Busy day..

Lots to do, and one of those times when my energy just feels zapped. Perhaps it's the Holiday rush, although I try to distance myself from that manner of madness as much as is humanly possible. Perhaps it's just me being lazy, but all the things I needed to do yesterday seemed to hit roadblocks, so today I started off the morning with some strong coffee, a little Nick Cave and a big to-do list. Wish me luck!


K~

Seasons Greetings & Happy Holidays to all.

Hope you are livin' large!

xoxo,

K~

Back from Holiday...

...and feeling recharged after spending some time on the East coast! Have a lovely Winter Solstice everyone, and here's a few tunes to help celebrate the Season.

Posts and pics to come soon! Also, I've put new totes up at Le Stats and JUNC Boutique if anyone has any last minute shopping to do.

K~

No Expectations Live 1968

A perfect song for when you're leaving on a jet-plane (followed by a great version of You Can't Always Get What You Want.) Excerpts from the Rolling Stones Rock & Roll Circus 12/11/68 - 12/12/68 A star-studded, magical event in time. The Who and even John and Yoko were there. As for what I will be doing with my early December? I'm headed to the East to recharge and refresh. Getting some much needed relaxation and rest is in order. But I'll be back mid to late December with updates and pics of my adventures.
Until then..K~

You oughta see it from my throne...

You oughta see my long snake moan...

Oh the irony.

Fur free Friday ? Not in San Diego, Solana Beach or the Murrieta/Inland Empire area it wasn't. Anyway, I hope the Foxes' cause was a success in LA. And that it wasn't a bad day for all the world's foxes.
K~

Lies, Lies, Lies...

Yeah.They're gonna get you.



" There a very few things I don't like in this world. But today I need to list my Top 5.

1. I don't like LIARS. Especially the ones who thnk they are fooling u. Really...?
2. I hate drama
3. I don't like people who continue to create drama and try to grab the people around them into it.
4. I don't like people that need to give or create excuses for their lack of actions
5. I don't like people who act like they have no idea what ur talking about when you confront on it all.

I have 2 quotes for my thoughts
1. Between saying and doing many a pair of shoes is worn out. ~Italian Proverb
2. People who are brutally honest get more satisfaction out of the brutality than out of the honesty. ~Richard J. Needham"


I wish I could say I penned this above list, but I did not. I read it on a facebook page last month from a local DJ and I really feel it speaks volumes about deceptive people in general. And it totally echoes the way I feel right about now. I just thought it was a great list and it should be passed around. All I can add to it is a little time-saving motto I like to follow: "Mean what you say - and say what you mean."

K~

Leila and The Duke Spirit..

Mildly channeling Nico and a circa 78 Deborah Harry.My pal Kit turned me on to these guys almost 2 years ago and I have been digging them ever since.

K~

When I am to bee Queen...

..or "I'm covered in bees!" are just a couple of phrases that come to mind for me today. Some of you may recall my old myspace blog entry from waay earlier in the year when honeybees (Hmmm...or were they?) aggressively decided to build a home in the grill of our very actively-in-use car. The hive was massive and seemed as if it were built in just one afternoon. Now, you can call it too many childhood memories of 1970's killer bee flicks, but I was real skeptical about if in fact, they were in fact dreaded killer bees instead. However, that mystery was never solved. Mainly since I couldn't get an Entomologist to come out on a Holiday weekend to determine it for sure and that I had to rid our driveway of thousands of dead bees before they got tracked into the house. (Yuk) I don't know why the possibility that bees could be at it again had had not dawned on me earlier, since they seem to take up residency near to me like there's no tomorrow. And especially since over the last few weeks I had been hearing this odd but faint humming noise on the 2nd floor. Some of you may have heard me mention it over the phone in casual conversation. I'd even found a few dead yellow jackets in the hall. Today, I found this little guy on my windowsill this morning and decided to investigate further.



I guess to me the funniest thing about it all is that Sunday, quite ironically I had decided to put on Roger Corman's WASP WOMAN in the background while working. Simply, because I enjoy the comforting nostalgia of a Sunday afternoon where the sound of old horror movies fill the air. Well, today I have come to find the weirdness just keeps on coming.







Uh huh. Of course, the window is right next to my bed. Honestly, it's rather hard to explain in these macro pics just how massive these hives actually are. I wasn't getting close enough to take better scale pics, but to give you an idea, those halves are each about the size of regulation basketball or better. The shots are taken from the ground floor. No wonder the humming is audible so near to my window when the sliding glass is open. A tad bit frightening to know just a thin wire-mesh screen all that lies between me and the occupants of the hive.

Anyway, getting back to the Wasp Woman flick.. Now any given time that I have seen it, I always come away with the feeling that it's just so damn fun to watch. What's best about watching it today as an adult, is that now I know about just how scary getting older is for a woman, and added to having knowledge about the actual weirdness of Susan Cabot's real life truly makes it a horror movie.

In short, (no pun intended) At 37, she had given birth to a son with dwarfism, and who was placed on human growth hormone (HGH). In 1986, he supposedly ended up murdering her, and after police arrived on scene, he blamed it on a Latino dressed as a Japanese ninja, who had attacked them both with his "ninja methods" - Seriously. Roman eventually confessed to matricide, and said he had bludgeoned his Mother to death with a weightlifting bar-bell.He was subsequently charged with murder. She's buried in Culver City, Los Angeles County, California and her plot is in Sunland Gardens, wall crypt C, space # 242. According to Wikipedia at present her grave is unmarked due to neglect. And her "sole memorial is an unreadable, withered and crumbling label that spells out less than half her name." Sad, but I don't know if that is actually true, since I tend to be iffy about citing Wiki as a good reliable source.

