I recently had a chance to sit down and talk to Scott Conner who is an artist that has made an amazing zombie piece that we had to share with you to enjoy. He grew up in the south hills of Pittsburgh, and by the age of 13 knew that he wanted to make weird stuff for the rest of his life. He spent a tour in the USMC before heading to the Art Inst of Pittsburgh. After graduating, he moved to LA like all aspiring FX artists. That led to almost a decade working on anything art related in the film and TV industry. He still works in special fx and anything art related back in Pittsburgh after moving back a little over 2 years ago to be closer to his family.
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Buy Zombie: What inspired you behind creating “Ole Leather Head?
Scott Conner: Well 2 and a half years ago, I moved back to Pittsburgh from LA in order to be closer to family. When thinking of new ideas for my mask line I thought what epitomizes the city. Then it hit me, when ever I was outside the city and the subject of my place of birth came up, most people knew it for 1 of 2 things zombie or football. So I thought an old zombie football player would fit the bill.
Buy Zombie: What’s his back story?
Scott Conner: My friends call him the worlds oldest Steeler, but there are no insignias to prove it, lol. The old leather helmet is the only clue. Once a professional player in the 40’s he played for the AFCs oldest franchise (hint). Maybe it was the number 13 he wore or just the brutality of the tackle but the end result is the same, and hes been plauging the streets of the burgh ever since.
Buy Zombie: What medium did you create him with?
Scott Conner: I use a version of water based clay called W.E.D. it dosnt dry out as fast as regular water clay
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Buy Zombie: Have you created any other zombie works of art?
Scott Conner: I have lots actually, currently I make a product I call head hooks, and the first in that line is a zombie. Plus I make a line of zombie head magnets, which are less gory. Plus I do special FX makeup as well so I have done many zombie makeups.
Buy Zombie: Do you have any favorite zombie artists and if so who are they and why?
Scott Conner: Im a huge fan of everything zombie, but the work being done by KNBfx on the walking dead is bringing some new life to what is a well saturated genre. (links to work would be appreciated but not necisary)
Buy Zombie: For anyone wanting to know more about your art, where should we send them?
Scott Conner: Either www.evilgrinfx.com or the facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Evil-Grin-FX/187438001279489.
Buy Zombie: Is there anything you’d like to let our readers know about?
Scott Conner: I am also available for commissions and custom work as well.
Buy Zombie: What is your favorite zombie film?
Scott Conner: I like Day of the Dead, I think its a nostalgia thing for me, plus I like the dynamic of all the people living underground and there are some pretty classic fx gags in that too, which I spent lost of time as a kid trying to recreate. Plus Rhodes gets ripped apart by zombies, whats not to like?
