En Gypsy Couture 018: The Writing Mines

I've been in the writing mines for the past few weeks.  Each tarot card has a story to tell and I'm here at my trusty computer taking all of it down.  So here's a little update on the things I've been doing in between.

Coilhouse had their Black and White and Red All Over fundraiser.  Photo by Steve Prue.

Molly Crabapple's Week In Hell came and went quickly and my beloved friend covered 270 feet of wall herself.  My friend Robin Grearson wrote a lovely article on it over at Curbs & Stoops.  Photos by Steve Prue.

Molly included me in her 66 project a few months back which can be viewed here.

Gabby Young came to town and played the Gypsy Fest.  The show was gorgeous and Gabby, Kai, Zina and I had a blast afterward.  The next day Gabby and I gallavanted around the East Village drinking coffee and chai, exploring thriftshops, and sitting in secret gardens.  Sxip joined us later for coffee at one of my favorite cafes in the city.  Gabby and I plotted some new secret plans.  Will announce them soon.

Also Gabby is rereleasing "Song for Japan" to help raise more money for those in need after the earthquake.  It's only £0.79 and I did the cover art.  Click the image to get to the itunes page.

You can also purchase the original through my etsy store here.

I'll be back soon with more tarot and some new updates. x to the o

Pimp My Artwork 045: Two of Wands

The Two of Wands has always been a magical card, and right from the start this deck magic was afoot.  You see as I paint each card I live it.  The winds change, clouds roll in and storms brew.  Stepping into this deck is like stepping into another world.  When I met Gabby I was in the midst of this very process.  I was creating a world I wanted to live in.  Gabby and I discussed this at length over brunch.  You see, she was doing the same. So I did what any logical young woman would do, I threw a party.  I invited other performers and made it a networking event.  Gabby Young and Kim Boekbinder were my guests of honor.  Many of those guests are in the deck.  And so the spell was cast...

Gabby is an incredible vocalist and all around powerhouse.  She has consistently taken the steps to reach her goals and does so with grace, beauty, and an all around fabulous fashion sense.

The Two of wands is about confidence.  It's about controlling a situation throughmaking choices that will  create balance, integration,and harmony. This is not a fast working card.  It is a card of eventual success through hard work and believing in oneself. 

The wands cards also brought about a new energy as well.  As I was making the sketch for the Ace of Wands Sxip suggested I might use his Father's photos.  I had been painting a lot of botanicals and was constantly searching for the right ones.  Often I would spend hours trying to fit the right flower with the right person.  Jim Shirey has a way of capturing a flower's essence or spirit, some of these flowers as tiny as your pinky nail.  We talked a little about this when I met him back in May.  Jim's incredible photos come from a strong relationship with the land.  A small speck or a little flash of color will catch his eye and instantly he is drawn in and setting up to capture a moment with that flower.  I get the feeling the way I fall in love with the people I'm painting is the way he feels about the flowers he is photographing.  Our methods compliment each other.  It made absolute sense.  Jim's photos are a lot more detailed than my paintings of them, which is why I'm showing them to you here.  They need to be seen as the works of art they are on their own.  I am deeply grateful he has allowed me to use them for the deck.

I don't have all the back stories on these but I will post them as I get them.  This little one is lobelia spicata

Penstemon digitalis: there are five stamens, one of which is sterile and lies right along the bottom of the flower. it has hairy spikes along it, and in don't know what it is there for other than to help bees. the ornamental foxgloves don't have this feature. although they have prettier colors, the lack of the "beardtongue" makes them a tad boring.

(That's directly from Jim)

I'm not sure what these darlings are called but their unique coloring reminded me of the glorious fashion sense Gabby has. 

Pimp My Artwork 041: Song For Japan

Gabby Young's "song for Japan" is now available on itunes.  All proceeds will be going to relief efforts in Japan.  Art by yours truly.  Click the image to be taken to Itunes.

PRODUCER : Dave Moore
EDITER/ MIXER : Mike Hillier
MASTERING : Phil Joannides
ORIGINAL SONG – Written by : Gabby Young Performed by : Gabby Young & Other Animals
ARTWORK – Katelan Foisy
TRAILER – Edited & put together by Jonny Levene Footage by Andreas Williamson, Gem Hall & Gin In Teacups
RAP: Undakova

SINGERS:
Gabby Young
Stephen Ellis
Paul Whalley
Ellie Wilson
Mike Hillier
Jamie Doe
Tallulah Rendall
Kate Sikora
Jess Bryant
Kai Altair
Athena Agrotis
John Madden
Barton Young
Richard Smith
Raf Mantelli
Jennifer Nash
Gem Hall
Liz Williams
Diane Leak
Judy Young
Edward Young
Nicky Young
Brett Jefferson Stott
Tom Payne
Ashley Wilson

ADDITIONAL MUSICIANS:
Paul Whalley – Tuba
Gabriel Cairns – Trumpet
Barton Young – Harmonica
Plankton – Electric guitar

Killin' It 046: Gabberdashery & Supermarket Sarah

My poster for Gabby Young is featured on one of Supermarket Sarah's walls.  Click the image for the larger version.

Crosses Palm With Silver 022: Gabby Young Posters & Etsy

My poster for Gabby Young and Other Animals is now online for purchase. Pick one up for just £20.  There's only a few left so get them while they are still here.  Click the image to purchase.

And there is a bit of a sale going on on my etsy store. Click the header and check out the store.

My book Blood and Pudding is available through the Knickerbocker Circus website.  If you would like a signed copy pop me an email.