Interview with Sam Jinks (NSFW)
Sam Jinks currently lives and works in Melbourne where he spends his time creating hyper-realistic Sculptures out of Silicon. With a background in Film and Television effects, he has been a commercial sculptor for 11 years, the last 5 working on his own art full time.
Hi Sam, could you tell us a little about your background? How did you get started?
I’ve always loved sculptural realism in art. Its evolved over the years but a beautifully sculpted figure always inspires me. I got started in sculpture professionally while working on TV ads making puppets and props, from there I worked in film for a number of years. It was a great start because I learned how to mold and cast sculptures and use latex and silicones.
What are you currently working on?
I’m currently working towards several shows for next year with a bunch of new works. It’s a very busy time. At this stage I’m spending most of my time sculpting in clay as most of the works are still being modeled.
Could you talk through the creative process for one of your recently completed projects? (The Hanging Man)
The hanging man was conceived over a long period, I sculpted an early version some years before I produced the final one, but was never quite happy with it. I couldn’t leave it alone so I ended up going back to it and producing the one that was finally exhibited. Usually I sculpt a small maquette or miniature version before doing it full scale but in this case it wound up being produced twice..four times including maquettes. The process to produce most of these works is very similar. They begin as clay sculptures built up over an armature then there molded and cast in silicone. Once the cast is cleaned up I then poke the hairs into it and add a little final colour.
What do you hope the viewer will take away from your sculptures?
I’d like to think that the viewer would feel something after viewing the work, perhaps they could even have some sort of physical experience or maybe see something that they can relate to in their own lives.
Which of your projects has been the most rewarding?
I’d have to say its always the one I’m working on at the moment.
Your techniques seem similar to movie prop making? Do you have any interest in the film industry and special effects?
I have worked in film and have always loved the process of making something to support a story. It’s a fun job. I do occasionally work with friends in film but its generally to help out.
Which artists have influenced you, what has been an inspiration?
It seems to change constantly but I usually return to renaissance artists for inspiration, I have a beautiful Bosch print I’ve been dragging from studio to studio that’s starting to look a little faded now. That whole period inspires me, there was a mystery in the work that i love. Things were primarily done for religious purposes so it gives the work a very reverential feel.
Do you have any advice for people looking to get into sculpting and the creative industry?
Drawing is always a great place to start if you’re interested in sculpture, I think if your drawing skills are good then sculpting comes quite naturally. As far as the creative industry goes I think there is always room for someone who has there own outlook on the world. It’s not always easy to get your work out there but if you’re committed and if you persist, then you’re bound to succeed.
where can people see your work?
My next major solo show is in May of next year with Karen Woodbury Gallery in Melbourne.
[...] at Australian EdgePosted by pedestrian on November 2, 2009 | Popularity: 1% Sam Jinks currently lives and works in Melbourne where he spends his time creating Hyper-realistic Sculptures [...]
Interview with Hyper-Realist sculptor Sam Jinks at Australian Edge | Design You Trust. World's Most Provocative Social Inspiration., November 2nd, 2009 at 3:20 amrealistic but ewwww
ewww, November 2nd, 2009 at 12:33 pmThank you Sam Jinks. Your work is beautiful, breathtaking…you can't look away. The objects draw you in to a different timeline…you stay there awhile and want to move on…but you can't
Jack Sederstrand, November 2nd, 2009 at 12:34 pm[...] king. If you want to crawl deeper into the inner pyche of this man, check out his interview here. Or visit his personal website here. #gallery-1 { margin: auto; } #gallery-1 .gallery-item { [...]
Hyper-Realistic Sculptures | Phew!, November 2nd, 2009 at 6:21 am[...] Sam Jinks currently lives and works in Melbourne where he spends his time creating Hyper-realistic Sculptures out of Silicon. With a background in Film and Television effects he has been a commercial sculptor for 11 years, the last 5 working on his own art full time. Read the full interview here. via Australian Edge Design You Trust sponsors: Photoshop Lady – Best Photoshop Tutorials For You!! [...]
