| Copyright © 2011 Okedoki All rights reserved. |
About Okedoki
Okedoki is an painter and sculptor currently
living in Alberta, Canada. She has studied
Fine Arts and Sociology at the University of
Alberta. Okedoki's art is influenced by pop
culture, current events, and cartoons.
Okedoki has shown her work in Edmonton,
Orlando, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Los
Angeles, Detroit and Hong Kong.
Okedoki is an painter and sculptor currently
living in Alberta, Canada. She has studied
Fine Arts and Sociology at the University of
Alberta. Okedoki's art is influenced by pop
culture, current events, and cartoons.
Okedoki has shown her work in Edmonton,
Orlando, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Los
Angeles, Detroit and Hong Kong.
Okedoki Interviewed by Bjorn
B: Hey Tam, thanks for giving me the opportunity and willing to answer a few questions.
Exiting times. What’s the reason we are talking today?
O: I think we’re always talking about art, aren’t we? Our love for art is the reason.
B: Ok, but let’s start with the artist herself. What is your educational (art) background?
I studied painting, sculpting, and print making while I was in university. I also minored in sociology. After university, I found
another calling as an acupuncturist.
B: Momentary center of life?
My family and friends. They are my center, and provide balance and joy in my life.
B: Does art pay the bills?
It pays for some of it. I’m blessed with a wonderful day job that gives me the opportunity to pursue my art freely. Maybe one day
it will pay all the bills! I think that is any artist’s dream.
B: Most of the people out there probably know you by the incredible custom vinyl toys you did so far. Covered by VP, TRE,
Spanky Stokes and other blog sites, shown in shows all across the Canada and the US. Where do you get your inspiration?
Everything around me is an inspiration. When I was young, I was greatly influenced by comics and cartoons. I collected comic
books (I still have my entire collection still today!), and I was fanatical about cartoons. Now my influences are from books,
history, nature, current events, and my own life experiences.
B: Spill the beans! What’s your favorite graphic novel?
Back then, it was Spiderman and Wolverine. Although my first ever comic was Captain America I bought when I was 10 years
old (something about how colorful his costume was that attracted me), so Captain America has a sentimental place in my
heart as well. Now, I would say Watchmen, which is just brilliant!
B: Your customs stand often out by political themes (Che, Hitler and financial crisis), by a certain cuteness factor (Banda Girl)
and by…I’m searching for the right words…let’s call it “out of the box” thinking, i.e. turning a figure upside down. Does your art
have a universal message?
That’s a good question, I never thought of this before, of my art having a universal message. My art varies so greatly in scope
and meaning that I couldn’t generalize it under one universal message. Some pieces have sentimental meanings, like the pug
labbit, because I used to have a pug, and I loved him very much. Other pieces are created for sheer cuteness, while others
pieces have a religious, social or political message. I think the universal message perhaps is to make the viewer reflect and
feel. I hope my art is a positive message, and will inspire others to past on that positivity.
B: Hey Tam, thanks for giving me the opportunity and willing to answer a few questions.
Exiting times. What’s the reason we are talking today?
O: I think we’re always talking about art, aren’t we? Our love for art is the reason.
B: Ok, but let’s start with the artist herself. What is your educational (art) background?
I studied painting, sculpting, and print making while I was in university. I also minored in sociology. After university, I found
another calling as an acupuncturist.
B: Momentary center of life?
My family and friends. They are my center, and provide balance and joy in my life.
B: Does art pay the bills?
It pays for some of it. I’m blessed with a wonderful day job that gives me the opportunity to pursue my art freely. Maybe one day
it will pay all the bills! I think that is any artist’s dream.
B: Most of the people out there probably know you by the incredible custom vinyl toys you did so far. Covered by VP, TRE,
Spanky Stokes and other blog sites, shown in shows all across the Canada and the US. Where do you get your inspiration?
Everything around me is an inspiration. When I was young, I was greatly influenced by comics and cartoons. I collected comic
books (I still have my entire collection still today!), and I was fanatical about cartoons. Now my influences are from books,
history, nature, current events, and my own life experiences.