Here is a trailer of the 1959 Corman classic:



Damn, that's a hard-ass 23. Must have been all that "fantastic desire."


Buzz buzz,

QK~

Your time is gonna come..

“Great things are not accomplished by those who yield to trends and fads and popular opinion.”

I read that Jack Kerouac quote and automatically, it prompted my brain to ask the following question: Does anybody actually try and do their own thing anymore in life? Artistically or spiritually speaking? You know, something that isn't supposed to fit into anyone else's plan or fulfill some other persons dream? Does anybody really do that anymore?

I can think of a handful of people, and I am fortunate to call them my close friends. But generally speaking, do people simply follow a pattern or trend and forego the obligations to themselves for happiness? So often, that they wind up devaluing them and bargaining them off for acceptance, companionship, or success? Maybe we just get complacent and tired of seeking, and thus we sell out our dreams and desires for a cheap price? What is considered a comfortable arrangement, hardly has anything to do with resembling any sort of fulfillment. Obligations to be true to our own beliefs, true to our own wants, our own desires, our own needs - our own lives, and above all our work is a little bit more difficult, but it is what defines who we are as Artists.It inspires us to continue to create great work.

So often I believe we sacrifice that which is most important to either please another person, or else tailor ourselves to appeal to a mass of people. I've come to the conclusion that we were probably perfect in the first place, and we were just trying to please the wrong audience(s) all along.

I have seen city-life and I have lived in canyons by the sea. I have been a number and regretfully, in my youth I'd been a bit of a possession once. But I've always tried to be my own person. I've played the role of Artist and Muse. I have felt the warmth of family and friends as well as peace and contentment in solitary living. I have given love and I have lost love with great success, almost effortlessly. I have travelled across this country to begin my life anew, not realizing how brave that leap was until after I'd gotten halfway across the country. Along the way, I have met both genuine and surreal people. (Sometimes a combination of both) Relocating to the West, I have tolerated fakes and endured sideways comments about my roots and origins.I have formed life-long friendships with people I would never have known had I not taken this Western path. But, I have learned valuable lessons from all of it. I've pin-pointed precise moments in my life where I'd made the wrong choice, or zigged when I should have zagged. I've felt countless new feelings emerge from recognizing old mistakes and couldn't come close to explaining half of them. I've also gotten lost sometimes because I never dared to look back. But once I did, trying to make sense of it all seemed less important than the realization that it's all fallen into place one way or another. The one undeniable truth has been that the best direction is always forward on a path.

I'm all about starting a path and cannot wait to begin the dance. I want the direction and choreography of my steps to be mine, and I don't give a damn who is watching should I mis-step during a move here or there.

K~

Naughty or Nice group art show - Be there..

..with bells on!



December 5th Art show and sale at Junc Boutique in South Park. Junc was recently voted: "Best retail-store role model" in City Beat magazine's annual BEST OF SAN DIEGO edition last week. (See article below - click to enlarge.)



I will be showing a few pieces and hope to see you all at the gala festivities!

K~

Fever in the Funkhouse now...6's...7's..and 9's.

Woke up from a crazy dream, all feverish. Nutso. It was a super vivid one, and I jotted it down here as soon as I got out of the shower:
One-time supermodel Claudia Schiffer was in it and I believe we were hob-nob buddies or something. Also a bunch of my present day friends and past acquaintances were there. The time era throughout the dream switched back and forth between the 80's, 90's and the present day - always off and on. The setting was at an Art show (in of all places and upscale salon) A group theme with various top-name Artists and it seemed to be in NYC or LA. Probably more likely LA. I am guessing this, because famous people were there all around in droves, and of course acting wrecked, wasted, and over-the-top. Plus it was loud and trendy like a disco. Total fashion plate city. Things that would normally send me screaming in retreat to a quiet outdoor setting.

Apparently I had reached some pinnacle of noteworthy fame, since I was a featured Artist there and the work seemed to be getting fair reviews from patrons and critics alike. Hard to tell though, since those types of people are always so full of bullshit opinions. If one popular in-the-know person likes your stuff, the rest are sure to follow, devoid of their actual opinion on the work. I was having cocktails with the Schiffster at this tiny little table, and we were exchanging cell phone and contact info. Even though we had the technology of cell phones, this seemed like the mid 90's to me based on how we both looked. I said goodbye to her, and then I headed back over to where my display was. You think I'd be totally stoked and happy about such a high-profile show, with such star-studded attendees, but I seemed really dissatisfied about it all. I kept eye-balling the exits, completely distracted. I think in real life, I'd feel mixed emotions about this level of fame in general too. It changes everything, and you can never go back to the way things were before it tapped you on the shoulder.

