Lectures

We are so excited to bring you Chet Zar and Doktor A’s show Oddfellows in May, and somehow, some people might have neglected to let me know that Chet Zar has actually designed some of my favourite monsters of all time. Don’t worry, I’m not blaming anyone; I’m a bit busy trying not to be a gigantic fangirl and embarrass this esteemed internet publication I write for.

First, there’s the Chamberlain, the door keeper for King Balor in Hellboy 2 (yeah, also one of my favourite movies ever). Below is Chet’s clay maquette and a movie still.

And then, there’s Cathedral Head, who has an extremely appropriate name because y’know…his head is a cathedral. Also from Hellboy 2, he is found in the map shop in the Troll Market, and I am absolutely writing this from memory, because I really, really love these creatures. I believe that Cathedral Head was designed by Guillermo DelToro and sculpted by Chet Zar.

Here is Chet Zar sculpting and painting Cathedral Head bits, as well as a movie still.

Basically, Chet Zar’s brand of dark, atmospheric monster designs are absolutely stunning, and we have an opportunity to listen to him talk about his work and creative process in May, in conjunction with his show opening.

“Painting With Shadows: Darkness and the Creative Process,” will be Zar’s first talk on why he prefers dark subject matter, and the talk will cover inspiration and artistic choices in Zar’s work, as well as his process and concept. In it, Zar will explain his own process for harnessing the darker side of creativity, and giving tips and tricks on how to utilize your own darker experiences and emotions in your work.

You don’t want to miss it! For more of Chet Zar’s monster design work in film, visit his website! Chet has also worked on designs for two absolutely mindblowing Tool videos, so stay tuned if you’re interested in me getting all breathlessly excitable over them.

Painting With Shadows Lecture