As summer is approaching, The Haunted Mansion at Disneyland Prepares that Jack Skellington take over with his Spooky Christmas Mashup through the end of the annual holidays. But the ghostly retreat evokes Halloween all year and has become a Disney store for collections inspired by the beloved attraction.
With the latest Haunted Mansion Merch DropYou can bring some spectral energy from the ride home for your seasonal fall decoration. Two of the leading pieces of the collection are the figures of Disney Store Light-stretching portrait of artist and product design Steve Thompson. The incredibly detailed statues look like an encouragement comes true, depicting a tight Walker Sarah Sally Slater over her crocodile and the dynamite gentleman on his precarious barrel.
Io9 recently captured Thompson, who shared an original conceptual art of the figures with us, to discuss his process for the figures and his relationship with Disneyland as it celebrates 70 years.
Sabina Graves, IO9: Could you elaborate on the inspiration behind your unique interpretation of the Sally and Dynamite Gentleman figures?
Steve Thompson: I was a fan of Haunted Mansion Since my first trip to Disneyland in 1980. One of my favorite rooms in the attraction is of course the stress room and its portraits. As with some new project, I never want to repeat myself. We have made some very good collections, ornaments and artwork of these characters in the past, which remain very faithful to the portrait characters, as you know them. So, for me the challenge was, how do we portray these characters in a new way?
The portraits in the stress room have been painted by various artists over the years. As a result, the way they look also changed. My approach with the design of these figures was to honor that tradition and draw them as I see them. It all started with my initial sketches. I would say that my biggest inspiration or jumping point was the original paintings of Disney legend Marc Davis. His paintings were fun and a little strange at the same time – it was magic in his eyes!
When attraction lasted as long as Haunted Mansion have, the challenge is to give Haunted Mansion Fans something they haven’t seen before. I wanted the positions of the characters to be similar to the portraits in the attraction, but not exactly as you remember them. Almost as if you catch a slightly different moment from the same portrait session, something as unique as the palace itself. I hope fans enjoy this take on some of their favorite characters!
Io9: What was your personal relationship to Disneyland and The Haunted Mansion Through the years?
Thompson: I grew up going to Disneyland, and like many who grew up in California, the park was always an inspiration for me. It’s a really magical place. I knew from a very young age that I wanted to work for Disney as an artist, and being able to visit the park regularly helped keep that dream alive for me. I can say that I have been incredibly lucky to do so only for the past 31 years! Haunted Mansion For me there is one of the weekly large Disney visuals; Every detail is perfect. I still feel that after all these years there is always something new to discover.
IO9: In what ways Disney Parks served as one of your earliest fads, and how did that affect your career as a designer?
Thompson: Grow to visit the Disney parks made me feel that everything is possible. The parks were a safe space for me to dream and imagine. You can see the love, talent and artisanity that went into every detail. As a designer, I always remember that I am just one of a long line of artists who have helped keep these characters and stories alive over the years. It comes with great responsibility and true love for the source material.
Some of my favorite recent memories of the parks are the times when I’m on my own after an artistic signature or work meeting, going my way through the park and seeing things I helped create sold in the shops. There is something I always dreamed of as a child. And the park exits that child in me, who can take a step back and appreciate that. Always excites me to see what we will project later!
Io9: beyond the specific figures, are there any other aspects of The Haunted Mansion And an ingenious season at the parks, who particularly resonate with you creatively?
Thompson: As a child I wanted to live in the Haunted Mansion“I also wanted the Caterpillar Ride vehicle Alice in Wonderland Be my car! Haunted Mansion For me it is a must every time I am in the park. Besides the excellent characters and music, I love the architecture; No detail was omitted in its creation. It’s something that only Disney could do; Going the ride at night is almost as magical as it gets, and for me as a designer, those conditions are perfect to find my next inspiration. You never know what we will do next. Stay tuned.
See this Haunted Mansion Release and more Halloween -seasonal goods Online at the Disney shop.
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