Twisty the Clown in American Horror Story: Freak Show, played by John Carroll Lynch

Many of the “Freaks” in this season of American Horror Story are based on real people: The Pinhead (Pepper), the Geek (Meep), Lobster Boy (Jimmy), and the two-faced Edward Mordake are the most obvious examples. What most people don’t realize, however, is that Twisty is also based on a real person: Disfigured after a suicide attempt, the professional clown crafted a toothy grin that covered his mangled chin, mouth, and cheeks. While he never intended to frighten people, his disturbing countenance cause near constant ridicule and disdain. Rumor has it, Twisty was lynched in a small town in Florida after being accused of kidnapping; while his body was dumped in a pauper’s grave, the townsfolks kept his unnerving mask as a reminder—and a warning. It took me years, but I was actually able to locate Twisty’s infamous mask. Its current owner was happy to part with it, explaining that the memento has brought his entire family nothing but bad luck. Yesterday, it arrived at my doorstep: The actual mask worn by Twisty the Clown, the back, stained with the man’s blood and saliva. Holding it my hands, I can feel its creator’s torment and sorrow. I’ve decided to encase Twisty’s mask in glass, so it can be safely observed and enjoyed for years to come. It’s a most impressive treasure.

The paragraph above is complete fiction; while some of the characters in AHS Season 4 are indeed based on documented historical figures, Twisty the Clown isn’t based on a real person at all. But the amazing masks produced by Tennessee artisan JD Morgan are realistic enough to make you wonder.  It’s as though he reaches into the fabric of the world of horror movies and brings relics back into reality.

JD’s love of horror began at a young age; in 2008 he put together a small Haunted House in his own home. He created life-size props with mass produced Halloween mask, but was never satisfied with their aesthetic. So he started tricking-out his masks: Repainting, adding hair and other personal touches that really brought his creations to life.

2 years ago, JD began making his own masks and knew in his heart that he had found his calling. He dropped everything and founded JD Morgan Studios. He was able to connect with other creative mask-makers online; he would study their works and ask questions, developing his own techniques along the way. The fact that JD is self-taught is a testament to his innate talent, and the help he got along the way is a model example of a productive and supportive online community.

When JD began selling his masks online, their outstanding quality instantly got him noticed, and not just by horror fans and collectors: “What really took my business to another level,” he explains, “was Universal Studios, Hollywood contacting me last year to make their promo masks for the release of The Purge: Anarchy. Soon after Universal Studios received there masks, I was also contacted by Universal Pictures, UK to make theirs as well.”

With his future in the Industry practically guaranteed, I asked him what his plans are for the future of JD Morgan Studios: “I have no clue what the future holds for my small business. I take life one mask at a time and know I am truly blessed to do something I love every day.” Unbelievably, JD has yet to establish his own website; I found him through a horror group on Facebook where he’s been getting steady business by word of mouth. If you are interested in seeing JD’s portfolio, check out his Facebook page: HERE. See something you like? Just send him a personal message and payment instructions will soon follow.

The brilliant works below are some of the gems available from JD Morgan Studios. Collectors and connoisseurs of horror everywhere will agree that JD is an artist of unusual promise. As a gift, one of these masks will definitely make the horror fan in your life happy as hell! If you end up contacting JD for something of your own, be sure to tell him you heard about him on The Blood-Shed!

Purge GOD Mask = $70.00 + shipping

Purge Ghost Mask = $70.00 + shipping

Leslie Vernon Mask = $70.00 + shipping

Twisty the Clown Mask = $55.00 + shipping

Josh Millican in his Twisty mask from JD Morgan Studios

What do you think about these masks from JD Morgan Studios? Let me know in the Comments Section.

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