Artist creates in CALIFORNIA RAISINS, the white-gloved, shrivelled singing sensations, are get- ting some stiff competition right here in North Van- couver. EVELYN JACOB feature writer Local graphic artist Daniel Scarcello could become California Raisin creator Will Vinton’s Cana- dian rival — provided Canadians take to his clay figurines with the same enthusiasm as Americans took to Vinton’s plasticine raisins. Astudent at Capilano College’s commercial art program, Scarcello developed a passion for clay modelling — which he calls 3-D illustration — while designing a record cover for a schoo! project. “| wanted to do something dif- ferent,” says Scarcello, who works as a freelance graphic artist for Western Living Magazine. ‘1 saw children’s modelling clay at a hobby shop and started ex- perimenting with it. Then { started experimenting with color, and slowly it started to come together. A light went on in my head.” That lightbulb illuminated a host of friendly — not to mention slightly kooky-looking — 3-D characters. From the billboard- sized St. Nicholas to the familiar pudgy figure of A&W’s Great Root Bear, Scarcello creates wide-eyed, colorful, cartoon-like salesmen in miniature. ‘Today, the 26-year-old North Vancouver native has turned his discovery into an exciting new ca- reer, receiving commissions from McDonalds and Wendy’s. Last year Scarcello created a promo piece for hamburger giant McDonald’s — Chicken McNug- me? Do you know ke I’m Willem Kruithof. | started this restaurant because I love good food. [ love people who appreciate it and | love bring- ing them both together. FISH & GAME HOUSE PS. Romantic piano nightly 195 W. Broadway 876-9256 gets playing checkers. The piece appeared in a McDonald's publication with a circulation of more than four million. Most of Scarcello’s patrons have been large food corporations; notably, McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Murchies and Grimms Sausages, and A&W is looking into mass- marketing collectibles of its Root Bear. Other commissions have in- cluded Vancouver’s Harbour Cen- tre, Fremstad’s Seafood and Cam- bridge Shopping Centres, which owns Oakridge mall. The North Vancouver native also does private commissions —- for friends and for smaller companies. Patrons generally specify the type of design they want, but Scarcello uses some artistic freedom “intercity Packers wanted something for their Top Gun Salesmen Award, so | came up with the idea of doing a caricature of the winners faces coming out of a barrel of a gun. They loved it — it went over ieally well.” “ce ce ee NEWS photo Mike Waketleld Using children’s modelling clay called fimo, Scarcello works from photographs, drawings or from verbal descriptions given over the phone. He builds his models into the desired shape, then bakes them at 300 degrees farenheit in his Grouse Woods studio. Sculpting is rigorous, hands-on work requiring hours of kneading — each piece can take between five and 20 hours depending on size and complexity. Scarcello’s blisters are testimony to the strains of his work. “‘I don’t paint anything,’’ he says, building each piece in individual colors. Though hopeful, Scarcello con- cedes that his new venture wili need time to catch on in B.C.: “Vancouver is a very small mar- ket. It's something people have to become familiar with. That’s the biggest barrier,” he says. But if he manages to carve suc- cess from his fimo figurines, the wear on his callused hands will have been worth it. ” REECE Value *629° NOW ONLY $199 30 Portraits; 1-10x13, 2-8x10, 3-5x7s, 15-2x3s ond 9 Mini-Portraits Now is your chance to get quality children’s portraits at an incredible low price. Children age 12 and under only. No appointment necessary Tuesday-Friday, 12 a.m. to 5 p.m. Appointments evenings and weekends for your convenience. Poses and backgrounds our selection. One special per family, please. Not valid with any other offer. Portrait sizes approximate. $2 per additional subject. PARK ROYAL 925-1054 DOWNTOWN 687-6889 NORTH VANCOUVER’S Daniel Scarcello holds up his Great Root Bear and hamburger clay figurines which he creates from children’s modelling clay called fimo. ell Walanced Canada’s Music Channel From ballads to soul, to rock and roll PLUS interviews, top hits, golden oldies, Ive concerts, special musical tnbutes and the tinest music videos from around the word! haw, Quality choice for cable today's selective viewer. 23 - Wednesday, April 5, 1989 - North Shore News {GEORGE WALKER’SY DANCE SCHOOL } Capilano Highlands For Weekday or Saturday Classes Spring 3 Term ey April 59 VAS Pre-School! 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