FROM 2007
BLAINE GIBSON
talks about sculpting

by Scott Wolf

If I had to choose one word to describe Blaine Gibson I'd have to say, "humble." He does not need to be. He is a mega talent. He sculpted for Pirates of the Caribbean, It's a Small World, The American Adventure, and even the iconic "Partners" statue of Walt holding Mickey Mouse's hand that appears in front of the castles at Disneyland and Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom.

But, before Blaine sculpted for Disney he was an accomplished animator on many of Disney's classic films. He enjoyed working as a team with others and felt that everybody equally deserved the credit for the finished product.

It is such a pleasure to be able to share my Blaine Gibson interviews with you.

Blaine Gibson: One day (animator) Frank Thomas came to me and he said, “Blaine, you’re not going to be able to animate any more.” And he knew I’d feel bad and I did feel bad.

He said, “Walt wants you over at his new place in Glendale.” Walt Disney Imagineering. In those days it was actually called “WED Enterprises” because it was Walt’s initials (Walter Elias Disney) and it was his place… solely his place.

He’d also arranged to have several other former Disney professional artists… animators, background people, and story people come over with me (to work on Disneyland). And one of them was Marc Davis, of course, because he was a star. He was a very talented guy and I had a lot of respect for him and we worked a lot together.

Another one was Claude Coats, one of the most talented painters and head of the background department. But also an idea man.

And then he brought over John Hench who was an excellent overall talent. Great sense of color. One of the best I think in the world perhaps, for this sort of work. And actually one or two others, and others gradually came in like X Atencio and Bill Justice and others.

At first I thought, “Oh no, what am I doing coming over here?” I talked to my wife and she said, “Well, you loved animation, why don’t you stay in animation?” And I told that to Ken Peterson and he said, “Well, Blaine, maybe you ought to think that over, Walt expects you over there.” So that was the end of that. I was never sorry actually.

Scott Wolf: Were you at Disneyland on opening day?

BG: Oh sure. My wife and I were there.

SW: Were you working that day?

BG: That was part of our work. I was there and it was not a good, happy day. It was hot and we were not necessarily comfortable. Some of us were worse off than others. My wife and I were in a fairly good position. It really wasn’t that uncomfortable, but the asphalt was so warm that ladies shoes stuck in it.

It was not really a bad time for me, but my assistant, Jack Ferges said he’s never going to go back there again because he was stranded on a box car. Because of all the press and all the filming of the press he sat on that box car on that hot day with his wife. So that was not fun and he felt very bad about that for a long time. I think he finally did get back to Disneyland but I’m not sure.

More from Blaine:
How he got his start with Disney in 1939
Disneyland and Great Moments with Mister Lincoln
Pirates of the Caribbean - Creating the classic attraction
Sculpting for "Mary Poppins" and theme parks such as Epcot
Sculpting the iconic "Partners" statue and "American Adventure"

See other interviews

NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in the interviews are solely those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views of Mouse Clubhouse. Mouse Clubhouse accepts no legal liability or responsibility for any claims made or opinions expressed within.