2. What made you decide to sculpt as a form physical therapy?
That was purely by chance.After my shoulder surgery,it was a lot of grueling physical therapy.I was progressing,but needed hand strengthening/control.I was told to try squeezing play d'oh or clay,and I created a small face, out of boredom.The rest just kind of happened.
3. Was monster sculptures your original intentions , or did the idea come to you later on?
Monsters.I wanted some of the old Don Post type masks found in the back of Famous Monsters magazine,for myself.I never intended it to turn into anything beyond that.
4. What was the first mask you ever sculpted?
That would be a Lon Chaney Jr. Wolfman.It was a half mask,with synthetic wig hair pressed in,and separately sculpted teeth,cast in resin.It's still among my favorites.
Prior to that ,a month after my surgery,I made The Fly,from the Vincent Price film.It wasn't a sculpt.It was my ice hockey helmet,with pasta strainers ,for fly eyes,bolted to it.It had paint,latex,plastic bags.I even made a claw out of a 3liter pop bottle,cut up and painted black,with more latex,and fake fur.
I did that with my arm still in a sling ,stabilized against my torso.It was very painful to do.But,I was so determined to do it.
You can't imagine how thrilled I was,when it got used in a short film,called "Leftovers".
5. I realize you have been creating monster-mask for a while now, do you have a technique you use to make an idea come to life?
That depends on what the project is.I'm always doodling/sketching.So,sometimes I make a sketch,not necessarily conscious of a what it could be ,in a three dimensional(mask)form.
With sculpts I did for films ,it was sculpt,then send a progress picture from my phone,for fairly instant feedback,from the directors.
In this regard,we are lucky to have smart phones,to speed the process along.One emailed picture, sent three different directions, works wonders!
I also like using photo references.Perhaps something in a nature book will catch my eye.I'll incorporate that somehow into the sculpt.It may not get noticed for what it's based on,but it's in there.
6. How long does it normally take you to finish a project?
When I first started,I was so tentative.Every sculpt took forever.But,I find that I'm getting quicker.It also depends on the complexity of the sculpture .
The ZombieClown mask I'm working on,will be clocked in at 5 hours of sculpting.I've never done something that quickly.But,it just went so easily.
Some of my previous sculpts ,were 30-40 hours.But again,I think having more experience helps.
7. What are some of the materials you use to make MonsterMatt's Monster Mask?
WED clay,which is water based.It air dries.I really like it,it's very convenient.
Acrylic inks,mask paint(latex based),mask latex,gypsum stone for the molds(hydrocal).Burlap,for the mold.Coffee.Gallons of coffee.
8. What do you do if you make a mistake during the initial stages of the creation process?
If it's the sculpture part ,I go in and resculpt,or try to balance the overall piece.Once it's molded,if there's a mistake that can't be corrected,it's back to square one.
If it's the paint job,it can be painted over and started again.
Not fun by any means,but things do happen.
9. If you could work with any actor/actress who would it be?
Gary Oldman.He's quite amazing!He has a chameleon like ability.Even when he's low key,he gets your attention.
10. I f you could work with any Iconic Horror personality, who would you most like to work with and why?
Christopher Lee,because he has the ability to portray sinister and gentleman at the same time.He has an almost regal presence,that I think it is an effortless,second nature to him.
If I were to answer my phone,and it was Mr.Lee,I'd probably turn white!Can you imagine it?
"Hello,may I speak with a Mr.Monstermatt?This is Mr.Christopher Lee,you know,Dracula?"(and white I go!)
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