Paloma Picasso and her big black hat were there at the event, and she wore a bright red suit with gigantic shoulder pads. I recall being slightly disappointed when she spun around because I had seen the hat from the corner of my eye and hoped it was Yoko. Paloma had already viewed my pieces earlier in the opening event, and taken it upon herself to colour in the line work on a nearly blank canvas of mine. (One I had been penciling in and working on at the show during some earlier point to avoid mingling.) I just went with it when she took it away. When she returned, I was packing up my things, and I noticed it sitting in the box I was packing up. For whatever reason it wound up looking like some self-portrait she'd done of herself, in these very basic strokes and simple, but bright primary colours.

And as I held it and looked it over she said* to me: "You are going to have to do this on your own and it isn't going to be a simple thing - when you are a woman everyone always wants something from you! And you don't know about what exactly that is." (*or else it was something really close to this- I recall my response more verbatim than
her statement though.) I responded by saying: "I know. So to be safe, I just give everything." and shrugged.

She patted my arm and walked away smiling, and shaking her head.
There were all these upscale after-parties I was invited to, and stupid MTV was there, so it was obvious I'd done all right at the show, if I managed to get an invite to this kind of publicity event with such a big roster of names. I attended out of professionalism, and self-promotion I would imagine. But begrudgingly so, as it was clearly not my thing. And so I kept trying to break away from it all and find some quiet spot. I kept feeling throughout this dream that time was very fleeting and a big factor. Once I found a path and quiet spot to make my exit, I couldn't find any of my friends anymore. And I had to lug all of the boxes and art out myself.I wanted to slink away un-detected, but was a little reluctant about the manner of having to do it all bogged down with my gear and my paintings.Part of me wanted to leave everything there and slip out.I couldn't leave the work behind and I couldn't carry it all, but left the festivities, ungracefully bogged down like a pack-mule none-the-less though. All based on the hope it would all be safe and I should just keep moving.

Eventually, I ended up on a N.J. boardwalk (without all my stuff) on one of those little benches that look out over the Atlantic. (Ironically, a spot I've always found comforting in my waking life, ever since childhood.) It felt so nice to sit there looking over the sea, and there was a wonderful sense of peace and quiet - almost a silence - except for the sounds of the sea. The ocean waves and some gulls in the distance. I am recalling it was all so lucid that I could almost feel the sun and smell the ocean breeze in my sleep. Then almost immediately, I found I was sitting on the same bench comforting a friend of mine until we were both crying. It seemed so very real and deeply heartfelt.We were sad, relieved, and happy to be there all at once. The entire area seemed deserted, much like it actually does in desolate Wintertime down the shore, when everything on the boards is pretty much closed down for the season. And so, we were all alone. Finally. Even though I could feel the exchange of pain, it was all very cathartic and peaceful. When suddenly, I started singing this Linda Ronsatdt version of the "Tumblin' Dice" song. (..'Can't you see the deuces stay wild?'..) We were sitting on the bench laughing and singing in front of this big loud and crashing sea, and thus the dream ended on rather happy note.

Maybe it's all about hard-work paying off. Or taking chances before time decides our fate and fame for us? Who can say. Whatever..I know I'm ready.

K~

Monday, Monday...

"Sometimes it just turns out that way.."
Well I have obviously been pretty absent from my blog, (sheesh, looks like no entries since Halloween!) which would indicate I've been quite busy in the real world. And indeed I have. But I just thought I'd show my face here, literally, and drop a few lines of text.

It's really strange, the things that you think of at 4 o'clock in the morning. I need a vacation - or really to be more specific - a change of scenery since I love my work and that isn't what I need the break from. I recently scrapped my original plan for a trip to the East coast in December, and am hoping to reschedule it for the Spring.

I think it will be good for my soul to return to NJ for just a short time. Kinda recharge my batteries with family and get myself back into a basic rhythm. I've been saying for years, this (SD) place is not 'home' to me, and I'm a person that fully depends on being able to reaffirm my roots whenever I am feeling this displaced.I've obviously been homesick so long now, it's become heartsick. I miss home, friends, and my family so much. I made a promise to myself long ago, that I wouldn't waste time being unhappy. But it's just hard to stay on that pleasant path while I'm living in this noisy and negative area. And even when there is a physical lull in the general noise levels outside, there are times within my house right now where there is still all this quiet tension, just the creaking of a floorboard can set me off anymore. It's starting to effect my creativity and that is NEVER a good thing. It's probably elevating my melancholy over a recent situation and also preventing me from working on things effectively and moving forward with the positive plans I've been formulating for the benefit of not only myself but my immediate important people. (Moving forward once I make a plan is something I know I can always count on myself to do when need be.) So, in the grounding department alone, I believe this NE trip will be a good thing to keep me focused. It's tentative, and it will mostly depend on checking the budget and seeing how much extra cash I can raise for it. However, even with that in the works, the question is can I make it till that long ? A pre-pre vacation would be dreamily nice before the NE trip. Because I'm not so sure I can hold out until the Spring thaw for that to happen.

If you asked me today, I'd say without hesitation that I'm not about to sit home for another week after dealing with my absolutely maddening neighbors this past weekend. (yes, the rhinoceros sex ones) Saturday, November 14th going into Sunday's wee hours during a violent and drunken 1 AM drama fest over poon, they decided to 're-decorate' the neighborhood by crashing down my adjoining fence in a domestic brawl which ended with two huge dudes rolling around and trying to kill each other in my driveway. The ghetto bird flew overhead, the cops came, people were hand-cuffed and any with outstanding warrants were arrested. Rinse, repeat. It's really a much longer story than all that, but that's the gist. And the pics of the remaining damages (taken after clean up) should also help to illustrate things.




