Chunkos

The Chunkos are a universe of animals who by being themselves, help the world. But, first they have to confront the expectations of who the world expects them to be. 

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Chunkos have white faces that represent the masks we often wear to appease others, while their bodies are bright vibrant colors that represent the desires that we sometimes shun or hide. Each character is in conflict between their desired futures and the expectations of the world. 

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The characters are modeled after keystone animals. Keystone animals are animals who by their existence create an entire ecosystem. Examples include whales, elephants, turtles. These animals are icons for the concept that when you are the most full version of yourself, you can create and build whole universes around you.

This work heroes these Chunky animals to deliver a subtle message: that anyone can help the world by being themselves. 

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The characters are art as activism, but also art as storytelling. And, the pieces both large scale in public and small scale on tabletops or in cartoon forms are a way to explore the dynamic personalities of animals and ourselves as we face a future with complex, multifaceted crises on many fronts.