narciso
Domestika Course Art Toy
Genesis
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This piece was created as the main project for my Domestika course on Art Toy design. I needed a character that students could follow step by step, but also one that left room for personal interpretation if they wanted to develop their own ideas.
Even though the course focuses heavily on technique, I also wanted to introduce the idea of adding intention or reflection to a piece. The starting point I took was the classic fairy-tale trope of the frog waiting to be kissed. I designed Narciso, a frog-prince character centred around ego and the need for external validation.
Process
Technically, the piece was designed to be approachable for beginners while still carrying my usual work standards. I introduced small geometric transitions and defined edges so I could demonstrate sanding, shaping and surface control in the course. It’s not a complex sculpture, but it allowed me to cover a wide range of techniques in a clear way.
In addition, the frog holds a lipstick with its tongue, as if presenting it to the viewer. I added the word “EGO” on the lipstick, hinting at the idea of performing for approval, showing what we think others want in order to be “chosen”.
On the back, during the painting stage, I added three kiss marks that never turned him into a prince. It’s a simple way of suggesting that trying to become something for others rarely changes who we are, and that identity doesn’t come from external expectations.
Outcome
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Narciso became the figure I used while filming the Domestika course in Madrid. Later on, the original piece was acquired by a collector. It’s a simple character on the surface, but it worked well as a teaching tool and as a compact way to introduce the idea that even small figures can carry a concept behind them.
