Ander Cardinale
multidisciplinary artist
Ander Cardinale began his artistic journey in Mexico, fueled by a childhood love for toys, costumes, art and a vibrant imagination.
While his architecture studies provided a foundation for design and structure, Disney’s magical worlds truly captivated him.
Working for the Walt Disney Company in Orlando and Paris allowed him to immerse himself in storytelling through immersive experiences, shaping his passion for bringing magical characters and places to life.
His passion extends beyond beauty to the transformative power of theme parks, which resonate with his diverse artistic interests in models, stage design, puppets, toys, scenography, costumes, and sculpture.
As a multidisciplinary artist, painting, illustrating, sculpting, sewing, and 3D modeling are all part of his artistic arsenal, creating a joyful explosion of color and bold shapes that represent the importance of love, dreams, diversity, inclusion, and the power to make the world a kinder place.
Garden Gnomes action figures
The Garden Gnomes, magical creatures with pointy hats, live in our yards, existing in perfect balance with nature. Skilled and talented, they’re the best friends of children, always happy to spend hours playing, teaching children how to care for nature, and having fun.
TOY CONCEPT – in development
Techniques: character design / toy design / 3D modeling / 3D printing /
Materials: PLA plastic / resin / acrylic paint
Dimensions: H: 3″
Year: 2024
Prince Andy Boy Dolls doll design
Techniques:
Doll:character design / toy design / airbrushing / 3D modeling / 3D printing / wig making / hair styling
Clothes: pattern making / sewing / fabric decorating
Materials: plastic / resin / fabrics / leather / yarn / fabric embellishments
Dimensions: H: 15″
Year: 2023
Feature:
Sparkling Eyes: Encapsulated in glitter, reminding us that even the most ordinary moments can hold extraordinary magic.
Unique Fashion: Handcrafted clothes, each stitch infused with creativity and personality.
Posable Body: Whether striking a dynamic pose or lounging in a cozy reading nook, this doll is ready for adventure.
HUNKY STALLIONS action figures
Born from the beloved HUNKYS universe, the HUNKY STALLIONS carry on the legacy of inclusivity and self-love.
Techniques: character design / toy design / 3D modeling / 3D printing / hairstyling
Materials: PLA plastic /crystal resin / glitter / yarn / acrylic paint
Dimensions: H: 6″
Year: 2023
Features: Same as HUNKYS
- HUNKY Physique
- Heart Tatto
- Glitter in the Eyes
- Smile
- Earring in Right Ear
HUNKYS action figures
The HUNKYS are more than just action figures; they are a celebration of self-expression, inclusivity, and love.
Techniques: character design / toy design / 3D modeling / 3D printing / hairstyling / sewing / mold making / resin casting
Materials: resin /crystal resin / glitter / yarn / acrylic paint / fabric / flexible clay
Dimensions: H: 5.25″
Year: 2023
Features and their Meanings:
- Hunky Physiques: Representing the strength of the heart and the power of embracing your authentic self.
- Heart Tattoo: A symbol of the immense capacity for love within the LGBTQ+ community.
- Glitter in the Eyes: Embracing the magic and wonder of life, no matter what challenges you face.
- Smile: Choosing happiness and spreading positivity in the face of adversity.
- Earring in Right Ear: A subtle nod to the LGBTQ+ community’s rich history and the resilience of those who came before
Welcome to my Dreams exhibit displays
Welcome to my Dreams exhibit
MAINSITE, Norman, OK
December 2023-February 2024
Techniques: styrofoam cut out / woodworking / brush painting / airbrushing / laser cut / vinyl cut
Materials: styrofoam / plywood / cardboard / acrylic paint / removable vinyl / glitter
Doll Transformations doll design
Techniques:
Doll: airbrushing / brush painting / wig making / hair styling
Clothes: pattern making / sewing / fabric decorating
Materials: plastic / fabrics / leather / yarn / fabric embellishments
Dimensions: H: 11″
Notes:
This project isn’t just about giving old dolls a new look; it’s about celebrating the magic of storytelling, the joy of crafting with intention, and the beauty of unexpected transformations. Every detail whispers a tale of forgotten memories, reinvented identities, and the endless possibilities that bloom when we dare to dream and create.
Disney Books mixed media
Inspired by the Disney movies: Cinderella, Peter Pan and Frozen.
This piece isn’t just a visual spectacle; it’s an invitation to step into a world where fairytales intertwine. It’s a celebration of imagination, creativity, and the timeless magic of Disney stories that have captured hearts for generations.
Technique: digital illustration / vector making / laser cut and engraving / 3D modeling / 3D printing / brush painting / airbrushing
Materials: plywood / MDF / PLA plastic / acrylic paint / glitter / rhinestones
Dimensions: H: 10″ / W: 7.5″ / D: 2″
Year: 2023
Cinderella book
Frozen book
Peter Pan book
Rainbow love pin design
The ‘Rainbow Love’ enamel pin is a colorful way to celebrate LGBTQ+ pride and support ‘The Pride of the HUNKYS’ book.