B: Spill the beans! What’s your favorite graphic novel?
Back then, it was Spiderman and Wolverine. Although my first ever comic was Captain America I bought when I was 10 years
old (something about how colorful his costume was that attracted me), so Captain America has a sentimental place in my
heart as well. Now, I would say Watchmen, which is just brilliant!
B: Your customs stand often out by political themes (Che, Hitler and financial crisis), by a certain cuteness factor (Banda Girl)
and by…I’m searching for the right words…let’s call it “out of the box” thinking, i.e. turning a figure upside down. Does your art
have a universal message?
That’s a good question, I never thought of this before, of my art having a universal message. My art varies so greatly in scope
and meaning that I couldn’t generalize it under one universal message. Some pieces have sentimental meanings, like the pug
labbit, because I used to have a pug, and I loved him very much. Other pieces are created for sheer cuteness, while others
pieces have a religious, social or political message. I think the universal message perhaps is to make the viewer reflect and
feel. I hope my art is a positive message, and will inspire others to past on that positivity.
| Peace Hitler |
B: Nevertheless you have your own signature. Everyone within the art scene can tell if a piece is from you. Sorry I have to be
more persistent, I hope you don’t mind. How do you achieve such a coherence in your art even though the variety is sheer
overwhelming?
I think I’m a creature of my culture. I pick up on my surrounding and try to bring to light what I love, and reflect it back through my
art. That philosophy, as well as my painting style that embraces flat colours is perhaps what ties all my various works together.
B: Want to share some details on how you approach a project?
Usually I will work with the collector to come up with a concept. Then I’ll do some research and make sketches to finalize the
details. Then I’ll start with sculpting. Then a lot of sanding, which is very messy and time consuming. Then comes the fun part
of painting. I enjoy every step of the creation process. I think bringing an idea into reality is very exciting.
more persistent, I hope you don’t mind. How do you achieve such a coherence in your art even though the variety is sheer
overwhelming?
I think I’m a creature of my culture. I pick up on my surrounding and try to bring to light what I love, and reflect it back through my
art. That philosophy, as well as my painting style that embraces flat colours is perhaps what ties all my various works together.
B: Want to share some details on how you approach a project?
Usually I will work with the collector to come up with a concept. Then I’ll do some research and make sketches to finalize the
details. Then I’ll start with sculpting. Then a lot of sanding, which is very messy and time consuming. Then comes the fun part
of painting. I enjoy every step of the creation process. I think bringing an idea into reality is very exciting.
B: Any favorite sculpt?
There are many, but some of my favorites are: Gary Baseman’s Dumbluck, Nathan Jurvecius’s Treedweller, Jeremy Fish’s
Bunny Van, Kaws original Companion.
B: Favorite custom project you have done so far?
Sheriff Macgee was really fun to do. I flipped the original bear upside down, moved the arms, cut off the legs. It was a very
spontaneous piece. Kong, which was my Teddy Troop custom was very fun as well. I enjoyed all the details in that piece, from
the bear texture to the leather accessories. I think I made that collector very happy! Puck my labbit custom had emotional
significance to me, so I was very pleased he resembled a dog I once had.
There are many, but some of my favorites are: Gary Baseman’s Dumbluck, Nathan Jurvecius’s Treedweller, Jeremy Fish’s
Bunny Van, Kaws original Companion.
B: Favorite custom project you have done so far?
Sheriff Macgee was really fun to do. I flipped the original bear upside down, moved the arms, cut off the legs. It was a very
spontaneous piece. Kong, which was my Teddy Troop custom was very fun as well. I enjoyed all the details in that piece, from
the bear texture to the leather accessories. I think I made that collector very happy! Puck my labbit custom had emotional
significance to me, so I was very pleased he resembled a dog I once had.
B: Anything you desperately wanted to customized but yet had not the chance to?
It would be difficult to paint over because it’s my favorite design, but Gary Baseman’s Dumbluck would be incredibly fun to work
on. I just love the sculpting of this piece, I think it’s brilliant. I have this piece on my work table and admire it often.
B: How would you describe the typical “okedoki collector”?