Yeah, I've totally gotta move and it's clear I am paying way too much to live here.I'm thinking of heading someplace else soon just to have some fun, kick back, and contemplate with a clear head just where I am going to move permanently.The world is pretty much my oyster the way I see it, and I'm hoping for one with a pearl inside. I'd like to make that happen and then take my NE trip later in the new year. Clearly, in a dual effort to raise a little cash and also lighten the burdening load of possessions for relocation ease, I'll be selling and posting some items online this month. I've already made arrangements for some of the bigger furniture items to go to CA friends.

Anyway, this whole 'move-thing' has been something that's been hovering on my mind for some time now. (LA?) And I don't really know why I was contemplating taking action on it, or making my mind up about it at 4am, but that's how it ended up happening. Bringing me right up to speed at 7:45 AM Monday Morning, while a jack-hammer pervades my ears, and the other neighbor's family dog works out his separation anxiety issues with some serious howling. Yeah, it's high time to move. Load up the truck and head to Beverleee..as the song goes..eesh. Scary to think but that may actually be quieter and cheaper than San Diego.

I know despite this possibilty, and the current state of things, in the end, that it's more about me just doing what's best.And by this, I mean not only visiting home but following through with something I have wanted to do for myself for some time now. Get home.Sometimes selfish is a good first step. This includes me finally appeasing this yearning for a reconnection with home, something I had longed for even when things were fine in this self-proclaimed palm tree paradise.

Onward and upward,

K~

Scenes around town Halloween night.

Sorry I have been so lax on the posts and updates lately .I've been really busy with artwork projects, and well that crazy little thing called life. Here are some shots from a group pool of the Gaslamp district and then some more shots from the always happening and fun Asian Bistro I snapped on on Halloween night. I liked the pink Rosie the Riveters all guy division, but sadly I have no idea if that was what they were aiming for or not. It's just the way my mind saw it.

Whole Lotta Rosies?


Beaker..


I didn't wear a costume, but I pretty much think the other 364 days I do should count for something, haha. I hadn't actually planned on even going out after some of my previous Halloween plans fell through. And instead I enjoyed spending a good part of the night chatting with one of my close pals on the phone. So, in the last minute when Matt and I decided to head out, I just pulled together a vintage outfit from my closet. Along with some brown vintage zodiac boots, a velvet bustier and choker I made out of a deconstructed old Bill Blass Designer gown.A vintage gown style I believe they tried to do a re-vamp of in 2007. The entire ensemble was however in fall colours and my jacket was from the early 70's which was very fitting for an October evening out on the town. I guess if anyone asked me what I was dressed up as I'd have to say, 1974.



Below:The vintage neon dragon marquee of the Asian Bistro and the ever effervescent Patti, my favourite restaurant owner/hostess/Proprietress extraordinare in all of San Diego. She was so busy I hardly had a chance to snap this, and she literally spun around and was caught in this shot by my flash. It was funny to see her choice of dress was a witch, and I told her she was undoubtedly a good witch. All of her waiters and waitresses were dressed up too: Mickey Mouse, a Luau Zombi, and even the bus people were dressed up. She is just a fun-loving gal that way and I know her employees totally adore her free-spirit.






Sailor and a Pink Pimp.
Seriously, the most rhythmical-y challenged Prince ever.


And this couple had my favourite outfit of the evening! As soon as I saw them enter the room and pass by my dinner table I wanted to ask to take a picture of them. However, I had waited until after the meal to approach them to politely ask so it shows "Fu" sans the Manchu in this shot. (It had been a bit cumbersome during the meal I was told, and it was removed along with the face make up.) So this was pretty much the end of the night for the span of their outfits and they still looked great. I had first noticed them outside waiting for a table. (Patti's place was jammed that night!) They really kept in character and during their wait and conversations with other patrons out front of the Bistro, I noted that the Geisha fanned her face, hiding her mouth slightly when she spoke or smiled. So demure! And Fu Manchu kept fondling the beard and raising the painted brows in a very contemplative manner.I thought that was just perfect to go along with the outfit. I feel badly I didn't catch their names either.



Good times..

K~

Happy Halloween!

Ah, my favourite Holiday is upon us! So, from my house to yours - Happy Halloween and best wishes for the new year ahead! Hope everyone is having a spectacular Samhain and celebrating with friends and family. Enjoy the day - and especially the night!





xoxo,
K~

Heather's Vlog is funny.

A little all-Hallows Eve viewing for your entertainment...

Honestly, while I don't have or actually want kids, if I had to be forced to raise a teenager, it would probably be best if it were a perpetually 16 year old kid (but really 600 in Vampire years) as cocky as Heather Campbell. Been following the clips for some time and she's priceless!



K~

Perfectly horrible.

<-- -="" a="" back="" don="" e="" frank="" go="" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBl57wnZWhSf5tryXNTI6sDBfDl5QhXt5PZzJ28T0CNLz5P1yrL-loU8n7UDBTc_PIGBGde3AmELRM3bHiKTJhORdY6a4phskWIRv3frQ4we3aJPTeFo5DPL-D740CSK6fE2hSdszMFM/" just="" t="" tell="" waay="">(Elsa Lanchester's kids, you heard that here.)