Techniques: Pin/ package/ display design
Materials: metal pin with shiny gold plating with enamel paint on cardstock back
Dimensions: H: 2″
Year: 2022
Waiting for a Ride interactive sculpture
Inspired by the “Hitchhiking ghosts” of Disney’s Haunted Mansion, Waiting for a ride was a finalist at the D23 Expo Design Challenge 2019
Technique: traditional sculpting over mdf core / brush painting / jumping jack puppet mechanism
Materials: epoxy clay / acrylic paint / glow in the dark paint / mdf / polyurethane varnish
Dimensions: H: 24″ / W: 36″ / D: 6″
Frame: wood / enamel paint / patina with acrylic paint wash
Year: 2019
Features: this interactive piece features not-so-stationary ghosts, brought to life through a playfull jumping jack mechanism. The ghosts glow in the dark!
Blacky Lucahdor sculpture
Technique: traditional sculpting / brush painting
Materials: epoxy clay / acrylic paint / polyurethane varnish
Dimensions: H: 10″ / W: 4″ / D: 6″
Stand: wood / acrylic paint /H”0.5″/ W”: 10″/ D: 10″
Year: 2022
Features: this fierce luchador comes alive with a manually operated, full 360-degree rotating head,
Cheshire Cat sculpture
Technique: traditional sculpting / brush painting
Materials: epoxy clay / acrylic paint / glow in the dark paint / polyurethane varnish
Dimensions: H: 12″ / W: 6″ / D: 5.5″
Year: 2020
Features: the whimsical cat emerges from the shadows with a mischievous glint, his eyes and smile glow in the dark.
Poseidon sculpture
Technique: traditional clay sculpting / bisque firing / brush painting
Materials: clay / acrylic paint / polyurethane varnish
Dimensions: H: 11″ / W: 4″ / D: 4″
Year: 2020
This dynamic sculpture captures the power and majesty of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea.
The Pride of the HUNKYS digital illustration
Self-published book
Technique: digital illustration / writing / character design
Materials: paperback book
Dimensions: H: 8.5″ / W: 11″
Year: 2022
Features: glitter on the cover
Shine bright with “The Pride of the HUNKYS,” a self-published book bursting with vibrant illustrations and heartwarming story. Dive into the world of these extraordinary characters, where muscles aren’t just for show, but symbols of strength, kindness, love and inclusivity.
Rainbow styrofoam cut-out
Technique: cutting styrofoam with a table saw / airbrushing / brush painting / glitter applying
Materials: styrofoam / primer/ acrylic paint / polyurethane varnish / glitter
Dimensions: H: 6.5′
Year: 2022
Features: Rainbow bidazzles with all the layers of glitter
George Washington styrofoam cut-out mural
Technique: cutting styrofoam with a table saw / air brushing / brush painting
Materials: styrofoam / primer/ acrylic paint / polyurethane varnish
Dimensions: H: 8′ / W: 6
Year: 2022
Notes: this piece was commissioned by Norman Public Schools
PFLAG Norman Rainbow Float float making / woodworking / lightning
Technique: jigsaw cut / wood assembly / brush painting
Materials: plywood / lumber / cardboard / string lights / acrylic paint / polyurethane varnish
Dimensions: H: 4′ / W: 8′ / D: 6″
Year: 2017
NOTES: The Rainbow float won:
1st place in the Norman Mardi Gras parade 2017
3rd place in the OKC Pride parade 2017
Gator Golf Sign woodworking
Sign for the Gator Golf at Andy Alligator’s Fun Park & Water Park, Norman, OK
Technique: woodworking
Sign: jigsaw cut
Letters: laser cut
Mascot: band saw cut
Materials: plywood / MDF / acrylic paint / polyurethane varnish
Dimensions: H: 3.5′ / W: 8′
Year: 2018
Pato Piñata design and paint
Technique: brush painting / varnish spraying
Materials: acrylic paint / polyurethane varnish
Dimensions: H: 36″ / W: 24″ / D: 40″
Year: 2016
NOTES: One of the three 2016 design winners.
Interactive art inviting playful exploration in Cherry Creek Park in Norman, OK.
Santa Anna, an opera by Carlos Fuentes costumes and props
Feathered Finery: Catrina’s hat and boa
Technique: feathering / sewing / hat making
Materials: wood (boa’s head) / diverse feathers / faux flowers / fabric / fabric paint / contact cement / diverse glues
Dimensions Hat: Ø: 30″
Dimensions Boa: Length: 8′
Year: 2008
Hierbera’s dress
Technique: sewing / gluing / jewelry making
Materials: raw materials: plants, flowers, tree barks, rocks, shells / faux foliage / fabric paint / contact cement / diverse glues
Year: 2008
Notes: Hierbera’s dress stands as a testament to the timeless allure of nature and the enduring power of artistic vision.
Culinary Clash: Pastry War hats
Technique: sewing / gluing / hat making
Materials: upholstery foam / fabric / ribbons / faux flowers / contact cement / diverse glues
Year: 2008
These whimsical hats are inspired by the lighthearted “Pastry War” of 1838, they playfully transform pastries into culinary clash helmets.
La Canción del Nenúfar props
Exotic book collection
Technique: sewing / gluing / leather dyeing / book making
Materials: leather / upholstery foam / fabric / cardboard / contact cement / paper / alcohol ink / acrylic paint
Year: 2004
This remarkable collection of exotic books, transcends the boundaries of the ordinary. Each volume is a unique masterpiece.
Ander Cardinale LLC
email: andervic@hotmail.com
Ander Cardinale's Portfolio 