Cool Nerds! ;) I think my collectors are people who love art with meaning. Some of them just love cuteness, but with fortitude.
My collectors are all very different, but over all, they’re very engaging people, and I’m thankful I’ve had to opportunity to meet
them all.
B: Wait a second! You met every collector in person, except me??? ...just kidding…
You’re welcome to visit Canada any time Bjorn! I will buy you your first bubble tea!!
B: From our personal discussion I know that you used to paint more back in the days. When was the last time you use your
brush on a canvas?
I started up again working on canvas just recently in between my commissions. It’s a large painting called Nucleus based on
an idea that we’re all connected and linked to each other. I think you can see it on my blog. I used to paint only on canvas
before I started to customize toys. That was what you’re taught in school. If I had a toy painting class back then, I think I would
have enjoyed my classes much more!
It would be difficult to paint over because it’s my favorite design, but Gary Baseman’s Dumbluck would be incredibly fun to work
on. I just love the sculpting of this piece, I think it’s brilliant. I have this piece on my work table and admire it often.
B: How would you describe the typical “okedoki collector”?
Cool Nerds! ;) I think my collectors are people who love art with meaning. Some of them just love cuteness, but with fortitude.
My collectors are all very different, but over all, they’re very engaging people, and I’m thankful I’ve had to opportunity to meet
them all.
B: Wait a second! You met every collector in person, except me??? ...just kidding…
You’re welcome to visit Canada any time Bjorn! I will buy you your first bubble tea!!
B: From our personal discussion I know that you used to paint more back in the days. When was the last time you use your
brush on a canvas?
I started up again working on canvas just recently in between my commissions. It’s a large painting called Nucleus based on
an idea that we’re all connected and linked to each other. I think you can see it on my blog. I used to paint only on canvas
before I started to customize toys. That was what you’re taught in school. If I had a toy painting class back then, I think I would
have enjoyed my classes much more!
work in progress picture of Puck
work in progress picture of Nucleus
B: Uups, so much for professional interview preparation from my side. :) What do you think about collaboration between
artists? Does it make sense?
I think it’s a great idea. When two artists combine their creative energy, amazing things can happened. I strongly believe in the
affects of synergy. You can see the power of it in the arts and especially in music. When you think about it, everything is a
collaboration, because an idea never stops progressing, and you’re never isolated but constantly connected to each other.
B: Coming back to the original reason for this interview. You will soon release your own figure. How did this project happen
and who is involved in it?
Thanks to Vince from VTSS toys, who is a friend and collector for making this project happen. He’s been an incredible
producer to work with, and has given me free reign to be creative on the project. Vince had initially asked me if I wanted to
produce a figure. I had been working on a sculpt for a while, and showed it to him. He responded and said it could be our first
figure! That was how it got started, and now after a lot of hard work, we’re almost ready to release it! I’m very excited about
this.
B: I know that the Benny design is from you. Can you disclose a bit of the background story?
I’ve always loved the dichotomy of innocence and wisdom. I wanted to combine these two aspects into one figure, and make it
unified. That was how the enlightened multiple eye rabbit came about. He represented the wisdom and clarity, the
transcending force to see beyond social and cultural constructs. Benny represents innocence and pure emotional energy, the
child in all of us. The figure went through many stages of transformation over the year I was sculpting it, which was reflected in
my personal life. I had gotten very ill as I was in the final sculpting phase of it, and had to focus my energy to have it completed
in time to send it to Taiwan for production. So, this project was very significant to me, because it represents a chapter in my life
that was very challenging. So I suppose Benny also represents hope and perseverance. I finished painting him, then gave
him the name Benny the Dreamer, because I wanted Benny to inspire others to go after their dreams; to pursue what is truly in
their hearts.
artists? Does it make sense?
I think it’s a great idea. When two artists combine their creative energy, amazing things can happened. I strongly believe in the
affects of synergy. You can see the power of it in the arts and especially in music. When you think about it, everything is a
collaboration, because an idea never stops progressing, and you’re never isolated but constantly connected to each other.
B: Coming back to the original reason for this interview. You will soon release your own figure. How did this project happen
and who is involved in it?