Interview with Hyper-Realist sculptor Sam Jinks at Australian Edge | Design2o, November 2nd, 2009 at 6:45 amThat's how my partner looked when she finally died of ALS – she was wasted and boney. You have created a image that calls up our deaths too. Thanks. dakota
dakota, November 2nd, 2009 at 8:17 pmwonderful is all I have to say. It did offend me, but I don't know why and it intrigued me in a strange way. Great job I loved it.
Ashley, November 2nd, 2009 at 9:11 pmthis man a maniac.
mary, November 2nd, 2009 at 9:13 pmit's kind of intriguing, in a way that also makes you want to cringe and look away.
katy, November 2nd, 2009 at 11:27 pmTruly amazing.
Saa, November 3rd, 2009 at 12:07 amProfoundly disturbing.
Christina, November 3rd, 2009 at 12:59 amI mean that to be a compliment but I could not live with any of his pieces.
This is just
Erika, November 3rd, 2009 at 1:07 amamazing.
This is just
Erika, November 3rd, 2009 at 1:07 amamazing.
Deffinately an experience; I felt myself looking in on myself. We as humans are so frail and short lived.
Brian, November 3rd, 2009 at 2:56 amwords cannot express…
Lindsay, November 3rd, 2009 at 3:20 amAbsolutely incredible. The realism is breathtaking.
Brionna, November 3rd, 2009 at 3:24 amwow this is art in it's highest honor. the detail is breath taking, i couldn't believe these weren't real ppl. the art was so sad though like almost every picture was of old / frail ppl but then again more detail is needed for such art because of the rib cage showing and the wrinkles and wow is all i got to say, WOW!
Tim Breault, November 3rd, 2009 at 8:05 amThat's amazing. very similar to Ron Mueck's and Evan Penny's work
maggi wakefield, November 3rd, 2009 at 10:31 amhttp://www.evanpenny.com/
http://paintalicious.org/2007/09/14/ron-mueck-hyp...
Subjectivity doesn't come into it. Whatever your reactions, views, opinions, this is art at its very best.
ray leigh, November 3rd, 2009 at 11:32 amThanks so much for sharing your wonderful work.
Take care and get as much joy as you can every day.
looks like just rreal people is my opinion
g west, November 3rd, 2009 at 11:33 amwonderful! thanks for perfecting and sharing such art!!!
Siggi , November 3rd, 2009 at 4:37 pmAstounding, disturbing, beautiful and real.
Jeri, November 4th, 2009 at 3:01 amfascinating
blameitoneme, November 4th, 2009 at 4:47 amincredible, what amazing art.
kate, November 4th, 2009 at 6:16 am[...] Non, il s’agit en fait d’une sculpture en silicone ! Sam Jinks, son concepteur, passe son temps à réaliser des sculptures super réalistes et terriblement troublantes. Quel rapport avec les geeks ? Absolument aucun ! C’est juste qu’en voyant les photos, je me suis dit “Wtf !!! Je dois leur montrer ça” et donc voila, c’est fait, je me sens mieux. Si vous souhaitez voir d’autres photos, je vous invite à découvrir cette interview de Sam Jinks. [...]
Je vous présente mon fils | Test de Geek, November 4th, 2009 at 12:40 amPhotoshop.
Lester, November 4th, 2009 at 3:57 pmwow scary, realistic! thats cool
christian, November 4th, 2009 at 4:36 pmextremely talented
asmit, November 4th, 2009 at 5:21 pmshould try sculpting some younger, fresher woman that'd be nice
eloquent thank you
mac, November 4th, 2009 at 5:48 pmAmazing, I love the fact that the people portrayed are everyday-people and not the ones usually shown in media. Really good.
Angelica, November 4th, 2009 at 9:26 pmThis is absolutely incredible. It should not be considered "ugly" or "gross." All art is not beautiful, its unique. These are beautiful in their own way because people can relate to these sculptures in some sense. Keep it up man.
!!!, November 5th, 2009 at 1:08 am[...] Hyper-Realist sculptures by Sam Jinks [...]
55+ Fresh Community Links for Designers and Developers | Master Design, November 4th, 2009 at 5:25 pmi have never seen anything quite like this type of art. Makes u think of God, body mind and soul.
LORI, November 5th, 2009 at 1:47 amI've seen his work around the internet a few times, I have to say the way he details his sculptures is unbelievable.
