Article Summary: A Featured Interview with Tom Spina of Tom Spina Designs and The Spina Cantina.
Featured Interview: Tom Spina, Tom Spina Designs
Not to repeat myself, but as was the case with Tim Ketzer in the opening of his interview last week, Tom Spina is another pioneer in the online collecting community.
Tom showcases his own personal collection on his site, The Spina Cantina. Tom has also launched his own hobby-related business with a variety of products and services, which can be found at Tom Spina Designs.
I am constantly amazed at the quality of the work Tom has done, both with original sculptures, and, perhaps more so, some of his unbelievable restoration work. If anyone else has any questions about preservation and/or restoration of original pieces, Tom is the man to talk with.
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Q. How did you first become interested in collecting props?
I’ve been interested in films, film-making, and puppetry as long as I can remember. King Kong, the Wizard of Oz, the Muppet Show, and eventually Star Wars and other films all made me want to both create and collect stuff. I remember when I was 5 all my friends wanted to be Luke Skywalker… I wanted to be the guy who made all those cool aliens!
Q. What were some of your first props?
My first original pieces were a Death Star Piece from Fuller French and an Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom Banquet Beetle (“I had bugs for lunch!”) from Propstore of London. Prior to that, my collection was mostly masks (Don Post and my own creations) and replica prop items I had made. I can’t recall what the first thing I made was but I was quite young… probably 5 or 6 and making cardboard props from Star Wars and and 3-d masks and puppets out of paper bag material.
Q. You are a very creative guy – I guess you have always had an interest in making your own pieces?
Definitely. I can’t really remember a time I wasn’t sculpting or sketching something, be it movie-related or otherwise.
Q. Do you still collect both original and replica props?
At the moment my replica collecting is pretty limited. I try to stick to really unique items or the occasional licensed piece which will enhance another display (like the Master Replicas Nautilus which I display with some original coral from the old Walt Disney World 20,000 Leagues attraction). Most of the masks and busts in my collection are “replicas” of a sort but I kind of see that as a side hobby rather than a part of the prop/wardrobe collecting. It’s a nice parallel though and still movie focused. I find people really get a kick out of a nicely made bust of a character they remember from a film.
Q. Did one interest lead to the other?
Absolutely. I think for many people, the transition from replicas to original collecting is a natural one. I think the timing of my transition was pretty lucky, as it seems I sold off a lot of my replica items at a high point in that hobby, and got into the original stuff just prior to the real explosion in prices.
Q. What is the “Spina Cantina”?
www.SpinaCantina.com is a page I’ve got up with some highlights from my collections. It began as an unnamed photo gallery to share my sculpture work and collection and eventually got a name (which I can’t take credit for – a friend of mine had a site showcasing replica items years ago and came up with “Spina’s cantina” for the page of my work). Now that I’ve opened my business site, I’ve focused the “cantina” on sharing my collections while www.TomSpinaDesigns.com is focused on the work I can offer people.
Q. When did you officially launch Tom Spina Designs?
The site launched in July of 2006, but I’d been working my way towards that for some time. In early 2006, I started laying the groundwork for the business and preparing for the launch.
Q. Talk a little bit about the sort of work you do, and services you offer…
Primarily, we offer custom sculpture, restoration, and unique display work for collectors.
Custom sculpture covers a lot of ground and we can design and create anything from a realistic likeness bust for a costume display or a museum to a rubber puppet face for a TV show. We also fabricate large scale theme props like the giant T-Rex head for a haunted attraction and the prehistoric cave man chair made to enhance someone’s display room and home theater. I’d like to note that both the amazing T-Rex and the faux stone chair were created by Richard Riley, an incredible artist who has created items for many of TSD’s clients.
Restoration can be pretty involved so we’ll get more into that in a bit. Display is another broad topic and can be anything from a custom created acrylic riser or case to a stunning custom created full body display to really make wardrobe pop!
