2020: New Horizons for Funguise
This year was a rollercoaster of wild proportions for all of us. But for Funguise, it was primarily a year of exploration into new shapes, techniques, and textures.
Although I only released two figurine collections to the public in 2020, I created a TON of custom figurines. I also experimented with several new techniques, including a new method for standing figurines and I learned how to create water/wet-look effects.
Thanks to this unusual year, I now have several new tools in my kit to create even better work in the years to come, and I’m incredibly excited to continue creating new Funguise sculptures!
Enoki Experiment (2020)
This experiment actually started in March 2019, where I sculpted the original (grey) sculpture on the island of Kauai.
Unfortunately, the piece broke in several places during the plane ride home, so I re-created the piece in COSCLAY: a new polymer clay that remains FLEXIBLE after baking! This is a game-changing material that will likely have a huge impact on my work in future years.
The final result was a WILD looking multi-headed Funguise figurine — a truly unique piece that was traded with to a fellow artist.
BLM Fundraiser (2020)
In June of 2020 I teamed up with 17 other artists to raise funds for three separate organizations in support of the Black youth, LGBTQ+, and art community.
Each artist created a bundle of artwork, merch, and other goodies for raffle prizes.
My offering was this unique little Funguise sculpture and a BUNCH of stickers.
In total our fundraiser brought in OVER $12,000!!!
And 100% of those funds were divided equally and donated to:
@commongroundfnd (Common Ground Foundation - youth)
@ctr4blackequity (Center for Black Equity - LGBTQ+)
@badguild (Black Artists & Designers Guild - art)
ROTTEN FUNGUISE (2020)
These Monstrous-looking figurines are part of a larger concept that I hope to expand on in 2021.
Featuring corrupted, evil-looking features — Rotten Funguise are a magically afflicted variant in my world.
They have a dangerous ability to feed on the emotions and energy of live creatures, so these figures were sold with glass doms and protective magical circles to keep them “contained.” These first few were released just after Halloween, but they will become an annual experience for Funguise collectors, so keep your EYES open for ROTTEN NEWS.
Funguise Ornaments (2020)
I decided to apply a little twist to the concept of a Funguise Ornament this year!
These five original sculptures are mounted to 4-inch wooden rings and each has a golden ribbon so they can be displayed year-round in a cabinet, window, curio case, or wherever a little mushroom magic is needed.
These large sculptures were released post-holidays and made available exclusively to Patrons — however a few leftovers made their way to my shop in early Jan 2021.
(Meeting holiday deadlines has always been a struggle for me, but I try!)
