SUMMER SALE!  This summer - just as in past years - I am using the season to feature a varied assortment of science fiction and fantasy related items . . . from original paintings to "ephemera" . . . all of which need to find new homes!  Summertime is when I go through my proverbial closets to dig out unusual and rare items that are sure to tickle the fancies of SF/F fans and collectors - all at insanely low starting prices (or make an offer!)  You never can predict what I will list here - the choices will up-date as items sell - "snooze and you lose" - so be sure to add me to your favorites and keep up with new listings!  

"Baby Boy Rat"  

Artist: Lisa Snellings

You are bidding on one of Lisa's original "ratties" - one of her first concepts when she was developing ideas for small figurines - which in time evolved into her "RatBag" series of tributes to famous authors and creators.  But back in 2001-2004 she was trying out various themes, among them "Baby Rats".  And so she came up with this little boy, wearing a bonnet and carrying his little "stuffed toy". . . a cat (!) of course.  I have two baby boys each the same other than very minor differences in the finish as they are each hand painted. Size 2.5" tall and dating from 2001, based on the signature on the base, this makes her baby rats among the earliest of her cast small sculpts.  Baby Boy is hand painted, and cast in resin and marble dust plus carries her cast signature on the tail (see photos).

Lisa's earliest rats are rarely seen for sale, likely because she made so few of them.  They quickly were superceded by the popularity of her Poppets; although at the time we both agreed that rats were cute, and a fitting object for dressing up not everyone agreed with us.  Poppets however were an immediate success and due to demand, rapidly took center stage.  Nevertheless, I have a personal fondness for her early rats,  because just like the Poppets each one is not only distinctive in form and expression, but adorable and charming.  

In the spirit of transparency, I should add that my collection of poppets date back to when we first met, in the late 1990s, and I instantly fell  in love with her singular talent.  Many years and private commissions later, I have discovered a small treasure trove of her small poppet and rat sculpts and have decided that it's time for them to find new homes. Some of these sculptures I believe may be one-of-a-kind characters, or certainly were not cast in quantity - they date from Lisa's very first forays into creating little figures that could be made part of larger gallery works, or scaled to larger size.  Some - like the rats - evolved and ultimately were replaced by her iconic "poppets"  All are fun to display in groups, or as solo figures - and ALL are uniquely, amazingly, appealing.  

   NOTE: No rights of reproduction accompany the sale.   For these auctions I accept paypal, and payment is due within 3 days of auction close.  Overseas buyers: there are some locations to which I prefer not to ship; if you want me to consider an exception for you, please message me through eBay.  If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me before bidding.   For other choices in illustration art you can also visit the Worlds of Wonder website and browse our online gallery of illustrative art!  Happy bidding!