Synopses & Reviews
Toys are no longer just for kidsthey are at the heart of a new pop culture movement. The new toy scene emerged in 1997 when designer Michael Lau exhibited G.I. Joes he'd customized into hip-hop street figures at a Hong Kong toy show. Artists from Hong Kong and Japan followed suit, creating their own limited edition vinyl figures. The vinyl toy movement soon went global, invading the US and Europe with a vengeance and spawning an intense, worldwide collector's culture.Toys documents the amazing variety and mesmerizing detail of these unique, highly collectible figures from the top artists in Hong Kong, Japan, the US, the UK, Canada, and Australia, including James Jarvis, Gary Baseman, Frank Kozik, Jim Woodring, Ugly Dolls, and Todd Schorr. With dazzling imagery and interviews with the artists, this detailed collection is the perfect source for inspiration and information for designers, graphic designers, and collectors alike.
About the Author
Since 2001, Jim Crawford and Gregory Blum have been instrumental in developing the new worldwide art toy movement. They were core members of the development team that created the retail toy store Kid Robot, and in 2002 co-founded STRANGEco. STRANGEco is the foremost purveyor of artist-designed action figures and toys, and has been instrumental in popularizing international Designer Toy Culture by creating, distributing, and promoting Art Toys in the U.S. and abroad. STRANGEco won't stop until every freedom-loving comrade has a desigher toy on his or her shelf, computer, kitchen counter or hi-fi console. Visit STRANGEco online at www.strangeco.com.