In the true spirit of Halloween (my favourite Holiday) I admit I've been a bit more obsessed and in touch with my horror-lovin' roots than usual. This is perfectly normal behavior for me and it occurs every year. Yet, when I see the lack of decorated homes and know that the actual number of door-to-door Trick or Treaters I can expect diminishes each year - I still see costumes sold everywhere. And the ads for mall and strip mall sponsored events are in all the junk-mail flyers I get. So why are the scary things kids want to dress up as so few and far between? I mean firstly, let's define the type of scary I am talking about. Because one recent year, when little boys had those pimp costumes, and the little girls were dressing up in those Bratz doll costumes? Yeah to me, letting little girls run around the neighborhood dressed like that? Now THAT shit was scary. Plus, I simply recall that was called the "hooker" costume back when I was a kid, and it was a lame-o choice. One usually made by those who had raided the closets of either their older sisters who went to Disco-tech, or their Moms who were having a mid-life hoochie image crisis. Anyway, I mean horror-genre scary when I ponder all this.
And so, each year I gotta wonder.. Are kids just not into horror any more? Is it now deemed un-cool? Do parents feel it is abnormal to like the horror genre at an early age? I mean we had scads of that awesome stuff on the market when I was growing up. We (and well our parents to be more specific) were the target market audience for all that stuff. I'm just glad I haven't outgrown it.

And apparently this year my focus is on Frankenstein and the other Universal Monsters. Now maybe it's because I was familiar early on with this image from everything to my Uncle's collection of Aurora kits, to seeing the 1931 classic movie aired on Dr.Shock when I was just three. His daughter Bubbles was close to my age and she sat right along side him in many of the shows. So I just figured that's what all little girls watched on TV. Talk about being ahead of the curve for Daddy/Daughter go-to-work-day.

Click here for the old TV show intro.

I owe so much to this late, great horror host legend who died so young.(42) Were it not for all those Saturday mornings and the great Hammer UK and Universal films he showed, I might have never known the true meaning of a classic horror flick. I can clearly remember standing in a big line to get an 8x10 glossy autograph from him. (it was in N.J. at either a strip mall or a car dealership or bank, I forget the where now.) Ah, but I digress..what I meant to say was that deep down, from my early beginnings, I guess it's the classic Monsters I loved best then and still do. I thought this was all perfectly normal for a kid's eyes to covet.Maybe watching the Addams Family or The Munsters almost daily and seeing Eddie Munster clutch his beloved Wolfie doll did it. Or was it perhaps my later love of graphic novels taking place. With my introduction having been Bernie Wrightston's illustrated version of Frankenstein. Yep, that could have kept this cycle going well into my teens.Ironically, at 13, I had Mary Shelley's Grandaughter as my English and homeroom teacher. (no shit)
And so it's merely a commonplace occurrence to me that I had a still had thing for Frankenstein's monster going on through adulthood. It was apparent the Monster influence was still there in 2003, when I named my ex's Pharoah Hound/Boxer mix KARLOFF. (After his role in Universal's The Mummy) And also, because the alternate choices all being sucky, it won over. I mean who really wants to yell "Here Imhotep!" - "Hey Tutankhamen!" or even worse: "Come Ramses!" at the local dog park? Since I am on the subject of naming pets. One of these days, if the urge continues, I believe I am going to get a snake and name it Anaal Nathrakh - after the Charm of Making in Boorman's classic Excalibur, despite the obvious redundancy of that name for a snake. (Serpent's breath.) Hey, reciting that aloud got me out of jury duty once in N.J. - I'd say that's pretty magical.

Anyway, this and all of the other many cited reasons above are why I accept that I'm never going to change my gore-tastic, horror lovin' , darkie chic ways. And that's fine with me really. Why should I ? But here is some more recent photographic proof for your viewing pleasure anyway. A shot of me and Frankie in 2008. One that was also published in a magazine article/interview I did. I'm actually glad my horror roots *bleed into my Art and are associated with my public image/persona. (*No pun intended.)



That said, it didn't raise any eyebrows of mine that when I did a few low-cost mini's (all were priced under $25.00) for the U*NI*TY fundraiser show earlier in the month, I included some of the classic monsters for Halloween. One was a tiny little version of Frankenstein's Monster (al'a Universal Studios style.) Ironically, some guy had the nerve to ask me where I got the image from.Now I usually don't use photographic references much, and when I do I cite them or the photographer if at all possible. Sometimes it's a state-the-obvious-contest though. Is the common knowledge that this ones a pop-icon not a given? Much as I was tempted to tell him - Why no, I came up with the iconic Karloff-esque Frankenstein Monster's visual all on my own, you genius.- instead I just walked back behind my table and laughed, while asking him instead if he:"was a fucking lawyer for Universal?" Someone else actually bought that little Frankie piece and she seemed real happy with it. I'll bet she knew where the Karloff-ish image was from and was fine with some of the sale proceeds going to a good cause.

And then there's my love of Dracula. Both the novel and my favourite iconic image of him as portrayed by Bela Lugosi...Ah how
I wonder, as a serious actor (despite his addiction) what he would have thought of today's Twillight Bullshit? Anyway, here is my 2006 Halloween costume, I went as the literary character Mina Harker (just bitten and freshly 'turned') from Braham Stoker's classic Dracula. Sadly, only like 2 people actually got it.




