Pasadena's Green Monster

5 Feet of Green
Originally uploaded by kardinalsin.

Here's a picture of me and the five foot tall designer Qee painted by one Mr. Tim Biskup taken in Pasadena over the weekend. There were a few of these commissioned actually, one by Mr. Biskup, another by Gary Baseman, and another by Frank Kozik. These three have been at the forefront of the burgeoning designer toy industry, but are they the pioneers, or merely the hot talent that has been expanding this new trend?

Not being too familiar with the very young and early underground scene of urban vinyl, my knowledge is somewhat limited. You will find out a lot though, just by reading this particular article concerning the beginnings of what some consider a passing fad. I've heard it compared to the like of Beanie Babies, Cabbage Patch Kids, and even comic book collecting to an extent. Some of these comparisons are disheartening, but it's not the lost investment that concerns me, it's the dismissive attitude I see coming from many collectors who really consider themselves to be hardcore. Dismissive of those without outside knowledge, dismissive of the mainstream acceptance of the trend itself, and dismissive of those that choose to make a mighty profit off the bastion of internet community barterism we call eBay.

Thing is, when I hear the bile fly across the internets, I tend to question the great promise of the interactive community. The anonymity grants those with many opinions great power, how important is it to them to represent their own image of these toys online as an image of themselves? I tend to see that most people wish these toys to stay underground, stay urban, buck the mainstream, and stay affordable. Unfortunately, with most things that are innately unique and appealing, the mainstream will take notice.

Is it a funny thing that I like these little tchotchkes for their art? The aformentioned artists (Baseman, Biskup, and Kozik) happen to be some of the biggest and most prolific names in the business, but it doesn't end there. International superstar designer Takashi Murakami has taken part in designing his own works as well as contributing to the ostentatiously designated Kid Robot event The Munny Show. A prime example of the latest currency-maddened auction on the ol' eBay, his particular design ended up selling for well over $9000. Unheard of in this day and age.

What I enjoy the most these days are the up-and-coming artists many are just starting to discover. The works of Thomas Han, Tara MacPherson, and Joe Ledbetter grace the latest set of toys distributed by Kid Robot and are getting raves for their blistering application of their own aesthetic to vinyl. Myself, I can only imagine finishing the project I'm working on, and use their own particular style as inspiration.

This hobby itself is inspiring in its dedication not just to design, but also for its dedication to character. Perhaps this is why the market has been gaining the increased amount of attention as of late. Perhaps this is also why I keep coming back for more.

For any more information, be sure to check out Vinyl Pulse, the previously noted Kid Robot, and any of the artists' websites mentioned above. Oh, and don't forget that which started it all for myself, the manufacturer of all things Kubrick, Medicom.