Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Squish Squash

Squish Squash got his body colors yesterday and here he is...still minus his little bucket which is outside drying. He has a little orange cape that goes over his vest and of course has a bow tie to cover his skinny little neck. You will also notice that his arms and fingers look spindly and vine-like.

When I first made the head my husband said it reminded him of a conehead, but I was just going for a big head to hold lots of brains. Kind of like the intellect of the squash family. You see, there are terribly nasty squash vine borers and cucumber beetles that carry viruses that kill the entire vine and consequently all of the squash. So in my crazy little brain I dream up that nature being as wonderful as it is, develops this "super smart" squash (still with me) that also due to the size of it's head is heavier than normal. This smart little squash has the ability to recognize these nasty pests in the garden and can roll over and squish the nasty bugs before they can do any damage, thus protecting his brothers and sisters on the vine. Because this little guy was the first to develop this technique he was given the nickname, "Squish." He is a proud little guy and very willing to share his knowledge and that explains him being all dressed up...he is now doing a lecture tour to gardens around the country. He just might show up in your neighborhood so keep an eye out for him...I know the bugs are!!

Have a great week!!
Laurie

16 comments:

Skelly Addict said...

He is SUPER Laurie! LOVE his polka dot bow tie!! And those spindly and vine-like arms and fingers look perfect!!!
Allison

Judy C said...

This guy is wonderful.

Once Upon A Blue Crow said...

Love this little brainiac :) Does he do weeds too?

Chicken Lips said...

This piece just keeps getting better and better!

Conehead!!! LOL!!! Your husband is a crack up!

Monkey-Cats Studio said...

Thank you so much Allison!! This is my first gourd/squash figure that isn't a pumpkin.

Thank you for the compliment Judy!!

You know Kimmie...I think he can do weeds. If he can identify bugs, why not weeds!! giggle!

Thanks David!! Kelly is a funny guy...many of the names of figures originate directly from him or from something he says. He is a great partner in crime!!

Thank you all for your kind words and for taking the time to leave a comment.

Well the coat of paint should be dry now so back to work!!
Laurie

La

Unknown said...

Do I sense a "squash" sidekick??

He's gorgeous Laurie!

Lori

Unknown said...

Damn, would help if I read huh??? I see his name is squish squash... it's one of those days apparently ;)

Lori

PJHornbergerFolkArtist.com said...

Laurie, I'm truly, truly in love with him.... he is wonderful.... and I think he could be the star of a book you write about all those squash people and those nasty bugs...

snippetgirl said...

Awesome!!! And as usual, your placement and posing of the hands is just wonderful. It'a amazing to me how hands and their positioning can give them so much personality.

Monkey-Cats Studio said...

Lori you make me laugh!!! Silly girl...you just are so busy!!

PJ you might be on to something, except I think backward from most writers. I create the figures and then the stories evolve, instead of the stories coming first and then the figures...like backward illustrations to stories. Is that what you do?

Hi Carrie and how did you find time to stop by?!!!! You are so busy and now with the 2 kitties with special needs.

Glad you liked the hands...I love doing hands and fingers on these little guys and then the buckets or scepters they hold. No wonder these things take so stinking long to make...giggle!!!

Thank you all again!!
Laurie

yoborobo said...

Oh, Squish! Come to Maryland and squish to your heart's content! I love you! :) You are a handsome brainiac, and I've always gone for those types. My garden awaits! :)

Melissa Valeriote said...

I just want to squish him in my arms. So clever!!!!

PEA said...

Laurie,
You reallyyyyyyyyyyyy should do a childrens book. OMG your stories are so wonderful and we both know you can paint like a dream. I would buy the first copy! LOL
Squish is wonderful, love the story and your imagination.
Hugs,Pea

Patty Benedict said...

Laurie...you know I'm a fan of your work! Wonderful fun new piece!!
Have a great creative day!!
Bugs & Hisses
Patty

Brandi McKenna said...

Oh Laurie! This is fantastic, and fun, and I love the story! I think you should do a watermelon one, too! For July, of course!

Monkey-Cats Studio said...

Pam you are so funny!!! Squish is working his way east so look for the little guy...and by the way, he eats gnats for the protein.

Melissa he would love a good squeeze from you!!

Good morning Patty!!! We will be driving your way so I will wave as I pass through St. Joe!!!

Brandi....watermelon?...hmmmm, the wheels are turning!! giggle!

Thank you all!
Laurie