Dangerously Dolly, November 5th, 2009 at 1:49 amhyper realism has never been my favorite art form. That aside, the technique is amazing.
chris ronk, November 5th, 2009 at 2:20 amunpleasant. Caravaggio had good unpleasant pieces, these… not so much. I enjoy a shocking image that sucks me into the finer details, but these just made me want to look away. Hate if you want, it's simply my honest .02
afartcanbeart, November 5th, 2009 at 5:00 amindescribably, profoundly beautiful art. terrible grammar in the article, however.
julia, November 5th, 2009 at 7:47 am[...] Austrailian Edge has an interview with Sam Jinks, discussing his artistic background and his current work. The link is NSFW due to some more pictures of Jinks’ sculptures that could be viewed as graphic or offensive, but if you feel as if today is the day to give your boss his/her come-uppance, then head on over to the link and leave the picture of the naked man with a fox’s head up on the screen, call your boss in and say, “You see. This guy does incredible sculptures, while YOU play Spider Solitaire and scratch your crotch.” Then you should say, “I stirred one of my turds in your cup of coffee this morning. I used a glove to hold it while I did it, in case you were wondering.” Then shout, “And this one’s for Paul in the mail room!” before you swiftly kick the computer monitor’s screen in with your foot. Say it even if there is no Paul in the mail room. Say it even if your office doesn’t have a mail room. Then you should grab all of your things (make sure all of your stuff is packed neatly into a box before completing these actions) and run out of the office shouting “YOU ESS A!”You won’t get sued for any of this. Trust me.* [...]
Hyper-Realistic Sculptures Invade My Mind | JerkBurger, November 5th, 2009 at 7:46 amAmazing. Simply….amazing. The detail, the realism…Wow.
Suzanne, November 5th, 2009 at 10:32 amAbsolutely stunning. I agree with the other comments, there is beauty in the realism and humanity of these pieces.
Exceed Dynamite, November 6th, 2009 at 3:33 am[...] Interview with Sam Jinks Who Creates Hyper-Realist Sculptures (Australian Edge) [...]
links for 2009-11-05, November 5th, 2009 at 8:18 pm[...] Interview with Sam Jinks Who Creates Hyper-Realist Sculptures (Australian Edge) [...]
links for 2009-11-06, November 6th, 2009 at 12:17 amScary but amazing, I'm trying to look away but I can't D:
Siaarn, November 6th, 2009 at 10:41 amThe tattooed lady with the drooping tits….sexy!! Wonder if her vagina looks like a chewed up piece of beef jerky?
DisturbedBill, November 6th, 2009 at 9:23 pmThank you. This is art. Many people ask me about the definition of art, some said this was ugly and others were amazed by the realism in it and I just say, art is more than what we see. Art is what a piece makes us feel, where it brings us in memories, what cognitive addition it gives us and what addition it gives to the world around us.
Ivan, November 7th, 2009 at 3:14 pmThank you and great thanks to many artists like you from a humble viewer like myself.
very very cool… I wish i knew how to make those
marcos, November 7th, 2009 at 4:25 pmI thought Ron Mueck as soon as I saw these. I was lucky enough to see his work at my local gallery last month, and this guy's work deals with exactly the same subjects (cradle to grave) as Mueck's. Can't take away from his talent though.
Heather, November 7th, 2009 at 6:56 pmWow! What detail, it looks so very real. Excellent job, it real makes one ponder on things one would tend to ignore otherwise. The most intriguing for me was the face with blank eyes and no mouth, it spoke worlds to me. I can't believe how real they all look!
ChronicMidori, November 7th, 2009 at 7:56 pmI am speechless …
Kasia Znana, November 7th, 2009 at 8:11 pmI think this work is really impressive. good job
Hendrika, November 7th, 2009 at 8:47 pm"????"
Junior, November 8th, 2009 at 3:18 pmamazing….
hüseyin, November 9th, 2009 at 7:33 pmAnd Jack, you have a way with words . .
Heide, November 10th, 2009 at 12:45 amWords fail. A master.
no_neos, November 10th, 2009 at 5:54 pmI agree …. it's ugly … but beautiful at the same time….. kindof like "bodies – the exhibition" was to me. intriguing… thanks for the post!
