YouTube and watch some old animations from the 1920s and 30s. There’s a surprising lack of reference material for this kind of art but I sort of like that, it forces you to really study the style, and I love immersing myself, watching hours upon hours of these often extremely trippy animations. There’s something so inherently spooky about the old rubber hose cartoons from this era, and for me, it’s the perfect style for recreating horror film scenes. I strongly recommend readers to search the 1930s Fleischer cartoon Betty Boop: Snow White. It doesn’t get much spookier than THAT. Whereabouts have you exhibited your works and do you have any famous clients that you can share?
I’ve sold my work at a few fairs, my favourite being the Satanic Flea Market (not as terrifying as it sounds) as everything about it is so unique. You can buy old haunted books, possessed dolls, human skulls and tons more. Last time I was there, I left having bought a 100% haunted puppet that currently sits
happily on my shelf, alongside a recreation of the Babadook book. Famous clients? Now that’s confidential... What made you interested in paranormal / horror designs? Have you had any paranormal experiences yourself?
I adore horror films and ghost stories, so it was inevitable that it would be reflected in my work. I’ve always had quite bad anxiety and somehow discovered that watching horrors would soothe it. I don’t know if there’s any science behind it, but that’s always been the case, and so I find them kind of comforting. I’ve never really had any paranormal experiences myself, but not for lack of opening myself up to them! If there are any ghosts out there that want to knock over a cup or stack some chairs, bring it on! I draw the line at a Ouija Board, though. Do you believe in the paranormal? Yes, yes I do. Do you think the ghosts heard that?
Vintage Comic Strip / Art seems to have a had a renaissance over the last few years. What is the appeal, do you think?
As I mentioned, there’s a real charm and beauty to old comics, and with such a focus these days on everything being so clean and perfectly presented, the messiness and grittiness of vintage comics I think has really captured people’s imagination. You seem to have a sense of fun in your writing and art. Is that just a bonus, or do you think it helps, inspires and aids your creativity?
I love a bit of dark humour and often reflect that in my work. As well as horror films, I love grim comedies such as Nighty Night, Brass Eye and Jam. I don’t feel as if adding humour to my work is necessarily a conscious decision, but I like to surprise people by creating a juxtaposition between horror and humour in my art. What advice would you give to any aspiring writer / artist?
HAUNTED MAGAZINE
Just do it and see where it takes you. Your Halloween 2020 Covid outfit caused quite a stir on social media and the local press? How did that come about and are you planning any other outfits in the future? Haha! Yes, I love absurd “sexy” alloween outfits and after pondering what could be the most ridiculous one ever, I settled on Sexy NHS Test and Trace App. Not sure how I’ll outdo that to be honest. Suggestions for this year are welcomed. How can our readers purchase / commission work from you? They can drop me a message on Instagram @ThisIsFunArt or on Twitter @SummerRay. I’m open to all commission ideas, particularly if they’re spooky...
Sarah it’s been an absolute pleasure to talk to you today.
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