Finally Florida!

Mary Blair's concept art for the Contemporary Resort 

Grand Canyon Concourse tile mural... as a ceramic vase.

Walt Disney World turns 40 this year and Jody and I were invited to concept nostalgic collectibles for the Orlando resort's anniversary.  Naturally,  we adore the vintage look of WDW in all its 'seventies orange and lime-green goodness.  Excited about the project, we submitted far more concepts than Disney had expected, including attraction replicas and scale models, a line of retro Tiki mugs for the Polynesian resort, and other cool stuff.  Disney ultimately decided on a small assortment of "gift" items similar to things we had designed for Disneyland's 50th last year, which we think are pretty cool too.  (As for those unproduced collectibles, don't cry.  There's always the 50th Anniversary to look forward to, right?)

A boxed trio of mini-attraction posters silk-screened 

the old fashioned way, onto sheets of tin!

In a rare departure from the way we've always created collectibles in the past, we had assistance from the Florida merchandise team in Disney's Design Group.  Talented artists on their own, we'd like to give DDG a hearty round of applause for all their efforts.  In particular, we want to express our warmest gratitude to Disney artist Linda Flynn who labored over the nitty-gritty details to get exactly what we wanted out of each item.  Linda, you rock.

Vintage graphic "Magic Kingdom"paper cup, cast in ceramic.

The items are already beginning to be released at various locations around the Florida resort: The Tin Attraction Poster set is available right now at Downtown Disney, EPCOT Center's Art of Disney, and at the Magic Kingdom's Disneyana Shop.  The other items will follow throughout the summer.  

Boxed Dinnerware set illustrated with the colorful 

map insert in the 1971 Preview Center Map.

Jody and I will be in Florida for the Resort's big Fortieth Anniversary shindig, with an appearance and signing event at the Magic Kingdom on October 1, 2011.   

Note to west coast Disney fans, we've been informed that as of now, there are no plans to offer the Florida collectibles in Anaheim, but you can order these items though the Walt Disney World Guest Services Mail Order Merchandise Dept. by calling (407) 363-6200.)

Parrot of the Caribbean

Click above photo to make it huge.

I can't believe he's finally done, and I wish I could keep him.  He's destined for the D23 Expo Auction in August.  If you're interested in bidding, keep a weather eye open for Lot #27, Mateys!

From the auction catalog:

WALT DISNEY WORLD

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN PARROT "BARKER BIRD" 

A one-of-a-kind, hand-made, authentic replica by Kevin Kidney & Jody Daily

Mixed Media (Fiberglass, wood, feathers, metal, nylon fur cloth, velvet, cotton fabric, rope, and an artificial eye.)

Dimensions:

Entire piece: 31" H x 17" W x 12" D.

Parrot figure is 19" H

Value (Disney's estimate): $4,500 - $6,000

Fur and Feathers

You have a Friend Request from Disney

It never crossed my mind to publicly declare fandom for Disney on facebook, but I guess that perhaps it's finally time to "Like" Disney. Jody and I are this week's featured artists on the company's official facebook and Twitter pages. You can download a pretty slick image of our giant Disneyland '55 paper sculpture for your desktop, and it won't cost you anything. Do it! 

I'm doin' it.  

Pegged and Painted

With his solitary glass eye installed behind his eyelids and his hand-turned wooden leg varnished up like fine old furniture, he's starting to look pretty sharp.  Jody's detailed paint work on the face looks great even in close-up.  Our parrot will be viewed (and scrutinized) much closer than the original figure ever was in Walt Disney World's Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, so the details require time and tender loving care.

Coming up next:  Fur and Feathers!

• Look for the completed Pirates of the Caribbean "Barker" Parrot replica on display at the D23 Expo 2011 in Anaheim this August. The one-of-a-kind replica will be on the auction block on Saturday, August 20th as part of the Expo Live and Silent Auction.

Fiberglass and Feathers

A new project has landed on our worktable and the feathers are flying.  It's a one-of-a-kind figure we're making for the D23 Expo auction in August.  

Any guesses who this is going to turn out to be??

Models and Movie Magic

I just wrote an article for the Walt Disney Family Museum blog on the use of Character Model Statues and the artists who created them, at the Walt Disney Studio in the late 1930s and early 1940s.  It's a topic that always gets me excited!  

