The Marching Band

There had been so many wonderful things at Renegade Craft Fair that it was hard to take it all in at once. But the one thing that really caught my attention was the marching band that went round on Saturday. The Providence based rowdy misfit What Cheer? Brigade certainly was unlike any marching band I’ve ever seen. A self-described “Luddite Hardcore” 19-piece band that rocked hard without the aid of electricity. I wished they’d stick around for the duration of the fair, but whatever glimpse I got of them made me a fan for life!

Here’s a little homage to What Cheer?

They’re not based on any particular band member, as painting all 19 of them would certainly do me in…

This certainly made me want to dust off my old flute and get back into the game. Yes, I realize a flute doesn’t quite have the same dramatic impact as say, a sousaphone, but it’s still a step in the right direction, right?

The What Cheer? Brigade in all their glory.

Gaga Couture

Oh, you knew this one was coming!

It was really hard picking just three outfits from Lady Gaga’s wardrobe arsenal, but this red lace one with the crown was easily the front runner.

It was either this bubble outfit or the Kermit coat/hat combo…but I have an interesting idea of pairing Kermit coat up with a certain Icelandic chanteuse’s bold Academy Award ensemble…

It’s really the hat that sold me on this last outfit.

Uncle Drosselmeyer

This was something I’d painted in NY but didn’t have a chance to post. It’s yet another bottle holder doll (don’t worry, I’m working on a more traditional nesting doll at the moment and am really excited about it…)

I always love the idea of clueless relatives giving questionable gifts to children—be it a box of epsom salt or a crossbow. Here Uncle Drosselmeyer has given his niece Clara a doll which also doubles as a kitchen utensil  for Christmas in “The Nutcracker.”

I came across an original version of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, by E.T.A Hoffman. It was quite dark and not full of whimsy like the ballet…Let’s just say I was dreaming of vicious rats with gnashing teeth and glowing red eyes for many a night upon reading this book!

…I took the dreams as an omen to paint the rats on this piece.

…and Back Down Under Again

Just because my partner Anthony does expedition kayaking, my friends have all snarkily asked me if I was going to get picked up at the Brisbane airport in a kayak.

I’m pleased to say that yes, he did come and pick me up with his kayak (he’d just been out on a night paddle and made an effort to fit me into his schedule).

I’m back in Oz now and rearing to start painting again…that is, once my jetlag is over and done with and that my dolls clear customs. However, the ones featured at the craft fair will be systematically added into my etsy shop very very soon!

BoBo Babushka in Brooklyn

Even though the weather was bordering on violently strange, those two days in Brooklyn had been a ton of fun. Renegade was beyond my expectations…although I wish I had a little bit more time to look around the other stalls! Fortunately a few of my favorite artists came by my booth for a chat and I absolutely enjoyed meeting everybody who took time out of their busy schedule to visit.

Many of you wanted to know about the display case for the dollies. I had to recall my art school days when I had very little time and budget to construct outrageous structures so I turned to foam core and chip boards. By combining the two, you can actually achieve a wood-like effect. They’re also surprisingly durable. I should know—the dollhouse survived windstorms and rain and a thorough inspection by Bo, my bulldog.

Me and Po’Trowski, whose face was tatted on Leon’s back from “Ink’d”

The wind forced Matt, my booth mate, and me to remove the tent before it decided to go for a stroll down Lorimer Street. Fortunately I had my home girls Po’Trowski, Lara, and Shawna and a giant wad of glue dots helping out.

I will be returning to Oz later this week. After the dollies clear customs, they will appear in my etsy shop. In the meanwhile, I plan to spend my few remaining days in the Big Apple hanging out with my peeps, my wonderful parental units and of course, Bo.

…Pamela, thanks again for the matryoshka tee! I’m sorry it didn’t make it into the photos!

The 6th Annual Craft Fair in Brooklyn

Just a quick reminder: The Renegade Craft Fair is this weekend in Brooklyn! Click on the Renegade button on the sidebar for more info.

Not everything is altogether ready yet, but I’m getting there and looking forward to the event!

Please pop on by booth #216 (on Lorimer Street side of the park) for a visit!

A little sneak peek…

As a kid I used to build dollhouses out of tissue boxes. This is not all that much different, is it?

Magick Woman

Miss Ana Susana practices folk magic. She makes poultices, doles out charms and spells and stares into a bubbling pot while whispering incantations. Every now and then she can be seen beckoning a chicken or two out of its coop. But not to worry, the chicken is usually reserved for a midday roast and the little voodoo doll she carries? It’s really just a pincushion!

Miss Ana Susana’s altar for the saints.

The pincushion and the chook.

This single Babushka doll can be used to store a bottle of poultice of any kind!