John Raya - Beasties of the Kingdom
Ranked #2,454 in Pets & Animals, #63,663 overall | Donates to ASPCA
About the Artist...
John Raya
Throughout his life, John Raya's two passions have been sculpting and cartooning. As a child, John spent long hours mastering the great works ... from the "Sunday funnies," his favorite comic books, or the all-time classic "Mad Magazine." Any piece of paper was a potential sketch pad for John to practice drawing his childhood heroes and heroines.
John's talents soon found their way to Universal Studios in California where he worked summers as a cartoonist between stints at Cal State at Fullerton. With a knack for quick-sketch carcature, John's art drew him to Disneyland where he would sometimes sketch up to 400 people in a single day. John eventually found his way to Walt Disney World in Florida, where as an art director, he was responÂsible for artists operations in the theme park.
In 1975, mustering his entrepreneurial spirit and with his accumulated professional experience (and a prayer), John embarked on his own business venture. Developing the "Beasties of the Kingdom" collection along the way, John fulfilled a lifelong dream and created a vehicle for his personal style and sense of humor.
The inhabitants of the "Kingdom" are a madcap menagerie of cute critters whose grab bag of expressions have attracted a global family of collectors.
Throughout his life, John Raya's two passions have been sculpting and cartooning. As a child, John spent long hours mastering the great works ... from the "Sunday funnies," his favorite comic books, or the all-time classic "Mad Magazine." Any piece of paper was a potential sketch pad for John to practice drawing his childhood heroes and heroines. John's talents soon found their way to Universal Studios in California where he worked summers as a cartoonist between stints at Cal State at Fullerton. With a knack for quick-sketch carcature, John's art drew him to Disneyland where he would sometimes sketch up to 400 people in a single day. John eventually found his way to Walt Disney World in Florida, where as an art director, he was responÂsible for artists operations in the theme park. In 1975, mustering his entrepreneurial spirit and with his accumulated professional experience (and a prayer), John embarked on his own business venture. Developing the "Beasties of the Kingdom" collection along the way, John fulfilled a lifelong dream and created a vehicle for his personal style and sense of humor. The inhabitants of the "Kingdom" are a madcap menagerie of cute critters whose grab bag of expressions have attracted a global family of collectors.
Pelican Garden Statue - Petey
Pelican Garden Statue - Petey
Ahoy matey. It's Petey the Pelican, and yes, his beak really can hold more than his belly can! A hilarious but handsome gift for anyone who goes for ocean décor, or just the unusual in room accessories. Molded from cast resin and lovingly painted to pelican perfection, Petey will bring his own unique character and brand of fun to any room he graces. 24 inches tall.
Beasties Zoo Collection Elgin Elephant
Go to www.MookieGifts.com$26.99
Beasties of the kingdom are the Funny Animal collection by Artist John Raya. This whimsical line of critters made by Encore. This Piece is part of the Zoo wildlife Collection.
Willard Walrus Statue by Beasties
Go to www.MookieGifts.com$14.99
Beasties of the kingdom are the Funny Animal collection by Artist John Raya. This whimsical line of critters made by Encore. This Piece is part of the Nautical wildlife Collection.
Snaps Shark Statue by Beasties
Beasties of the kingdom are the Funny Animal collection by Artist John Raya. This whimsical line of critters made by Encore. This Piece is part of the Nautical wildlife Collection.
33" X Large Cha Cha Chimp By Beasties
Go to www.MookieGifts.com$289.99
Beasties of the kingdom are the Funny Animal collection by Artist John Raya. This whimsical line of critters made by Encore. This Piece is part of the Zoo wildlife Collection.
Beasties Zoo Collection - Geraldine Giraffe
Go to www.MookieGifts.com$26.99
Beasties of the kingdom are the Funny Animal collection by Artist John Raya. This whimsical line of critters made by Encore. This Piece is part of the Zoo wildlife Collection.
3" Flip the Frog Green by the Beasties
Go to www.MookieGifts.com$9.99
Beasties of the kingdom are the Funny Animal collection by Artist John Raya. This whimsical line of critters made by Encore. This Piece is part of the American wildlife Collection.
7" Slick & Sissy Green Snake Pair by Beasties
Go to www.MookieGifts.com$14.99
Beasties of the kingdom are the Funny Animal collection by Artist John Raya. This whimsical line of critters made by Encore. This Piece is part of the American wildlife Collection.
4.75" Penelope Penguin by Beasties
Go to www.MookieGifts.com$14.99
Beasties of the kingdom are the Funny Animal collection by Artist John Raya. This whimsical line of critters made by Encore. This Piece is part of the Nautical wildlife Collection.
Karlton Koala Beasties Magnet
Go to www.MookieGifts.com$4.99
Beasties are Funny Animal collection by Artist John Raya. This whimsical line of critters made by Encore. Each magnet is about 5" tall or long.
5.5" Seymour Squirrel by Beasties of the Kingdom
Go to www.MookieGifts.com$14.99
Beasties of the kingdom are the Funny Animal collection by Artist John Raya. This whimsical line of critters made by Encore. This Piece is part of the American wildlife Collection.
Orville Owl Statue by Beasties
Go to www.MookieGifts.com$14.99
Beasties of the kingdom are the Funny Animal collection by Artist John Raya. This whimsical line of critters made by Encore. This Piece is part of the American wildlife Collection.
