Marie Laveau and Bellemort

I am making numerous altars in preparation for Comic Con. Marie Laveau has always been an icon and inspiration to me. She was known as the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans in the 1800's and her tomb still receives offerings today. She was a mystical and powerful woman. Her altar contains an iridescent snake, a tiny skull, Spanish Moss, animal bones and bright twinkling seed beads. The three xxx's represent the marks on her tomb from those who come to ask favors.

Bellemort was made as an altar for Death and Rebirth. Numerous butterflies with skull heads flit about to show the transitions between death and the spirit world. The skeletons rise towards the heavens and a snake of knowledge carries the key to the unknown. Flowers and leaves all represent the continuing cycle of life.

Orphea and Chrysalis

I have been expanding my assemblage pieces into larger sizes. This gives me much more freedom to use interesting materials.

Orphea is a dark nature spirit who desired to become corporeal. She found a frog skeleton to inhabit and although she is blind, her horns act much like sonar so that she can navigate through the underbrush. She lifts her head towards the moon and sings...calling the night moths to dance.

 Chyrsalis is an altar of rebirth. There are egg shapes and moons for new beginnings. The dragonfly encourages us to seize the moment and the heart shows that love above all will carry us forward.

Merry Yule...Solstice Greetings

Solstice Greetings to All...

Wishing everyone a beautiful Holiday in what ever way you choose to celebrate. I would rather focus on the things we share rather than the things that set us apart. So light the candles and pour yourself a mug of wassail and reflect on the warmth of the season. The Light is returning...

Lady of Shadows

Since the Conjecture convention is in mid October, I decided to do a mask in honor of Dia de los Muertos. I wanted to blend the iconic folk art designs with my use of vintage jewelry bits. I love the elegant look of the finished piece. She seems very regal to me. She has secrets...and may just whisper them to you in the dead of night.

Pacific Northwest Sea Dragon Skull

I lived for a short time in the state of Washington. It was beautiful and wild and so very different in many ways from Southern California. In the end, the choice was made to return to California, but it was a lovely experience. During my time there, I would spend hours along the Sound. I found this delicate little item, half buried under some seaweed. What amazes me is that it was completely intact. This narrow stretch of beach was often visited by people walking dogs, small children playing and numerous joggers. How it survived long enough for the flesh to decompose and for me to find it is nothing short of miraculous. I packed it carefully and it made it back to California safely. I found a vintage display dome at a thrift store and made a base and label for it. I have since discovered what it really is, but in my mind it will always be the skull of a sea dragon...

Mama Guntu

Greetings Oddlings...

I have a new lady to add to my growing collection of shrunken heads. Mama Guntu is nestled on palm fibers with a background of authentic vintage tapa cloth from the South Pacific. She is very sweet and gentle.

I have decided not to do Comic Con this year. I need a short break to regenerate after last year. My next convention will be Conjecture in October. More lovely strange creations to be unveiled soon...

Shrunken Heads

Greetings Oddlings...

I am now settled in my new home and am having a wonderful time furnishing it with one of a kind bits and pieces, as well as frantically collecting items for the Gaslight Gathering Steampunk Convention (May 2 -4)

My latest piece is a shrunken head of a mysterious Shaman. His name is Nombhula. He will be displayed in a beautiful shadowbox...to keep any stray tendrils of magick from escaping.