Jennifer, November 11th, 2009 at 4:59 amyoure really a good artist…..keep up d gud work…..
sebastian, November 12th, 2009 at 4:26 amThese are true expressions, those that we fear, that leave us feeling vulnerable. I applaud the artist for his insight, sensitivity and ability to stir emotions. Gripping!
Marleana, November 12th, 2009 at 7:31 am[...] Interview with Sam Jinks (NSFW) » Australian Edge] Categories : [...]
Interview with Sam Jinks (NSFW) » Australian Edge | Matt Castille, November 12th, 2009 at 12:55 amAmazing and beautiful. I was awestruck. I didn't find any of it offensive, just intriguing. I'd love to see the work 'in the flesh'.
Liz, November 12th, 2009 at 9:15 amWow. Absolutely incredible.
webmdave, November 12th, 2009 at 9:18 amA feat! satisfyingly awesome sight of artistic produce…I love the unique feeling of touch – to think it's a hand-made. Amazing work.
Ron, November 12th, 2009 at 6:02 pmwow. is all i can say
Ovaflw, November 12th, 2009 at 6:50 pm[...] -The work of Sam Jinks [...]
Enlaces | Mundochica | Moda, decoracion y sexo, November 13th, 2009 at 2:40 amYeah its a bit scary….but somehow amazing. You can see every little detail on their skins. Very cool!!!!
Dianly, November 13th, 2009 at 4:54 pmTo me these works are all about human vulnerability – the baby, faces with closed eyes, older people – everyone is physically vulnerable and these works show that. They make me think about what is beyond the body – is there life after death? And if so, what is it like? It seems a cruel life, that slowly makes us less able to enjoy it physically, whilst we appreciate it more emotionally.
Amy, November 13th, 2009 at 8:00 pmWow I love this stuff. Please could I use a couple of images on my blog?
TV Blogger, November 13th, 2009 at 10:36 pmHi TV Blogger, re image use: you best ask Sam directly through his website.
Clayton, November 13th, 2009 at 8:59 pmThanks. clayton@australianedge
I am sure every person that looks at this takes away something different as do I.
bounder39, November 14th, 2009 at 1:08 pmSam, these are absolutely stunning! I haven't the words to say how these touch me.
Don Coker, November 14th, 2009 at 7:13 pmI could live with any of his works. Just send them to me, I would love to borrow one.
Rose East, November 14th, 2009 at 7:00 pmI see tears of blood and rays of light, Sam portrays the strengths that carry the weaknesses and manages to expose the parts of us that we hide, which in reality make us who we are. It's impossible not to respect Sam's work even if you are not mature enough to love it passionately. Sam takes you on a journey to the parts of you that you live your life denying, its a rollercoaster of realities from the physical to the emotional. This talent should be far more public in a world where the truth is not constantly hidden. Thankyou Sam, from the farthest reaches of my soul!
Tim, November 15th, 2009 at 4:25 pmand you should try looking at porn….because this artist is not making sculptures of younger, "fresher" woman (you mean "women") for you to oogle; he is making art.
Sam, November 15th, 2009 at 6:42 pmI am lost for words….. :-0)
The Artist is a Genius
British Lady, November 15th, 2009 at 11:43 pmThis man has manic ideas which he expresses through his art. Nothing more.
Sarah, November 17th, 2009 at 5:12 pmYou have a beautiful mind <3
Elle-Bee, November 18th, 2009 at 2:56 am…the point of this is not to portray younger, fresher women. it's to create awareness of life, in all forms, and the brevity of it. to blatantly show the parts of life that you don't want to see. i'm with sam. if you want young fresh women, watch porn or something. because that's not what this is about.
julian, November 18th, 2009 at 4:07 pmVery wierd……
Mary, November 20th, 2009 at 4:29 pmFREEKING DISGUSTING!
[...] dentro de 5 minutos ya ni te acuerdes. Pero lo que seguro no te vas a olvidar es lo que hace… esculturas realistas de alto impacto. Increíbles e [...]