Q. The site also has a shop?
Indeed. Of interest to your readers would be our display items for collectors. That section will soon expand to include a nice selection of flocked bendable mannequins to go along with the heads and display stands we currently offer. We also carry a unique line of halloween costumes (www.HoodedHorrors.com), as well as several large characters and theme prop items aimed at collectors and haunted attraction operators.
Q. What lead into the restoration work?
My experience sculpting and creating masks and busts was what lead most directly to the restoration work. Many of the makeup effects artist’s materials and techniques come into play in that type of work. A good deal of experimentation and experience filled in the gaps.
Q. What are your overall thoughts on restoration and the original prop hobby?
It’s very much a “case by case” thing in my opinion. I always make sure I spend a good deal of time discussing the degree of restoration and method/direction with a potential client. It’s something that needs to be very carefully considered before starting a project. The mantra “as little as possible, as much as necessary” really applies in the restoration field and it’s a tightrope for sure! Overall though, I think that well a thought out and professionally executed restoration can add a ton of value to a piece and in some cases can literally save something from being lost forever.
Q. For the average collector, what are some tips on preserving latex or foam latex masks and props?
Latex, foam latex and even poly foam props should be well supported, kept out of “UV” light like sunlight and fluorescent lights, handled infrequently (or better yet, not at all), and wherever possible, kept in a dust free case and at a stable temperature and humidity.
Q. “Well supported”?
Over time, latex and foam items become less flexible. It’s important that they be supported in their proper shape so that as they lose flexibility, their “look” remains the same. Also, gravity can affect these pieces over time and a proper support can help minimize the effects.
Q. What kind of impact does artificial light and sunlight have on latex and foam latex props?
UV light is actually bad for all props, not just latex. Generally speaking, it advances the aging process on our prized possessions and can lead to discoloration and breakdown of materials.
Q. What kind of impact do heat and humidity have on latex and foam latex props?
As with paper props, latex and foam props should be kept in a stable temperature and humidity. Heat can “bake” the items and dry them out. Humidity that’s too high can cause mold and too low can dry things out. It’s important to find a good balance and try your best to maintain it, as swings to extremes is never good.
Q. What thoughts do you have on the collection of latex/foam props? I know some people avoid them completely, in that they fear they will severely degrade and become irreversibly damaged – is that a legitimate concern?
I don’t avoid them personally, in fact, I love them! But I do understand people’s concern. Generally speaking, if the item is well cared for, the risks can be greatly minimized.
Q. Can latex/rubber props be treated chemically in some way to protect them?
Unfortunately, there is no “magic bullet” at this time.
Q. I’ve been absolutely astounded by some of your restoration work. How much time did you invest in the restoration of those Ugnaught masks from The Empire Strikes Back?
Thanks very much! Restorations vary greatly from piece to piece, but they do take a bit of time. It’s not unusual to spend several weeks or more on an extensive restoration project.
Q. Can you walk us through that process?
In a sense, it’s a bit like forensic archeology. You assess the piece, decide on a direction and go to work, carefully pulling bits and pieces back together. Generally it starts with creating a support for the item to hold it in the proper shape. Pieces are fixed in place and any areas that are completely missing are patched, blended and resculpted to match reference photos. Repainting the repaired area is often the most difficult step, as often you need to match the rest of the piece, not only the colors but often the “aged” look of the paint on the original as well. Each piece really has its own challenges so naturally, that’s a very rough overview.
- original photo of mask and original mask in degraded state
- mask restoration in progress
- mask displayed following restoration
Q. What is your proudest accomplishment in terms of restoration work?
At this point I’m very partial to the “Landstrider” from the Dark Crystal. That’s an incredible creature and it was an intense restoration because of the condition it was in but I’m incredibly proud of the results.
Q. Getting back to your own collecting, what is your favorite piece in your collection (or is it something you can’t talk about)?
