Tags: Games and Hobbies, Toys
By KC Santos
MAKATI CITY, METRO MANILA – Graphic artist turned toy designer Nelz Yumul is turning his lifelong passion into something that every Filipino kid can relate to and appreciate.
Nelz, who founded the local artist group Wee Will Doodle, has brought his love for toys to life with Kantobotz.
A series of originally designed toys made from wood, Nelz admits that the weeks old business was influenced by the Lego generation and the rising urban vinyl toy scene.
He believes local artists need to come out of their comfort zones so that their works can be better appreciated. According to him, most artists today tend to limit displaying their works in art galleries, familiar only to members of the art community.
In his case, Nelz would rather take his chances and exhibit his works in bazaars. He says he settled with the name Kantobotz because it is very ingenious and exudes local character.
“The mere word “kanto” (or street) delivers a very local message and feel to the design,” says Nelz, adding that he also initially thought the name as fitting for the angular quality of his robots.
Nelz religiously troops to Divisoria to buy materials necessary for his robot figures, which he sells for around 500 pesos each.
He says he wants to reach out to toy connoisseurs, even those who do not regularly visit art galleries.
“Unlike other toys, this is targeted at a more specific niche. I am still targeting the art community since they are the ones commonly interested, but sharing it to others is can be an effective approach,” he says.
Nelz says that toys have transitioned a lot over the years. But with his original designs (and also making these in limited quantities), he hopes to likewise attract collectors
“Although some of the toys nowadays are sold in limited editions, there will still be that mass-produce factor that multiplies the designs. With my toys, it’s really giving the people one of a kind and distinct pieces,” says Nelz.
More than earning an income, he says he’d like to see what Filipino collectors value most when it comes to art.
“I can’ t exactly say that these toys are worth to be seen in exhibits but to me, every piece in here is art and I’m seeing a lot of people perceiving it that way too,” he says.
For more information about Kantobotz, call Nelz Yumul at (0916)5396823 or e-mail nelzwhere@yahoo.com
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