Questions and Answers with Gene Fenton

Tell me about Gene Fenton. How old are you? What is your background?

Im 36, and I went to undergrad and grad school for art. I've used tons of materials, like welding and clay.

How long have you been a sculptor?

Ten years. I've done papier mache for about 5.

What first got you interested in the idea of working in papier mache?

I had nothing else to work with. I lived in a small room apartment in NY and decided to experiment with papier mache. I at least could throw out the papier mache if I didn't want it, without costing tons of money.

Are you an inveterate lover of old monster movies or was it a question of “Hey, I can do better than that!”?

I grew up with the older monster movies and treat the papier mache like a low budget movie. Sometimes I get my best creatures that way.

What’s your favorite Godzilla era creature?

Well, Godzilla, of course. I like all those atomic atrocities films, you know drop the bomb and create a huge mutant type film.

What kind of response have you had from people who see your creatures up close?

Most people think its clay or some other material, they don't believe its papier mache.

Tell me about hiring the monsters out for parties? What kind of response have you had for that?

I've done a few, I need to really promote around Halloween, its still in its baby stages.

Has your artwork been exhibited anywhere?

I've exhibited my art all over Pittsburgh and Maryland.

How much, in general, do you charge for your work?

The bigger ones are two hundred and the smaller ones are fifty.

What is your inspiration for your non-monster pieces?

My inspiration ranges from Dr. Suess to H. P Lovecraft.

How long does it take you to create one of your pieces of art?

Sometimes things go like a jigsaw puzzle and other times the process is like walking through quick sand.

How long does it take to create a monster?

About a month.

Which do you prefer to make?

I like to dabble

What are your plans for the future?

I like to take things day by day, I'm surprised that I'm even working in papier mache.

If people are interested in buying your art, what should they do?

E-mail me or call me at: (724) 463-0648.

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