Hi, everyone. I’m Nick Curtis, the art toy
advocate, and today’s focus will be on Oasim
Karmieh, the Romanian artist and professional
3D sculptor. Or, more specifically, it will
be on his new Stand Up Comedy Art Toys series.
You might remember Karmieh’s name from our
discussion of his Batsy figure, but — turning
his attention from a comic book noteworthy
to real life celebrities — he’s opted
to pay homage and celebrate comedians.
And the first piece in this series, as its
wooden box suggests, is based off of Louis
C.K. Of course, unless you live under a rock,
you’re aware this award-winning comedian,
actor, and writer’s work. Known for his
observational, self-deprecating, sometimes
dark and vulgar humor, Karmieh’s rendition
doesn’t attempt to capture Louis C.K.'s personality
or comedy style but rather satisfies itself
with being a caricature of his physique.
This design started out as a bust that Karmieh
digitally sculpted in ZBrush as an exercise.
So how did it take on this full figure form?
Well, Karmieh evolved it as birthday present
for one of his really good friends.
And, pleased with how it came out, he decided
to make a super limited release from it. And
I’m glad he did, as this sculpt is superbly
executed. From the core physiology subtly
being expressed through the folds and curves
of the body to the minute paneling elements
on the shoes, every aspect is carefully thought
out on this work.
3D printed using Z-ABS plastic, this piece
— simply titled LUIS — is super light
and delicate feeling, but is actually quite
durable. With each copy hand cleaned by the
artist, he even carefully used the texture
of the 3D printing in the piece — sanding
the exposed skin super smooth while allowing
a bit of the texture inherent in the process
to create the fabric feel for the clothing.
To finish off the piece, Karmieh opted to
forego using spraying to apply the paint and
chose to brush every aspect on. Thus
giving a nice wash to both the jeans
and the hair, while keeping the other elements
more solidly toned.
Limited to 10 signed and numbered pieces,
including a removable microphone accessory,
I’m particularly fond with how Karmieh found
a way to offer a true 3D printed piece that
still feels like a work of art.
Already having offered his Billy Red piece,
inspired by Bill Burr, it has been teased
that both George Carlin and Patrice O’Neal
are possible inspirations for future pieces
in the series. For those interested in learning
more, you should follow Karmieh on Facebook
under the name oasimk or on Instagram under
pixelbudah. Or, of course, you can sign up
for his newsletter on his website, karmieh.com.
Thank you for watching me, Nick Curtis, the
art toy advocate.
Agree with me? Disagree with me? Let me know
your thoughts on Oasim Karmieh’s Luis by
commenting below as well as liking — or
disliking — this video on YouTube. And
please remember to subscribe to the CoART
YouTube channel to be kept up-to-date on my
reviews.