Armando Armadillo Beasties Magnet
Go to www.MookieGifts.com$4.99
Beasties are Funny Animal collection by Artist John Raya. This whimsical line of critters made by Encore. Each magnet is about 5" tall or long.
Beasties Zoo Alligator Figurine: Al G. Gator
Go to www.MookieGifts.com$34.99
Beasties of the kingdom are the Funny Animal collection by Artist John Raya. This whimsical line of critters made by Encore. This Piece is part of the Zoo wildlife Collection.
Beasties Shark & Scuba Diver Photo Frame
Go to www.MookieGifts.com$24.99
Beasties of the kingdom are the Funny Animal collection by Artist John Raya. This whimsical line of critters made by Encore. This Piece is part of the photo frame collection. Each frame holds a 4" x 6" photo.
Beastie Snaps Shark Keychain
Beastie Snaps Shark
John Raya is personally involved in the production of the "Beasties," from their initial conception, to the mold-making process, and through each of the ten processes required to complete each "Beastie," taking almost two weeks to complete from start to finish.
5" Beverly Beaver Statue by Beasties
Go to www.MookieGifts.com$14.99
Beasties of the kingdom are the Funny Animal collection by Artist John Raya. This whimsical line of critters made by Encore. This Piece is part of the American wildlife Collection.
6.5" Tipsy Turtle Green by Beasties
Go to www.MookieGifts.com$14.99
Beasties of the kingdom are the Funny Animal collection by Artist John Raya. This whimsical line of critters made by Encore. This Piece is part of the American wildlife Collection.
Zulu Zebra Beasties Magnet
Go to www.MookieGifts.com$4.99
Beasties are Funny Animal collection by Artist John Raya. This whimsical line of critters made by Encore. Each magnet is about 5" tall or long.
5.5" Racquel Raccoon Statue by Beasties
Go to www.MookieGifts.com$26.99
Beasties of the kingdom are the Funny Animal collection by Artist John Raya. This whimsical line of critters made by Encore. This Piece is part of the American wildlife Collection.
Cecil & Celia the Love Sick Sea Lions
Go to www.MookieGifts.com$21.99
Beasties of the kingdom are the Funny Animal collection by Artist John Raya. This whimsical line of critters made by Encore. This Piece is part of the Nautical wildlife Collection.
Beasties of the Kingdom Holly the Cow Figurine
Beasties of the Kingdom Holly the Cow Figurine
Do you like the rugged appeal and charm of rural life? Do animals on the farm just seem cute and adorable to you? Well take the playful critters home with one of the pieces from the Beasties of the Kingdom Farm Collection. Beasties of the Kingdom are the fruition of a life-long dream of former Disney and Universal Studio artist John Raya. His humorous, comic style shines through each of these hand designed beasties. Exaggerated expressions of each animal's characteristics compliment this menagerie of adorable critters creating a world-wide following of collectors.
This charming 12" Holly Holstein Cow makes a wonderful gift for family, friends and co-workers or as a pick-me-up for yourself.
9.75" Pedro Pelican Statue by Beasties
Go to www.MookieGifts.com$34.99
Beasties of the kingdom are the Funny Animal collection by Artist John Raya. This whimsical line of critters made by Encore. This Piece is part of the Nautical wildlife Collection.
7" Ernest Eagle by Beasties
Go to www.MookieGifts.com$26.99
Beasties of the kingdom are the Funny Animal collection by Artist John Raya. This whimsical line of critters made by Encore. This Piece is part of the American wildlife Collection.
Beasties Zoo Hippo Figurine: Hilda Hippopotamus
Go to www.MookieGifts.com$15.99
Beasties of the kingdom are the Funny Animal collection by Artist John Raya. This whimsical line of critters made by Encore. This Piece is part of the Zoo wildlife Collection.
7.5" Patches the Paint Horse Beasties
Go to www.MookieGifts.com$26.99
Beasties of the kingdom are the Funny Animal collection by Artist John Raya. This whimsical line of critters made by Encore. This Piece is part of the American farm Collection.
6" Hambone Pig Beasties Farm Figurine
Go to www.MookieGifts.com$14.99
Beasties of the kingdom are the Funny Animal collection by Artist John Raya. This whimsical line of critters made by Encore. This Piece is part of the American farm Collection.
Beasties of the Kingdom: Laredo Longhorn
Beasties of the Kingdom: Laredo Longhorn - Character character character! Sure to bring a smile! The 'Beasties of the Kingdom' are the original creations of master sculptor and artist John Raya who designs and sculpts each character. The attention to detail and quality of craftsmanship is reflected in the soulful expressions and humorous appeal of each 'Beastie'. Measures 10 x 6.25 x 5 and is made of stone resin.
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sisterra
Jun 21, 2008 @ 2:01 pm | delete
- great lens - saw you on the stores board.
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Roving_Band
Mar 5, 2008 @ 9:48 am | delete
- These figurines are so wonderful! It's great to be in the Wild Animals Group with you!
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fanfreluche
Dec 30, 2007 @ 3:33 am | delete
- Great lens!! Saw your post on ebay store board! 5/5
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NewRiver
Nov 25, 2007 @ 2:04 pm | delete
- These are so cute!
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NewRiver
Nov 25, 2007 @ 2:04 pm | delete
- These are so cute!
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by GroovyFinds
GroovyFinds
Hiya! I'm Sam...or Samantha if you must. I spend my days catering to a herd of cats, a sweet husband & a kid or two. I'm a total web geek,... more »
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