Lilly series



Diego Rivera's "Nude with Calla Lillies"



Today I started my new series of skullens, The Calla Lilly Series. Whilst embarking on research for my latest tattoo, which will be constructed of lots and lots of flowers, I found that inspiration came to me in the form of  Diego Rivera's paintings of Calla Lillies. There's such a simple elegance in the flowers and I thought that they would make a lovely addition to my skulls. 



Tux weighing up his options



So I started cracking on with some designs and I think they've come out pretty well actually. Now whilst embarking on the process I thought I would document some of the process, but found my efforts were being hampered... Lord Tuxley decided to "help".... hmmmmm I think this little beastie may find himself made into a pair of slippers if he's not careful....



Mister Soon-to-be-a-pair-of-slippers having a lil' stalk!





So here are the fruits of my labour, I hope they make it through the firing, they're a lot heavier than usual, and have way more layers. 









Calla Lilly no:1. She needs a name!

Calla Lilly no:2 she also needs a name...





 

Nuuuuuuuuuuuuu SHOOOOOEEESSSSSSS! Ready for Download BABY!

My Super new wellies... Alexander Henry design welly-boots for me to destroy at Download this year. I am focussing on buying stupid (ly cool) footwear so I don't have to face up to the fact that I am 33 and going to spend the weekend in a tent, with no shower, rollers, mirror or comfort! But I do have these boots, yes I do! Download is gonna be a blast though, what with all the classic bands from my youth playing... including Metallica, reporting to be playing the whole Black Album.

So in buying these, it did make me realise that my unhealthy obsessesion with skulls has reached new lows... my feet! Behold the sad sad sad truth that is my shoe collection...

Yes... feel free to hold aloft your fingers in an "L" shape in front of your forehead. On Artsy news, I've got a piece firing and sorting out my Facebook page for Madame Munki... just need to sell some stuff to support my shoe addiction.

***Update*** NEWER SHOOOOOOOOESSS!

Home is where the art is...

I'm feeling the sacred hearts at the moment... Here's a little design I knocked up and framed for my art-buddy Rene's birthday present. Hope she likes it :)    Right I am supposed to be in Whitstable right now, so I reckon me and Columbo better get a move on. Peace out.

H-Artbreak

So having recently split with the boy of 6 years, I thought I'd take on the philosophy of Bridget Jones "I will not be beaten by a bad man and an American stick insect; instead I choose vodka and chaka khan"... althought he wasn't a bad man at all, there was no insect, I'm replacing vodka with Pinot Grigio and Chaka Khan with clay... so nothing like it really... but hey... so anyyyyywayyyyy...I have been somewhat distracted by this and the shocking and really sad passing of a dear dear friend, and I have been a little tardy when it comes to artwork. I have about 3 unfinished pieces on the go, although I did manage to finish a portrait for my mum... boy was that a nerve wracking experience handing that over!!

So I thought today I would start afresh, I have made Senor El Corazon! He is a a positive beacon for love! Now while he looks a little grumpy now, he will look a lot more cheerful when fired and coloured. But he has a tasty behind... oh yes, a tattoo style rear, which I am really pleased with and can't wait to paint him! I'm thinking about adding some text to this one too, maybe a positive quote about lurrrrve. I think we could all do with a bit of sun-shine and light (oo-ooo idea for a new skull... Sunny or radiante!).

However, I was impaired in making said skull by the new man in my life, Lord Tuxley-

my cat, who spent the entire time trying to scupper my artistic plans... little shitebag! However, I vow to do lots more art and not turn into a crazy cat lady. Well ...I'll try... :)

Scary Biscuits!

This week I shall mostly be planning an article to go in Milkcow magazine, which is a vintage lifestyle mag. I have got to write about myself, and in a way, I am assuming, that is not as much of a brain vomit as I chuck out on here! http://www.milkcow.co.uk/

Weirdly I am struggling, its difficult to write about yourself without sounding like you are a total douche bag or self-absorbed! Also, it's not like writing a facebook status, where people know you well enough to fill in the blanks! Sooooo anyhoo Milkcow... I started reading this about a year ago and it was part and parcel of a little mini epithany I had regarding my work/life balance. I decided I wanted to get my baby skullies featured in there, but figured I might not be good enough... well apparently I am, I emailed the editor last week and he was in touch within 24hours... stoked??? I was ridonkulously excited.

In bewteen all this excitement, I have been working on some new bits and bobs and one doesn't even feature a skull. Shock! Horror! However it does feauture my two other loves a Ukulele and stoopid looking dog! It is a commission for a friend's wedding present. It is nowhere near finished but I am enjoying the challenge. I also sent out this morbid/ funsies little card for their nuptuals, that were held in Thailand, I couldn't go because I had to do that teaching thing I get paid for (Booooooooooo!).

Can't wait to see their reaction to their Uke Playing Dog immortalised in acrylics and surrounded by hibiscus flowers, poppies and orchids.

I've finished it!!!! WHOOP!

So after alot of blood, sweat, tears and Bacardi, Skolly is finished! I have posted them on my Big Cartel site http://madamemunkisskullemporium.bigcartel.com/product/skolly for anyone interested in a little festive gothica/ mexicana :)

 They're just a little over 5 inches in length and come as a pair! I really love these guys, they really make me smile :).

http://madamemunkisskullemporium.bigcartel.com/product/skolly

The Skolly - days are coming! (yep a shameless rip off of the coke song!)

It's always a terrifying moment packing the kiln, especially when mixing it in with kids' work, as they feel the idea of their work exploding is more appealing than I do! So the anticipation nearly kills me, I generally have to leave opening the door to my brilliant technician. Especially as I would be so impatient as to rush opening the door and either burn my own face off or ,worse still, everything would shattered!

So I rushed home on Friday night, rounded up the girls and another chain gang of art ensued. These little bad boys are nearly done! I will be putting them up on the Big Cartel site by Friday, hopefully. Whoop! Cue annoying Christmas song in the coke tune... "Skollydays are coming, skollydays are coming..."
http://madamemunkisskullemporium.bigcartel.com/