Thousands of people might study and practice painting, but people like Frazetta don’t become artists; they’re born that way.
Born Artists
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Impressions from OAX ‘26
I’m still trying to process everything that made OAX 2026 the extraordinary—and for me, on multiple occasions— out-of-body experience it was.
In addition to the incredible art and the jaw-dropping roster of artists attending, the incredible vision of Kasra Ghanbari to articulate an emphatically unique concept for the relaunched Kirby Awards moved through all attendees, collectors, artists, and dealers alike, like a shared fever dream.
Collaborating with Kasra on the design of the award and having the pleasure of sculpting it to bring his powerful design to three-dimensional life goes beyond “bucket list” in my “life’s moments of euphoria” recap… sharing said piece, as well as the unique one we prepared for Tracy and Jeremy Kirby, only made my soul finally leave my body, threatening never to return.
Of course, the Comic Art Fans team heightened the whole weekend’s intensity by graciously placing my booth beside my dear friends and living legends, Walt and Weezie Simonson, who have always served as a reference point of what sustained excellence and human decency look like. It’s no surprise Walt won the Teacher award during the Kirbys.
While I’m on the topic of the Kirby award winners, every speech they delivered was moving, clearly reflecting how moved each worthy recipient was. And the emotions of the young Zoe Thorogood were as intense and beautifully raw as those of the older guard, like John Romita Jr.
And on Sunday, the supremely talented yet arrestingly humble Visionary Award winner Kevin Nowlan let me pick his brain for what seemed an eternity. During another extended chat, Independence Award winner, Nate Powell, proved to be every bit the serene and passionate soul all fans of his work imagined he is.
There are a myriad more recollections I could share, but I wouldn’t do them—or the people involved—justice, be they vibrant up-and-comers from Sarasota’s famed art school, Ringling, or comics royalty who radiate beauty from within and may or may not carry a powerful surname…
Hope to see you next year!
I will leave you with one final moment: I had the sincere pleasure of selling my Black Bolt sculpture to the DiTullio family, who purchased it for super fan and art rep nonpareil Matt DiTulio.
It was a beautiful moment that encapsulates what makes OAX the particular event it is. A place for lovers of the narrative arts to gather to celebrate their fascination and let it move them, like that fever dream I mentioned at the start…that out-of-body experience you end up having at some point at every OAX.
Hope to see you there next year.
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Please note, all Manifest Sculpt work is completed with traditional sculpting techniques—modelling and carving—rather than through modern digital techniques and programs. Consequently, the resin and bronze castings in this edition were also produced through traditional mold making and manufacturing processes. Final Manifest Sculpt commissions are available in a variety of materials, but they are not 3D printed and are not available as printable files. Copyright Notice: all work, including ideation, concepts, stories and their development, character design and production are the property of Carlos Soca unless otherwise noted, and all rights are reserved. Should you wish to discuss collaboration or licensing of an intellectual property or its design, please contact Manifest Sculpt.