Walt Disney Family Museum blog 

Pinocchio puppet model made by Bob Jones

Smiling in Anaheim

Chances are, if you are a follower of this blog, I imagine you have at the very least a passing interest in things that go on in Anaheim.   And if, like me, you also enjoy history and really great beer, then I have an announcement that will make you smile:  

Historic downtown Anaheim has really, REALLY, INCREDIBLE BEER.  

The original Anaheim Brewery which operated in the 1800s until it went dry during the Prohibition era, is back!  This weekend the new Anaheim Brewery will have a 'soft opening' with four types of delicious craft beer on tap - Anaheim 1888, Anaheim Gold, Anaheim Red and Anaheim Hefeweizen.  Drop in Friday, Saturday or Sunday for a cold glass in the tasting room, or take home a "growler" bottle for your Fourth of July party.  

The new Anaheim Brewery is the start of many exciting things in the works to revitalize the historic downtown district, just one mile northeast of Disneyland.  In the coming months, the Brewery will be joined by Los Angeles burger sensation Umami Burger (On July 16th Umami will actually be grilling and selling its burgers as part of the Brewery's official grand opening.) By next year, the site will also include an eclectic food hall inside an historic citrus packing house, organic produce markets, gourmet food truck gatherings, and a public park for festivals and outdoor concerts.  Lots to smile about!

Anaheim Brewery Official Website

Anaheim Brewery Blog

Trader Sam's Tiki Bar

"The Wicked Wench" in the Bottle. 

Last month, in between late night parade rehearsals at the park, Jody and I helped out on a pretty nifty project over at the Disneyland Hotel.  If you're a Tiki fan or Disney nut, you may have heard about Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar which opened in May.  You might even have already visited!

For the new bar, Jody and I scratch-built a one-of-a-kind scale model replica of the "Wicked Wench" - the ship that fires cannon balls over your head in the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction.  Our miniature version is rigged up to do a little trick.  I won't give away the surprise, but if you order a 'Shipwreck cocktail' ( a nice lemony Bourbon thing ), the boat in the bottle, um...well, it does something!

While the Imagineering team worked late into the night programming lighting effects and Krakatoa explosions, Jody and I rolled up our sleeves and painted the totems over the bar.  These are, of course, cast from the original molds created for the Enchanted Tiki Room attraction, and we picked colors to match, as near as we could, the original 1963 paint scheme of the show. 

If you find yourself anywhere near the Disneyland Hotel this summer, I recommend you drop in to Trader Sam's for a refreshing grog and any food item on the menu that is panko-crusted.  Sam's is easily the best bar in the resort and has become one of our favorite local hangouts.

Hukilau Art Show, 2011

We're goin' to a hukilau!  Or to be more specific, this week we're once again attending The Hukilau, the incredible tiki event that takes place every year in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  This year marks the 10th anniversary of the epic three-day party which culminates with dinner, drinks and a fiery stage show at America's most spectacular Polynesian restaurant, the Mai Kai.  

This year Jody and I are participating in the Hukilau group art show, and here's a sneak peek at what we've pulled together:

"The Founder of the Feast"

 Artist: Jody Daily

Jody's salute to Hukilau mastermind, Miss Tiki Kiliki!

Acrylic paint on natural bamboo plank

Custom matted and framed:  9" x 8.25"

Hukilau Tiki Mug Master Sculpture 

Artist:  Kevin Kidney

The one-of-a-kind, hand-sculpted master from which the original 

(and now super-rare) Hukilau mugs were cast in 2007.

Wood and sculpting compound:  8" tall x 6" wide

Trader Vic's Los Angeles Mural Concept

Artist:  Jody Daily

Jody's original 2009 proposal for a mural that would have covered a wall in the restaurant's main dining room. 

Acrylic paint on wood:  5.25" x 5.50"

Garden of the Gods: Rongo

Artist: Jody Daily

Mixed media, custom framed:  14" x 6.75"

Garden of the Gods: Pele

Artist: Jody Daily

Acrylic on wood, custom framed:  13" x 5.75"

"The Tropical Temptations of Tiki" 

Artist:  Kevin Kidney

Original paper sculpture created for the cover photo of Sven A. Kirsten's upcoming audio CD.

Paper and wood in custom shadow box:  approximately 26" x 20" x 3" deep.

"Hukilau"

Artist:  Kevin Kidney

Sculpted paper vignette made from original elements of the 2007 Hukilau poster 

(and Kevin's own blog header!)

