due to his unique creative flair. As I developed this concept, a deeper subtext emerged, influenced by conversations surrounding social conformity. In a world that often pressures individuals to blend into an unattainable norm, standing out can feel challenging. However, being an exception simply means you are exceptional.