Chet Zar

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Chet Zar

Birth name Chet Zar
Born November 12, 1967
San Pedro, California
Nationality American
Field Digital Art
Painting
Movement Lowbrow / Pop Surreal
Influenced by M. C. Escher[1]
Salvador Dalí[2]
Hieronymus Bosch[3]

Chet Zar (born November 12, 1967) is an American artist notable for his dark visual art, make-up effects, and digital animation. He is most widely known for his work with Tool's music and live videos.[4] He is the stepson of American fantasy artist James Zar.[5]

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[edit] Life

Zar was born in San Pedro, California. An early, volatile family life fostered his interests in horror movies, which would ultimately lead to his work in the motion picture industry. He spent his entire childhood sculpting, drawing and painting.[5] In high school, Zar began his work in the makeup effects industry, gaining full-time employment a year after graduating.[6]

After years of being unimpressed with politics in the film industry, Zar took the advice of horror author Clive Barker, and decided to pursue his passion of producing original works and oil-painting.[1]

[edit] Works

"Black Magick", oil on canvas
"Black Magick", oil on canvas

Zar's works vary according to the medium he is using. His interest in art and horror movies led to a career in the motion-picture industry. His contributions to the industry were in the form of sculpture and make-up effects. Zar designed and created prosthetic effects for such movies as The Ring, Planet of the Apes, and Darkman.[7]

His canvassed works are generally oil-based portraits. He considers his works to be extensions of his doodles, and describes the figures in his art as "very ugly and freakish on the surface" while still retaining "innocence about them".[8]

In addition to creating digital animations for Tool's live shows,[7] Zar has created his own DVD of digital loops, entitled Disturb the Normal. His 'animated paintings' are made using Lightwave 3d and Adobe After Effects.[9]

On December 18, 2007, Tool released a DVD for their single Vicarious,[10] which contains a documentary with an appearance by Zar as a key member of the Vicarious video team.[11]


[edit] References

  1. ^ a b Chet Zar. Underground Art Union. Retrieved on 2008-01-09.
  2. ^ Beinart, Jon, beinArt Interview with Chet Zar, <http://beinart.org/modules/Word-Press/2007/06/23/beinart-interview-with-chet-zar/>. Retrieved on 9 January 2008 
  3. ^ Sherwin, Brian, Art Space Talk: Chet Zar, <http://www.myartspace.com/interviews/interviews/art-space-talk-chet-zar.html>. Retrieved on 9 January 2008 
  4. ^ Perez, Arturo. "Interview: Chet Zar", Kludge Magazine, 2004-10-08. Retrieved on 2008-01-09. 
  5. ^ a b Chet Zar Bio. chetzar.com. Retrieved on 2008-01-09.
  6. ^ Carney, Ray (2007-09-03). Last Call with Chet Zar. Alterati.com. Retrieved on 2008-01-09.
  7. ^ a b NewTek Interviews Chet Zar. NewTek (June 2003). Retrieved on 2008-01-09.
  8. ^ Chet Zar. beinArt Surreal Art Collective. Retrieved on 2008-01-09.
  9. ^ Vision Featured Artist: Chet Zar. OPi8.com, Ltd. Retrieved on 2008-01-09.
  10. ^ Tool Vicarious DVD Coming Dec. 18. Guitar World (2007-11-15). Retrieved on 2008-01-09.
  11. ^ Vicarious DVD Review. Fourth Eye (2007-12-21). Retrieved on 2008-01-09.

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