Relic's First Incarnation (circa 2003) … At this point I referred to
my Timber Wolf character as Benjamin. I knew I wanted to refine
the character into something more but was uncertain of the style I
wanted or the personality he would develop, so he remained like
this for a number of years with the only change made being a
move to Green Eyes.
For a number of years I battled with wanting to define and refine
the character’s look. Although I do possess the abilities to draw
well, I am not very fast with it usually falling into “years” to
produce anything of consequence, nor do I ever seem to like the
finished work and in most all cases wind up destroying the work. I
guess I am my own worst critic. At some point I stumbled across
this character and found myselflooking in a new direction
wanting to make a move toward
more of the look of a husky, but
as I will always retain the wild
Timber-Wolf origin of Relic.
Relic's Final look came after my Husky Steele passed away in the
Summer of 2010. I decided to try and immortalize his markings in
4 and a half years to finish this incarnation. At this point I decided
on the name Relic B. Furry as I had often called Steele “my
on the name Relic B. Furry as I had often called Steele “my
Furry”.
It was also at this time that I made a commitment that Relic's
name would always appear in BLUE when ever possible.
Relic B. Furry - The many meanings behind the name.
OK, Here we go!
Relic, as the first name, was chosen for its meaning of an object
being left over from an earlier time. It was in sentimental reference
to Steele, gave homage to the previous version of the character,
and was also to make reference to my age in certain ways which
become evident later on in this
breakdown. Another input to the
name was the cranky, yet still
predictable, and even lovable character
played by Robert Clothier from a TV
show I watched as a child so many
years ago, “The Beachcombers”.
B. - Actually stands for Ben. It is a relic from the previous version
of the character when he was known as Benjamin. It is also a
“play” on words that gives description to what Relic is … Relic IS
a Furry. Relic Ben Furry or Relic B. Furry … get it?
Furry - Relic's last name and a relic from Steele. It is what HE is, a
Furry. The whole character was created because of my interest in
the Furry Fandom so I could be part of the Furry sub-culture. Relic
is who I am in the Furry community, he is me, I am him.
When I made the connection that I was a Furry and stepped into
the fandom with paws running, I was much older than most of the
people associated with the fandom … Most ... not All. This is that
other reference of the name Relic I mentioned earlier, compared to
many in the fandom I am a relic, left over from an earlier time.
So you see, the name and character hasn't just simply appeared,
there was serious thought and devotion spent to bring him to life.
Relic has a story and a background that has meaning, and from the
eyes of his creator, a life all his own.
My vision of Relic has always been one of a Woodsman, a double-
bit wielding Lumber-Jack, in itself a bit ironic of course since he is
a Timber-Wolf. Most often seen in his work attire, the typical red
and black plaid flannel shirt with rolled up sleeves, and a pair of
rugged light brown overalls often having small tears where tufts of
his fur show through, a real “Blue-Collar” worker, who also in
another twist of irony, actually wears a Blue Collar.
Well, for crying out loud, it was never my intention to go any
further than this with Relic as it was all I needed to be out in the
wild in the Furry community. Fursuiting simply did not appeal to
me in any way so I had never given any serious thought to it.
A co-worker, bus driver, and good friend Barry Verville gave me a
push … well no, actually more like a kick in the ass! I had
developed Relic into a character I was proud of and Barry knew it.
He told me that I needed to finish the job. The ultimate completion
of the character is to finally create a wearable work of art, and as
far as the Furry community is concerned, he was absolutely right,
the complete character is from creation and development, to
Fursuit!
Needless to say, I was now looking at rounding up all the supplies
and tutorials I would need to actually bring Relic to the end game,
the creation of a fursuit in his likeness.
The obvious place to start is the head... so with a couple yards of ½
inch thick foam, a hot-melt glue gun, and a good pair of shears in
hand I began to sculpt.
As of August 25th 2016 Relic's signature is now a registered
trademark!
September 22, 2016
HAPPY BIRTHDAY RELIC !!!
His fursuit is now complete and I have been suited up fully for the
very first time today! Nearly 8 months in the making.
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