Q&A with Slainne

Slainne is the man to see if you are into fantasy art! His sculpts cover a variety of interesting subjects, from sharks and dragons to zombies and living trees. Each pieces has a story that really sucks you in and makes you want to know more. He was nice enough to give us a peek into that creative mind of his here:

CZ: Tell us a little about yourself!
S: I've lived in Southern California my entire life, anywhere from Palm Springs to Angelus Oaks (below Big Bear) & all around the Inland Empire. I did grow up In San Bernardino, which is the most awkward name for a town, but I'm back living here now on the border of Loma Linda. By day I work at the local hospital - helping to watch patients at my station.
I really have worked a variety of jobs but my most important one was at the studio (SpotLight Designs), that's where I learned how to mold & do reproduction work for my Art. At night or my days off I like to create my art work. I guess I was the kid that always had his head in a fantasy novel or D&D book. I started off with painting & modding miniatures then I had taken several sculpting classes.
I'm also a huge gamer but it’s a lot better when I convince friends to join in. I'm a avid beer fan but not a heavy drinker - people never believe you if your stomach isn't completely flat =D. I'm into a lot of music, from industrial, alternative, electronic & underground music - too much to list!

CZ: What type of items do you sell?

S: I sell miniatures, candle holders, incense burners, wall hangings, fantasy/dungeon relief statuettes & now even magnets. I'm sure I have several other things that are in a few categories. Most everything I make is either fantasy/horror themed but I have done a few wildlife pieces as well. I think everyone has seen my reef shark.

CZ: What is the inspiration behind your shop?
S: There's something cool about old ruins or some forgotten dungeon. So I just kinda went with that in mind. Sanctum can mean "Holy place" but it also can mean a secretive place of importance. I'm just full of myself lol. I am doing a shop revamp pretty soon so I have to learn how to make a new banner. So something to look forward to. =)

CZ: What is the greatest compliment you have received about your work?
S: Let me start with the least compliment I've ever received. It was once suggested that I sell my original art work to thrift shops...*gasp* I started to see red…hehe. I've actually had a lot of good compliments ranking about the same. I've heard that I should be selling my work all over the Country & they are genuinely surprised I don't sell more than I do - or they're good actors lol.

CZ: When did you first realize that you weren’t “like the other kids”?
S: When they would hold me down & torture me…joking - but that's not far from the truth! It wasn't until 6th grade that I started to draw my first "monsters". I always liked creating - even at a young age.

CZ: What’s a typical day in the life of this Dark Sider like?
S: Ahh well, you've caught me at a bad time where I'm still getting out of my vacation mode.. hehe. I'm a pretty laid back person. If I'm not at work or in front of my computer then it’s a good bet I'm at my art desk sculpting or drawing a concept design away & listening to music or a show on DVD I've watched a hundred times. I still make time for family & friends. Sometimes it’s hard juggling everything but being single does help. I can literally do what I want when I want. That generally ends up being a new project for me though =D

CZ: Zombies or Vampires?
S: I choose Skeletons…hah! Joking - I really do like zombies & vampires. I just tend to do more skull art.  Now if you’re asking what would I rather be…hmm…I don't want to taste anyone's brains so I would go with the vampire on that one.

CZ: Which horror character do you identify with most?
S: Probably Roger Cobb from "House". I've had many people not believe me during my life so I know exactly how He would have felt if he were a real person. I have also lived in a haunted house.

CZ: What scares you?
S: The thought of being stuck at my job forever…let’s just make sure that doesn't happen!

CZ: When my undead masses take over will you be with us or against us?
S: If I can wear my Necro armor & command undead of my own then I would be with you.. Muhahah! >=)



Don’t miss what Slainne will come up with next! Keep an eye on his Etsy shop.
http://www.slainne.etsy.com/