An evolutionary afterthought seemingly created in haste, the gimcrack is a scourge of kitchen pantries the world over. Driven by an insatiablesweet tooth, the gimcrack doesn’t quite slither so much as it awkwardly amblesthrough unsecured doors and windows. Moving with a sort of creeping resent (perhapsself-aware of the poor taste in which it was crafted), the gimcrack hoistsitself up onto kitchens tables, searching the countertops for sugary treatswith unabashed enthusiasm. Plagued with poor vision, the gimcrack relies on itskeen olfaction to locate its feast, which it fully intends to only “borrow.”Possibly not understanding the pledge it’s making, compensation is neveroffered and the blame of missing food usually falls to another household occupantwhile the gimcrack eavesdrops from seclusion. Feeling appropriately guilty and believingawareness of its impropriety is penance enough, the gimcrack remains hidden toavoid implications of theft and to procure the chance to enjoy futureconfections. In summation, if deserts, candies, or snacks start to disappear inexplicably,be sure to check the cabinets and under the sink; you may be sustaining thisharmless guest…tacky and uninvited nonetheless.
cliftonharveyart.com
cliftonharveyart.com
“A Snack for the Gimcrack”, digital illustration, ©2012 Clifton Harvey
“A Snack for the Gimcrack” (detail), digital illustration, ©2012 Clifton Harvey
“A Snack for the Gimcrack” (detail), digital illustration, ©2012 Clifton Harvey
“A Snack for the Gimcrack” (detail), digital illustration, ©2012 Clifton Harvey
Initial sketch (pictured on the left) that lead to a more detailed drawing (right) which I then scanned and refined in Photoshop.
An animated gif (pictured above) I put together showing the various stages of development this piece went through.