Yet, I'll wager if I had the height and ample gozongas enough to have gone as Vampirella, I'm sure that would have been well recognized. Hmm, on second thought.. to complete the character transformation during the Harris years, I'd have had to throw in a labotomy in too. Oh well.

My 2001 - Vampi here.

Speaking of Vampi, Ohio Artist and founder of Elephant Stone Records Arabella Proffer has an original oil painting in her Etsy shop and up for sale. (just added the other day) “Vampirella” was publicly shown at “Identity Theft: Reinventing the comic hero.” An exhibition that took place last year, and one that I so wanted to be a part of once I'd heard it was happening. Anyway, I think it would look great as year-round decor if anyone has a spare $460.00 lying around.

Proffer's Vampirella

I love this piece. Personally, I like the 'disembodied hand' effect going on there with the wine glass.I don't know if it was intentional or not, but it reminds me of a kind of feminine version of The Addams Family's THING running around and serving her at a Vineyard Estate.


Stay Spooky,

K~

Uh, when did I wake up and find myself back in 1976?

Because today THIS was at the foot of my driveway. No shit.



I heard this loud - but muffled - smash occur out in the alley, one that I immediately felt had the characteristic sound of porcelain crashing against a hard surface. (Yeah, just trust me and don't ask why I know this sound, but I do.) It was loud enough to wake me up from a sound sleep, just before my scheduled daily alarm went off. And because I had been woken up earlier than planned, the coffee timer was still merely at the pre-brewing stage. So despite having not yet one cup, I still decided to bravely investigate by letting the dog out to pee. This was when I noticed these from the vantage point of my driveway as it leads down to the alley and street.



Seems one of my neighbors or a passerby had accidentally 'dropped' a full sink basin on the concrete walk or it 'bounced' off the asphalt surface of my street while they were driving by. (It's remains are in the background of first pic above, just past the swanky, green, disintegrating mesh beach chair.) But they also left this neatly-boxed, ancient, stash out in front of my neighbor's weathered tool shed for the recyclable zombies* to feed upon. (*They are those desperate souls who endlessly wander our neighborhood streets in search of more deposit/return cans and bottles to scavenge.) Now, just in case I had woken up in some parallel universe I HAD the good sense to check by coming back inside and see that yes, I do indeed have a G5, a Blackberry and a digital camera on hand. Tangible things that I could physically touch, and utilize in this present year of 2009. And although I was still groggy, and the sun was glaringly bright I managed to shoot off a few frames. You will have to excuse the crappy shots, I wasn't going to bother touching the dusty funk of 30-some-years past, just to to move the packs for better lighting in a shot.

Why people out here never seem to discard and leave me any old 70's toys, comic books or platform shoes is beyond me.I have to say it is doubly surreal to me that after that visual weirdness, when I had begun to indulge in my daily routine over coffee it was only to continue on as I was reading the news. After the ancient soda discovery today, and hearing so much media coverage concentrated on the Swine Flu is what is making me recall 1976 in particular.

One thing the current articles all seem to have in common is that they make mention of the recent increase of reported deaths and also the number of outbreaks in certain areas of the US. I feel this reporting has really gotten people worried about pandemic concerns based on the increasing numbers and thus, the public can only gauge their fear as legitimate as this gets worse, instead of better. Having been skeptical of the US media machine for some time, I've already done my research on this as much as I can though alternative sources. While I was already aware that the mandatory reporting of the amount of cases, or the fatalities to a WHO was no longer in place as of August or so, I wondered why the media bothers reporting the increased numbers at all? If it's to scare us into getting shots or whatever else? WTF? If the media really wanted to strike fear into us, why didn't they simply say how many people do not realize that any of these reported media sourced numbers is, or may be highly inaccurate because of this lack of mandated reporting from agencies since August? Beats me.

As always, I'm playing it safe as far as doing my best to ward of illness, but I'm not going top get so freaked-out or scared that I get a damn flu shot.However, it's the end of October that does worry me more. I understand that heath care workers are subject to getting these mandatory shots as it's a hazard of the job when one has a career where they often expose their bodies to illness or outbreaks. But I am always leery of US approved immunization for the general public who do not fall into this category anyway. The fact that people, if they so choose can conveniently get their shots the same place where I might get my food source and then go roaming freely through the grocery store, CVS, Walgreen's (etc..etc.) aisles afterward is just nuts to me. Most of these flu shot recipients will go touching everything in sight, while I am there grabbing Halloween candy, a card, (or whatever else) is what irks me. Guess Halloween is supposed to be scary, right? And of the people who do get the shots and become willingly inflicted with the symptoms of the sickness, I am reminded of prior co-workers. Those who usually just show up for work all the time, instead of calling out as they should. So screw it, as the Fall progresses if this doesn't let up going into winter? I've decided it might just be smarter if everyone this year on my list is gets either Art shipped out to them, or else online gifts sent to them for the Holidays.