El Arte… brrr « EL VIStazo, November 21st, 2009 at 8:17 amSo realistic, the one of the guy with no mouth really stood out to me. Would love to see this in real-life.
alex, November 22nd, 2009 at 7:59 amAwesome work! Full on realistic! Keep it up!
drumchef, November 23rd, 2009 at 3:20 amnot
drea5k, November 24th, 2009 at 12:43 amYour Sculptures Are Sexxxyyyyyy(:
Jackie, November 24th, 2009 at 2:37 pmThis is the most moved that I have ever been by artwork, ever. Profoundly moving. Profound. Incredible. What talent.
Jackie, December 4th, 2009 at 2:43 pmI want one to put on my couch!
Rick Astley, December 5th, 2009 at 1:20 pmWow! That guy is talented, if I hadn't of read it was an artist who made these I would of thought they were real people, it's that damn good!
Bongs, December 6th, 2009 at 5:07 pmThank you. Incredibly true to life. Amazing, yet disturbing. One wants to look closely at the detail but than pull back in fear with the knowledge of our frailty, the inevitability of aging and eventual death that we all must face. It makes me uncomfortable ,but brings me closer to acceptance of what must be. No one can deny your artistry.
sandy, December 6th, 2009 at 10:43 pmWow!!
Jephyr, December 10th, 2009 at 12:56 amoh com'on. it wouldn't hurt the collection to have a freshie for contrast. he could probably sell it for more too!
…and how can you be sure of the "point"? is the "point" of art so finite to you?
Duzz, December 10th, 2009 at 3:44 amron mueck?
cham, December 11th, 2009 at 2:25 am[...] Sam Jinks does similar work if you like this stuff but its NSFW. Dont get eXcited…they are kinda gross… [...]
Ron Mueck. Hyper-Realist Sculptor « Art., December 12th, 2009 at 3:43 pmClosest new art I've seen to the realism and incredible execution in Renaissance artworks. It'd be cool to see Sam Jinks recreate a Renaissance painting as sculpture.
andrew, December 16th, 2009 at 1:01 am[...] Phew! blows me away!! [...]
World Citizen – travelings of…., December 19th, 2009 at 7:56 pmWhat an incredible talent. I look forward to following Sam’s work in the future.
Masey, January 8th, 2010 at 7:13 pmextraordinario trabalho…. muito bom
rui, January 9th, 2010 at 11:25 pmSurely you lest. Oops, jest.
Passsingby, January 13th, 2010 at 9:00 amWow, i am very impressed with the art. I can tell that you have an interest in story telling just by looking at these magnificent works. They tell stories all on their own. no words can describe how beautiful they are.
MVG, January 20th, 2010 at 1:17 pm[...] Sam Jinks Link & bonus interview [...]
229. Dorian | 365characters, January 23rd, 2010 at 5:28 amWow, this is awesome and kind of terrifying at the same time, great stuff.
graffiti, January 24th, 2010 at 5:49 pmtruly breathtaking.
Lauren, January 25th, 2010 at 3:44 amAmazing work.
fucking awesome
dan, January 25th, 2010 at 3:54 amUh. The point of art is to gape into what the artist has in his mind, as he shares his thoughts and imaginations to interpret to us.
Surely, humanity by now is driven by the testosterone we call the male, me being one myself. But now it's out of control and we let the pervert in us lead us on to stupidity, or so it has shown in the many years we have lives as human beings.
Seriously, though, do not let your vague ideas and urges control your mind. Albeit it is what nature has given us, it is not the place for such urges, for it is art, not a pornographic event nor a form of entertainment, except for those who entertain themselves with art browsing and such. But definitely not the place to gape at things like some horny teenager in high school.
Thank you for your invaluable time to read my rant, now go enjoy yourselves and go back to your monkey ways. :D
Lolwat, January 25th, 2010 at 1:32 pmStephen King would love a couple of these. They're probably friends.
Tom, January 30th, 2010 at 10:49 pmWOW! What a well thought out realistic sculpture you have here….
Love Poems & Quotes, January 31st, 2010 at 12:12 amHow the hell would this offend you?? It's just art….
Delirious, February 2nd, 2010 at 11:12 amReminds me a lot of Ron Mueck
Lyna, February 6th, 2010 at 9:41 pmhttp://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_Mueck