Thanks to Vince from VTSS toys, who is a friend and collector for making this project happen. He’s been an incredible
producer to work with, and has given me free reign to be creative on the project. Vince had initially asked me if I wanted to
produce a figure. I had been working on a sculpt for a while, and showed it to him. He responded and said it could be our first
figure! That was how it got started, and now after a lot of hard work, we’re almost ready to release it! I’m very excited about
this.
B: I know that the Benny design is from you. Can you disclose a bit of the background story?
I’ve always loved the dichotomy of innocence and wisdom. I wanted to combine these two aspects into one figure, and make it
unified. That was how the enlightened multiple eye rabbit came about. He represented the wisdom and clarity, the
transcending force to see beyond social and cultural constructs. Benny represents innocence and pure emotional energy, the
child in all of us. The figure went through many stages of transformation over the year I was sculpting it, which was reflected in
my personal life. I had gotten very ill as I was in the final sculpting phase of it, and had to focus my energy to have it completed
in time to send it to Taiwan for production. So, this project was very significant to me, because it represents a chapter in my life
that was very challenging. So I suppose Benny also represents hope and perseverance. I finished painting him, then gave
him the name Benny the Dreamer, because I wanted Benny to inspire others to go after their dreams; to pursue what is truly in
their hearts.
B: So you did do the sculpting, too?
Yes, I did all the sculpting and painting of the original figure. I feel very fortunate that I was able to make changes to the figure
and repaint him as the figure evolved. I had shipped Benny to Taiwan, but then felt there were changes to be made, so he was
shipped back to me. I resculpted and repainted him, and shipped him back. It’s been a very hands on personal project. The
factories did a great job recreating from the original.
B: What’s gonna be the material the final piece is made of?
Polystone. It’s very heavy, and I love this aspect. I hope collectors will enjoy holding it in their hands and feeling the weight. My
original sculpt was over 2 lbs, and Vince has recaptured this with the polystone really well.
B: Interesting. Why is the weight so important for you?
Being a collector myself, I tend to be drawn to bigger and heavier pieces. I enjoy holding a piece in my hand and admiring the
details. I think having a heavier piece is just nicer to hold, and sometimes reflect the quality of the material.
B: We do not wanna spoil too much but we can tell that the figure will come in a special laser engraved wooden box. Apparently
you and the company attach great importance to the packaging. What do you answer to those collectors who don’t care about
nice boxing and are maybe not willing to pay extra?
The box is an art piece itself because it is an extension to the figure. Together the box and the figure form a complete story,
sharing with the collector a message of reflection and hope. Every box is handmade from renewable bamboo, and is
individually numbered with a metal tag. Yes, it is laser etched, which I think is a nice touch. I spent a lot of time designing the
box. There is a little surprise in the back, I hope collectors will enjoy it.
B: What are your plans for the future?
Keep creating, keep pushing and hopefully along the way, I’ll learn to be a better person and artist. I don’t know what the future
holds, but I think it will be a wonderful journey ahead.
B: I’m not sure if you can become a better person, you are by any means a great person and friend! So, do you still take custom
commissions?
(Thanks Bjorn, that’s very kind of you!) Right now, I’m not taking any more commissions. I want to work on original sculpts after
I finish all my commissions for this year. I have a few ideas I want to bring into form.
B: You have done it before when you were on the opposite side of the mic, now we will do it to you. Here comes what you called
the “20 quickies” to wrap it all up:
1. Favorite colour? Sky blue
2. Pets? Yes, 2 very spoiled little fur kids! (Magi and Mo)
3. 3 items you couldn't live without? Food, art, dogs
4. Your next life, you will be? A bird
5. In your past life you were? One of Santa’s toy making elves! haha
6. Favorite show or movie? Being John Malkovich
7. Left or right handed? Right
8. Favorite city? Vancouver
9. You're a billionaire, you would buy: I would give it mostly away to those who need it most.
10. What super power would you like to possess? Ability to time travel
11. In a time capsule you would put: a Kurt Vonnegut Novel, the Sirens of Titan
12. The world needs more of this: compassion and humour
13. The world needs less of this: ego/war
14. Day or night? day
15. Dream job? Forest Ranger
15. Favorite food: pho!
16. Any regrets? yes, some.
17. One word your friends would describe you as? hungry! (I have a high metabolism)
18. One word you describe yourself as? busy
19. Favorite medium to work with: Sculpey and acrylic
20. You admire: my mother and father (they went through extreme hardships, and still managed to raise 7 kids, who turned out
alright)
B: Thanks for taking the time to answer all those questions.
