What elements make something recognizable?
How will the human eye interpret a certain arrangement of colored dots?
These are questions I constantly ask myself as I work on Pixel Art projects using Perler Fuse Beads (multicolored pieces of plastic that melt together at high temperatures). Several layers go into each piece providing a depth effect which allows the subject matter to really pop off the canvas. Drawn to the pop culture side of the art world, I am passionate about creating work that is eye-catching, colorful, and positive, with a hint of nostalgia. In a medium where moving one bead out of place can make all the difference, I am always on a quest to find the perfect pattern.
How will the human eye interpret a certain arrangement of colored dots?
These are questions I constantly ask myself as I work on Pixel Art projects using Perler Fuse Beads (multicolored pieces of plastic that melt together at high temperatures). Several layers go into each piece providing a depth effect which allows the subject matter to really pop off the canvas. Drawn to the pop culture side of the art world, I am passionate about creating work that is eye-catching, colorful, and positive, with a hint of nostalgia. In a medium where moving one bead out of place can make all the difference, I am always on a quest to find the perfect pattern.
My work has been featured in NY Daily News, New York Magazine, Glamour, The Times Ledger, Gothamist, Buzzfeed along with several art galleries from New York to Los Angeles.
How did you get started?
Once upon a time, I stumbled on a craft forum where people had made old NES sprites using pushpins. I was immediately drawn to the idea of recreating something I loved from my childhood through such simple, but creative, means. I promptly went to my local office supply store and bought all the pushpins they had. After a few days of making Marios, Links, and Item Blocks, I began to create my own original designs. Eventually, I found pushpins too limiting so I switched over to a different form of Pixel Art: Perler Fuse Beads.
Perler Fuse Beads are much cheaper than pushpins, smaller (allowing for more detail), and have about 10 times as many colors. Nothing I could think of was off-limits. Seeing the potential for the craft, I began to plan bigger and bigger pieces, each time experimenting with multiple layers, glow-in-the-dark beads, portraits, abstract designs, 3D dioramas, and hand-painted backgrounds. I hope to stretch the boundaries of the craft and encourage other artists to think outside the box about what Perler Fuse Beads can be.
Perler Fuse Beads are much cheaper than pushpins, smaller (allowing for more detail), and have about 10 times as many colors. Nothing I could think of was off-limits. Seeing the potential for the craft, I began to plan bigger and bigger pieces, each time experimenting with multiple layers, glow-in-the-dark beads, portraits, abstract designs, 3D dioramas, and hand-painted backgrounds. I hope to stretch the boundaries of the craft and encourage other artists to think outside the box about what Perler Fuse Beads can be.
What are your biggest projects?
How long does a piece take to make?
Depends entirely on the piece. Most of my work featured on a 16 x 20 inch canvas takes around 15 - 20 hours while larger pieces can take 50 or more.
Springfield currently holds the record as I worked on it for roughly two years.
Springfield currently holds the record as I worked on it for roughly two years.
How do I buy a piece?
There's nothing like owning an original, hand-made work of art and they certainly make for great and unique gifts! Visit the Store to see all of my pieces that are available immediately. For questions or requests regarding other works, please message me.
Do you take commissions?
All the time! Some of my favorite pieces have come from a collector's request. I'm happy to work with you to come up with an original piece of art that you'll love and treasure forever.
Feel free to contact me with any questions or comments. Thanks for stopping by! -KM
kylemccoy37 at gmail dot com
Twitter: @ThePixelArtShop
Facebook: The Pixel Art Shop
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YouTube: Pixel Art Shop
Twitter: @ThePixelArtShop
Facebook: The Pixel Art Shop
Etsy: The Pixel Art Shop
YouTube: Pixel Art Shop
