"Pantomime"

I know some people are weirded out by mimes, but I really am intrigued by them. It is interesting how they exaggerate the subtle body language that everyone uses. This type of interaction is so universally relateable. That they can say so much without breathing a word speaks volumes about the way we communicate. It carries across cultures as well. Regardless of language, we as humans can still speak to each other through the commonality of our humanity and the shared human experience. After all, every culture in the world has a word (or words!) for love.

She turned out even better than I envisioned her. Her face is so sweet, and she even looks a little surprised to find you in front of her. The traditional mime styling of the makeup looks lovely with her little outfit and the topiaries behind her. To me, it looks a little bit French...

Watercolor and graphite on coldpress paper - 9"x12"

Do you remember "The Dark Crystal" ?

I've been watching tons of old movies lately because we haven't gotten cable yet for our new place. I can't stand reality TV, and this is the only genre available on network stations most of the time, apparently. It seems so pointless most of the time (project runway excluded, of course). I mean, how much plotting and backstabbing for cash can one country stand? Apparently, a lot...

Anyway, I just watched "The Dark Crystal" again - I always forget how much I love this film. I remember watching it as a kid, and I had no idea then how creepy it really is. You should watch it again. You will be surprised at how dark it is. A classic good vs evil plot with wonderful characters and beautiful artistic design. The puppets are breathtaking, and the visual theme of decaying beauty and gilded ugliness is compelling. The ending is sort of ubiquitous, and the duality of dark and light is visited. It reflects the good and bad that exists in all of us. Such an interesting story, and it is so lovely to watch.

I found this mash video on youtube. It's so awesomely 80's

Hats need to make a comback

I have a new favorite etsy artisan - Kim Dye of Topsy Turvy Design (www.topsyturvydesign.etsy.com). She has the most amazing skill at making costume hats, and her pictures in her shop are to die for. I am smitten! This is a great interview with her:

I heart David Bowie!!!

I am rewatching The Labyrinth for about the millionth time, and I fall in love with David Bowie all over again every time! I have no idea ho a man in tights wearing eyeshadow can get me so hot and bothered... I love brooding intensity.

It is such an amazing film, and of course the ball scene is my favorite. It is all gossamer and cobwebs, and so beautifully creepy and romantic. It makes me want to run over to my sketch pad and go nuts.

Seahorse Mermaid

We'll ride out the waves
And the storms in the sea.
Oh, it's you that I crave,
And you that I need.

We'll throw caution aside
And cast out our fear.
For this reckless ride,
Love, I just want you near.

Nothing can touch me
With you by my side,
So we'll ride out recklessly
Breakneck through the tide.

We are soul mates, my dear.
Oh, it's you that I crave.
My love, this much is clear,
That we'll ride out the waves.

Original - watercolor, graphite, coldpress paper

Holy Crap! I'm genetically Catholic!

I just realized the other day that I am actually genetically Catholic. When I was very small, my parents could just say "I'm disappointed in you" and I would cry and fall right into line. I have always wanted to please people and feel so bad and guilty if I am out of line. How do you explain the fact that I have felt guilty since birth? I am genetically Catholic.

"Domesticity"

Just call me Betty f@#%ing Crocker....

I like to do domestic things, I just hate the feeling of obligation that women are made to feel in keeping up a home. For example, I hate it when my husband wants to know what I'm making him for lunch - you can make yourself a sandwich..... you're a big boy now....

This lady is probably drinking a martini to wash down her xanax so she can make it through the rest of her day without slapping anyone.

Watercolor and graphite on coldpress paper

DEER Plushie

I am obsessed with plush monsters! This one from post on etsy is so cool. I would put it in my new baby's bed - the graphic nature of it would be really captivating for her right now.


http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5031541

The audacity of fictional fiction

I finally read my Rolling Stone from November 2007, and it contained a story about the author JT LeRoy, a person dreamt up by the mental illness of Laura Albert. She sells this alter ego of hers to celebrities, literary giants, the public. Everyone. She has random people dress up as the fictional street hustler/messed up kid - everyone from street kids to friends. Everybody got their turn being JT. The story is so long and sordid. You'd just have to read it, because it is so convaluded it is almost impossible to relate without going into all of the details.

Long story short, I could relate to Albert. Not in the mental illness and sexual abuse sense, but in the fact that she compartmentalizes and sells it. I have so many different parts of me, and they don't always seem to mesh. But I won't be paying homeless kids to play me for public appearences, thanks.

Albert and her friend Savanah, whom she hired to play JT (I am shocked people thought she was a he - Albert calls it the "emporer's new clothes" effect).

Plushies

Original Sale

Lots of originals officially going on sale on my etsy site -- www.theoleanderblack.etsy.com

A quiet Halloween

Winston dressed up as the dreaded Dogula of myth and legend.....



...... and sacked out early.



This is Olaf, the deformed pumpkin. He stands on his side, is covered in warts, and was shocked that someone took him home and carved him up. Poor Olaf...