Derby Folk Festival

This weekend saw my first solo event as an artist displaying and selling my artwork, cards and prints at Derby Folk Festivals Arts and Craft Fair. The weeks leading up to the Folk Festival had been nerve wracking to say the least, filled with lots of preparation and fear of the unknown.

The three day event was an exciting, colourful celebration of individuality and self expression, by countless musicians, artists and crafters. I was visited by many wonderful people throughout the weekend, excited by the event, the music and the atmosphere. A huge thank you to all the people who took the time to visit my stall, for your kind, encouraging words and for your purchases. You all made the weekend a great one!

Major thanks to my friends and family for all their support leading up to the event, to my Partner for making everything from POS to frames and being there beside me all weekend and to everyone that visited me over the weekend! Without all of you this wouldn't have been possible.

Many thanks! I hope to see you all an another event soon!

'Divinus animalia' Prints

Exciting developments have been taking place in the Danse Macabre studio. After the investment in my own behemoth of a giclee printer; 'The Beast' I am now pleased to say I can offer Limited Edition prints of my artwork, starting with the 'Divinus animalia' range.

'Divinus animalia' series is inspired by the historical symbolism of animals, and uses the characters created to portray the supernatural. The resulting creatures; the 'Divinus animalia' are both the evil and divine. These creatures should be worshiped, and feared, in equal measure.

So if you're interested in bagging yourself a Limited Edition print of one of these curious characters, head on over to the Etsy for a closer look ...

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/DanseMacabreUK?section_id=17927965&ref=shopsection_leftnav_3

Fête de la Saint Louis - Aigues Mortes

When planning our stay in Langudoc-Rousslain I decided this year (being our third holiday in the beautiful region) I would research local events and festivals taking place across the area during our stay. During my research I discovered that the Fête de la Saint Louis was taking place and celebrations were being held in Aigues Mortes and Sete. Setes celebrations included Water jousting events (an incredible sight to behold!), Markets and Fireworks displays. Aigues Mortes pays hommage to Saint Louis, the founder of the Medieval fortress town, with a weekend long Medieval Festival, harking back to the ancient traditions of the town and Frances rich history, featuring; jousting, processions, theatre, music and feasting (to name but a few activities). Needless to say I was sold, we were off to Aigues Mortes to feast like it was 1272.
We had visited Aigues Mortes previously in 2012, and taken in a relaxing warm day in the sleepy town, visited its museums, salt flats and taken a walk around its ancient streets taking in its profound beauty. But that was October, and this was August, and the largest annual event in Aigues Mortes calendar. The contrast in atmosphere was immense. The entire town was buzzing with life and excitement. The locals and those with genuine Medieval skills, knowledge and craftsmanship were easily identifiable. Clad in an array of very convincing, highly detailed Medieval costumes which identified the role of their character for the weekend, each was clearly filled with lots of personality and care. My favourite, a delightful old lady who was one of the lepers, clearly having the time of her life.

The Medieval alter-egos of these townsfolk began the festival with a huge procession into the town, when after a vast silence, the gates are flung open and in marches everyone from fire breathers, belly dancers, merchants, lepers and musicians to soldiers, knights, bishops, the mayor and of course the King. This huge ceremonial event climaxes in the square with the King being presented the key to the town.

Throughout the day there were various events taking place across the town; theatre, music and dancing, feasting, jousting, demonstrations by people skilled in ancient techniques; such as Iron mongery, herbal medicine, carving, calligraphy and a huge Medieval market, selling everything from animal skulls to pies to jewelry.

There was so much to be discovered and enjoyed across the town, with everyones beaming happiness and enjoyment a delight to behold.
I had a wonderful day absorbing the sights, sounds and scents of Medieval Aigues Mortes. A truly wonderful experience in an incredible place. Put it on your 100 things to do before you die list, there's no chance you'll regret it.

Castillo Monumento Colomares

While researching for our stay in Spain I stumbled across one place which immediately went to the top of the 'Must See' list. Castillo Monumento Colomares in Benalmádena came highly recommended and with great reviews on trip advisor, and a quick glance at a few photos and I was sold.
Finding the Castillo was an interesting challenge to say the least. With an out of date map on the Sat Nav, and what appeared to be several changes of street name it took us a few attempts spread across 2 days to eventually find it, which in the end was a stroke of luck when I spotted part of a tower jutting out from behind some trees.

The Castillo Monumento Colomares was certainly worth seeking out in the end. A breathtaking building designed as a monument to Christopher Columbus and his discovery of America. The designer of the building Dr. Martin considered the Monument to be Columbus' Mausoleum, as the whereabouts of Columbus' physical remains are unknown. He described this incredible building as '(Columbus') fifth trip to Eternity.', his final voyage following his four to the New World.

