“Lions and tigers and … horses?”
Yup, horses. Alex Torres, of Alex’s Clay Creations, has gone from stripes and spots to snips and blazes. Alex, an artist from Lansing, Mich., is 21 years old and has autism. His mind allows him to create incredibly detailed miniature animals. For years, Alex has created wild animals—the kind you would see in a zoo. His miniature animals are made of polymer clay, hand-painted, then sealed. Three of his animal figures have travelled all the way to Kenya, used as safari souvenirs. They are sold in the local zoo gift shop, and appeared on the front page of the Lansing State Journal.
Alex has long been acquainted with horses, participating in therapeutic riding programs and visiting area barns. He was asked if he could make a replica of a barn owner’s horse, which he readily did. More requests followed. In December, he had a “Meet the Artist” gathering at the same barn. Orders were delivered, more orders taken, and clippity clop, Alex is in the miniature horse business.
All horses are replicated in two to three-inch clay models. Pictures are supplied by the owners, so each marking and unique detail is accurately incorporated. Different colored halters are an option. Plus, all horses come in their own cardboard stall, nesting in straw.
Most horse owners also own a cat or dog, so requests for those are no problem. These are even delivered in a cardboard dog/cat house.
A picture of your clay horse can be made into note cards. And, when Alex is sculpting your equine, he will send you a picture of its progress.
These miniature replicas of horses have found their way to workplaces, given as gifts or thank-yous, or can be heartfelt remembrances of past horses. One hundred percent of the money earned by Alex goes to pay for his art supplies and lessons. You can follow Alex and view more of his artwork on his Facebook and Instagram, both under the name Alex’s Clay Creations.
April 2 marks World Autism Awareness Day, and the full month of April celebrates World Autism Month—or Autism Acceptance Month. Learn more at autismsociety.org.
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