Click here you're interested in apprehending any of these Devilish Eggs at ETSY
Some Dirty Rotten Eggs on Etsy
Click here you're interested in apprehending any of these Devilish Eggs at ETSY
Click here you're interested in apprehending any of these Devilish Eggs at ETSY
Method To My Madness. Registration Starts Now!!!!!
deMeng de los Muertos 2014
The Workshop:
Plumed Serpents and Moon Goddesses in the Land of the Dead
Every time I return to Oaxaca something magical happens. In
fact I know that more than a few people who have followed me down to this
ancient land have experienced something that has touched their soul. Perhaps it is the richness of artistic
tradition, or the kindness of the people or maybe it is the time of year, after
all experiencing Dia de los Muertos is certainly a moving experience
emotionally as well as visually.
I suspect it is something more. This is a land with deep layers of history; where
cultures meet and collide and a place where old gods linger even after being
vanquished by the new ones. Here,
history is alive and where even the very ancient feels ever so present.
In honor of the mystical, magical quality of Oaxaca, I
thought it would be interesting to explore some of the myths and legends from
Mexican culture. The gods are wondrous
strange and the tales are even stranger.
So for this class we will create assemblage constructions that represent
a specific deity or myth from the region. It will be a bit of free for all…you can create whatever
you like but with a theme in mind.
To help you out I will start sending out stories about the various gods
and heroes for a bit of inspiration.
Quetzacoatl (the rain god), Mictlantecuhtli (the god of the underworld),
and Coyolxauhqui (the moon goddess) are awaiting your arrival.
A message from the organizer Colleen Darling:
Join
Michael for a workshop in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Dia de los Muertos is one of
the most beautiful celebrations in all of Mexico and Oaxaca is one of the best
places to experience it firsthand.
Oaxaca is a delightful, welcoming, historical, and culturally rich city
in southern Mexico. The city is
home to some of the finest folk artists in the world and abounds with ceramics,
textiles, tin, woodcarvings, jewelry, and more. There is also an exciting contemporary art and photography
community based here. The
restaurants, luscious food, and friendly people make Oaxaca an amazing place to
visit.
Throughout
our 9-day stay, people around the city will be getting ready for Dia de los Muertos with every home and
business setting up ofrendas and preparing for the feast. The city is buzzing
with excitement that spills into the streets. The photo opportunities are endless. Each time you head out the door for the
Zocalo or just a walk around the neighborhood something new will catch your
attention. Flowers on the street
corners, students competing in school ofrenda competitions, comparsas (parades)
winding through the streets with traditional dancers, village bands and so much
more!
We hope you can join us
this year!
Colleen
Itinerary
October 25th (Saturday) - Arrival day in Oaxaca. It takes all day for the various flights to arrive so we
don’t have any big plans. Just get
there and start enjoying the city after a long journey. Take a walk to the Zocalo (main square)
for dinner and sight seeing in the evening.
October 26th (Sunday) - Breakfast.
Tour to the archeological site of Monte Alban, the sacred place of the
Zapotec and Mixtec people. Get acquainted with the city, walk around the Zocalo
(main square) enjoy lunch and take the afternoon free to explore. Lots of museums open on Sunday. Welcome dinner
October 27th (Monday) - Breakfast.
Class begins at 10:00 A.M.
Break for lunch, back to the workshop. Late afternoon and evening free
October 28th (Tuesday) - Breakfast.
Class begins at 10:00 A.M Break for lunch, back to the workshop. Late afternoon and evening free
October 29th (Wednesday) - Breakfast.
Tour day departing at 9:00 A.M.
We will visit Studio Xaquixe a glass recycling center known for it beautiful
mezcal bottles and other works of art in glass. Next stop will be the Etla market and then on to San Agustin
Etla where we will tour the handmade paper mill at Vista Hermosa (a former
textile mill, now an arts center). Lunch in the countryside. Evening free.
October 30th (Thursday) - Breakfast.
Workshop. Lunch. Class resumes. Evening free.
October 31st (Friday) - Breakfast.
Class begins at 10:00 A.M.
Break for lunch, back to the workshop. This is the first night of the Dia de los Muertos celebration. We will visit the San Miguel city cemetery. Throughout the city an amazing party is
taking place.
November 1st (Saturday) - Breakfast. Final day of class. Get ready for the good, the bad, and the ugly. Lunch. Afternoon is free.
We will visit the Santa Maria Atzompa cemetery to in the evening.
