RIC FRANE

Artist Ric Frane, whose mix of horror and glamour model artwork has featured all over the damn place, is the perfect example of what we want to spotlight here on VOLTCASE.co.uk, and as soon as our paths met on the devils own MySpace we were very keen to get him onboard as quick as possible.

No two pieces of his artwork are quite the same, and shift from Tim Bradstreet-esque gothic to Glen Fabry-ish muscles in the blink of an eye, whilst retaining a unique vision of horror and beauty very reminiscent of his own self proclaimed artistic hero, Frank Frazetta.

But, that's enough talking crap from us, just check out the artwork and interview below and make your own mind up. Then get yourselves over to his site here for a load more.

How are you?
Doing good. Little cold and icy here.

If you were talking to a stranger, how would you describe yourself in three words:
You shouldn't talk to strangers. Didn't your mother tell you that?

What’s the best thing about being Ric Frane?
All the women that want to take their clothes off for you.

How much input do the models have on your work - do they just pose and then you add the elements later, or do they dress up and set the scene for you etc.?
A little of both. When I first started shooting models they all didn't pose nude. I had to paint their clothing off. Now I have nude models and I wind up painting clothing on them. Mostly they pose in the clothing I want to paint.

What’s more important in your work - the horror/fantasy part or the scantily clad women part?
That depends on the piece. But I think they are equally important.

Who are your biggest influences, and / or who do you admire the most?
Frank Frazetta. His was the first fantasy art I saw. Still the best. It has everything. Fantasy, horror, sex, and pin-ups. For just great pin-up art it would be Gil Elvgren.

On the other hand, who is the worst human being on the planet?
Come on! We all know who that is.
Really. It's probably someone the news never covers that's killing tons of his own people.

If you had to chose: Lugosi or Karloff?
That's tough. They are both great. I'd have to go with Karloff for Frankenstein alone. The acting he did with all that make-up on. He did lots of other great roles too, from "The Black Cat" to one of his last roles, "Targets".
He's pretty much playing himself.

What comic book stuff have you done, and would you do more? Or has the comic book industry dying a slow death thanks to the Internet and games consoles?
Let's not talk about that. I have done a few covers. I'd only do work for one of the big companies now.
I think comics are here to stay. Look at all the big budget comic based movies that are out now.

Pin up art - pornographic or tasteful (or both!)?
The depends on your definition of porno? So I guess it's both. Bad pin-up art is worse than the worst porno.

Ever worked with someone that you admired before you worked with them? If not, who would you like to work with?
Aria Giovanni. The most beautiful woman I have ever seen in person. I've done work of her. But I have never shot my own pics of her. So she is my answer to both questions.

Who would star as you in a Hollywood Ric Frane?
As himself. I'm willing to do all my own stunts.

Alcoholic tipple of choice?
Beer.

Why should the lazy general public make the effort to check you out, and what have you got planned for the coming year?
Because I said so! ( I hear everyone calling me an asshole now). I plan on painting as many nude women as possible this year. My new and improved web site will be up shortly too.

And finally..... what does the word 'Voltcase' mean to you?
Never heard of it. That's a guy who deserves the electric chair. He's a voltcase!