Things People Are Passionate About
Episode 005 – Shane Haddy – Sofubi Art Toys
Hints and Spices was first established in 2010 by Adelaide designer Shane Haddy. Dedicated to producing work that evokes enjoyment through the medium of art toys. Ranging from one off sculptures to production pieces, Hints and Spices’ work have been on display in galleries and museums around the world.
As a relatively new art form, encompassing a broad range of styles and influences, art toys, in essence, are sculptures influenced by childhood toys. Hints and Spices follows the Japanese methods and practices of toy design commonly referred to as ‘sofubi’.
‘Sofubi’ is a Japanese coined term for ‘soft vinyl’, a type of manufacturable plastic. Sofubi can be used to describe any soft vinyl product but colloquially, ‘Sofubi’ refers to vinyl toys made in Japan.
Image Courtesy of Renew Adelaide
Character Works Club balances art and consumer products, with a focus on highlighting the wide world of character works, their creators and their creation.
What mainly separates Japanese vinyl production as a medium is the skilled use of slush moulding techniques. An early plastics manufacturing method that is no longer in use for mass production. As this method requires a very hands-on, skilled approach, it is considered work of an artisan, akin to handmade pottery or blown glass production.
Even though the design needs to adhere to Japanese slush moulding techniques, ‘sofubi’ is not a genre or style.
CwC – Character Works Club
Website : https://www.characterworksclub.com/
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/characterworksclub/
Hints and Spices
Website : http://www.hintsandspices.com/
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/hintsandspices/
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/hintsandspices/
Renew Adelaide
https://renewadelaide.com.au/
Sofubi
https://features.japantimes.co.jp/sofubi/
Sunguts
http://www.sunguts.com/
Zarigani Works
http://www.zariganiworks.co.jp/
A small, independent design house specializing in character and toy development. Has worked with such companies as Tezuka Productions, Takara Tomy and Medicom Toy.
Wonderfest show
http://whl4u.jp/en/
Gamera
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gamera
Barry Makes Boxes
http://barrymakesboxes.com/
Mark zed
https://aspectphoto.com.au/
Skrambled eggs
https://www.facebook.com/skrambledeggs/