November 2nd (Sunday) - Breakfast. Optional tour to Mitla archeological site, Teotitlan
del Valle and the Tule tree, or spend your last day in the city enjoying
beautiful Oaxaca. In the evening
we will visit San Felipe, a gorgeous small cemetery with a farewell dinner to
follow.
November 3rd (Monday) - Breakfast Fly away home
Airfare is not included.
When searching for airfares the Oaxaca code is OAX.
Included: Workshop, hotel, 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 2 dinners, and
tours with an English speaking guide.
Shared Double $1950
Single
$2300
Deposit:
$250 to secure your spot.
Please pay by check
To reserve your spot contact:
Colleen Darling
805-688-1221
Krampus Time
Better not pout...better not cry.
Or your have to mess w Krampus. 
If your interested I've got a few of these and some other drawings on my Etsy store. http://www.etsy.com/shop/demeng
Punk Fiction Commercial
Online Class
Part One "Taking Cover"Starts Jan 3rd
Part Two "Cave of Pages" Starts February 21
$165 for both
And now for a very STRAAANGE commercial:
For more information head on over to:
http://www.michaeldemeng.typepad.com/punkfiction/
Interested?
$165 for Part One and Part Two
Look at the Creepy Dollies Made in My Online Workshop
Let's take a little peeky...or maybe you should be...bwa ha ha!
But first how about a musical montage...
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| by Angelica Stark |
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| by Dave Hunter |
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| by Elly Pirally |
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| by Elly Pirally |
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| by Hil |
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| by Lois Inman |
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| Judi Stone Cold Design http://www.artdolls.info |
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| by Kat |
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| by Kim |
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| by Kim |
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| by Lisa Henneke |
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| by Lisa Henneke |
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| by Liz |
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| by Liz |
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| by Lois Inman |
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| by Rainer |
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| by Shawn Woolley |
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| by Sue |
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| by Sue |
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| by Tammy Whammy |
 |
| by Vickie Trancho |
Punk Fiction Online Workshop
PUNK FICTION: Part ONE and Part TWO
PART ONE: TAKING COVER STARTS JAN 3
PART TWO: THE CAVE OF PAGES STARTS FEBRUARY 21
Two Honkin' Workshops or One REALLY Honkin' Workshop (depending how you look at it)! Each part can be independently or as part of a larger whole!
Part 1: Taking Cover $99.99
Part 2: Cave of Pages $99.99
The Whole PUNK FICTION CLASS $165
PUNK FICTION - CLASS DESCRIPTON
Let's have a little fun dementing old books and journals. This online class focuses on transforming traditional book forms and turning them into bizarre and unusual works of art. We will do this in two parts. Part One: Taking Cover will focus on the exterior Part Two: Cave of Pages will be the interior. Each part can be taken independently or together to create one mighty nifty mixed media manuscript.
PART ONE: TAKING COVER
In this part of the class we will focus only on making interesting covers and backs for our book-ssemblages. This will be done taking book covers and modifying them or starting from scratch and creating a book using a variety of assemblage techniques and painting techniques. Perhaps you'd like a book to look like an ancient artifact dug up in a mummies tomb…or...something steampunkish is your preference…or maybe you'd like a cover that's a living breathing beasty…or something with a sci-fi twist that fell out of a visiting flying saucer. Whatever you're preference we will explore well beyond the traditional.
PART TWO: CAVE OF PAGES
I love working with old paper and ephemera. Of course I really love working with it when you can play with the 3rd dimension. I figure why just collage when you can add a little depth and assemblage, so it’s time to “read between the lines”, literally.
What we're going to do in this class is start off with a base (could be a box, or a hollowed out book, or an emptied out photo album), then using other ephemera, photographs and found objects, we will transform it into a cave of pages. A visual tunnel leading you deeper into a gripping tale. What lurks behind the pages is up to you. Get ready to start reading into things.
PUNK FICTION PART 1 AND 2: $165
PART ONE: TAKING COVER: $99.99
PART TWO: CAVE OF PAGES: $99.99
- How much does it cost? $99.99 for each part or $165 for both Taking Cover and Cave of Pages.
- When does it begin? Part One: Taking Cover Begins January 3rd. Part Two: Cave of Pages begins February 21st
- How does it differ from live class? Online classes allow for a bit more in depth explanations of techniques etc.
- Will there be video? A: Yes. I have about 180 of minutes of protected video that only students will be able to access.
- Will it be live? No. I will not be doing live video, but I will be setting up a Yahoo Group where I will be available to discuss your questions. However I each week I will record a video responding to all the questions posed in the Yahoo group.
- Can you tell me more about the Yahoo Group? Students can access this anytime and discuss issues with other students. A gallery is also available for students to share current and past works.
