[Ask Weta] Questions for John Howe

Weta · 11-03-2009, 12:34 PM

John Howe will shortly be joining us for a Question and Answer session on his new sculpture range: The Art of John Howe - Sculptures from Middle-earth. If you would like to ask John any questions about the sculptures or his original artwork, please post your questions on this thread. Please note John will not be able to answer any questions regarding any movie projects which have yet to be completed

LOTR Fan · 11-03-2009, 12:43 PM

Chuck, we will need a sticky!

How cool is this!?!?!?!

Leonard · 11-03-2009, 01:02 PM

Hello Mr Howe!

So how does it feel to be able to see the back of your paintings? Or is seeing the back in your minds' eye a pivotal part in painting the front?

& Thank you for giving us Forging Dragons and Fantasy Art Workshop. I'm really looking forward to Fantasy Drawing Workshop... & the next one?

Cheers
Leonard

Kratos · 11-03-2009, 02:39 PM

Hey John
Just a quick question, Are you able to give us a hint at what will be the of your artworks turned into a statue?
Cheers
Kratos

Blu Falcon · 11-03-2009, 04:41 PM

John, do you plan to publish a book that will include all of your artwork from Middle Earth compiled in one complete volume? Additionally, do you plan to start selling prints of some of your more memorable work such as the Nazgul and Eowyn, or Gandalf at Bag End? Thanks for being awesome.

seregon13 · 11-03-2009, 07:27 PM

Hello John

The first scuptures are breathtaking and it took me less than 1 sec to decide to preorder both Smaug & Eowyn vs Morgul in Faux Bronze.The booklet is a great idea

-How long that took to complete Smaug's Sculpture from the beginning and how many new concept arts you have done for helping the sculptors?
We ve seen you in the first pictures at the workshop with Richard and the weta artists , it means that you have not only pencils but also tools for sculpting in your etuis now

-I really hope that Gandalf the Grey will be on your serie of scuptures from middle earth (?)

-Like BluFalcon i wonder if you would plan doing new limited lithographs for future Tolkien exhibitions or book signing sessions,i know that the 6 first series are sold out since a long time now and almost impossible to find.(In the case you d make new ones,maybe we can have some distributed via weta for example to help people living too far who can't go to such events

)

merci
stéphane

Weta · 11-03-2009, 07:37 PM

At this stage, John Howe will be joining this forum at 1pm on Monday 9th November (New Zealand time)

Which is Sunday afternoon in the United States and Sunday night in Europe.

Please post your questions before then

Of course this will depend on his schedule, which may change

Thanks

Tim

Red · 11-03-2009, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blu Falcon

John, do you plan to publish a book that will include all of your artwork from Middle Earth compiled in one complete volume? Additionally, do you plan to start selling prints of some of your more memorable work such as the Nazgul and Eowyn, or Gandalf at Bag End? Thanks for being awesome.

Leaflock · 11-03-2009, 10:35 PM

Hi John,

I'm a long time fan of your work, and I'm absolutely loving this new line of sculptures. I've seen them in person, and I find them incredible!

I have a question about how you come up with illustrations for Middle-Earth. I expect that you take inspiration from Tolkien's writing, which is of course lush and descriptive, but I suspect that you also come up with your own ideas to fill out the gaps that Tolkien has missed. Could you tell us about how you balance direct descriptions from Tolkien's writing and your own imaginative ideas?

Thanks a lot for joining us, it's a real honour.

Regards,
Sinead

oldduffer · 11-04-2009, 07:37 AM

Hello Mr. Howe,

Could you pass along the total square footage of your proposed art pieces from Weta ......................... my carpenter is waiting.

Dave Mac · 11-04-2009, 07:46 AM

Hello John and welcome

Given your knowledge and love of armour and the creation of a time machine, which historical period of time would you most like to spend time in (say, a month or two) and with which culture?

TURINS~BANE · 11-04-2009, 07:58 AM

Greetings John.

Love your art. I'm just wondering if you will be doing pieces from the Silmarilion? your Turin Turambar and Glaurung picture is stunning. I would love to see that scene made into a sculpture. Its my fave chapter of the silmarillion.

Also John will there be another Smaug?

