Thursday, July 23, 2009

Odd Curiosities

I must point out that like most artists, I have more than one artistic perspective, but I admit that I have always been especially drawn to all things odd and curious..........which, of course, in one way or another has a major influence on what I create. Around the time of Halloween seems an appropriate time to come clean with this confession. After all, Halloween knows no boundaries when it comes to the odd and curious.
One such library I would be interested in visiting would be the Welcome Library. Now that sounds inviting doesn't it with the word wellcome? It was in fact founded by Henry S. Wellcome, a wealthy, eccentric businessman who made his fortune in pharmaceuticals. The Library, when opened in 1946, became an unparalleled resource of over 2 million items spanning 3,000 years. It contains rare and surprising objects from anthropology, fork art, alchemy, and witchcraft, with a mix of more traditional medical archives.

Here are a few oddities from the archives that may lead to future art inspiration................................?????????????


This is A Malingerer's Guide........disguised as a book of matches these little bits of propaganda were air-dropped during World War II. They were a guide on to how to fool medical officers, so you could come home alive...pointing out that the war was nearly over, and no one would blame you for not wanting to be one of the last to die. Maybe this was a pre-sixties war protest.

I like the idea of doing a little matchbook of instructions in this format.........or maybe a flipbook.



This is wound man........with multiple injuries..........looking for symbolism here......and something scary.

Illustration of the parts of the body.......... architectually...... interesting concept.

Manuscript amulet to be worn for protection...........Amulets are fun to make........like the idea of animaluts.......


Artistic microscopic look at the water from the River Thames.............this has lots of possibilities.


Religious body parts............. pieces of eight?

AND NOW>.....From the Library, or Otherwise?......Inspiration, or Inspired Curiosities?


A CATABULL.....relative of the cannibal.....keeping score......


Catatonic 2.............


Eye-Cons...


Markey de Salude............Steals the hearts and tosses the rest away!


Chick's Peep Show.............


I would be that person who would sign up every time for the tour of weird, and wacky museums, and libraries of the world for artistic inspiration. It would take a big chunk of time, because there are many of them. Care to join me?

Monday, July 13, 2009

I'm in the Mooooooood for the Love of......Halloween!


I'm ready to celebrate Halloween in all of its glory! No more spring pastel colors.........,or neon summer brights. Bring on that ole country drab, and skeleton chic. It needs to be bonfire time...and time to catch the spirits in between the two worlds. These photos will hopefully help conjure up Halloween inside you.





Ghost Birds in the tree........

Stone Cold Halloween Parade Marchers

Shrine to honor the Halloween Spirits

A perfect Pumpkin patch.............

In a picture perfect town..............

Everything on this page courtesy of Disney World........you can find Halloween inspiration anywhere.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Kind of "Gothicky"...........

OK you caught me......... going to the bookstore counter with my "Gothic Beauty" magazine. I like the Goth fashion look..........when I was younger I used to dress like that. Now, I like to create figures that dress in that attire. I tend to like a combination of Victorian, Renassiance, Medevil, and a little Deathrock thrown in for a spooky look. Since I adore Halloween, Goth art, and dress are a part of that. I love the fusion of dark mystery, and the ethereal.

Here are some of the unofficial lyrics to the song (Everyday Is) by the Goth Band Ministry..........that talk about Goth and Halloween

Well I live with snakes and lizards and other things that go bump in the night, but to me everyday is Halloween.


Some original Goth People and they didn't even know it..........

Albert and Cora
Bessie
Thelma
Zena
Letty


Violet and Homer............look at his Village of the Dammed expression......if that is not Goth.......I don't know what is...........

Halloween is almost here, and my Gothic dressed characters can come out to play....... they are always ready for Halloween.


Bluffalo Goth Girl Won't You Come Out Tonight?
Ghost Goth Whisperer
Goth Bat Boy
Of Like Gothic Minds.......
Goth Garden Girl


If you love the Goth look in fashion, decor, or in jewelry, you must visit my friends website! http://www.gothicroseantiques.com/
She has, as she says, Cemetary Chic, Dark Romantic Victorian Keepsakes, and Wicked Wares. She lives in Gothic fashion daily.

What's not to like about black on black anytime, even beyond Halloween, fashion or decor?