Snow White by Miss Mindy

Miss Mindy is an artist living and creating in the Los Angeles area. On December 15, 2012, her work appeared in the "Good vs. Evil" exhibit at the WonderGround Gallery, Downtown Disney, Anaheim. Among the limited edition, one-of-a-kind MM pieces was her stylistic Snow White sculpture.

Images copyright Miss Mindy & Disney (except where noted).

The figure was created using sculpey clay and magic sculpt putty on hand-crafted resin. Detailing includes micro fiber velvet and vinyl fabric, along with moss, silk ribbon and gold fabric braiding. Painted in acrylic by the artist.

Miss Mindy shared more about the process in a recent email correspondence:

The base pieces--head, bodice and bell shape--were cast from forms I originally sculpted. The bell, from a shape spun on a lathe. The bodice was sculpted out of super sculpey--a mold was made and then cast in resin. Same for the head, sans lips, hair and details. It basically looks like an egg shape when pulled from the mold. Then I hand make each expression, hair, bow...to be unique for each figure...that way, no two are ever alike. The arms and hands are sculpted and fitted to the figure, along with the bird and interior. It's 100% hand crafted by crazy little me, and I enjoy seeing the children's (not to mention the adults!) eyes light up every time they look inside and see the miniature scenes.

The miniature Seven Dwarfs' cottage scene is set within the hollow of Snow's dress.

Also on display at the gallery was the Evil Queen.

Her Magic Mirror only speaks the truth.

Ariel made it a trio of fun.

Inside Miss Mindy's studio. The three mixed-media figures each stand approximately 16" high.

Collector drj1828 visited the WonderGround Gallery in March 2013 and snapped this photo through the storefront window. The sculptures were retailing for $3800 each.

Photo copyright drj1828.

A short video of Miss Mindy's workshop and the sculpts in progress...

The Snow White sculpture is still available at WonderGround (#714-300-7004). Learn more about Miss Mindy and see additional pics at her...

• Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Miss-Mindy/54491938888
• Blog: http://missmindypie.blogspot.com 
• Website: http://missmindy.com/

Kit Kat White Chocolate Art

The Kit Kat milk chocolate bar is sold worldwide, and for a limited time, they were available in white chocolate. This past April in Australia and New Zealand, the brand commemorated this specialty run in a memorable way. Illustrator Mike Watt was commissioned to create 50 "posters" made from the melted chocolate of the last 50 white Kit Kats.

Watt first shaved and crushed the bars into small fragments, which were melted down. He then painted the liquid chocolate onto red blank canvases. After the candy had re-hardened, the details were etched into the designs.


At work in his studio...

Only one Disney character was included among the 50 designs. Guess who!

Watch this video of Watt in his studio...

Video and images via the Kit Kat facebook page.

See Snow White and the rest of the 50 posters on the Kit Kat facebook page.

Neysa Bové - "Snow White Forest"

Author Ron Miles snapped these photos while on a recent visit to the Art of Disney store at the Magic Kingdom, Florida. A giclee on canvas, it's titled "Snow White Forest". Edition size is limited to 95 hand-numbered pieces. Signed by artist Neysa Bové. Canvas dimensions 14" x 20".

Signature on canavas.

Listed retail price at the theme park is $295. However, the piece is currently being offered for $100 less from select online art galleries. Note artist's name on card is spelled with "g" instead of "y".

The Snow White work of Bové was also seen back in the 2009 Art of the Disney Princess. She is pictured here at a book signing event.

Her Snow White digital painting from the book...

Learn more about Neysa Bové at her blog.

Interview with Jim Shore

Jim Shore's "Disney Traditions" line of figurines combines a traditional folk art style with the classic imagery of Disney's iconic characters. The result has been a wildly successful Enesco series, one in which Snow White has been well represented. Recently, I had the opportunity to ask Jim a few questions about this work.

Filmic Light: Jim, when you were younger, you received a business degree in school and worked as an engineer. I'm sure you were good at your job, but we're all thankful that you didn't stick to that path. What happened to change your life's course to one of a full time artist?

Jim Shore: I kept working at my art, even while I was earning a living as an engineer. In fact I would take contract jobs for particular projects, work on them as hard and fast as I could, and earn enough quickly enough so I could work on my art between jobs. It was my wife Jan that finally talked me into working on art full time. She believed we could make enough money to support the family comfortably just on that. She was wrong for a very long time!

FL: Your Disney Traditions line was introduced back in 2005. How did this working relationship with Disney come about?

JS: Back then I was working with Enesco on my Heartwood Creek line. They had a longstanding relationship with Disney through their overseas subsidiary in the UK. We started talking about a possible co-branded effort and the idea seemed to appeal to everyone so we gave it a shot. It just seemed a natural fit. And of course I was thrilled.

Jim in his Studio...

Studio photos courtesy of Jim Shore.

FL: Do ideas for new figures come by way of suggestions from Disney or do you choose what characters you'd like to design next?

