Dem Bones, Dem Bones, Dem Fine Bones …
Folk Horror Revival popped some questions over to skull engraver
extraordinaire Paul Beech and present here for the pleasure of your eyeballs some folk horror bony goodness – enjoy ☠
Folk Horror Revival: What inspired you to take up skull engraving and what did you choose for your first design?
Paul Beech: Moving to Ireland and the incredible landscape of forests and mountains igniting my creativity. I feel like I stumbled into using skulls though. A combination of reckless adventuring and bad weather on the Comeragh Mountains led me to them. My first design was the Icelandic magic symbol The Helm of Terror as the Old Gods and old ways are a huge influence on my work.
FHR: What sort of skulls do you engrave upon and do you acquire the skulls?
PB: So far I’ve only used sheep and rams (I’ve a fox stewing away though!) I acquire them myself up in the Comeragh Mountains. I go off the paths and vanish into the wild. I’m hoping to find some goats and deer soon but they aren’t in as much abundance. It’s important to note that I do not purchase skulls from hunters and butchers. If I did happen to, I would be sure to make people aware of the source.
FHR: If you were able to engrave onto any type of skull which creature would you choose?
PB: A human skull! They look incredible carved.
FHR: Do you do any other form of art?
PB: I like photography. I take pictures of all the skulls I’ve found and include them with finished pieces. The fog and gloom of the Irish Landscape makes for beautiful photo material too.
FHR: If someone wanted to purchase an engraved skull from you, how would they go about it?
PB: For now find me on Instagram at @paul_beech or look out for when I post on the Folk Horror Emporium with available skulls, jaws and maybe the odd spine too! ☠
All carvings and images © Paul Beech
Folk Horror Revival & Urban Wyrd Project ⨘ 