- Is the class segmented or do I get everything at once? I have designed the class so you will have access to all the information at once and can play with it as you like, at your own speed. New weekly videos will pop up with additional tidbits and tips.
- What kind of site is being used to host this class? I'm using a protected TypePad account.
- How will I access the TypePad account? When class begins I will send out passwords and usernames to all the students.
- What else will be on the blog? Along with the Videos I will be posting the major questions as they come up, and the solutions. I will also do weekly video addressing these questions.
- Is this for Beginners or Advanced students? It's for everyone. I've made it so it is information that can be used by all levels.
- Will it be entertaining? Geez, I hope so. I will try and make it very un-dry and fun.
- How will you accept payment? PayPal.
- If you don't use PAYPAL...don't worry...we can work something out. Just send me and email.
- What will happen after I sign up? I'll send you a confirmation to say "howdy" and then just sit back until I start the Yahoo group. At that point you'll get an email inviting you to join prior to class and meet some of the other students. Then on August 10th ,2013, I will send out the TypePad site, codes, etc.
- How do I sign up? A: Click the little button and you're off and running. WooHoo!
Press Release for my Exhibit in Boise
Michael de Meng
October 12 - December 7
The Brumfields first discovered Michael de Meng’s work several years ago while visiting the city of New Orleans. Having been fans of de Meng’s work ever since, they are pleased to announce a show by the artist at Brumfield’s Gallery beginning in October. Primarily a sculpture artist, de Meng’s pieces elevate discarded and commonplace items into darkly beautiful and sacred relics, invested with both humanity and conflict.
A long time assemblage artist, de Meng utilizes discarded items for his shrine-like works and creatures, such as scrap metal, old appliances, or miscellaneous objects that would typically be considered ‘junk’. The idea behinds these works is transformation. He seeks to alter pieces that would normally be rejected into works of art and reverence. By borrowing imagery from shrines and relics around the world, de Meng’s work transforms this ‘junk’ into pieces of beauty and meaning.
De Meng describes his works as,
“a form of rebirth from the ashes into new life and new meaning. These assemblages are metaphors for the evolutions and revolutions of existence...the forms are examinations of the world in perpetual flux, where meaning and function are ever- changing.”
While de Meng’s initial purpose is to simply find order in a world of chaos, the results are pieces that have taken on a new life, developed from their former selves.
While most artists tend towards privacy and secrecy when discussing their techniques, de Meng couldn’t be more open about his artistic process. The artist is not only unguarded about discussing how and with what he makes his assemblages, he teaches workshops showing the very same processes that he utilizes to create their own works of art from scraps and junk- yard finds.
Indeed, de Meng utilizes teaching to his advantage. Though he admits balancing the two careers can be difficult at times, the demands of each career keep one another in check. De Meng’s career has also taken him along the path of writing. Now the author of two books, ‘Secrets of Rusty Things: Transforming Found Objects into Art’ and ‘Dusty Dia- blos: Folklore, Iconography, Assemblage, Ole!’’. He sees writing, like teaching, as another outlet for his thoughts and creativity.
Michael de Meng’s opening reception will be on Saturday, October 12 at Brumfield’s Gallery in Hyde Park. The event will be open to the public and will run from 7 – 9 p.m. with a no-host bar provided by 13th Street Pub and Grill. The exhibition continues through Sunday, December 7. Brumfield’s Gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Petaluma: Last Baba Yaga Birdhouse Workshop of 2013
Baba Yaga BirdHouse
Well this class has been a hoot (get it...like an owl..). Now is your last chance to take it before I retire it for the year. Sept. 25-26th is the date at Art is You Petaluma. It should be fun fun. So here's the Baba Yaga Birdhouse
Student Work
To give you an idea of what other students have done in the class...take a peeky:
In Case You Don't Know Who Baba Yaga is...
This is from a blog post I did a while back...it will give you the whole skinny.
Baba Yaga is a witch in slavic folktales. Sometimes a wise sage, but mostly an evil witch. She rides in a flying mortar while using her pestle as the rudder. Her broom is used to brush away her trail. Here's a comic book version:
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| art by: Francesco Francavilla |
For the most part she is not a nice lady...house surrounded by a fence made of bones, capped by skulls. Cool idea...unless you one of the skulls....
art by Ivan Yakovlevich Bilibin
The pretty girl in the above art is not Baba, but the Vasilisa who is sent out to retrieve light fromt the crone...and is taken hostage. Ultimately, the beautiful girl is set free by Baba Yaga's pets...not very loyal pets, apparently.