JS: We work closely with Disney on new items. They have certain anniversaries or initiatives they want to feature so we take our cue from that. And we have certain sentiments or seasonal directions we want to go in, and the Disney folks are very cooperative in helping us out. It's been a great partnership that seems to have worked well for everyone.

Image courtesy of cindy251978.

FL: As reference material, do you have access to any of the original Disney animation art?

JS: Not the originals, but digital copies. And I love it. Being able to work with that art is like holding a piece of my childhood in my hands. It's a great privilege and I'm honored to have the chance to be associated with the Disney name and history. That's why we call the line Disney Traditions.

FL: Take us through the process of how a figure is created, from initial idea to final stone resin piece, including how your team of creative artists gets involved.

JS: The first step is a brainstorm session with the folks at Disney along with myself and the Enesco team. We generate a list of ideas we'd like to work on and they put together the reference materials I'll need to make sure the final piece is in keeping with Disney standards. From the reference material I sketch out the new art and color it in my studio. We send it off to the Disney offices and they look it over and send back approvals. I'm proud to say I've never had a design rejected. We have a great working relationship. From there the art goes to a team of sculptors I've trained and worked with for years. I used to do the sculpting myself but there's just too much for one man these days. They produce an original sample, we look it over, tweak it if necessary and produce a final sample. The whole process from brainstorming to final sampling of a particular introduction takes about 8-9 months.

A couple of Jim's original sketches...

Sketch images courtesy of Jim Shore.

FL: What was your very first Snow White-themed sculpt? Do you have a favorite among all the Snow White pieces you've designed?

JS: My first is my favorite! It's the 7 Dwarfs on a log. It's just so much fun and colorful. I keep a copy on my work table in my studio. And just so you know I do whistle while I work!

Image via Loren Javier. Creative Commons License.

FL: Are there any new Snow White figures in the works that we can look forward to in the future?

JS: I'm working on a new collection of Disney princesses along with their princes in kind of a double figure. They'll be a little larger and more elaborate. Snow White will definitely be a part of that.

Learn more about Jim at his website: jimshore.com.

• NEXT ARCHIVE ENTRY: 2005-2006 FIGURES.
• ALSO SEE PREVIOUS POST FEATURING JIM'S 2012 TOWER OF FRIGHT.
• PLUS HIS SNOW WHITE XMAS ORNAMENTS: 2012 WREATHS, 2011 VILLAINS, AND 2007 SET.

Snow White by Romero Britto

Artist Romero Britto brings us these high-gloss, stone resin figures of Snow White and Dopey. Manufactured by Enesco, the pieces were first introduced to retailers in June 2012. The Disney by Britto series includes other classic characters as well.

The sitting Snow White measures approximately 4.25" (10.5cm) tall. Suggested retail price: $45 (USD).

Enesco Item No: 4030819.

Stock images copyright Disney/Enesco/Britto.

Although the piece is from 2012, the bottom stamp is copyrighted 2011.

Bottom image courtesy of drj1828.

Dopey holds a heart in his right hand. The piece stands about 8.375" (21.cm) high. SRP: $70.

Enesco Item No: 4030814.

Dopey and Grumpy show up in a couple of earlier Britto design interpretations. Also made of resin, these mini-figurines were introduced by Enesco in October 2011, but generally weren't seen on store shelves still for a while. The UK Disney Store site listed them sometime in August 2012. Figures are approximately 8cm tall. Retail price £14 (GBP). Each sold separately. Still available.

Disney Store Item No: 410044758711P. Enesco Item No: 4026298.

Figures come packaged in a clear window gift box.

Box image via Nicol Crests.

Disney Store Item No: 410044758636P. Enesco Item No: 4026299.

Romero Britto is a self-taught modern day pop artist whose vibrant colors, distinctive patterns, and clever symbols run wild throughout his works. Born in Brazil, Romero is now based in Miami where his painting, printmaking, and sculpture have achieved international recognition.











From his website...

Britto considers the role of an artist to be an agent of positive change. He serves as a benefactor, donating time, art and resources to over 250 charitable organizations.

A few of the Britto Snow White paintings...

Snow White by Britto isn't limited to just sculptures and paintings. It's also morphed into more utilitarian items such as notepads, keychains, mugs, plates and more.

Interview with Artist Steve Thompson

Over the last seven years, Steve Thompson has enjoyed the enviable position of Principle Designer for the creative team at the Disney Store. In this relatively short period of time, he's amassed a substantial portfolio of Disney-themed designs, including a good number involving Snow White. Once the products hit the stores, his merchandise tends to sell out quickly. Probably his most successful line to date has been the Disney Princess Designer Collection of 2011. Not long ago, Steve graciously took a little time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions about his work, with a particular emphasis on his Snow White creations.


FILMIC LIGHT: Tell us a little about your background and how you came to be a Principle Designer for the Disney Store?

STEVE THOMPSON: Sure. I started with the Walt Disney Company in 1994 as a senior character artist for Disney Consumer Products (DCP) working on Pocahontas. After a year with DCP, I went over to Disney Feature Animation and started on my first film, The Hunchback of Notre Dame. I worked in the animation department as an assistant animator until 2003. From there, I went on to Disney Toon Studios as a key assistant animator and character designer on a few films. I also started freelancing again for DCP doing Disney Princess artwork. These opportunities lead to my current position with Disney Store, where I've been since 2005.