Paper on woven grass matting, in a custom shadow box:  15.75 x 12.75

"Sippin' Safari Endpapers Map"

Artist:  Kevin Kidney

Artwork created for Beachbum Berry's drink guide published in 2007.

Digital print, hand-numbered #11, and custom framed:  21" x 15"

In addition to the above, there will be limited art prints, a commemorative set of Tiki mugs, and special glassware, which can be viewed and pre-purchased here.

(Prices for the original art will be announced at the show.)  

The 2011 Hukilau is sure to be unforgettable, with great live music, seminars and symposiums, vendors, cocktails in the famous Molokai Bar, and a performance by Marina the Fire Eating Mermaid.  We wouldn't dream of missing this!

IT'S HERE! SOUNDSATIONAL!

Paper model for Professor Owl from Toot, Whistle, Plunk, and Boom. 

 Reference for the puppet on the opening float.

Finally!  After a year and a half of planning, designing, paper modeling, building, painting and rehearsing, Disneyland has a sparkling new parade.  Mickey's SOUNDSATIONAL!

Paper model for the Jolly Holiday Fox Hunter & Fox,

 reference for the giant puppet that leads the finale.

It's the biggest project Jody and I have ever tackled and we are very proud of it.  Huge heap of gratitude to our long-time friend Steve Davison for inviting us to be a part of this. 

Now everybody go see it!!!

Paper Model for the wacky Aracuan Bird from The Three Caballeros

It's coming...

Pedaling into Disneyland May 27!

Jody Daily Paints Pixar

Jody will be debuting a new painting this weekend in a Pixar-inspired fine art show at the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento.  

From the press release:  

“See Woody in Toy Story 3!”

While Disney fans best know artist Jody Daily through his Disneyland art and collectibles, which he creates with his partner Kevin Kidney, it is his designs for theater and theme park entertainment that occupy most of his time.  Currently he and Kevin are art directing a brand new musical parade for Disneyland® Park called Soundsational.

 

No stranger to the world of Pixar, Jody designed the Pixar Play Parade for Disney’s California Adventure® theme park, and in 2009 Jody and Kevin were called upon by John Lasseter’s team to create the packaging for Toy Story’s definitive toy line.

 

For his new painting of Woody, Jody turned to classic hand-painted movie poster art of the 1930s and 40s for inspiration. “My own personal style seems to go toward whimsical children’s book illustration, but I get really excited by the challenge of working in many different styles, from gothic to modern. I really just try to be a chameleon and create things that look authentic to whatever time and genre I’m aiming for, and keep my own present-day aesthetic out of it!” 

More information about the Pixar event and artwork here!

Toy Storage! Packaging for Pixar's Toy Stars

Back in 2009,  Jody and I had the great honor of being asked by Pixar and Disney Consumer Products to help create special packaging for the new Toy Story Definitive toy line, the most film-accurate replicas of the characters ever produced.  At the time, Jody had just designed the Pixar Play Parade for Disney's California Adventure, and "Toy Story 3" was still in production.

Some of the characters, like Woody, Jessie and Buzz, already had packaging seen in the animated films, but there were side panels and box backs not visible on screen, that needed to be fleshed out. Other toys, such as the Pizza Planet Aliens and a mysterious new character named Lots-O-Huggin' Bear, required all new packaging from scratch. 

Jody and I based all our digital illustrations on rough pencil concepts by Pixar merch designer Ben Butcher.  Some of the packaging, such as this shipping crate for Rex - complete with volcano, went through a zillion variations before everyone was happy.  

John Lasseter talks about Rex - and his packaging!

RC, the remote controlled race car, is supposed to be a toy from the 1980s, so his packaging reflects the graphic style and "awesome features" of the period. 

John and RC!

Our favorite was this "barn" for Hamm, the talking piggy bank.  In the Toy Story world, Hamm is a much older toy, so his packaging was even more "vintage" looking.

Every box has a "Try Me" button incorporated into its design, and getting this feature in the correct spot, without having the actual toy in front of us, was a challenge.

The series, except for Hamm, has been out for some time now.  We think all the "definitive" toys, made by Thinkway,  turned out super amazing, and it was a exciting for us to contribute something cool and lasting to the Toy Story milieu!

When It Rains, It Pours!

So, here's what I dig about blogging:  

You can write about anything your heart holds dear, no matter how esoteric or nerdy, and somewhere out there you'll connect with some kindred spirits who eagerly join in the nerd-fest right along with you.  Best of all,  those kindred spirits often hold clues to even more nerdy pieces of the puzzle.  You're my Holmes, and I'm your Watson! 

