Horror Artist – Kevin Perry

Horror Artist | Kevin Perry

Scouring the web in search of hidden gems, I happily stumbled upon horror artist Kevin Perry. Not being an artist myself, it is hard for me to “correctly” critique a piece or pieces of work. However, when it comes to good taste I would have to say that I certainly have my fair share of it and the work of this horror artist, Kevin Perry, would graciously adorn any of my walls.

Reelybored: Tell us a little about yourself.

Kevin Perry: ”My name is Kevin Perry; I’m 24 years old and live in Junction City, Oregon. I spent a lot of time with number 2 pencils and computer paper during my childhood years. Drawing has always been my favorite form of art but I have also explored wood burning, sculpture, tattoo design, illustration/graphic design, and monument design.”

“After high school I enrolled in Linn-Benton Community College’s Graphic Design Program in Albany, Oregon. After two years I realized that I would much rather do something else for a living and continue my art on my own time, in my way. Although I did not pursue graphic design as a career, the time spent in the program was invaluable to my growth and knowledge as an artist. Particularly figure drawing, which was my first experience with charcoal, was crucial in forming my technique, style, and work ethic.”

“I am most proud of my first show which is displayed at one of LBCC’s galleries. It consists of a collection of twelve charcoal portraits of horror villains and heroes, along with one of my hand made Freddy Krueger gloves. I am also proud of two monuments of my design that stand at Junction City High School where I graduated. One is to honor World War II veterans who were alumni at the school; the other is for the school’s centennial.”

Reelybored: How long have you been an artist?

Perry: “I have been drawing and exploring artistic projects my whole life. It is simply something I have always done and is a key part of who I am. I suppose I could be considered an artist but am indifferent to the label. Because I draw portraits, it is not about personal expression but a means to an end. Unlike most people, I don’t usually enjoy the process and only do it for the finished product. That is what gives me satisfaction.”

Reelybored: What were your more earlier attempts at being creative like?

Perry: “Some of my earliest attempts to be creative were drawing comic characters and action stars that I liked as a child. Back then I also attempted to create my own characters while brainstorming concepts and ideas with my older brother. At the reception for my show, “Faces of Horror”, I was asked why a chose horror characters as my subjects. I didn’t really have a good answer, but now that I think about it I have been doing the same thing since childhood. I combined my love for film and interesting characters with something I wanted to be good at, which is drawing.”

Reelybored: How would you define art?

Perry: “That is very tough to answer. I wouldn’t say it is something that can or should be defined. My feeling towards art is that when I see or hear something, I either feel that it is art or not. I don’t analyze it by a certain criteria. It is more of a gut feeling.”

Reelybored: What motivated you to become an artist?

Perry: “I believe that everyone has a desire to be good at something, to have a skill. I noticed early on that I was a little better at drawing than my classmates and wanted to continue to improve. My drawing and mindset for design became something I was known for growing up. I have so far to go and so much to learn and that motivates me.”

Reelybored: Where do you get your inspiration? Who are the artists that inspire you?

Perry: “Artists that inspire the most at the moment are make-up artists and creature creators for movies. If it weren’t for them I wouldn’t have any of the great characters that I love so much and give me a subject that is important to me. I do like some of the cliché artists that are on most people lists such as Michelangelo, Van Gogh, Goya, and Bosch. I think the highest level of art is sculpture which is why I hold Michelangelo with such high regard. I can’t fathom what it takes to create something so beautiful out of a block of marble. What I love about Bosch is his amazing detail and depiction of horror through his imagining of hell. [H.R.] Giger is another artist that I love. Alien is one of the great horror films of all time and his Xenomorph design makes the movie.”

Reelybored: Did you ever have the chance to meet any of your artistic heroes?

Perry: “I have not met any traditional artists that I look up to that draw, paint, or sculpt. However being a musician I consider music art. I have met some of my heroes, most noteworthy being Shelton “Hank” Williams III. I met him a few years back after one of his shows in Eugene, Oregon. He is the widely unknown and underrated Grandson of the legendary Hank Williams Sr., and one of the few younger guys that is preserving what I consider true country. He is very appreciative of his fans and immediately after the show, comes down from the stage to sign autographs and talk with fans. If you want to hear real country that is infused with disdain for the pop-tainted country that is coming out of Nashville, Give Hank III a listen.”

“Because I also consider film to be art I include writers, directors, and actors to my list of artistic heroes. I would love to meet John Carpenter, Wes Craven, William Friedkin, Rob Zombie, Robert Englund, Sid Haig, Brad Dourif, and many others that I consider to be masters of their craft. Hopefully over time I will get the chance.”

Hand-built by Kevin Perry; blades came from another glove maker (mirror polished stainless steel). The copper finger pieces and brass backplate of the armature were cut from sheet metal and shaped with a hammer. The blades were soldered on. The holes in the palm and underside of the leather glove were cut to match the original glove which was used as a reference.

Reelybored: What are your goals for the future on an artistic level?

Perry: “My goal is to do better on every piece than I did on the last. Of course it doesn’t always work out that way, but that is what I strive for.”

Reelybored: Any recommended reading?

Perry: “Although I don’t do this nearly enough, I would say it is a good idea to read the books of the horror films you enjoy. It is neat to find out how well a movie captures the original story and the bits and pieces that can make it more complete. Stephen King is probably the best place to start because he wrote so many great horror stories that were adapted to film. My favorite that I have read is IT.”

Reelybored: What would you say is your favorite horror movie?

Perry: “I would have to say The Exorcist for a number of reasons. A big reason being that in my opinion it is the scariest movie of all time and I don’t see that being topped anytime soon. After all, that is the main goal of horror. Other reasons being the overall style, incredible special effects, the actor’s performances, and brilliant direction by William Friedkin. There are so many subtleties that make it great. I notice new things about it during every viewing. Something specific I always loved is the lack of a score during the shocking and scary parts. Music is only used to build suspense while the horrific scenes stand alone for what they are. This is something you don’t see in Halloween or A Nightmare on Elm Street for example.”

Reelybored: Any parting words for aspiring artists?

Perry: “Never give up. Do what you want to do and go where you want to go with art. Be selfish, and do what gives you satisfaction before anything else. That is the best advice I can give.”

To contact Kevin Perry with any questions about his work or if you would like to purchase any of his horror artwork, feel free to email him at slippy666@comcast.net or you can visit Horror.com to view his portraits for sale.