Baba Yaga is a hag.
I always think of her as the woman in Drag Me to Hell...or
..perhaps Sea Hag from Popeye.
The Russian composer Modest Mussorgsky's suite Pictures at an Exhibition contains a movement entitled The Hut of Baba Yaga
For me the most interesting thing about her is her house...said to be perched upon chicken legs...or in the Polish version a singular leg, perhaps for mobility. It seems to me that one leg makes for a bumpy ride. Two on the other hand...
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| Art by Yoitisl |
It is suspected that this house design was based on an ancient slavic burial structure:
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| Art by Nicholas Roerich |
On a more contemporary level (though probably not inspired by Baba Yaga) this is from Japan:
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Architect Terunobu Fujimori - entitled: Takasugi-an (a teahouse too high). |
Now to my version
As usual it is made form various bits and pieces. Plastic angel wings, cheap little birdhouse, camera lens...which by the way...is how she keeps an eye on you.
You might see something a bit out of place...
A Virgin Mary above the lens.
What would that be doing on an old crone's doorway?
The reason for that was because one of the elements that I find interesting about this character is that she is sometimes bad and sometimes...not as bad. So when you go to her door...if you were to see a symbol that embodies the positive...does that mean she will help...or is she merely deceiving the visitor into a false sense of security? Similar to the candy house in Hansel and Gretel.
or
To quote Sir Lawrence Olivier in the Marathon Man:
 |
| "Is it safe?" |
So...beware the Baba Yaga. After all, she is sometimes said to be cannibalistic.
If she offers you a bowl of soup...you might say you've already eaten.
Four Things I Need To Share With You...Pronto!
Hey everyone...
I know, I know it's been a bajillion years since my last post. It's been one friggin busy summer. I actually, for the first time for a long time, have a month of studio time...unbelievable and much needed.
So I've been working and working while I can.
So here's the latest...in a nutshell.
1. Brumfield's Gallery
Boise ID
Oct 12 - Dec. 7
I'm getting ready for a solo show that's coming up in Boise Idaho opening Oct 12th at Brumfield's Gallery. Unfortunately I'm not going to be at the opening, but I have hopes my little creations will keep me abreast of the goings ons. The gallery looks great and if you like my work I think you'll like some of the other folks represented. Here's a few of the other artists' work:
Jackie Hurlbert Ego
Needless to say, I sort of fit in. If you happen to be in the area check out my show...lots of new stuff...including Ganesh and Ironic Reincarnation of Colonel Sanders
2. Day of the Dead in Missoula
Missoula Artist Shop
Oct - Nov
Also on the dance card...I've been busy making a piece for the annual Festival of the Dead exhibit at the Missoula Artists Shop. The Festival of the Dead is an annual parade through the heart of the University town of Missoula. About 20 years ago my friend Bev Glueckert and I started this crazy shindig....now it's one hell of a dead man's party. If you're in the area check out the show of Dia de los Muertos inspired art at the Artist's Shop and the Parade on the evening of Nov. 2
3. Lemoncholy Studio
Oct 4th-5th New Jersey
Back to Jersey and scribbling on Kecia's (my host) worktable...and perhaps a martini...or two. This year at Lemoncholy Studio I'm bring the Patron Saint of Rusty Things to Jersey shore.
Bring lots of rusty and bizarre objects and lets transform them into something divine. Wanna play?
Shake your hiney
Let's make a shriney!
4. Art is You
Petaluma, CA
Sept 25-29
and
Stamford, CT
Oct. 10 - 14
Last but not least of things I need to chat about: Art is You Petaluma, CA and Stamford CT. My wife Andrea and I are teaching lots and lots of goodies at both venues. I've got Baba Yaga Birdhouses and Vehicular Varmints and Good Brushes Gone Bad and more.
Before I go any further, I should mention that the wine label that my wife Andrea designed for Madonna Estates will be viewable and the wine quaffable will we are in the Napa Valley.
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| by Andrea Matus deMeng |
So those of you heading to Petaluma...not only do you get to make art...you get to drink it too! Salud!
Okay...I'm blogged out for now...I'll be back soon though...promise
The Dolly Apocalypse is Coming! The Video Footage That Will Shock the World
Return To the Valley of Creepy Dollies Gone Wild
The following events took place between the dates of June 11 and June 12 of 2013. It is a horrifying encounter, and at times may be difficult to watch, but I believe it is important for people to see the truth…before it is too late.
Warning:
The following video may be too shocking to view by some people. Please consult your physician before pushing play.