Thank you Björn! I really appreciate you taking the time to do this in your busy schedule!
****Björn is a German Art collector and art toy geek. In his professional life he is a process engineer.***
Yes, I did all the sculpting and painting of the original figure. I feel very fortunate that I was able to make changes to the figure
and repaint him as the figure evolved. I had shipped Benny to Taiwan, but then felt there were changes to be made, so he was
shipped back to me. I resculpted and repainted him, and shipped him back. It’s been a very hands on personal project. The
factories did a great job recreating from the original.
B: What’s gonna be the material the final piece is made of?
Polystone. It’s very heavy, and I love this aspect. I hope collectors will enjoy holding it in their hands and feeling the weight. My
original sculpt was over 2 lbs, and Vince has recaptured this with the polystone really well.
B: Interesting. Why is the weight so important for you?
Being a collector myself, I tend to be drawn to bigger and heavier pieces. I enjoy holding a piece in my hand and admiring the
details. I think having a heavier piece is just nicer to hold, and sometimes reflect the quality of the material.
B: We do not wanna spoil too much but we can tell that the figure will come in a special laser engraved wooden box. Apparently
you and the company attach great importance to the packaging. What do you answer to those collectors who don’t care about
nice boxing and are maybe not willing to pay extra?
The box is an art piece itself because it is an extension to the figure. Together the box and the figure form a complete story,
sharing with the collector a message of reflection and hope. Every box is handmade from renewable bamboo, and is
individually numbered with a metal tag. Yes, it is laser etched, which I think is a nice touch. I spent a lot of time designing the
box. There is a little surprise in the back, I hope collectors will enjoy it.
B: What are your plans for the future?
Keep creating, keep pushing and hopefully along the way, I’ll learn to be a better person and artist. I don’t know what the future
holds, but I think it will be a wonderful journey ahead.
B: I’m not sure if you can become a better person, you are by any means a great person and friend! So, do you still take custom
commissions?
(Thanks Bjorn, that’s very kind of you!) Right now, I’m not taking any more commissions. I want to work on original sculpts after
I finish all my commissions for this year. I have a few ideas I want to bring into form.
B: You have done it before when you were on the opposite side of the mic, now we will do it to you. Here comes what you called
the “20 quickies” to wrap it all up:
1. Favorite colour? Sky blue
2. Pets? Yes, 2 very spoiled little fur kids! (Magi and Mo)
3. 3 items you couldn't live without? Food, art, dogs
4. Your next life, you will be? A bird
5. In your past life you were? One of Santa’s toy making elves! haha
6. Favorite show or movie? Being John Malkovich
7. Left or right handed? Right
8. Favorite city? Vancouver
9. You're a billionaire, you would buy: I would give it mostly away to those who need it most.
10. What super power would you like to possess? Ability to time travel
11. In a time capsule you would put: a Kurt Vonnegut Novel, the Sirens of Titan
12. The world needs more of this: compassion and humour
13. The world needs less of this: ego/war
14. Day or night? day
15. Dream job? Forest Ranger
15. Favorite food: pho!
16. Any regrets? yes, some.
17. One word your friends would describe you as? hungry! (I have a high metabolism)
18. One word you describe yourself as? busy
19. Favorite medium to work with: Sculpey and acrylic
20. You admire: my mother and father (they went through extreme hardships, and still managed to raise 7 kids, who turned out
alright)
B: Thanks for taking the time to answer all those questions.
Thank you Björn! I really appreciate you taking the time to do this in your busy schedule!
****Björn is a German Art collector and art toy geek. In his professional life he is a process engineer.***
Benny the Dreamer
Hibiscus
Monkey King
