[Off World]

 

[Artistic Influence]

Fellow Travelers on the Silicone Highway

FXSMITH Inc. Currently the leader in Silicone Technology. I have been carefully following his studios work since I was in high school, and have always been blown away by the execution and realism of everything that he does.

Hybrid FX Another Uk studio doing some amazing work in Silicone. I had the pleasure of meeting several of the artists at this past years makeup trade show, and saw an appliance up close and personal. Check out the work. You won't be disappointed.

Coilier Creatures Ltd. I had the fortune of meeting Mark Coulier at Nick Dudman's studio during my visit to the Harry Potter lot last year. I was VERY impressed by his work upon clicking his website. Not only has he worked on one of my favorite films (alien 3) but he has an impressive list of credts that would make any fan boy foam at the mouth.

Creature Fx A UK FX studio that has been producing some breath taking pieces in silicone.

FX21 As far as I know this was the first site on the 'net to give a how-to on making silicone gel-filled appliances.

CreationsFX What is it with the Uk and silicone? :) Yet another site (this one belonging to Tristan Versluis) He's got some interesting work there that is well well worth a look.

 

Influences ouside of the FX world

Dave Mckean His art work has never ceased to amaze, and inspire me. I have been a big fan since his days of the Sandman comics, and own several of his original pieces. Be advised that the art is addictive, and you may find yourself wanting to own lots of hard to find comics.

Kyle Cooper Kyle Cooper has done some amazing work in motion pictures, most notably were his titles for the film "se7en" which was listed in the New Tork Times magazine as one of the most influencial pieces of modern design in the 20th century.

Shaun Oboyle I discovered this photographer through a friend of mine, and have been going mad over his pictures ever since. I especially enjoyed the "Seaview Hospital" photo essay. (I am actually in the process of purchasing the "chair", and the "fusebox" prints) If you are down with some very dreamlike imagry then surf over to his site. But be warned, the pictures are a bit...moody.

 

Friends

Megan Sawyer I list her first, not only because she designed and maintains replicants.org, but because she is one of my closest and dearest friends. Make note of the name now, because you will be hearing much about her in the not too distant future.

Christy Sawyer Christy is another artist to keep your eye on. Check out her art page, it has some very top notch work.

Bradley Zimmerman Bradley was one of the first people I met in Pittsburgh, and while he has moved on to the dustier lands of Arizona, the body of work that he produced while living here speaks for its self.

FXMAN This is the official homepage of the Society of Amatuer and Professional Special Effects Makeup Artists. It is maintained by FXMAN who is one of the nicest people I have ever met inside or outside of the special effects industry. Bill has an amazing wealth of knowledge on his page for both the budding artist and the seasoned pro. While his page hasn't been too, too updated in several months I still check it almost every day. Its well worth the look for those who haven't seen it yet.

SYKOSPARK She's Syko, she's sparky her web site is really sarky, and in this description I'm speaking of sykospark! This is a REALLY funny site that parodies quite a few different subcultures to a "T" I really love the instant Rivethead kit section. It helps to make me not take myself quite so seriously.

 

Blade Runner Related

BRmovie.com this is the official home of alt.fan.blade-runner, the newsgroup that discusses well.... Blade Runner. Its also one of the best sources of information on not only the film (btw they maintain the BR FAQ) but on various Blade Runner related items such as the video games, soundtacks, comics, etc. WEll worth checking out if you are a fanatic, or movie buff