The Ironic Reincarnation of Colonel Sanders
I was at the thrift store gathering dolly heads for my next online class and came across a plastic Colonel Sanders piggy bank. Well...who could resist that?
When it arrived home I knew I had to do something out of the ordinary with it...but what?
The moral of the story...never upset an angry chicken god.
New Color Washes...Freaky Things with Wings...and the Worlds Smallest Shrineys.
I know what you're saying..."I really want to take a class and learn how to make weird and wild things...but...I'm just starting and I'm intimidated by rusty things...or painting"
Well don't sweat it. My classes are fun and designed to be enjoyed by ALL levels. You'll be learning everything from basics in sculpture, to a whole lot of painting and distressing techniques.
Speaking of painting I've got a whole slew of new paint recipes...
Including:
Mount St. Helen Reddy
Turd-Quois
Mrs Peacock
Rusty Crustacean
Red Velvet Vampire
Yellow Fever
Mahat-Mahogany
Sassy Sultan Brown
and more!
So come on along for the ride. Let's make some bizarre thingies.
So...
Who wants to take a class?
All of you! Wow that's great...so let me tell you what's coming around the bend for those of you who want to play with paint and rusty things.
In a few weeks I'll be heading to La Canada (Southern California that is) and I'll be doing some Teeny Tiny Shrineys. Here's the skinny on that one:
I have to admit I've made my share of shriney structures,
in my day, and I have created them from a variety of unusual items ranging from
license plates to stoves to shoes. This class will involve some serious
downsizing and transforming small objects like matchboxes, lighter cases, piano
keys, or other miniature vessels. Using a variety of itsy bitsy found objects
you will adorn this little pocket sized temples. What is housed in your little
shrine is entirely up to you... perhaps tiny model train people, perhaps a
small object that has symbolic meaning for you, or maybe you happen to be
friends with the Incredible Shrinking Man. Get ready to get tiny with your
shriney.
Click here to sign up or for more info: http://www.zinnia.biz/index.html
Now for those of you who like things that fly through the air with the greatest of ease...perhaps, Vampires, Angels and Freaky Things with Wings might be up your alley.
Okay, so I
have a little confession to make…I was totally freaked out by the witch in the
Wizard of Oz. Ironically, the flying monkeys…I loved. Of course I was always
into freaky weird things with wings; Vampires, demons, dragons (especially,
Ghidora the three headed dragon in one of those Godzilla movies I watched as a
kid). As for angels…I was cool with them too…they just need to be stoic and/ or
heroic but definitely not fluffy.
In this
class you’re going to pick your favorite flying thing (or something you’d like
to fly) and create a little scene where it can stretch its wings. Discarded
toys and found objects combined into something wild and wonderful using the
process of assemblage. Best yet, using a very simple pulley system, we will
make your creatures take flight…well at least flap their wings.
Sort of
reminds me of the flying monkey theme song…you remember, don’t you? “Up, Up and
Away in My Beautiful Baboon”. I know, I know, I’ve stepped over the line for
bad puns…I just couldn’t resist.
I recently taught this class at Valley Ridge. Here's what the gang came up with:
Ann Renee Lighter
Diane Bywater
Gary Niebuhr
Jessie McNally
Kelley Clarke
Lynn Overden
And Best yet....they all flap those silly little wings...Woo Hoo! Wanna go flying? Click Here: http://www.zinnia.biz/july2013vampires.html
Distressed, Disturbed and Disintegrating Dolly Heads Online Class
Starts August 10th
SIGN UP NOW!
Distressed Disturbed Disintegrating Dolly Heads Online Workshop
with Michael deMeng
My stepdaughters have learned to keep there busted dollies hidden from me...or else they will get transformed into weird wacky things. Though. for a while, I noticed that each day my dolly collection seemed to grow smaller and smaller. Apparently what was happening was the youngest had conducted a number of rescue mission, to liberate the some of the busted dollies I had purloined. I was forced to conduct my dolly hunting expeditions outside the home into the jungles of the thrift shops. But even so...the little tikes seem to periodically disappear...my stepdaughters are admitting to nothing though.
Here is a list of the creation we are going to play with:
Salvador Dollies
Hell O'Dollies
Barnacled Babes
Annie Oakleys
Tut Uncommon Babies
Zom Zom Blues
Terra Cotta Tikes
Bituminous Bambinos
Parsley Sage and Rosemaries Baby
Dolly Llamas
Bone Daddies
Jaded Nippers
Rust Buddies
Tomb-lers
Bottom Drawer Biddies
Ruby Tuesdays
Swamp Moppets
Mermites
Pin-Heady Lamarrs
Cyclo-paths
So if you want to participate...start gathering up little dollies...don't worry if people look at you funny...that's half the fun.
