CRANE SARU NYCC 2021

Stormy Vault is a designer toy store and art gallery specializing in limited-edition art toys, collectibles, and custom pieces from independent artists around the world. Based in the U.S., the store curates a selection of sofubi (soft vinyl), resin, and hand-painted figures, featuring works from well-known and emerging artists in the designer toy scene. Stormy Vault frequently collaborates with artists to release exclusive colorways and custom-painted editions of popular art toys. The store also hosts live auctions, online drops, and gallery shows, making it a hub for collectors looking for rare and unique pieces 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. Lee Aller is a toy designer and the creative force behind Lab Monkeys, a family-run art toy studio renowned for its unique and edgy creations. His journey into the world of art toys began in 2010 with the customization of 6-inch action figures, drawing inspiration from iconic superheroes such as those from the Marvel universe. This passion led to collaborations with notable clients, including actor Nicolas Cage, comic book artist Rob Liefeld, and NBA players Brook and Robin Lopez.