Faux-cus on the Pros: Richard Winget of Authentic Environments

In an effort to showcase other artisans in the design industry, I created the series Faux-cus on the Pros.? This week we get a peek inside Authentic Environments, owned by Richard Winget.?? The company is based out of Huntington Beach, CA and they replicate and create worlds of nature — including structures that have been built, carved and painted to simulate the look of collapse and decay.? His clients usually find themselves surround by the exotic mystery of ruins, waterfalls and strange rock formations.

Authentic Environments has won a slew of awards and been widely featured in the media.? Mr. Winget (below) actually traveled around the world as a freelance artist before he began his own company.? Through his travels, he was able to work in large aquariums, major theme parks, zoos and hotels.? He was kind enough to take a bit of time to sit down and chat.

Q: Well, this is not a business one stumbles into by accident.? How did it all begin?
A: There was a company building faux rockwork and one of my first jobs was mixing cement.? I met some good people, especially one man who became my friend and mentor.? He took me with him to do an internship for the next two years at the Mirage in Las Vegas.? He has since passed away.? I learned a lot from him and still miss him greatly.

Q: I’m so sorry to hear that.? You must have received some wonderful guidance and advice from him.
A: The best piece of advice I ever received was? ?Don?t be afraid to try new things.?? You have to push the envelope in this industry.? I would repeat that advice to anyone.

Q: What has been your most creative work?
A: My most creative act so far has been the reproduction of a Roman aqueduct. (See below)

Q: You must use so many tools for this type of work…
A: In a lot of instances, I will make my own tools to create a certain texture.? I have destroyed brooms, fish tape and various thickness of plastics to help me shape cement.? I once cut up a dog’s cone because the plastic was ?just right?.

Q: Any advice for anyone interested in this field?
A: All inspirations are from Nature.? Use references if you are trying to recreate a certain time period.? I refer to landscapes and old man-made ruins and waterfalls to name a few.? Research! Research! Research!

Well, I hope you enjoyed the Authentic Environments interview.? I’m glad to see I’m not the only one who fuses things together to come up with the perfect tool!? Please feel free to look into their informative website.? They even have a cool area where you can see videos of their various commissions.? Have a wonderful weekend!