I’m really partial to my cantina-related items. I recently picked up the original Snaggletooth trousers from Star Wars to go with the original shirt which I’ve owned for some time. Together those pieces are way up there on my list, in particular now that I’ve created a full body display for them.
Q. Your Snaggletooth display is incredible. How did you make it look so great?
Magic! OK, no, not magic but thanks none the less :). That was a fun project and challenging because well, you can’t just go buy a hump-backed Snaggletooth mannequin, you know? I started with the original shirt and pants, added a pair of boots which I weathered to match and an “ascot” to complete the wardrobe. The mannequin is heavily customized to match the original actor’s height and body shape, as well as modified for pose and of course the hump! The hands are urethane castings of real hands, painted in layers for a realistic look. The head is one I sculpted some time ago, though I should note, the tooth in it was only added recently and came from Stuart Freeborn who made the original head! I’m really proud of that piece and feel the display adds a ton of visual impact and value to the wardrobe.
Q. “[T]he display adds a ton of visual impact and value to the wardrobe”. Do you think that holds as a general rule?
Absolutely, although there are always exceptions. Not every piece has enough value to offset the cost of doing this sort of display, but in general, I think a good display makes an impact both visually and monetarily, be it a full body display like Snaggletooth or “the Hammer” or an interesting acrylic riser for a piece like the Black Hole S.T.A.R. mask. In the case of the full body displays there’s also a certain “cool” factor. Imagine the Snaggletooth shirt and trousers in a frame… could look quite nice of course, but this is a case where the pieces deserved the royal treatment and I think the result speaks for itself.
Q. I know you’ve had some incredible experiences in meeting some important people in the hobby. Tell me about meeting Stuart Freeborn…
Stuart’s a bit more of an “in the industry” than “in the hobby” but suffice to say meeting Stuart is something I’ll never forget. He’s a wealth of knowledge in the makeup field and truly one of the pioneers of modern makeup. He’s long been an idol of mine in a creative sense and meeting he and his wife Kay was a great experience.
Q. What about Bob Burns? What is the most interesting story you’ve learned from him?
Bob’s an old soul in the prop collecting game! I couldn’t narrow down to one story but for anyone interested, I’d highly recommend picking up both of Bob’s books. They really “read” just like the way Bob talks and are “must haves” in terms of the old prop library.
- A photo I took of Tom during a visit to Bob Burns Basement in October 2005…
Q. In 25 years, what do you think your collection will look like?
It’s been relatively stable over the last few years and I feel my interests have become more focused. With a little luck, I’d like to add some more Star Wars Cantina related items and continue to expand on that theme a bit. I’m sure some other items I’ll “need to have” will pop up someday too. So often in this hobby something comes up that was thought to be lost and becomes a holy grail!
Q. What are your long term goals with Tom Spina Designs?
To continue to enhance people’s collections and offer unique solutions for those who might not have realized that this level of custom service was available to them. In a business sense, I’ll be working to continue to expand the retail section and halloween line so that they can sustain a year round staff, allowing me to focus my energy on the custom work for the collectors who’s passion I share!
Q. What do you have planned for the upcoming Star Wars Celebration IV convention in Los Angeles?
Like C3, I’ll be a part of the “Original Props and Wardrobe” collecting panel. This time I’ll be alongside Brandon Alinger, Gus Lopez, David Abberley, Greg Hanson and David Mandel. We plan on covering the past, present and basic concepts of the Star Wars prop collecting hobby and my segment will of course focus on the benefits of good display and a brief overview of restoration. We’ll also have a slide show with some incredible pieces in private collections that should really be a crowd pleaser!
Q. Tom, thanks for taking the time to answer my questions and share some tips and information with readers.
You’re quite welcome and thanks for having me! Your blog is off to a great start and seems to be quite the resource for collectors. I’m happy to contribute.
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I look forward to seeing more of the collection and work of Tom Spina in the future…
Jason De Bord