I'm an independent artist with a crippled car and some IOUs to reimburse to my generous, patient friends. As a few people have expressed interest in my portrait sculptures, I'm making an effort to use these skills to actually earn a living; starting by catching up on bills and debts and getting the car overhauled. I'm in a bit of a hurry to catch up to the bank before it catches up to me, so to speak.

To that end, I've begun working on a couple of new limited edition projects, hopefully subjects of interest. Your contributions here will allow me to purchase the supplies I'll need to make this run of busts and hopefully a few more until I'm up to speed. This life-sized bust of Edward Theodore Gein (1906–1984) is my first such release, with other portraits or characterizations to follow in the months to come (your suggestions are welcome!).

I'm making 12 fully detailed casts of this sculpture for purchase. A contribution of $450 will get you one of these 12.

Most of your contributions will go towards supplies, shipping, etc. (I'm already pricing bubble wrap and boxes at Uline, for instance). Anything beyond that goal will go towards the car, debts, rent, etc. I paid the rent last month entirely thanks to my artwork – what a terrific feeling that was. Please help me keep this boulder rolling!

The busts will be fabricated of translucent, flesh-toned polyurethane resin filled with polyfoam, highlights and details painted by hand in acrylic and enamel washes, with realistic artificial eyes and finished with an appropriate hairpiece (and of course Ed's ubiquitous plaid cap). When they're completed, the busts will look a lot like the mockup pictured here.

The sculpture as seen below is about 88% finished (the photo was taken today, Sept. 7). I'm presently refining the overall form from various angles and then building up and adding texture to the neck. The sculpture will be completed (and hopefully molded, budget permitting) by October 1st, 2025.

As soon as it's cast, I can begin producing and detailing the individual busts. I'll work hard to finish them up so I can begin shipping them out, hopefully in time for Halloween (though I can't yet swear to it). I do intend to have all 12 busts completed and shipped out before the end of this year.

What you'll receive for your contribution:

• One (1) fully painted and detailed portrait bust with red cap
• One (1) custom stand with affixed nameplate
• One (1) 11x17" poster (suitable for framing)
• One (1) fragment of the original Gein farmhouse in a sealed glass vial on an attractive display card. **

(The card and poster have yet to be designed, but they'll be worthy of display, I promise.)

** As far as I know, it's legit. Recovered by some folks in the early 1990s, it's part of the house's oak "footer" which survived the 1957 blaze because it was buried. I was gifted this by a midwestern friend around the turn of the century, and I'll whittle off a bit for each bust purchaser. (This is a photo of the original item.)

I'll try to answer any questions you may have as they arise. In the meantime, I'll take some photos and videos of my progress.

THANK YOU for your interest!