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Tim Burton’s name is synonymous with words like, genius, dark, quirky, strange, eccentric and yes even to some scary. But none can deny his influence on pop culture and film today. His persona can be a bit intimidating, but unlike the stereotype some may have, I found him to be fun and cheerful and a glmmer in his eye of mischief.  His most recent inspiration is in the form of art at the LACMA museum in Los Angeles. This exhibit is full of past works from Burton himself and spans his whole career. Tim was on hand for the opening and to meet and greet a few hundred lucky fans who stood in line for hours just to gain a signature and a copy of his book, “The Art of Tim Burton.” The day after the opening he was off to continue his work in England on the new film “Dark Shadows” with of course his partner in crime, Mr. Johnny Depp and his most beautiful wife Helena Bonham Carter. There wasn’t much time for a lot of questions but any time this icon can spare is precious to be sure…

Lizzy (Johnny-Depp.org): Do you feel a bit like your work is coming full circle with this exhibit?

Tim Burton:  To be sure a long way from Cal Arts. The exhibit if full of work than spans a long period of time..

Lizzy (Johnny-Depp.org): What does this exhibit mean to you personally? What do you hope people gain from experiencing it?

Tim Burton: The curators found a lot of stuff I had forgotten about (and some I don’t remember at all).  It was an unsettling trip down memory lane, but ultimately a good way to reflect and in some ways reinvigorate.  I’m not sure what others will gain.  Hopefully they won’t run screaming.

Lizzy (Johnny-Depp.org):  Could you say one thing you feel is important for the young people (children) that look up to you and your art?

Tim Burton: When I was younger, people like Vincent Price helped keep me alive.  He was an outlet, being able to watch him express in dramatic fashion so many of the feelings that kids have, that were shunned as abnormal in 60’s suburbia.  If my art can act as that to people of current generations, a way to connect to an outlet lacking in society, then I’m glad.

Lizzy (Johnny-Depp.org): Do you find yourself feeling more as an artist at times? Maybe from your Disney roots?

Tim Burton:  Well sometimes I just want to draw. Its kind of an mind expanding thing for me.

Lizzy (Johnny-Depp.org): Do you feel your inspiration for characters have changed since becoming a father?

Tim Burton:  I don’t feel like it’s changed anything, though I may end up seeing some stuff I normally wouldn’t watch.  I still pursue the projects I can connect with and that present a challenge.

Lizzy (Johnny-Depp.org): You are working right now on the Dark Shadows film with Johnny. Can you talk about meeting him? Your friendship

Tim Burton:  I had an immediate connection with him. I didn’t know him,  I had never watched him before. He just felt right for “Edward Scissorhands.” Now we’re friends and also colleagues.  There’s a good sort of non-communicative communication, you know. Like our own language, an understanding. More of a psychic kind of connection.

Lizzy (Johnny-Depp.org):  Dark Shadows can be viewed as an American cult piece; can you give us a peek inside your thoughts as the creative process takes place? How will you approach this piece?

Tim Burton: It’s a real ethereal tone we’re trying to go for and I don’t know yet how its going to go, its so early yet. We are still trying to get the feel, vibe for it. Every piece has its own feel. We’ve barely started, so your guess is as good as mine.

Lizzy (Johnny-Depp.org):  You aren’t doing this film in 3D is there a reasoning behind that?

Tim Burton:  Well I loved doing Alice in 3D, the experience was just great, but I don’t think every film should rely on a certain base. There just doesn’t seem to be a place for 3D in this piece.  With film your whole energy is based on your passion for doing something. I’ve found its important to stay with the original feeling you have for a project.

Lizzy (Johnny-Depp.org): Many people have said you have found your comfort zone working with Johnny, what can you say about that? More projects to come?

Tim Burton: Well you know its not just a comfort thing, I think as the work allows you go with who and what you know. He gets me and he is passionate about a lot of the same ideas I am. Yes, theres a connection there, but a lot of directors work with the same actors over and over again. If it works so be it.

The Burton Art exhibit will be in LA through the fall month of October. All kids get in free! Dark Shadows is set to release this winter in the US Starring Johnny Depp as Barnabas Collins and Helena Bonham Carter as Julia Hoffman. His newest 3D project Freankeweenie will be premiered at the D23 Expo August 19-21.

For more information on his exhibit or to order one of his books visit the LACMA site,

Many thanks to Miranda Carroll at LACMA

Pictures from Richard Maldonado