Protective
I utilize the action figure form in my sculptural work to explore struggles with social anxiety. As an adult, I face difficulties in social situations. Meeting new people, being in the company of strangers, crowds, peers, sometimes friends and family brings about a heightened nervousness that takes over making it challenging to function socially. Even as a child I was extremely reserved and apprehensive, so I turned to toys to keep me entertained. I believe the tactile activity of playing with them coupled with my active imagination helped establish this passion for the action figure early on. There was something about picking up your favorite hero or villain and creating stories and adventures that captivated me. It felt only natural to tap into this childlike sense of exploration and storytelling through my artwork. Homebodies is a series of toy-like characters with skin that resemble wooden slats, heads topped with roofs and accompanying windows and doors. Home is where I feel most at ease, so these textures represent the protective walls I take with me out into the world. - Calvin Ma on his Homebodies Series