Before anyone thinks I am a paranoid conspiracy theorist, understand that I know where a lot of my skepticism comes from, my upbringing and having survived the 70's. And thanks to today's web technology I was able to google and find an old 60 minutes clip HERE. Pretty crazy stuff. I actually recall my parents discussing this show after it aired, and much like the Legionarres disease scare (where in Philadelphia 28 people died of a mysterious virus dubbed "Legionnaire's disease.") the Swine Flu as well was already the subject of National news back then. However, having supposedly originated in Fort Dix that terrorizing concern over immunizing against the flu virus was elevated to a high-level of immediate concern for households in N.J., N.Y., and P.A. Especially in the schools. People were being urged by Uncle Sam to go and get immunized. This was all over the news and on TV in N.J. and the Tri-State area in 1976.

Dig this ad, and yes they were seriously televised ads and not a parody or farce.



I remember my Mom strongly arguing with my Dad about being against any of us getting one even before this aired. Hey, despite my awesome memory powers, I think anyone would recall things from childhood such as your Mom arguing against you getting a shot. I was on her side, what kid wants one of those? My Mom promptly refused that I , or anyone else in my immediate household was getting one of these. And so we didn't. Soon after more reports like this one from 60 minutes surfaced. My Mom kicks-ass.

Fine. Call me a product of the 70's (and anyone who knows me can and does, since I still can be spotted wearing platform boots and bell-bottoms from time-to-time) but revisiting this current newsworthy issue and topic of the Swine Flu all these decades later, I'm with her. Mass immunization, or mass anything recommended by the government or state for that matter, always raises concerns with me and people should do all the research they can to make an informed decision.

After today, I find that suddenly the title of the old Primus tune - "Pork Soda" now has a visual reference in my mind.

K~

A gear stuck in reverse or..

What me worry?
Did you ever get the feeling that something decidedly irreversible has taken place in your universe, without you actually knowing what, where, or when? This is a lot like your brain mixing up a cocktail of all the things that you do not need to think about and serving it up in a pretty martini glass for you to sip slowly over the course of an evening. You realize it's bad for you but no matter what you do to distract yourself, it's just sitting there right in front of you. Currently, I'm a bit exhausted. I really didn't sleep at all last night...I tossed and turned and never really fell asleep fully. I've had my head down and my nose to the grindstone lately, and I've made a LOT of progress in the studio so maybe my brain is just over-stimulated by that?

However, I thought I felt a disturbance somewhere in the little connected web that is my life over the past few days, I don't know what but...well..it's as if something disappointing that will have a domino effect occurred, and now that cannot be reversed ? Yeah, I know. It could be nothing and maybe, I'm a freak. And not to be paranoid or a worrywort..but the part of me that says..What if something really is wrong and I ignore it? is now at a deafening level. And so, that said, whenever I do get that twinge that something feels "off" or wrong somewhere, it compels me to check in case it is. I always hope it's nothing, or at least if it is something, that I will get down to the truth and be able to offer some assistance.Now granted, I'm not such a nut that I think about such things on a global level or anything, since I know full well there are roving bands of idiots everywhere that can wreak havoc at any moment. So, when I get such gnawing gut-feelings I simply try to think of my most immediate people. My friends and family. And I make sure everyone is okay. So far = so good. That is just as long as everyone who I have been able to call or ask is being fully honest with me. And if not, it's still cool. I pretty much can tell when those close to me are masking something, even if I don't call them on it right away. Above all, I understand people sometimes need to work things out on their own first, and come to their own truths later on. I get that part totally.


I'm honest to a fault, and even brutally so at times. Maybe that's an East coast thing? And I am pretty certain that all of my closest people are comfortable with being as truthful as they possibly can be with me, and they know that I will do the same in return. Personally, I like it when people tell the truth to one another as if they are throwing punches in a fight to the death. Saves time really. I mean after all, it's just the truth, it's something you're supposed to be finding out anyway in life. It's the way in which we learn about ourselves, and find our strengths and/or weaknesses. It's the simple joy of that discovery sometimes and it's pure ecstasy for the brain. To me, all that is derived from any information communicated or given in it's basic simplicity from heart to mouth is what really = a perfect truth. It's up to destiny however, as to where, when and if you are going to learn such things or have such epiphanies about yourself or your relationships with those near and dear to your heart. I try to say what I mean, and mean what I say at all costs. And I love my friends and family for all their good qualities as well as their imperfect parts.

"In faith, i do not love thee with mine eyes, For they in thee a thousand errors note; But 'tis my heart that loves what they despise." — Shakespeare


To know a person is to love them, faults and all. I figured out some time ago that if you don't really know what a person loves or dislikes and why, then you don't actually know them at all. Part of the beauty of knowing someone is being able to recognize and categorize their actions. Like understanding maybe why they did this or that, and then eventually the other thing. I find that within the handful of these tight relationships I share with my tiny circle of friends, it fits together easily in my mind's eye. Much like a giant puzzle, and it all makes perfect sense right-away without any effort at all. In that instant of understanding, I realize that certain moments I share with the people closest to me are indeed extremely significant to my life on earth. I am thankful for each and every one. I've seen people re-evaluate their views of me based on my actions. And in their eyes, I've watched that understanding of who I am as their friend rise, and I've become of more value to them than I once was previously. Which has only made me love them all the more.  Once their estimate of me, my work or my friendship has risen, they'll feel it more important to better fit me into their scheduled lives. I'll do the same, and so the cycle goes on and on. Relationships grow and prosper in the balance. Or sometimes, when it's the reverse of this, if they cannot be mended once all the cards are on the table, then they must come to an end.

