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Bat Signals

Where it all began

Where it all began

My friends Trisha and Shawn moved to San Diego (from Boston) about a year ago. But because they moved to North County, and I live close to downtown (it’s about a 40-minute drive, 20 when I’m driving), we hardly ever see each other. They’ve come down to visit a few times, and we’ve gone out to restaurants together, but last weekend I visited their home for the first time. I knew Shawn (known to his fans as Reevz FX) was an avid Batman collector, as well as a sculptor and costume and prop designer, but it wasn’t until I stood in his collection room and studio that I realized the full scope of his obsession/profession.

And now, for your enjoyment, a photo tour of some of the things I saw on the Batman Tour at Shawn and Trisha’s. First, there was the collection room. Shawn’s been collecting nearly everything with bat signal since he was four years old. As an adult, he has narrowed his sights on specific items, and isn’t interested in just any ol’ bat signal any more. That’s sophistication for you.

Collection Room

Collection Room

Collection Room

Collection Room

This is one of the original cowls that Michael Keaton wore, damaged during production of the movie.

Michael Keaton Cowl (collector's item)

Michael Keaton Cowl (collector’s item)

After the collection room, I got a peek into the studio, which also serves as a sort of extended collection room. For example, that’s where Shawn keeps this unused, but original Danny DeVito Penguin nose.

Danny DeVito Penguin nose

Danny DeVito Penguin nose

Here’s an original cast of Heath Ledger’s head.

Shawn holding Heath Ledger's head cast

Shawn holding Heath Ledger’s head cast

This one’s Christian Bale.

Christian Bale cast and cowl

Christian Bale cast and cowl

Shawn’s collection goes beyond Batman. For example, he has this cast of the mask from Francis Ford Copolla’s Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

Cast from Bram Stoker's Dracula

Cast from Bram Stoker’s Dracula

This one’s another Michael Keaton deal, I’m pretty sure. But don’t hold me to it.

Shawn and his collectibles

Shawn and his collectibles

Ah, but now to the work. Here are some pieces Shawn is currently sculpting.

Muscular Chest

Muscular Chest

Scary Freakin' Face

Scary Freakin’ Face

Lady mask

Lady mask

After the tour, there was dinner to be had. Trisha prepared an amazing prime rib, and then gave her sculptor husband the tools to carve it.

Shawn, carving meat

Shawn, carving meat, using his carving stance

Sitting, talking, eating, laughing, I looked down to find Oscar, one of two house mascots, hoping for scraps of that nice-smelling meat.

Oscar

Oscar


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