Pimp My Artwork 060: Fortuna's Box

A box for the adored Molly Crabapple.  A Lakshmi and Fortuna infusion, featuring the Wheel of Fortune, the hand of Fatima, and the most sacred honeysuckle.  I listened to Lakshmi and Kubera prosperity chants while I mixed absinthe colored paints on my palette. The box took about 5 days to paint.  I use a series of glazes and aging techniques, so between the drying of the glazes and aging the box it does take a few days, which is torturous to an impatient person such as myself.  Those moments are best for chanting. You can purchase your own custom box right here.

This Kubera chant was really amazing to work to.  One of my favorites with it's strong beat I found myself chanting along to it.

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

Killin' It 057: ChinaShop & Hijacking Warren's Blog

My dear friend Molly Crabapple did an interview with me for ChinaShop.  Words cannot express how much I love that woman.  Click the pics to be taken to the link.

My other dear friend Warren let me hijack his website for a post.  I talk about characters, legends, and archetypes.  Warren is a God among men and you should all donate your organs to him. 

Pimp My Artwork 039: The Beginning & The End

I recently had a conversation with someone about The Fool card.  That conversation played back in my mind as the first strokes of paint went down on the paper.  The Fool is 0 in the deck.  All journeys start with The Fool.  That reckless abandonment and lust for life.  The Fool goes in with childlike wonder and not a care in the world.  The journey both begins and ends with him. 

In my own life, if it wasn't for Orien McNeill, this deck probably wouldn't exist.  It was those early days of bohemian life that threw me into the idea of creating a deck.  I used to tell him he had Coyote energy, that trickster side, that keeps you young and wild.  Of course, as I started painting the card I realised there was so much more.  Many of you know I am a child of Eleggua.  Now Eleggua is the Orisha of the crossroads, of fortune and misfortune, trickery, and faith.  Every ceremony must start with him, as he holds the key.  As much as this is the card of new journeys and childlike wonder, it's also a card of fate. 

Orien was one of the first people I met coming to NYC.  He brought me into his world and gave me some of the best and worst experiences of my life.  He's one of my best friends and has taught me a lot about myself.  I owe him one.

The World card carries special meaning for me.  At card 21 it marks the end of the Fool's journey.  It marks completion and fulfillment of wishes through hard work.  Now there's one person I can think that embodies this card.  Molly Crabapple is truly a ray of light in this world.  Upon meeting her, my world changed as well. Where as Orien made me realize a dream, Molly encouraged me to actualize it.

The World card denotes becoming a master at what you do.  You've been down the path and you understand it well.  You are no longer the student, but the master.  It suggests travelling.  The world is your oyster with this card by your side.  Expect gifts, the universe has spoken.  The success earned is well deserved.

The Caravan 033: Ghostlight Project

Jim Batt of Ghostlight Project made this short film with me and Molly Crabapple while he was visiting NYC in November. 

Ghostlight Project - Film Fragment #30 from Jim Batt on Vimeo.