Steve at his animation desk, 2011.

FM: You've personally worked on a wide array of artistic designs, many involving characters from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. What is it you find most appealing about the original animation art from this film?

ST: I am still in awe of the animation from Snow White. The animators on the film were the first ever to work on a full length animated feature, something that had never been done before. The artistic achievement was way ahead of its time. At Disney Store, the original films are always the first source of inspiration for any product we create. Luckily, Disney has created some of the most beautiful animated features of our time, so there is endless inspiration to pull from.

FM: Can you share something about the development process at Disney Store of how an item goes from the idea stage to finished product? And what is your role in this process?

ST: I am involved in every step of production, from initial concept to the final approval process for the product I work on. I still draw everyday at my animation desk. I start off doing research on my projects and approach each film or character as if it's brand new.

For example, I did a Snow White Garden Collection (an assortment of Snow White products for the home and garden) a few years back. I first thought about the era the film was released in, what art styles were popular at the time, the film palette, etc. I settled on an "arts and crafts" style and took inspiration from there. The arts and crafts art style is all about natural and outdoorsy elements: wood and ceramics with a muted palette that so perfectly matched the aesthetic of the film. It was a natural fit for Snow White, and I am still very proud of how that collection turned out. I also work with the sculptors and painters to make sure each piece looks just the way I first imagined it on paper. The whole process takes about 12-16 months from initial concept to store release.

2008 Snow White Garden Set + 2009 Wishing Well Snowglobe

FM: The 2008 Garden Set is a wonderful example of your Snow White work. Another is the 2009 Wishing Well Snowglobe. Can you share a little more about these or other merchandise you've designed?

ST: Once I knew we were doing a garden-themed collection and settled on an art style, I went about researching the types of things people would want or need for the outdoors. Garden figurines, a bird feeder , bird house, wind chimes, candle holder and ceramic coasters for your table were a few of the items I developed. Some items, like the bird feeder and bird house just seemed like natural items to design. The Dwarfs’ cottage made a perfect bird house, as did the wishing well for the bird feeder. I try to tell a story with the product I design and let each film dictate the type of product we make.

I have also worked on a number of other snowglobes, ornaments, figurines, jewelry boxes and frames. I approach each one differently, but always try to capture a moment from the film or a feeling that guests can relate to.

FM: You are well known for your character re-designs. Your Snow White artwork appeared in The Art of the Disney Princess book (Disney Editions, 2009) and was also used in the Kidada series. Tell us about this design and also about your role in the collaboration with Kidada Jones.

ST: Kidada is a great creative mind and we instantly bonded over our mutual love for all things Disney. She’s done beautiful Disney jewelry for years, and so a collaboration with Disney Store just made sense. Based on initial conversations, we decided to use storybook art for the packaging of her first line of charms, The Charming Collection.  I was happy to revisit designs from The Art of Disney Princess, and add a few new characters like Tiana and Belle in that style.

Art of Disney Princess piece, 2009 + Kidada Jones with Steve, 2011

Read Steve's tumblr article on how this artwork was brought off the shelf to be used not only with The Art of the Disney Princess and the Kidada line but also as a limited edition signed canvas giclee from Acme Archives Direct (currently available).



FM: The 2011 Disney Princess Designer Collection was a huge success and this year's Villains Designer Collection looks to be on the same track. Did the enthusiasm for this series take you by surprise? Or did you kind of have a feeling these would be special?

ST: In the back of my mind I knew the princesses were special, but I never expected the response to be what it was. I think it took everyone by surprise. So far the response to Villains has been amazing.

Princess Designer Collection at Disney Store's Fashion Night Out Event NYC, 2011.

FM: Now be honest, isn't Snow White your favorite of the Designer ladies? OK seriously, do you have a character you like best to work with in your art?

ST: I do love Snow White. But, I really love all the Disney Princesses. I work with many of the classic film characters, but the Princesses hold a special place in my heart because I’ve done projects with the Princesses for so many years now. I know how important the Disney Princesses are to our Disney Store guests, how many great memories their characters hold for so many people. With this constantly in the back of my mind, I never take my job lightly .

FM: Are there any future Snow White items in the works that you can tell us about?

ST: There is a great ornament coming out of Snow White and Dopey that I designed this year. It launches in stores and online in September. You can see a preview of it on Disney Store’s Facbook page. And keep checking back with Disney Store, we are always introducing new and exciting products for our guests. 

See Steve's 2012 Christmas ornaments in the next post. And just in case you missed them, you can view more of his Snow White merch in several other posts including the:

• 2009 Wishing Well Snowglobe
• 2009 The Art of the Disney Princess book
• 2011 Kidada Charming Collection
• 2011 Disney Princess Designer Collection
• 2012 Disney Villains Designer Collection

All images copyright Disney Store/Steve Thompson.