CharlesSong · 11-04-2009, 09:44 AM

(don't forget to visit his website at john-howe.com!)

Hi Mr. Howe, thank you for taking the time to join us, it's a real honor

Your works through the years have rarely ceased to be completely awesome.

I'd like to know how illustrating Tolkien has changed for you after 'the films'. Has it altered your approach to Middle Earth in any way?

And also if you'd ever consider illustration/designing for a different realm of fantasy-- sci-fi!

Beleg Cúthalion · 11-04-2009, 11:17 AM

Hello, Mr. Howe, and thank you for taking the time to answer our questions.

What first inspired you to create art pertaining to Middle-earth? Also, were you approached to do the calendar artwork or did you pursue that on your own initiative?

Darth Rage · 11-04-2009, 02:37 PM

First I am a huge fan of your art, Tolkien based especially. A little back story to my question though if you will let me digress.....In your book Myth and Magic there is a page written by Ian McKellen about how he sat in the makeup chair for testing and your picture of Gandalf was hanging on a mirror and they said Ian couldn't play Gandalf until he looked like Howe's Gandalf. So my question comes knowing that you collaborated hugely with Alan Lee, is there anything that you did (drawing painting etc) that you really felt was great and should have made it as insiration for the film that wasn't used? Something that you felt really strong about and Peter Jackson or someone basically said, yeah that's nice but we're going with Lee's version?

Radagaster · 11-04-2009, 09:05 PM

Hi John. Last we met was at SDCC'08, where you launched that Fantasy book of yours and you threw in a poster of that great sea dragon. I didn't realize you were holding back on this new project!!!
So, about the only question I have is: Any chance that you could revisit re-releasing the art prints that accompanies your Sculptures of Middle Earth line as lithos? Just like you released the litho on the Fell Beast, I wouldn't mind getting one that would act as a great backdrop to these sculptures you're coming out with!

Dave Mac · 11-05-2009, 08:31 AM

Stealth question! (I posted this one on freaks instead of following the link!)

I'd like to ask you; as an artist, how difficult is it to stick to an original piece of artwork when bringing it to life in a different medium after so many years?
I mean, were you tempted at all to 'tweak' certain aspects of your original designs to give even more depth to your creations or did someone at WETA smack your hand away each time you wanted to add, move or enhance something?

Steve · 11-05-2009, 01:16 PM

Hi John - thanks for making yourself available for this.

I'd love to be a fly on the wall listening to yourself and Alan Lee talking about different ideas and compositions...

How much (hands-on) involvement did you have in the sculpting of the two current pieces - Smaug and Fell Beast/Eowyn? (fantastic job, btw)
I guess that your imagination and vision used in your art would translate somewhat across to the 3D world - yet probably plenty of new things to learn.

Was the Lord of the Rings your first engagement with the film industry?

On a slightly different topic - what sort of things have you been able to do and enjoy away from work, while in New Zealand.

11-03-2009, 12:34 PM	#1
Weta Location: Auckland, New Zealand Posts: 660	Questions for John Howe John Howe will shortly be joining us for a Question and Answer session on his new sculpture range: The Art of John Howe - Sculptures from Middle-earth. If you would like to ask John any questions about the sculptures or his original artwork, please post your questions on this thread. Please note John will not be able to answer any questions regarding any movie projects which have yet to be completed
Weta Location: Auckland, New Zealand Posts: 660	__________________ Tim from Weta

11-03-2009, 12:43 PM	#2
LOTR Fan Firegoat Tamer Location: VIVA LAS VEGAS Posts: 28,146 $User owns 1x Gandalf\'s Hat (ES: 20)$ $User owns 1x SW Darth Vader\'s Helm (ES: 10)$ $User owns 1x Pordey\'s Cake (ES: 6)$	Re: Questions for John Howe Chuck, we will need a sticky! How cool is this!?!?!?!

11-03-2009, 01:02 PM	#3
Leonard Member Location: Auckland Posts: 822	Re: Questions for John Howe Hello Mr Howe! So how does it feel to be able to see the back of your paintings? Or is seeing the back in your minds' eye a pivotal part in painting the front? & Thank you for giving us Forging Dragons and Fantasy Art Workshop. I'm really looking forward to Fantasy Drawing Workshop... & the next one? Cheers Leonard
Leonard Member Location: Auckland Posts: 822	Last edited by Leonard; 11-03-2009 at 02:45 PM.

