Many members of the The Halloween Mask Association recall picking their respective jaws off of the keyboard when Daniel Horne first posted pictures of his creations on the HMA. Fortunately for those interested in knowing a little something about the artist behind the latex, the HMA had the opportunity ask Daniel a few questions about his mask creations.

Here is a small glimpse into the creative mind behind “The Monster Show”, and the growing collection of masks, dolls, figures, and illustrations offered by Daniel R. Horne.

HMA: You have been an illustrator, sculptor, and doll maker, why did you get in to mask-masking?

DH: I made masks when I was a kid back in the 60’sand 70’s, but it wasn’t until Elliot Brodsky asked me to attend the Maskapalooza here in Cherry Hill last year that I started making them again.

HMA: You have been a mentor over the years to many illustrators that admire your work, and have written on the subject of illustration for aspiring artists, are there any mask-makers/sculptors that have influenced or assisted you?

DH: There are MANY, I guess the first mask maker I met was Jordu Schell and that was a real pleasure. After the Maskapalooza show Jordu asked if we could sculpt in my studio and we did for the next two days, which was a real treat and learning experience for me.

Justin Mabry and Chris Russell have really schooled me in the art of mask making and have kindly answered my thousands of questions on mold-making and paint masks.

Doug Goins, who I met at the HMA Mask Fest last march, has not only become my teacher in all things related to silicone bust making, but has also become a wonderful friend as well.

Dark side Paul, another kind soul and wonderful human being has given me my very first sculpting job for his mask company and we have really hit it off.

Mike Shumsky has given me the confidence to make silicone busts by ordering one from me. And then there is our fearless leader, Eric Austin who has been nothing less than kind and encouraging by giving me an outlet for my art.

But really every one that I have met in the past year has been so kind and constructive and has helped me continue my mask making journey.

HMA: You seem to have a fondness towards the classic Universal monster characters, do you recall when you first became interested in monsters?

DH: It was in 1966, when I saw Frankenstein meets the Wolfman on our TV set; you know the kind, very small screen and that white French stain cabinet that was all the rage back then!

HMA: What is your favorite monster-related character?

DH: Hands down, the Frankenstein monster as portrayed by Boris Karloff

HMA: Are there any classic characters that you have not done that you want to do?

DH: Oh yes! I intend to do all the actors who have
portrayed the Monster and I’m actually working on
the Bride as we speak! I’m also
spreading out from classic horror to do some classic Hollywood stars as well,
like Hattie McDaniels from gone with the wind, the Wizard of Oz characters and
laurel and hardy. I also love Hammer
films so look for some masks to be made of them in the near future.

HMA: Do you have any pet peeves about mask making?

HMA: How does your background as an illustrator influence your sculpting / mask making?

DH: I think my years as a painter has taught me to see subtle forms and values. I never studied sculpture in art school and I actually sculpted my first mask, just last year!

HMA: I understand that it was the Creature of the Black Lagoon that was your first mask sculpture. Over the years you’ve also produced some much acclaimed cover art of the Creature. Why did you choose the creature to be your first mask?

DH: Well I wanted to try sculpting a character that everyone knows and would judge me on. Creech was the last of the classic monsters and just about everyone’s favorite rubber suit monster. He is misunderstood like the Frankenstein Monster. I love feedback and critiques; it is how we as artists learn. I remember at Maskapalooza last year, a fellow artist who I admire came up to me and said, “I hope you don’t get offended but you seem to always have one eye deeper in the face than the other.” That was a great critique! And ever since that I pay more attention to what I am doing.

HMA: If you could have anyone sit for you, for a sculpture or illustration, who would it be?

DH: BORIS KARLOFF hands down! What a wonderful face he had.

HMA: What has been your greatest achievement as an artist to date?

DH: That after 27 years as a freelance artist, I am still able to support my family by making my art.

To learn more about the artistry of Daniel Horne, please visit his website at www.danielhorne.com

Tags: daniel horne, halloween mask, horror movies, universal monsters