Life Imitates Art
Being an artist and designer, I created a whimsical children’s character named “The Official Baby Watcher”, also known as “The Li’l Baby Watcher a few years ago. The character is a fanciful little baby watchman, a guardian that watches over small children and babies, “in a fanciful way of course”. It was created for a friend’s child – because I wanted to give the new baby a unique and significant gift with a purpose. I thought: “If I could give any one thing to any child it would be their very own guardian that would watch over them forever.” From this thought the Li’l Baby Watcher ™ character was born.
The original, whimsical design was a two-dimensional airbrush rendering of my idea of what a baby watchman would look like if he were real: a wholesome, a debonair, physically fit and strong character. Overall he is a little peculiar, funny looking character with a large head with big eyes, big ears and short-short legs and he stands on two huge clumsy looking boots.
The idea is that it is these peculiarities, big ears and eyes he allow him to see and hear everything in the baby’s room. And his strong arms and barrel-chest and short legs and BIG feet, allow him to stand tirelessly and dutifully while he perform his sentinel duties – as he watches over the baby’s room hence his name -The Li’l Baby Watcher. He is a misfit of sorts, a cross between a funny looking clown and a dashing, li’l soldier but is neither. However, these peculiarities are what make him special and allow him to be whom he is. Overall, he is a healthy, wholesome looking character by design.
A few months later, after creating the character, I sat down to write – to describe him. This lead to writing The Official Baby Watcher story which describes the character as a lonely and seemingly unimportant, insignificant misfit of sorts, a peculiar, disheveled character named Wob (rhymes with Bob). And even though he was in the baby’s room, he was not a toy that the baby could play with he sat up on a high shelf – seemingly without any purpose or reason. This made him feel lonely and all alone. But despite his peculiarities, he was a smart li’l guy and had feelings and he loved the baby in the story. His biggest wish was to be a part of the baby’s life, a part of the family, someday.
Because of his peculiarities and lack of purpose he felt like he didn’t belong anywhere and goes through a time of emotional conflict, loneliness, fear and doubt. But, then a day comes when he has to overcome all that, and be strong, to save the baby from imminent danger and harm. Ultimately, with the help of his “Little Voice from Within”, he goes through a magical transformation that allows him to prove his “great love” for the baby.
The story ends happily as the family finally notice him and realize how special he is and designate him “The Official Baby Watcher.” In the end he gets placed close to the baby’s bed. And because of his magical transformation, he is now a dashing, debonair hero and happy little someone – no matter how peculiar! And the toys who laughed at him because of his peculiar looks, like him and accepted him just the way he is.
NOW, about the “life imitating art” part, back when the story was written, a friend told me that the little character was I – implying that the character and I were one-and-the same. At the time, I didn’t see what she was trying to tell me.
Finally, after a few years, as I contemplate my age, position in life and find myself at a standstill, career-wise – her observation of the parallels in the story between the character and me have become more obvious. Just like Wob’s funny features make him special and allow him to be what he is, albeit a misfit. I also feel like a misfit of sorts – because even though, I am a creative individual and exercise my creative talents in assorted ways, I feel it is these assorted talents that make me what I am and have allowed me to create the character/concept. But it also makes me feel, atypical, like I don’t belong in any-one category – which in turn makes me feel like – a ‘jack-of-assorted-talents and a master-of-none’, as they say. And because I am not known in any particular circles, I feel insignificant and with-out-a-purpose.
Like Wob, in the story, right before he saves the baby from harm, I find myself apprehensive as I move toward the uncertainty of a new phase in life, business venture and direction career-wise, I realize I have to be strong and face my fears, self doubts apprehensions to persevere and succeed, just like Wob.
And just like him, I respect and care for small children and have gone a step further to fulfill his ultimate wish and have made him a playable, plush toy that can be shared with babies and small children.
And, also like Wob, I long to be a part of my family and believe its success will provide the wherewithal to be able spend more time with my father, who is turning ninety next February; along with my eleven brothers and sisters and numerous nephews nieces and great nephews and nieces of which, mostly live in Phoenix, Arizona; and to be more a part of their lives.
I believe that as an artist, I have created my best, life’s work, my ultimate piece of art, in ‘The Li’l Baby Watcher’ concept/character
If and when you see the O.B.W. character on the market and being a success you will know – that just like him – I have reached my life goal and will be a little happy li’l someone then too…
Author Bio: I am a commercial artist along with creating graphics design, and conceptual art. The character, story and the overall concept and character can be seen at http://www.TheLilBabyWatcher.com. My works of art can be seen at http://www.GaticaArt.com.
Category: Arts and Crafts
Keywords: children\\\\\\\’s story eases sibling rivalry, licensable baby character with warm purpose and mission
