In most media, a “breaking story” would be something involving a war breaking out somewhere, or a groundbreaking presidential election, or the fact that some celebrity had been sighted wearing tighter-than-usual pants. In my world, however, a toy raccoon is quite sufficient to qualify as something that must be shared with the world instantly. Artist Nathan Hamill has filled this niche for me with a completely kickass 2 ½ inch figurine called “Boris,” produced by U1 Toys. Since I am, as they say, “in the know,” I was able to secure an interview with the artist, irrespective of the fact that I have no idea how to interview anyone and probably don’t have any business doing so. Ignoring that, I soldiered bravely onward and provided Nathan with a list of questions, which he graciously answered despite the fact that the questions are mostly ridiculous in nature. What follows is a hard-hitting, no-holds-barred investigation into the darkest depths of an artist’s soul—or, failing that, an explanation of why everyone should own a small purple raccoon.
ES: Most interviewers would probably research a subject before an interview, but as it happens, the only research I’ve done involves knowing that you drink Red Stripe and occasionally bum my cigarettes at our local bar. So, what can you tell me about your background in art? Explain yourself!
NH: First off, thanks again for the cigarettes. I appreciate them. And I think I’m getting tired of Red Stripe and will change my regular beer so now you know one less thing about me.
My background in art consists of drawing from an early age until now, with computer work becoming much more predominant in the past few years. Also, I draws what I likes.
ES: How did Boris come to be?
NH: Boris was sketched while I was waiting at the Apple Store in 2005. I was designing him with an animated show in mind so that’s how his mask turned out the way it did. I didn’t want the black of his pupils to blend into black of the mask when he looked side to side. My friends and I never got the project going but I continued to draw Boris. When I began talking to the guys at U1 about making a toy, it was the first character that came to mind.
ES: I get the impression that, though adorable, Boris has a tragic or possibly even sordid past, evidenced by his purple coloration and the fact that he’s constantly looking to his left. Am I right?
NH: Yeah, his father, Horace, was killed when he was just a kitten. Pirates slayed him shortly after Boris’ sixth birthday party. It’s only partially based on real life experiences.
He’s always a bit suspicious of his surroundings. Tragedy plus Napoleon complex equals constant vigilance.
ES: Whose idea was it to articulate his tail and head?
NH: That was all me. The figure wouldn’t have really benefited if his little
T-Rex-esque arms and his legs had been movable. Plus, if we’d gone that route, we would’ve had to alter the design.
I have an idea for one more point of articulation that I’d like to add to a future version of Boris but I’ll leave that one as a surprise.
ES: The iconography of the raccoon (Procyon lotor) is well-documented in indigenous folklore, particularly that of the Dakota Sioux and the Aztecs. Given the raccoon’s iconographic status as a trickster, often possessing mystical powers, and taking into account more modern representations such as Sterling North’s “Rascal,” the children’s magazine “Ranger Rick,” and Bruce Willis’s character in the animated film “Over the Hedge,” I have a three-part question: why is Boris purple?
NH: Huh? Sorry, I zoned out there for a bit.
Sure, I like purple.
ES: Where is Boris available for purchase?
NH: If you’re in the Los Angeles area, he’ll be available this Friday, July 17th at Meltdown Comics. We’re having the launch party there. You can read about it at www.nathanhamill.com. We’ll also be at Comic Con. After that he will be available online at www.U1ToyArts.com and will be distributed through www.DKEToys.com.
ES: What is the “Picnic Land” series, with which Boris is affiliated? Is it a shadowy government conspiracy of some kind?
NH: Picnic Land is whatever’s in your heart, Eric.
ES: I’ve heard you’re in talks with Michael Bay to produce a live-action Boris movie. Am I making this up? Is this a horrible idea?
NH: If by ‘horrible’ you mean ‘awesome,’ then, no. This is really a terrible idea. But I signed away the movie rights long ago. Hopefully, Benicio Del Toro can save it. Did I mention it’s a futuristic musical?
ES: What Batman villain is Boris? Take the quiz!
NH: The Penguin.
ES: Do you have plans for other Boris-themed merchandise? I’ve heard people love to wear t-shirts, for instance.
NH: I’m planning on making a belt buckle and some Boris jewelry next. I’d love to make a shirt at some point too.
ES: Most interviewers would close by asking if there’s anything you’d like to add. I think this is a clichéd and tedious practice, so I’ll close by asking this instead: what do you think about the fact that I’ve just made you do most of my work on this column for me?
NH: It’s ok. I’ve got your wallet.
The Launch Party for Nathan Hamill’s Boris and the Picnic Land Series will happen this Friday July 17th from 7-10 pm at Meltdown Comics (7522 Sunset Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90046)
(click on image to enlarge)
