With the move of the Clutter offices there have been several advantages, but — arguably — none have been as great as discovering the talent of local customizer Shez. Able to see his works in person at the recent Dream in Plastic group custom show, we were thoroughly impressed with his diversity, creativity and talent. Only a couple of short months later, he's delivered pictures of a new work that shows he's pushing his own boundaries as well as those of the industry.

Entitled "Home Sweet Home," this 7" munny is a testament to outside of the box thinking. Drawing original inspiration from the Samurai Hicks figure in Huck Gee's Gold Life Dunny series, or — more appropriately — from the little bird that dwells on Hicks's noggin, Shez has skillfully used sculpey to flawlessly transform the figure's head into a simply sleek bird. And, as you can see, this avian creature is pleased as can be about his nest dwelling, which in itself serves as a brilliant divider between the now disparate parts.

The body itself has been carefully modified to show the nooks and crannies and knots of a tree base, while the munny holds two branches as accessories that make the overall appearance all the more believable. And, of course, what tree is truly complete without some lover scrawling initials into it? The variance of color between the brown wash of the majority of the body and the tan detailing in the carved piece give a feeling of true depth & realism. Created using a base of spray paint with detailing hand-brushed on in acrylics, Shez is showing a true mastery here by not letting one level of paint over-power the next; they gel together in a real harmony.

But we've saved the best part — in our minds at least — for last: the tiny nail driven into the tree body and, from it, a removable "Home Sweet Home" sign hung with care. And, for the sharp-eyed individual, you might even notice Shez's name carved into the base of the foot; hidden like a message written on a tree many moons ago.