Ready to play?
Class Starts August 10th!
FAQ
- How much does it cost? $99.99
- When does it begin? 8/10/13
- How does it differ from live class? Online classes allow for a bit more in depth explanations of techniques etc.
- Will there be video? A: Yes. I have about 180 of minutes of protected video that only students will be able to access.
- Will it be live? No. I will not be doing live video, but I will be setting up a Yahoo Group where I will be available to discuss your questions. However I each week I will record a video responding to all the questions posed in the Yahoo group.
- Can you tell me more about the Yahoo Group? Students can access this anytime and discuss issues with other students. A gallery is also available for students to share current and past works.
- Is the class segmented or do I get everything at once? I have designed the class so you will have access to all the information at once and can play with it as you like, at your own speed. New weekly videos will pop up with additional tidbits and tips.
- What kind of site is being used to host this class? I'm using a protected TypePad account.
- How will I access the TypePad account? When class begins I will send out passwords and usernames to all the students.
- What else will be on the blog? Along with the Videos I will be posting the major questions as they come up, and the solutions. I will also do weekly video addressing these questions.
- Is this for Beginners or Advanced students? It's for everyone. I've made it so it is information that can be used by all levels.
- Will it be entertaining? Geez, I hope so. I will try and make it very un-dry and fun.
- How will you accept payment? PayPal.
- If you don't use PAYPAL...don't worry...we can work something out. Just send me and email.
- What will happen after I sign up? I'll send you a confirmation to say "howdy" and then just sit back until I start the Yahoo group. At that point you'll get an email inviting you to join prior to class and meet some of the other students. Then on August 10th ,2013, I will send out the TypePad site, codes, etc.
- How do I sign up? A: Click the little button and you're off and running. WooHoo!
A Vampire Hunting We Will Go
Vampire Hunting with Michael deMeng
A Vampire Hunting Kit Workshop in New Orleans
May 12-18, 2014
I have never met a vampire personally, but I don't know what might happen
tomorrow.
- Bela Lugosi
Nixing Nosferatus is not like getting rid of raccoons in the
attic. It takes skill and training but
it also takes the right tools and devices.
So in this workshop you will be using your artistic skills to modify an everyday
box or case into something that will send shivers down the spines of those nocturnal
lurkers. Of course, to make a proper
vampire hunting kit one must understand the type of vampire at large and use
the appropriate method to exterminate.
Before you get to New Orleans you may want to
do a bit of research into the type of vamp your dealing with. In the famous
words of vampire hunter, Hieronymous Grost, “There are as many species
of vampire as there are beasts of prey. Their methods and their motive for
attack can vary in a hundred different ways.”
Take this into account when devising your kit You’ll start off with a nice portable briefcase, suitcase or toolbox and then you will transform it into a home for anti-vampire gizmos. Some of the items that you might deem necessary for you kit are things such as:
- Undead Irritants - like garlic…silver….Britany Spears etc..
- Protective Baubles- amulets, religious artifacts, holy water, etc.
- Vampire Detectors- things that clue you into a vamp being in the room, like mirrors…though a bloodless corpse is a pretty good indicator.
- The Killing Device – things that will get rid of the rascals for good such as stakes, liquid sunlight, etc.
Here are but a few of the possible late night nibblers
lurking among us:
Types of
Vampires
Homo Wampyrus Lamia
Rael stands astonished
doubting his sight, struck by beauty, gripped in fright;
Three vermilion snakes
of female face, the smallest motion, filled with grace.
Muted melodies fill
the echoing hall, but there is no sign of warning in the siren's call:
"Rael, welcome! We are the Lamia of the pool.
We have been
waiting for our waters to bring you cool.”
The Lamia –
lyrics by Peter Gabriel
These are demonic vampires from
ancient Greece…and earlier. Watch
out…they are shape shifters who can appear in a pleasing guise. They are seducers and also child snatchers.
Best places to find them:
Near water
Where children play without adult
supervision.
Tell tale signs
Snake-like body when not in disguise
(sometimes full snake, sometimes just the lower body}
Viper like fangs
Snake scales
Affinity for streams and bodies of
water
Silver (annoyance)
Silver knife (fatal)
Rosemary, salt and fire (fatal)
Homo Wampyrus Nosferatu
Graf Orlok: "Is this your wife? What a lovely throat." -Nosferatu –
Symphony of Horror
These are vampires that had a
tough time shedding there mortal coil…thus they usually quit physically
deformed. They are more like zombies in
many ways…just blood-drinking beasts, with very little finesse.
