I think he's making a valid point. Strandbeests are parasites which reproduce through their host organisms (human society). Its "genetic code" (the design) is not located within its phyisical structure, but it does exist, and its duplication method is carried out by another entity (people with computers); akin to a virus. "Toy" dogs are similar; I doubt any could survive or find mates on their own; they are alive because they have found a way to use humans to enable their existence (that is, by being cute). Far from "an artsy guy gushing", he draws a compelling analogy.