Boba Bones (NYCC '19)

Self-produced art toys are designer collectibles created and manufactured independently by the artist or small teams without the backing of a large toy company or mass-market brand. These toys are often highly personal, artistic expressions and are usually made in limited runs. Key Characteristics include independent creation where the artist is in control of the entire process from concept, sculpting, and painting to production and packaging. These are usually made in small batches, often 10–100 pieces, which adds to their rarity, made using materials like resin, sofubi (Japanese soft vinyl), or 3D-printed components. I am a Pittsburgh based artist who has spent time working as an embalmer in funeral homes. My paintings are made using acrylic paint, shellac, wood and nails and tell stories about death, devils and saints. I'm greatly influenced by The Day of the Dead, Halloween, horror films, churches, The German Expressionists and my time in funeral homes. Bones stands at approximately 8 inches tall and made of Japanese colored soft vinyl (sofubi). Manufacturing by Luke Rook/Grody Shogun. DKE Toys is a renowned American company specializing in designer toys, collectibles, and limited-edition art pieces. Founded in 2002, DKE Toys has become a key player in the designer toy scene, known for its unique collaborations with artists, custom toys, and pop culture-inspired releases. The company has developed a reputation for creating high-quality, highly collectible figures that often blend urban art, pop culture references, and nostalgic themes. DKE Toys works with a diverse roster of artists and designers to create limited-run figures that often reflect a blend of pop culture, street art, and fine art. Artists involved in DKE releases include well-known names in the designer toy world, such as Frank Kozik, Eric So, Luke Chueh, and many others.