Mike Hill is a Los Angeles-based sculptor, originally from Warrington, Cheshire in England, who specialises in ultra-realistic models of monsters from classic horror films. His work includes small figures for model kits to busts to life-size representations of monsters in well-known poses. His work has also featured in Madame Tussaud’s waxworks and in films such as Joe Johnstone’s 2010 remake of The Wolfman.
As a boy he could be found digging up clay from the local riverbank and moulding figures from King Kong but his obsession with horror movies extended into post-school life and became a full-time career. Using tools such as dental scalpels and with an attention to detail that includes the creation of replica jewellery and inserting each hair in his subject’s body individually by hand, his reverence for the subject has also lead to him making sculptors of the likes of legendary Universal make-up man Jack Pierce and the rather more recent Rick Baker. Reproductions of the models utilise silicone and fibreglass, whilst the colours are built up in layers so as the replicate real human flesh (dead or alive!).
Hill has also adopted some of the techniques of his heroes, such as ageing the scroll of Aredth Bey by soaking the parchment in tea; he also takes personal commissions for work, with clients including Hugh Hefner. There are currently rumours of him working with Gillermo del Toro, as well as being involved in the new raft of Star Wars films. Hill is also working on his own film, Stickmen, which will feature another classic monster, Bigfoot.
Daz Lawrence
Mike’s stunning work can be viewed here http://www.mikehillart.com/index.html
