Socks and Steampunk: Designer Crisr

UK-based toy designer Cris Rose makes little resin robots with nature on their minds… and soon will have distributed an army large enough to hide quite a few socks. I caught up with Cris on Twitter – where he plans a sock-revolution and tells me why he doesn't do steampunk.

Q: What did you want to be when you grew up?

A: My earliest memory of wanting to be anything revolved around wanting to make things that other people would enjoy and treasure. So I guess I’m doing that!



Q: How did you get in to the art toy thing?

A: In my second year of University, my girlfriend at the time put together a little stocking for me at Xmas. One of the items was a Qee Series 5A blindbox, something I’d never seen before, and on opening it thought it was really cool! I collected a few more, then had to put the collection in my parents loft while I finished uni (due to no money!) On leaving uni I started collecting again, discovered Dunnys and painted my first custom…

Q: Where do your ideas and inspirations come from?

A: I would say I have a dual love of nature and technology, a strong fascination with the past and a keen imagination of the future. I’m inspired by the trees and plants, the work my grandfather did as a radio repairman, science fiction and the street/vinyl art scenes.

Q: I’m finding your more recent work very steampunk – is that the case?

A: Since introducing my Runcible and Rotund resin robot figures, I have certainly embraced my love of technology and robotics, but I certainly would regard it as Steampunk. My fellow artist Doktor A is the master of that style in my opinion. I’d say my work was more 1940s-1950s Retro-futurism. I love that streamlined, bright coloured, exposed panel style of the future that the post-war generation envisioned for the year 2000. I hope I put my own twist on the styling though.

Q; Which is your favourite piece?

A: Goodness, I’m not sure I could choose just one. I have a few pieces I am particularly proud of, but I'm most proud of my resin robot creations and the world they inhabit. I'm looking forward to expanding their universe in the near future!

Q: Do you have any shows coming up?

A: This weekend I took part in 3 shows, Humans Beware at Rocketworld San Francisco, New Moon at My Plastic Heart NYC and The Resin Collective at Red Hot Robot Phoenix Arizona, all of which were quite exciting! So far this year, my upcoming shows include the Kicktoy Launch and 5th Anniversary show at ToyQube NYC, Multiple Personalities at Lift Detroit, Darkness at 1:AM San Francisco and a very exciting undisclosed show in NYC that will see me painting a 3 foot figure! I’m also in talks to curate a show or two here in London, but nothing’s confirmed yet.

Q: What advice would you give a new designer?

A: Do your own thing, get involved in the community and don’t be afraid to ask questions or be cheeky! It can take a long time to get noticed, or happen overnight, there’s no set rules – just make sure you’re enjoying yourself and it will come through in your work!

Q: Where can we get our hands on your fantastic stuff?

A: I have an online store here where all my latest work can usually be purchased, but I also have pieces available at They Walk Among Us, Red Hot Robot, My Plastic Heart, and Orbital, London.