Forgotten Boneyard (Sculptor)

Tim Prince of Forgotten Boneyard's creations resemble creatures right out of scary films or ones you read about in horrific tales. Beguiling and at times disturbing, Tim's creations are a magnificent merger of innocuous elements of nature with that of the dangerous and the grotesque. Encouraged by family, friends, and peers to continue creating works of art after seeing his first few creations, Tim Prince's collection of morbid curiosities have grown and developed a massive following of fans. A touch of mad scientist, a touch of genius, mixed with Tim's wholehearted appreciation for Nature and the serenity it brings one's inner self, Tim Prince creates works that celebrate Nature, the beauty it connotes, and the alluring feelings of mystery and fear Nature can provoke. I had the opportunity to learn more about Tim, his artistic process, and his wonderfully dark creations.

What inspires you?

Anything that I see as done well is inspiring to me, but I would have to say that my work is inspired by nature more than anything.

How and when did you first get started as an artist?

My personal journey as an artist has really only just begun. Five years ago I stared at a pile of animal bones piling up from nature hikes and started brainstorming on how they could be used. What I didn't know was where that pile of bones was going to take me.

I want my work to come from the same place it always has. I don't seek out other artists that work with bones because I want my ideas to remain my own.

What is the most challenging part about creating your artwork?

Easily the most challenging part is coming up with supplies. Nearly all of my bones are roadkill that I collect and process myself. This is the only way to be absolutely sure that I know where my bones are coming from, it is important to me that they are sourced ethically. Not only is processing these remains time consuming, but there is no way to be assured I will find that one bone I need to complete a project. I have found this task can go on for years.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I think most suspect I have dead things all over my house. I do have some but I am not really interested in collecting bones or taxidermy, instead Halloween items and monster toys fill my shelves.

Can you tell me a bit more about your creations - the process you take to make them, what inspires you to make them etc.

My work is very reflective of my childhood, growing up close to nature with lots of monster movies in between. Day one I literally poured buckets of bones onto my dining room table, nature cleaned, covered in dirt. I then grabbed a drill, adhesives, wire... anything I thought might keep these things together. Every time I held the bones in my hands there was no thought of what was anatomically correct, or even what I was going to make, but instead what looked creepy and captured my own imagination. What followed after a few sessions of messing around was an overwhelming amount of support, and that has been a huge inspiration to keep pushing forward. More than anything, as a fan of dark art, monsters, Halloween... I felt like I was doing something new, and that felt damn good.

How has your practice changed over time? (or has it?)

I am always striving to create a higher quality product and I am always trying to push myself to new limits. That being said I try to change the way I do thing as little as possible. Early on I saw success with my work, not in a financial sense but as a fan base that was growing quickly via social media. I want my work to come from the same place it always has. I don't seek out other artists that work with bones because I want my ideas to remain my own. Outside of running the business online I avoid the internet and my phone, sometimes for days, so that I have plenty of time to play with new ideas in my head.

Favourite or most inspirational place where you live?

I am a new resident to Florida after 30 years in Northern Illinois, but it doesn't matter. Get me out in nature where there are no people, to where my phone loses its signal, and I couldn't be happier. I currently live an hour from any significant city and I am surrounded by massive Wildlife Management Areas that one can explore all day without seeing or hearing anyone. There is just nothing better than that to me.

What's the best piece of advice you've been given?

I'm incredibly stubborn. I am probably given great advice all the time but I really dig my feet in to resist it. Although there are things that get in (mostly my girlfriend) I think I mostly stick to doing things my own way whether it's the right way or not.

When you think of the concept of 'the artist's ego', what comes to mind?

Arrogance or insecurity. I am guilty of insecurity but I always try to push through. If I am not happy with the way one of my creations is coming along, I assume nobody else will be either. This usually happens when I am attempting something specific and I am unhappy with the outcome. I either destroy or salvage, the latter often slips me into my most creative work.

Most difficult part about being an artist?

I have done this full time since 2012 and it was really a leap of faith. I am still building up and have a long way to go. It's running a business, creating a brand... that's a lot of hard work. Most difficult may be remaining confident during trying times, but I love what I do and never want to stop.

Why do you think there is a growing interest in macabre and grotesque art?

I can't say I really keep my finger on the pulse of growing trends but I became aware after my first year as Forgotten Boneyard that there was a growing subculture and I was fortunate to be a part of it. As a long time fan I really think it has to do with several things. We as people have changed drastically in the last twenty years with how we view each others' differences. When our peers are less judgmental, naturally we will be less concerned about our personal interests. Beside acceptance it is also accessibility. We are all allowed to explore all of the cultures and genres the world has to offer with ease and privacy which gives us so much more to choose from than we had in the past. It's a beautiful thing.

Any future plans you intend to pursue with your artwork?

So many future plans! I started this with literally nothing but bones which has left me with a lot of room to grow. I have a long list of projects in mind and I hope that I get to all of them. Right now I am working towards a proper studio that can be visited by the public as well as 3D printing limited edition mini replicas of my most popular works sometime in 2017.

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Oddities & Curiosities Expo Albuquerque Jan 19, 2019

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