Hangouts:
Cemeteries – typically their own
grave
Dark alleys
Rural, dark and sparkly
populated areas. Since they are beastly
in appearances they use the cover of night to stalk there prey
Often found in areas with much
pestilence or disease as a way of disguising the cause of death.
Tell tale signs
Hideous looking
Typically bald
Long claw-like hands
Front two teeth are sharp fangs. Rat-like teeth
Pointy ears
Usually dusty or dirty from
sleeping crypts.
Extremely pale
Never visible during the day
Protection
Cross (annoyance)
Garlic (annoyance)
Sunlight –this is the best way
for these beasties (fatal)
Stake through the heart (fatal)
Destroy it’s coffin or prevent
it from returning to its grave – these monsters need to sleep on there native
soil. (fatal)
Homo Wampyrus Draco
“I could see it under
the heavy moustache, was fixed and rather cruel-looking, with peculiarly sharp
white teeth; these protruded over the lips, whose remarkable ruddiness showed
astonishing vitality in a man of his years.”
― Bram Stoker, Dracula
This type of vampire is closely
associated with Count Dracula. They are
the most human like of all vampires and often walk among them. They are extremely powerful with tremendous
powers of persuasion and seduction, thus making them extremely dangerous.
Hangouts
Nightclubs
Dark urban alleys
Subway stations
Tell-tale signs
Canine fangs
Pale skin
Well dressed, often in clothes that
are from earlier eras.
Usually wealthy – High intellect
years of immortality have allowed this vampire to acquire vast amount of money
No reflection
No shadow
Can change shape into many
things…wolf, bat, mist, younger, older.
Protection
Religious artifacts, such as
crosses, holy water, magic amulets. (annoyance)
Garlic (annoyance)
Beheading (fatal)
Stake through the heart (fatal)
Sunlight (annoyance- usually only weakens…not necessarily kills)
Fire (fatal…if the body is thoroughly
burned…must be burnt to ashes)
Homo Wampyrus Sauria
It took us
centuries to make them believe that we are no more than just bad dreams. We
should give them no reason to suspect. -30 Days of
Night
These are vampires who typically
don’t mingle in the human world unless hunting. A close nit vampire clan with there own
language and ways. Extremely violent with
a tendency to binge feed…then go for long periods without nourishment.
Hangouts
Remote places with little outside
contact
Places with long days – Russia,
Alaska, Nova Scotia.
Cold climates
Tell Tale Signs
Teeth all pointed like a lizard.
Usually blood stains around the
mouth due to the ferocity of there attacks
Pitch black eyes
Unusual accent and language- they are a clan vampire and
have a special language of there own.
Protection
UV lighting (can be fatal if in
large doses_
Sunlight (fatal)
Beheading
Vitamin D (annoyance)
New Orleans - Vampire Central
New Orleans is rich with Vampire lore so this will be are base of operation, as we search for the beasties in the French Quarter bars, cemeteries and jazz clubs. Are you ready to join the
Elite League of Vampire Hunters? If
so...prepare to report for duty.
If so then Click Here: http://www.valleyridgeartstudio.com/artventures/new-orleans-2014/
Vampire Cinema: May 22 Episode 2
Welcome to the Second edition of Vampire Cinema - Undead Movie Club of the Month.
Each month I will put together a little video introducing a vampire film of note (some classic...some downright horrible yet fun). I'll give you a bit of vampire lore and film history and a few clips. Your job will be to track the movie down and watch it.
I've also set up a FaceBook Group that members can compare notes and comparisons of the various films. Click Here to Join Vampire Cinema Group
Vamp Hunting
in New Orleans
Registration Starts Friday May 24th!
All this is being done to promote my upcoming Vampire Hunting Workshop in New Orleans 2014. More info coming soon on the workshop and itinerary. Here's the date: May 12- 18, 2014.
Come back to this blog on Friday for the entire scoop.
Now this edition of Vampire Cinema.
Feature One
Black Sunday
Intermission
Yummy Cocktail of the Undead Recipe
Feature Two
Interview with the Vampire
See you on June 22nd for another edition.
