Butch Honeck (used with permission)
Honeck Sculpture was started in 1974 by Butch Honeck making welded steel sculptures. In the early 1980s Butch learned to cast bronze. Today using the lost wax method of casting, with ceramic shell molds Butch handcraft many forms of bronze fantasy sculptures. These include cloak clasps, pieces for cat lovers, door bells, door knockers, dragons, miniature animals, and pendants. I own one of Butch's awesome dragon door knockers and as soon as I get a new door for my house (this year) I'll take a picture of it. So it was a real pleasure to interview Butch.
MT: How long have you been a sculptor?
BH: I have been a sculptor for 36 years.
MT: What method do you use to create your sculptures?
BH: I use the lost wax method of casting, with ceramic shell molds. I cast mostly bronze, but also some aluminum pieces.
MT: What will you be selling at I-CON?
BH: The items I make that I'll be bringing to I-CON include walking sticks and canes, doorbells and knockers, pendants, cloak clasps, and miniature animals, lots of cats, dragons, and this year I am bringing a variety of Steampunk items to I-CON, which I do not make, but buy from a variety of sources: a variety of goggles, pocket watches, telescopes, monocles, and brassy items for costuming. I also do special-order items for people who have their own idea which they would like to have me make into bronze for them.
MT: How many previous I-CONs have you attended?
BH: I have been to so many ICONS I have lost track. The first one I attended was before the dealers room was moved to the Sports Complex several years ago.
MT: What are you unveiling this year at I-CON?
BH: I'm bringing my newest big sculpture of a Steampunk (steam-powered) computer called "The Communicator". It has lots of moving parts, lights, etc. I incorporated many real antique pieces into it, and it was a lot of fun to make.
MT: I-CON has a very varied audience, including sci-fi fans, hard science fans, anime fans, movie fans, gaming fans and more. What audience will find your products most appealing?
BH: You are right about the variety of fans, and I have noticed in the past that most of them like to look at my products, and talk with me about them. Thankfully, my work appeals to the whole spectrum of fans, so far!
MT: Is there any event at the con that you are particularly interested in seeing yourself?
BH: It's hard to get away from the table for extended periods of time, but I always check out the art show if I can.
MT: Where will you be at I-CON in the dealer's room?
BH: My tables are 070 and 071.
MT: What other conventions will you be attending?
BH: I have 18 scheduled for this year, and two are already over. I'll attach my show schedule for you. If you are unable to open it, let me know what format you need, and I'll save it as that and re-send it to you. I do shows all over the country from Arisia in Cambridge, MA in January to San Diego, CA in July. Right after ICON I have to drive across the whole country to do Norwescon in Seattle the very next weekend. Sea to shining sea!
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