Collectives - Inspiration

Finding examples of collectives. I know most people on illustration will be making publications and print-based collectives, but me being the odd one, I've found some toy collectives and model-making groups that I'd love to learn more about and even join / set up my own collective in this field.

Maybe there are some stop-motion or puppet enthusiasts in Animation? I'd like to stick with illustrators because I have loads of friends on this course who have already asked if I'd like to form a collective but I don't want to be pushy with my 3D ideas. I think it would be good for me to branch out and find collaborators in other courses but I am still a little nervous about doing so. How would I find people? Maybe a post on the LCA collaborations page on Facebook: "Hi, I want to start a collective for puppets and toys. Who's in?"

Chris Ryniak and Amanda Louise Spayd

Chris Ryniak and Amanda Louise Spayd do lots of collaborating together and exhibit their work in collective shows. They both make weird and wonderful art toys for collectors.

Since they both fall into the same 'pop surrealist, 'art toy' genres, it's likely that fans of one artist will be interested in the other. The toys harmonise with each other and although they are very different in character, material and construction methods, they do look like they belong to the same genre and art style, especially when these shows have a specific theme that both artists work towards e.g. 'migration', 'unseen forces' and 'harvest moon'.

Bindlewood is their collective shop where you can buy work from either artist.

Exhibiting as a collective is beneficial to both of the artists because it gives them exposure to the other artist's fan base and also works as a support network where Amanda and Chris can share advice, concerns and expenses.

Circus Posterus & Stranger Factory

 I find it reassuring and exciting that there are places where my dolls and toys like them can exist and be celebrated as works of art.

Circus Posterus is a collective formed in 2000 and established as an official business in 2007 by Kathie Olivas and Brandt Peters. Their aim was to utilise the diverse backgrounds of their varied members (fine artists, printmakers, toy makers) and help artists to build their markets.

Amanda Louise Spayd and Chris Ryniak are both members of Circus Posterus and exhibit with them frequently. They are probably the most well-recognised and successful artists in the collective, which helps smaller/lesser known artists in the collective to gain exposure and build their fanbase by exhibiting with them.

Stranger Factory is a gallery created by Circus Posterus specialising in lowbrow pop surrealist work, especially toys.

Designer Con / Toy Con / Monsters and Misfits

Events and exhibitions where collectors, stockists and fans of toys/dolls will go.

RohNoh who was on this course last year exhibited at ToyCon in London this year and had a great time! Chance to connect, network and sell!