If you want to get ready for next month's films
Here's what I'll be featuring
Billy the Kid vs Dracula
and
Dracula (1958)
with Christopher Lee
The Good, The Bad and the Ugly
You want to know what I hear all the time when someone who is familiar with my art meets me for the first time? "Wow, I thought you'd be much weirder in person." Yes it's true. I'm a fairly normal-ish dude….other than my obsession with vampire movies and transforming dollies into various monstrosities. So it seemed to me I should write a little post on why I think that is…why is my art weird and why does an everyday guy like myself lean toward a darker aesthetic? Well I'll give you a few reasons that I think this is the case
1. Simulates Danger…Without Being Dangerous.
We have all had or experiences where you feel out of control, where something dark and looming threatens us or someone we love. This could be anything from a home intruder to big ol' nasty black widow crawling across your face. Playing with dark themes gives you control of those frightening forces. A good example of this is how I started messing around with monsters in my art. When I was a kid I had nightmares about monsters….like most kids. My solutions was to draw them in ways that I could conquer them. A big ol cyclops would haunt me in my sleep….solution: I'd draw the big ol' cyclops being zapped by me with a ray-gun. Voila, I have conquered my monster. A funny thing though…over the years the monsters I created eventually became my friends…protectors if you will. The truth is that there are a lot scarier things in the world that cyclopses and vampires.
2. We All Need Make Offerings to Our Dark Side.
I am a firm believer that we are all filled with light and dark. I also believe we need both. But the question is how to feed the dark without becoming an "evil-doer". From my personal experience, I know that if I didn't have art I would probably be a lost soul. As a kid I was shy and afraid…but I had my art. Sure my creations were a bit sinister, but better to make your piece with your dark side using Crayolas than allowing the darkness to consume you. In many cases I believe that fear and depression, and sometimes violence can be thwarted by creative thought.
3. It's Fun Being Something We are Not
Most of my grimly inspired art friends (though not all) are actually very kind and gently people. I'm sure they get the same response from folks that I do about my art…ooooh it's so dark. But, you know, it's fun to play a part for a while. I am really not dark in the way I live my life but I can still experience devilishious things without become devilish. It's similar to the value of holidays like Halloween, where we be have fun playing a fiend.
4. Tom Foolery Can Be Incredibly Inspiring
I see it in workshops I teach all the time…folks who are in creative ruts, but get an incredible surge of creativity when they can be a bit subversive. Recently I was teaching my "Baba Yaga BirdHouse" class, which is based on the slavic witch who live in a house that was perched on a giant chicken leg. I watched as an entire room of everyday folks did the most devilishly bizarre things. There were houses with big monster mouths, crazy periscopes popping out of the roof (each with glass eyes peering out), or with bat wings that flap. This group of mothers and wives,and grandmothers and husbands were having a blast making crazy creepy things. It seems to me that when dealing with an eerie subject matter, you can have a lot more freedom. This is because there is not the constraint of trying to be "pretty". Creepy can be almost anything and everything….to make something look beautiful, however can be much more limiting…mostly because when trying to create something of beauty there is often more reverence given to the viewers approval.
So next time you pull out a pencil or pen…or perhaps a dismantled crusty dolly head…don't be afraid to take a step on the dark side. Ironically you may be a better person for it.
Vampire Cinema - Episode #1
Each month I will put together a little video introducing a vampire film of note (some classic...some downright horrible yet fun). I'll give you a bit of vampire lore and film history and a few clips. Your job will be to track the movie down and watch it.
I've also set up a FaceBook Group that members can compare notes and comparisons of the various films.
All this is being done to promote my upcoming Vampire Hunting Workshop in New Orleans 2014. More info coming soon on the workshop and itinerary. Here's the date: May 12- 18, 2014
Today's Double Feature: Nosferatu and Shadow of the Vampire
Here's this month's Videos
Part One:
Nosferatu
Part Two:
Intermission!
Cocktail Recipe of the Undead
Part Three:
Shadow of the Vampire
Next Month's episode airs May 22nd
and will feature
Black Sunday (aka Mask of Satan)
and
Interview with the Vampire
Start tracking the down.
See you then!
Man in the Moon Monster - the remake
Once upon a time...
a preschool version of me wrote a story called the Man in the Moon Monster. It started out with an astronaut heading to the moon. When he lands he is greeted by a giant cyclopian moon monster, who proceeds to crush the visitor's rocket ship. In response the spaceman whips out his ray gun and blasts the monster into outer space. Stranded, our hero radios earth for help, and moments later a compadre arrives to save the day. En route they fly past the monster floating lifelessly in space. Back on earth, the two astronauts land and are greeted with flower leis ( I was living in Hawaii at the time). The End
The climatic scene looked something like this:
Flash ahead forty some years later...I decided to do an reinterpretation of this story. Here's what I came up with:
Man in the Moon Monster - Redux
and here is our little spaceman
and his spaceship...prior to smooshing.
The End