11-03-2009, 02:39 PM	#4
Kratos Member Location: New Zealand Posts: 248	Re: Questions for John Howe Hey John Just a quick question, Are you able to give us a hint at what will be the of your artworks turned into a statue? Cheers Kratos
Kratos Member Location: New Zealand Posts: 248	__________________ Soon to come Kratos PF

11-03-2009, 04:41 PM	#5
Blu Falcon Haegan's Dad Location: middle of earth Posts: 2,516	Re: Questions for John Howe John, do you plan to publish a book that will include all of your artwork from Middle Earth compiled in one complete volume? Additionally, do you plan to start selling prints of some of your more memorable work such as the Nazgul and Eowyn, or Gandalf at Bag End? Thanks for being awesome.
	__________________ [Balrog][Stone Trolls][RWOS][Sam & Bill][Cave Troll][Orthanc][The Watcher]

11-03-2009, 07:27 PM	#6
seregon13 Member Location: Lothlorien (France) Posts: 358 $User owns 1x Gandalf\'s Hat (ES: 20)$	Re: Questions for John Howe Hello John The first scuptures are breathtaking and it took me less than 1 sec to decide to preorder both Smaug & Eowyn vs Morgul in Faux Bronze.The booklet is a great idea -How long that took to complete Smaug's Sculpture from the beginning and how many new concept arts you have done for helping the sculptors? We ve seen you in the first pictures at the workshop with Richard and the weta artists , it means that you have not only pencils but also tools for sculpting in your etuis now -I really hope that Gandalf the Grey will be on your serie of scuptures from middle earth (?) -Like BluFalcon i wonder if you would plan doing new limited lithographs for future Tolkien exhibitions or book signing sessions,i know that the 6 first series are sold out since a long time now and almost impossible to find.(In the case you d make new ones,maybe we can have some distributed via weta for example to help people living too far who can't go to such events ) merci stéphane

11-03-2009, 07:37 PM	#7
Weta Location: Auckland, New Zealand Posts: 660	Re: Questions for John Howe At this stage, John Howe will be joining this forum at 1pm on Monday 9th November (New Zealand time) Which is Sunday afternoon in the United States and Sunday night in Europe. Please post your questions before then Of course this will depend on his schedule, which may change Thanks Tim
Weta Location: Auckland, New Zealand Posts: 660	__________________ Tim from Weta

11-03-2009, 10:35 PM	#9
Leaflock Dreams of Trees Location: NZ/Aus Posts: 2,943	Re: Questions for John Howe Hi John, I'm a long time fan of your work, and I'm absolutely loving this new line of sculptures. I've seen them in person, and I find them incredible! I have a question about how you come up with illustrations for Middle-Earth. I expect that you take inspiration from Tolkien's writing, which is of course lush and descriptive, but I suspect that you also come up with your own ideas to fill out the gaps that Tolkien has missed. Could you tell us about how you balance direct descriptions from Tolkien's writing and your own imaginative ideas? Thanks a lot for joining us, it's a real honour. Regards, Sinead
Leaflock Dreams of Trees Location: NZ/Aus Posts: 2,943	__________________

11-04-2009, 07:37 AM	#10
oldduffer The LongBottom's Talking Location: Louisiana - Bag End Posts: 11,346	Re: Questions for John Howe Hello Mr. Howe, Could you pass along the total square footage of your proposed art pieces from Weta ......................... my carpenter is waiting.
	__________________

11-04-2009, 07:46 AM	#11
Dave Mac Senior Member Location: Silsden in West Yorkshire, U.K Posts: 2,553	Re: Questions for John Howe Hello John and welcome Given your knowledge and love of armour and the creation of a time machine, which historical period of time would you most like to spend time in (say, a month or two) and with which culture?

