Dan Payes - Thinking outside the box

I wanted to post this blog because I feel that more than any figure maker is working outside the box to create a look that is not just another cheeky boy.

I must admit that I am somewhat biased because I own several of Dan's figures and I feel that Dan's figures come with a ready to work look about them.

I have included a picture of one of Dan's figures as an example of just what I mean. The fellow I have pictured looks like an average Government Worker Schlep. He grabs his coffee first thing in the morning and then proceeds to read the racing form before settling in for about 30 minutes worth of work before heading off to lunch for about 2 hours. The same routine gets repeated in the afternoon. Yes, this fellow is based on someone I knew that is a retired government loafer. Yes, there are quite a few folks that work hard in the government, but not this guy.

Getting back to Dan, I guess what drew me to his figures is that unique look that lend themselves to such endless comical possibilities.

Just my thoughts on a Saturday morning. By the way, notice the white socks effect on this fellow. I love it. "Government White Soxer."

Developing Side Splitting Comedy With Amazing Characters

I have been observing the world around me and what I find particularly humorous. What has always fascinated me to no end is the back and forth give and take that Jerry Stiller and Estelle Harris had on "Seinfeld" for years. To me, "Frank & Estelle" were "Money" to coin a phrase from Guy Fieri the great host of "Diners, Drive-ins & Dives.

I enjoyed the humor these two marvelous actors brought to the small screen that I created two characters, "Max & Estelle Kornbaum," based on this wonderful couple.

I found just the figures I needed sitting in my closet. For you see, Dan Payes had made both of these figures for me 4 years ago, but I had been trying to carve out a good act when it suddenly dawned on me why not bring some of this banter to my act.

Max & Estelle are the type that have a lump son still at home in his early 40's and a daughter still trying to snare a Husband at the age of 35. She is very picky and really shouldn't be. Yes, I do have the daughter waiting in the wings with a character still in development. She is a charmer. She will be hanging out at the Jewish Community Center Singles dance on any given Sunday night. Trust me.

Back to Max & Estelle, a Friday night dinner isn't complete without the nasty Kosher veal breast that tastes like yesterday's road kill. I think one can see where my humor comes from.

There is so much out there to work with all one has to do is think outside the box. That is the main reason I use Dan Payes figures is because Dan does just that.

I have posted a picture of Max & Estelle for your enjoyment.