Last week's outpouring of love for rain lamps and Monsanto's Fountain of Fashion at Disneyland inspired a veritable oil spill of responses.  

Designer Mike Cozart salutes the FIBER FOUNTAIN (as it was named in the early designs) with some never-before-seen-by-me artwork on his amazing blog... including this fantastically rare blueprint:

See how the people in the vehicles (to show scale) are having a real hard time keeping their hands to themselves.  The allure of dripping oil was impossible to resist, and the show designers knew this even before the fountain was built!  Most thrilling of all was to learn that to access the fountain's interior display, you had to open a hatch in the ceiling and be lowered in like a jewel thief!  How cool!

Blog-reader Fred commented that I had neglected to mention the "grandaddy of all rain fountains" - that of Southern California's Topanga Plaza in Woodland Hills (1964).   I never saw this awesome fountain in person,  but Major Pepperidge of "Gorillas Don't Blog" shares these photos:  

Holy Hina, Goddess of Rain!   Not since Noah built the ark has there been such a downpour!  Three stories tall?  Maybe four stories!  Aaauugghh! I'm flipping out. 

 

The Major writes: 

 I think these have the Monsanto versions beat (look at the entranced shoppers in the first photo!) as far as size goes, although they lack the cool "tornado" effect. My grandmother used to take us clothes shopping at that mall when I was in high school, so theoretically I would have seen this fountain - but I don't remember it at all.

Fantastic!  If anyone can top this with evidence of  a bigger or equally spectacular rain lamp, we need to hear about it. 

Thanks to everyone wh0 wrote in to share memories and mutual affection for rain lamps, one of "Man's modern miracles" to rephrase the coin.   

Like the magic genie in a bottle, behold the elixir of illuminated ooze.

Monsanto's Fountain of Fashion

The mother of all rain lamps, Monsanto's Fountain of Fashion!

No vision on earth has yet been discovered that can so thoroughly hypnotize a person into an unblinking stupor as the drip-drip-drip of mineral oil cascading down a nylon thread. Sometime back in the 1960s - or maybe earlier - some genius somewhere combined illumination with precipitation and came up with a miracle we now know as the Rain Lamp.

If you've never seen a rain lamp, you're either too young or too tasteful for your own good. When I was ten I wanted a rain lamp for my bedroom with every polyester fiber of my being. The Sir George's Smorgasbord by our house had one suspended from a pole above the desserts and it was all my mom could do to prevent us kids from disrupting the never-ending chains of diamonds with our fingers.

Disneyland, as with everything else, had the biggest and most impressive rain lamp ever conceived by mankind. Stretching from floor to ceiling, Monsanto's Fountain of Fashion was the grand finale of an Adventure Thru Inner Space, and though the precise reason for its existence was lost on most people, the effect was unforgettable. 

Just out of reach...

Restrained by their lap bars - and possibly the admonishment of their moms -  Atommobile passengers had to fight off temptation to reach out and touch the forbidden strands of the Fountain of Fashion. Within a swirling tornado of a million oil droplets, faceless mannequins depicting a woman and a little girl on a swing wore clothing made from "Blue 'C' nylon and polyester yarns." At their feet, a bed of oversized white daisies gave a hint of nature in this unnatural place, while helping to conceal the oil intake reservoir. 

Maintaining the Fountain of Fashion must've been a flippin' nightmare.

I finally obtained a rain lamp of my very own by the time I was in my late twenties.  It had a gold-painted figure of a Grecian woman on a base surrounded by green plastic ferns. One time a fern came in contact with one of the nylon threads and a leaf conducted about 8 ounces of oil out over the edge of the basin, completely ruining the top of a bookcase below.  The greasy mess slightly diminished my enthusiasm for rain lamps, but seeing these photos of the Fountain of Fashion makes me want to give them another chance.

The Adventure Thru Inner Space attraction debuted in Tomorrowland on June 29, 1967.  In his opening day remarks, former Monsanto president Charles A. Thomas said about the ride: 

"At the end of the trip, of course, the visitor is exposed to 'a word from the sponsor.'  I think you'll agree that we have shown considerable restraint in this area..."

So the Fountain of Fashion and the Miracles From Molecules display was Monsanto showing restraint?  Good golly, just imagine what they would've come up with had they let loose!