11-04-2009, 07:58 AM	#12
TURINS~BANE Member Location: ENGLAND~yorkshire Posts: 92	Re: Questions for John Howe Greetings John. Love your art. I'm just wondering if you will be doing pieces from the Silmarilion? your Turin Turambar and Glaurung picture is stunning. I would love to see that scene made into a sculpture. Its my fave chapter of the silmarillion. Also John will there be another Smaug?
TURINS~BANE Member Location: ENGLAND~yorkshire Posts: 92

11-04-2009, 09:44 AM	#13
CharlesSong Chunk is here to help Location: Fawlty Towers Posts: 17,912	Re: Questions for John Howe (don't forget to visit his website at john-howe.com!) Hi Mr. Howe, thank you for taking the time to join us, it's a real honor Your works through the years have rarely ceased to be completely awesome. I'd like to know how illustrating Tolkien has changed for you after 'the films'. Has it altered your approach to Middle Earth in any way? And also if you'd ever consider illustration/designing for a different realm of fantasy-- sci-fi!
	__________________

11-04-2009, 11:17 AM	#14
Beleg Cúthalion Marchwarden of Doriath Location: St Louis, MO, US, Terra, Sol system, Orion Arm, Milky Way, Local Group, Virgo Supercluster, Universe Posts: 3,578	Re: Questions for John Howe Hello, Mr. Howe, and thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. What first inspired you to create art pertaining to Middle-earth? Also, were you approached to do the calendar artwork or did you pursue that on your own initiative?
	__________________ As with everything else, it's the thought that counts.

11-04-2009, 02:37 PM	#15
Darth Rage Slayer of Multiple Ewoks Location: The Death Star Posts: 16,537 $User owns 1x SW Darth Vader\'s Helm (ES: 10)$ $User owns 1x Captain America\'s Shield (ES: 3)$	Re: Questions for John Howe First I am a huge fan of your art, Tolkien based especially. A little back story to my question though if you will let me digress.....In your book Myth and Magic there is a page written by Ian McKellen about how he sat in the makeup chair for testing and your picture of Gandalf was hanging on a mirror and they said Ian couldn't play Gandalf until he looked like Howe's Gandalf. So my question comes knowing that you collaborated hugely with Alan Lee, is there anything that you did (drawing painting etc) that you really felt was great and should have made it as insiration for the film that *wasn't* used? Something that you felt really strong about and Peter Jackson or someone basically said, yeah that's nice but we're going with Lee's version?
	__________________ Click here to see 'Ol King Duffer Theoden King Max in the Queen's Chamber

11-04-2009, 09:05 PM	#16
Radagaster Member Location: Bay Area, Middle Earth Posts: 896	Re: Questions for John Howe Hi John. Last we met was at SDCC'08, where you launched that Fantasy book of yours and you threw in a poster of that great sea dragon. I didn't realize you were holding back on this new project!!! So, about the only question I have is: Any chance that you could revisit re-releasing the art prints that accompanies your Sculptures of Middle Earth line as lithos? Just like you released the litho on the Fell Beast, I wouldn't mind getting one that would act as a great backdrop to these sculptures you're coming out with!

11-05-2009, 08:31 AM	#17
Dave Mac Senior Member Location: Silsden in West Yorkshire, U.K Posts: 2,553	Re: Questions for John Howe Stealth question! (I posted this one on freaks instead of following the link!) I'd like to ask you; as an artist, how difficult is it to stick to an original piece of artwork when bringing it to life in a different medium after so many years? I mean, were you tempted at all to 'tweak' certain aspects of your original designs to give even more depth to your creations or did someone at WETA smack your hand away each time you wanted to add, move or enhance something?

11-05-2009, 01:16 PM	#18
Steve Member Location: Auckland, NZ Let's call it Mordor. Posts: 357	Re: Questions for John Howe Hi John - thanks for making yourself available for this. I'd love to be a fly on the wall listening to yourself and Alan Lee talking about different ideas and compositions... How much (hands-on) involvement did you have in the sculpting of the two current pieces - Smaug and Fell Beast/Eowyn? (fantastic job, btw) I guess that your imagination and vision used in your art would translate somewhat across to the 3D world - yet probably plenty of new things to learn. Was the Lord of the Rings your first engagement with the film industry? On a slightly different topic - what sort of things have you been able to do and enjoy away from work, while in New Zealand.