San Francisco-based mum-of-three Jessica Rotich is a popular and well-known face among the Apes fraternity. Here she talks exclusively to Archives Of The Apes about her adventures in make-up and costuming, her sculpting talents, and our beloved Apes universe.
How did you first discover the Planet Of The Apes universe?
When I was 8 years old, my dad was watching the original
movie on TV. My English was rudimentary
at best, as we had just emigrated, and it was a movie without much dialogue in
the beginning. I heard the roar, a
buildup to the canes whipping through the cornfield during The Hunt. When the first gorilla appeared onscreen, I
was as shocked as Bright Eyes. Life was
never the same since.
How did you first become involved in Apes makeup/costuming?
My childhood dream was to be on the Planet of the Apes. I was not sure if it was even possible. I met up with a local makeup artist and
sculptor who assured me that it could be done.
I learned everything I could to make my dream a reality and started
putting together a costume in 2008. I am
still learning, and each makeup application hopefully is better than the
last. The internet is a wonderful
thing.
What’s your favourite scene or moment from the classic
films?
The Hunt scene. No
matter what or where, the moment that scene plays onscreen, I must
watch...mesmerized. Also I can never get
enough of the Ursus speech.
You’re lucky enough to live in California. Have you ever
visited any of the locations from the original movies or TV series?
The locations are a full day's journey in a wagon from Ape
City. It is impossible for me to survive
the long haul. Plus, I can't imagine the
family being remotely interested in seeing the locations, so it is something I
have not pursued.
You’re well-known among the Apes community for your
sculpting/costuming skills. How did you first become involved in sculpting?
In 2007 or 2008, I chanced upon the Mego Museum. I had never owned a Mego as a child. It fascinated me to see how the figures were
customized. I figured if they could do
that, I could too. I surfed the internet
and discovered that sculpting is a skill that gets better with each sculpt you
make. My goal was to be able to make
myself apes figures that nobody would ever produce. Also, if I were able to make my own
prosthetics, then I would not have to spend so much money on my makeup/costume,
which is very expensive if you do not have the skills.
Jessica's Apes nativity
(Photo copyright Harbin Hearts Photography)
What would you say is the Apes-related achievement you’re
most proud of?
Spending a good half hour under Norman Reedus' armpit while
he signed autographs during a meet and greet in Sacramento is the craziest and
funniest moment while in full ape regalia.
I am sure many fangirls died when they saw that. HOW did that happen? I think because my makeup sets me apart from
the crowd.
I was finally able to meet some of my internet friends in
Atlanta for Dragoncon in 2014. It was
wonderful to be among other apes, because sadly I am usually the only ape in
town. Hopefully with time that will
change.
When she's not in Ape makeup, Jessica makes a very attractive Space Tracker.
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