Mickel Yantz, a Tahlequah, OK-based artist, proves that evil can last forever with an original look at Disney Villains through the use of the Día de los Muertos sugar skull designs.
The origins of Mickel’s skulls came from a local festival. “I attend my first Día de los Muertos festival in Tulsa, Oklahoma a few years ago and I was amazed at the beauty of the festival through the music, dance and of course the artwork. I thought it was an amazing expressive of honoring your loved ones this way. I had those images in my mind for a few months and finally I wanted to try and created my own. I have always had a passion for comics and cartoons so I just thought of trying to do classic cartoon villains as sugar skulls. I shared it with a few friends and the response has been amazing. I haven’t stopped creating new characters since. I wanted be bring a Disney rogues gallery together for one impressive image.”
The Day of the Dead celebration has been observed for almost 3000 years and originates on the Aztec calendar as a day to celebrate the lives of those we have lost. The modern version of this festival occurs every November 1st throughout North, Central and South America. A common symbol of the holiday is the skull and foods such as sugar or chocolate skulls, inscribed with the name of the recipient on the forehead, are place on alters or graves. Sugar skulls as honoring gifts can be given to both the living and the dead.
Kickstarter campaigns operate under an “all-or-nothing” funding model so if the Sugar Skull Villains Poster project doesn’t reach its goal at the end of 30 days then Mickel goes home empty-handed. The print is offered in three different sizes. Posters are 11×17 or 24×36 inches and will be printed on quality 100lb. paper. Giclees are 12×18 inches and will be printed on canvas. Mickel has to reach his goal by February 27th or project won’t happen. “I have been working on this poster for months, making sure all the villain characteristics where expressed and celebrated. It really has been a joy working on it and I hope the fans of these characters enjoy it.”
Be sure to follow Mickel on Twitter (@MYantz) and Facebook to follow his progress and make sure to spread the word to your social media networks. Consider donating as little as $5 to help his project come to life. If you decide to donate more, you might be among the first to have your room guarded by these cool skulls. www.kickstarter.com
