Circus Maximus - Never Published September 2005

Circus Maximus is a magazine created by Rev. Michael C. Boe. This issue has not been released.

Website: http://www.myspace.com/circusmaximusmagazine

The first question that pops into my mind is "Why bones"? Is it somehow a reminder of our own mortality or is it a fascination with death?

Long before I started crafting sculptures from bones, I was collecting various skulls and bones. I have always been fascinated with the human body; its anatomy and physiology. I hold an interest in how the parts connect and work together. That being said, I know a fellow who lives on a farm in a rural community. I told him of my interest in bones and he started giving them to me. After a while I had many bones in my collection.
During this time, I was also curious about art made with bones. I would spend hours on the internet searching for “bone art”. I didn’t find any, so I decided to make my own. I took some bones that I had and started laying them out in patterns. This process was the birthing of my first sculpture, “The Bone Column”.
The more sculptures that I created, the more meaning I put into them, some are easy to spot, most have personal meanings. The fact that I use animal remains for sculptures is a way to create life, I take a dead animal and give it new life, making it, in a way, immortal.
I wouldn’t say that I am fascinated with death, but with life and all aspects, death happens to be a part of life.

When did you begin utilizing bones and various dead organic material to create your art?

In 1997 C.E. is when I started creating the sculptures that one day would be called Necrosculptures.

I just have to ask. Where do you get the materials for your sculptures? Do you personally 'harvest' them or do you have a supplier.

See question 1

I am a huge fan of your work and you do have a tremendous following. Do you receive any requests for custom pieces?

I am thrilled that people enjoy my work. I don’t know how many people are “fans” of mine, but I appreciate those who do. Many people have commissioned sculptures from me. Most of the online portfolio are commissioned pieces.

I can't help but be reminded of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre when I see some of your art. Was that film an inspiration?

Believe it or not, but I hadn’t seen that film until six years ago. I had just never watched it; I was more interested in Jason from the Friday the 13th movies than Leatherface. Now that I have seen it, I expect the comparisons but, I started making the sculptures long before I saw the movie.

I know you are a big fan of horror and have been since you were a kid. What are some of the films that have influenced you?

That would be a very long list, but I will narrow it down. Seven, Silence of the Lambs, any Vincent Price movie, most Bela Lugosi or Christopher Lee movies, Friday the 13th (1-7), Tod Browning movies, D.W. Griffith movies, The Resurrected, The Evil Dead series, The Gate (1&2), Return of the Living Dead (1-3), Various Film Noir movies. The list could go on and on, but that pretty much sums it up.

Do you have any personal philosophy which inspires you to create?

I don’t have a philosophy about sculpting, but usually I will be pondering over some bones and ideas will start popping into my head. An example of this would be my “False Idol” sculpture. I was looking at a pile of bones and listening to one of my favorite bands, Ministry. The song “Scarecrow” came on, and I immediately started coming up with a crucified creature design.

Who are some of the people who have made an impact in your life?

First of all, my parents; without them, I couldn’t have been brought into this world. Other people who have influenced me are my relatives, my girlfriend Abby Brimstone, Anton LaVey, and, of course, friends.

Do many people assume that you kill the animals yourself? Have you ever been hassled at a show by some rabid vegan or animal rights type?

Let me state that I hold animals in high regard. I love animals and I would never hurt a living animal. Recently, I was presented with a bag of dead baby squirrels; however, as I was inspecting them, I found out that one was not dead. I went out of my way to make sure that the squirrel received nourishment and warmth to keep it alive. I had thought about raising it myself, but I found out that it was illegal in the state of Kentucky to keep a “wild” animal as a pet, so I was able to locate a rehabilitation center for wild animals, so they can be reintroduced to the environment. I contacted them and the baby squirrel went to its new temporary home.

At art shows, I haven’t had too much reaction. People will ask about how I acquire the bones, clean them and make the sculptures. Some don’t like them, they might make a comment and will walk away; but no protestors.

What are peoples reaction to your sculptures when they see them in a public showing?

Many people are fascinated by the sculptures asking many questions and sometimes buying some of my merchandise. Some are disgusted, saying that they are gross. Children’s reactions are entertaining. Most ask if they are dinosaurs or monsters. They really get into it by making animal sounds, mostly growls.

Do you have any shows coming up in the future?

I don’t have any current exhibitions in the works, but I am always open to entertain offers.

All Images and Text is Copyrighted by Circus Maximus © 2005

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