I believe as humans, part of the natural process of us getting older is that the more we are constantly judging, re-evaluating how we spend our time, and making sense of it all keeps us ascending towards a higher path of some sort. Organizing and prioritizing values - some rising way up on high, and others simply lowering to the bottom. It's a continuous process. I'll admit freely, (before anyone reading thinks this cold, or aloof of me) that I actually do this with people all the time. I used to give my time and heart to people much more freely than I do today. Perhaps that is just par for the course during the folly of our youth. These days, if I think someone will never see the immense worth and value I can be to them, then I leave for greener pastures, just as quickly as I came.

And I have to say maybe it is only because, as my time here on this earth passes me by, some days (as young as I am) I still feel there is not enough time to do it all in just this one lifetime. Our mortal life spans are limited only by their brevity and no grand moment or expression of love should be taken for granted, especially not those that so easily go towards those we care for. It took me living so far way from my immediate family for almost a decade. Sure, I miss some people being in my life on a daily basis, and I used to miss them so much it would make me downright heartsick. But these days, I just try to enjoy my time with my favourite people when they do come around, and I won't waste time further by bemoaning their absence when they are not around. I can never understand why some people waste their time and energy on those who do not deserve it, but that's only because I learned that one the hard way on my own. I also remind myself that I should not expect others see a person's worth so immediately as I might, or decide to cut the cord as readily as I would. Everyone is different and I guess it just takes time. Even Einstein said: "There are no priviledged points of reference in this universe." Bound by your own perspective, you will always judge others as relative to you.


Well, enough pondering..I've got to get back to painting something naughty.

Kristina

Upcoming events and Holiday shows...

EVENT: Naughty or Nice Group Show.
CURATOR: Jasmine Worth
WHERE: SOUTH PARK SD - HOLIDAY WALKABOUT
WHEN: Saturday, December 5th, 6 – 10pm
LOCATION SPECIFICS:Map link here
More details to come!

So as the Holidays emerge upon us once again there is the familiar old question? What to give? I always say, why not show off your good taste give the gift of Art?

In addition to the show mentioned above, I currently have graphic totes, prints, and a few original pieces of my work on display and available at Lestats in Normal Heights.



Also - My artwork from the 7 Deadly Sins Show at Junc Boutique is coming down in a day or so, and any remaining pieces will be back in my studio by the weekend and available for sale at that time. "Sister Vanity Pride" prints are still a mere $10.00 USD ea. Also, if there is anything you wanted from the show back then, but didn't speak up now is the time.

Have a great rest of the day people..I'm off to buy Art supplies at Blicks and enjoy a little tomato pie at one of the few Italian places that gets it right out here, good ol' Florencia's.

Kristina

Select pieces from Saturday's show.

So the Un*it*y show and party Saturday night @ The Flame was a blast! There was not only some great art for a great cause, but I got to meet some really cool like-minded folks. I even sold a few of the smaller pieces (or minis) that I had the good sense to make in the last minute. It was nice to be able to contribute (albeit a small amount ) of proceeds from my sales, and I hope next time to have an even bigger portion to donate. As well, I'd bring more of my graphic totes, since the 2 that I did bring (as merely an after-thought for table filler) really seemed to go over well. A few patrons asked for them specifically after the first one sold. Wish I'd brought more.

So all this fun, and why no pictures for posterity you ask? Well, I had truly intended to post some, honest I did. But like a dumbkoff, I forgot my camera on the way out the door. Thus, the only pics I have at the moment are the ones I had shot for my own reference, just before packing up the pieces for load-in. Matt and I forgot the camera, but there were several photographers on hand at the event, so hopefully some images will trickle into my email so I can re-post them here.

*If anyone who was taking pics is checking in here, please feel free to comment, or contact me regarding any photos you may have snapped of the event, me or my display.

I wanted to mention also, that so many awesome Artists and Performers were at the event I didn't know where to look first! And once my table got busy I regret I didn't get a chance to check out everything on the other Artist's tables or talk with them as much as I'd have liked to. Of what I did manage to check-out in particular, there were some larger than life and really top-notch photography portraits done by Ally Sligh. Most if not all, I think were of other local San Diego Women Artists and Musicians. She not only managed to have the personalities of her photographed subjects (well the ones I knew or have spoken to at other events anyway) practically leap out at you from the frame, she was also the hard-working curator for the event. She really did a superb job picking talent for the show and I felt like I was in very good company alongside those in attendance.

Also, I must take a moment to say I was totally blown away by the works of local Artist Stacy D'Aguiar at Unreal Art
and you probably will be too. (check the link) Also, anyone in the market for particularly nifty and completely unusual wearable art , there were some really unique jewelry pieces there from Unstandard Deviations. Besides the great work these Artists (quite literally) brought to the table, they were all really down-to-earth and solid gals who I had a blast meeting and talking art-shop with.

Lastly, below are the prints I had done especially for the show. And a piece currently in progress that I brought with me to work on while there. It was inspired directly by the event itself and prints were made to commemorate the show. ("Defined By Love" - Kristina Deak ©2009) I'll also be sure to donate a print or piece for the raffle if I'm on the next gig. Hopefully, I'll be on board for the next scheduled group event with Un*it*y and I will have this completed for display and sale by then.










K~