I'm sure all us have a dark side within us, but very few of us have the courage to acknowledge it and even fewer who can turn it into a flourishing career. Chet Zar has been inclined towards the darker side of art since childhood, a horror movies fan turned out to be the guy who created the monsters in these scary movies. "He could relate to the feelings of fear, anxiety and isolation that they conveyed." describes his website.

Not only is he an amazing 'painter of the dark', he is also special effects make up artist, designer, sculptor for motion picture industry where he has created creatures for movies like 'Hellboy I & II', 'The Ring', 'Planet of the Apes' and 'Men In Black II' to name a few. He is also widely known for his exceptional work for Tool's music live shows and music videos.

Fortunately, we were able to convince him to spare some time for a small interview with us where he shares his love for fine art, monsters, macabre imagery and his story of how a 6 year old kid with love for art became a full time exceptionally talented artist.

Chet, please introduce yourself to E-junkies.

My name is Chet Zar. I am a fine artist. I also work as a creature designer/sculptor in the film industry.

If you had to describe your work in not more than two lines, what would it be?

I like to paint monsters.

Who or what is your inspiration? Is there anyone whom you look up to?

I am inspired by many artists. My stepfather, artist James Zar, has always been an inspiration and artistic mentor. I am also a big fan of the work of Beksinski.

Men In Black 2

Tell us about your artwork, when and how did it all start?

I have always been interested in creating. I used to fantasize about having an art studio when I was 6 years old. I have thought of myself as an artist for as long back as I can remember.

In my pre teen years I got my hands on my dad's super 8 movie camera and started making films. I was a big fan of horror films and these things- plus my love of art- got me interested in creating makeup effects for films. I began focusing on that when I was about 12 or 13 years old and continued throughout High School. When I got out of High School, I took my portfolio around and got hired at an FX shop. 

After about 15 years of that I began to have the yearning to create my own art, so I began to pursue a career in fine art. That was about 10 years ago.

Darkman

What motivated you to create such beautiful yet scary art? Is there any story behind it?

I just have a love of monsters and macabre imagery, I have since I was a little kid. I'm not sure why. I have always been attracted to it.

What influences your artwork: your inner self or the outside world?

Both. 

Is there any specific technique your paintings go through?

For me it's mostly about trying to stay out of the way of the painting. I feel like there is a painting that wants to come out and I just need to search for it and let it do it's thing. I try to approach each painting in the same way I did when I was a kid, just for the pure joy of creating without worrying about it's meaning or having an agenda other than to express myself.

Hellboy 2

What was the turning point in your life as an artist which lead you to this creative path?

Like I mentioned before- I always felt I was an artist and my parents really encouraged me with that. Probably the biggest turning point was around the year 2000 when I decided to becaome a fine artist and pursue my own personal vision.

Tool - Schism Video

Were you born with art in your genes or have you taken any formal training for this art?

It's definitely in my genes. I didn't take a whole lot of classes other than High School classes. I did some life drawing outside of school when I could. I learned mostly from reading books, studying on my own and practice.

Hellboy2

You've been a make up artist, designer, sculptor and now a full time artist. Which profession do you enjoy the most?

Definitely the fine art. There is nothing more fun for me than creating my own artwork. You can only put so much of yourself into something you are creating for somebody else's film. It's commercial art for hire. Having said that, it is still pretty fun making rubber monsters for the movies.

I Am Legend

Which creation of yours is closest to your heart and why?

Probably my sculpture "Softspot". That was the first piece I did after deciding to give fine art a shot. I spent a lot of time on that piece- every inch is covered with pores, wrinkles and gooseflesh. But after seeing to time to cost ratio, I decided to go with painting as a practical matter. I realized I could make quite a few paintings in the time it took to make that one sculpture from start to finish. I recently sold it after all these years to collector/filmmaker Guillermo Del Toro.  He has the largest collection of my work.

Currently, what are you working on? What is your next project?

I am currently working on a film project in the day and painting for various group shows at night. Once those are finished I will start working on pieces for my next solo show for Last Rites gallery in NYC.

Planet Of The Apes

Share a piece of advice for the aspiring artists.

It's difficult to make a living solely as a fine artist, so having a secondary art related career (illustration, graphic design, tattooing, etc) is good to help pay the bills. Also, prepare to work your ass off.

Thanks Chet for taking the time for a wonderful interview, we wish you all the success in the future and will look forward to seeing more your monster creations. :)

Visit Chet Zar's website to learn more about the artist.


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