The Portable Layouts are transportable, ready-to-play kits. They consist of standardized, gendered action figures and a variety of accessories. Each kit can be used to build an archtypal scene from daily life such as a meeting, a dinner or a road trip.

The custom-made action figures have been likened to a mix of Playmobil toys and voodoo dolls. They are designed and scaled for adults and resemble, in appearance, texture and weight, the figurines found in stores when I was growing up. Both the action figures and accompanying furniture and accessories are made of resin and painted pure white, with only eyes and mouth for markings.

Each Portable Layout is unique. Though the objects from different kits may seem identical, each is customized and finished by hand.

Photos H. Goidell