The Castillo itself is full of imagery and symbolism relating to Columbus' life, from the ships he sailed, the people he met and the Andalucíans with whom he shared his voyages. Through his use of stone, brick and cement, Dr. Martin and his two stonemasons created a fitting, fantastical narration of the discovery of the New World. The otherworldly creation took seven years to build, but it stands proudly as a testament to creativity, architectural history and Christopher Columbus. Dr. Martin, who sadly passed away after the Monument's completion, is also immortalized through his daring, truly beautiful creation.

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Raven Haven

Recently I began the preliminary work for a new in depth, detailed series of artworks, but while I develop my ideas in more depth I have been taking the opportunity to realise a few neglected design ideas, which have come in many different shapes and sizes. As well as finally painting a haloed Raven, Ive also been able to unleash some previously unreleased artwork as cards, as well as restock on some previously released owl cards which have been long sold out.

So check out the webstore for the largest range of cards to date! The return of some feathered fiends, the appearance of the previously unreleased 'Wise Crow' and the brand new beautifully bold 'Corvus Corax: Tertius Oculus' (Raven: Third Eye).

Monstrous Minibeasts

My never ending love of nature has always been the main driving force behind my artwork. The uniqueness and bizarreness of so many creatures utterly fascinates me. Recently I have been creating some artworks which reflect this, particularly the wonderful weirdness of insects. By combining intensive studies of nature and my own bizarre twisted additions, largely inspired by a play on words relating to the creature in question, I have created a collection of monstrous mini beasts for your enjoyment.

'Divinus animalia' card range

After a few months of concept work, idea development and intense work on the final pieces I'm pleased to say that my new artwork series 'Divinus animalia' is now complete. The series was a natural progression from my 'Sanctus Strix' artworks, and combines many of the same aspects, such as; good and evil, historical symbolism and the occult. The series features some of my favourite animals, and those which have a strong symbolism in many cultures, and are emotive, powerful creatures. As well as being given supernatural features, the animals have also been studded with jewels and guilding, indicating their status as a divine animal, be it a demonic deity or a saintly soul.

A new card series featuring the artworks from the series is now available to purchase at:

http://dansemacabredesigns.bigcartel.com/

New artwork development

Recently in the studio I have been working on a new collection of original mixed media artworks. The pieces are closely related to my Sanctus Strix series, and incorporate many of the recurring themes of my previous artworks, such as good and evil, magik, ancient symbolism and the occult. As well as feathered fiends the series also features some of my other favourite animals. Below, 'Vulpes vulpes: Tertius oculus', is just a taste of things to come ...

Reckless Love Jacket Replica

After a number of months I can finally say that the jacket commission which I have been working on is complete! The commission is one of the most detailed and specific projects which I have ever undertaken, and I'm pleased to say my client was happy with the end result.

My brief with this work was to create a replica of Olli Herman's jacket (of Finnish Glam Metal band Reckless Love). The client had specific details in mind which they wanted altering slightly, and some additional features such as logos adding. I created the custom piece using a combination of photos of the original jacket, the official band logo and sketches/diagrams indicating stud placement, numbers and configuration as reference material.

Creating the back piece involved several layers of air brushing, combined with controlled stippling and splashing. On top of this came hand painted layers of blocked in colours, line work and detailed fine logo work, all painted using a mixture of leather paint and Createx wicked colours. The artwork is sealed with layers of varnish to limit the effects of time on the creation. Across the jacket are small additional pieces of paintwork, as well as 438 studs of assorted shapes and sizes, each of which was applied to the jacket by hand.

Working to create this jacket replica has been a very rewarding, enjoyable challenge! Many many thanks to my client for giving me the opportunity to work on such a different project! Its been fab!

Re-Animated Romance

A while ago a client contacted me inquiring about creating an extra special card for her friends Hayley and Gaz's wedding day. After a little discussion with the client and getting to know the couples interests and personalities (vintage horror enthusiasts like myself, so that's always a bonus!), this idea was born; The Bride of Frankenstein (with a feline twist).

The piece (Biro on 220gsm cartridge paper) is based on the iconic image from the silver screen, which sees Frankenstien's Monster and his Bride meet for the first time. However in this twisted version, the Bride does not reject the Monsters affections, they are living quite happy together in the laboratory with their three cats, a Gothic fairytale.

The concept came from the idea of two people being 'made' for each other, which I wanted to use to symbolize Hayley and Gaz's union, and the cats are drawn from their own pet cats. By combining these elements, and classic horror cinema, I aimed to create a card which reflected, and celebrated Hayley and Gaz, and their uniqueness as much as possible.

Today the couple tied the knot, so I can unveil this macabre celebration of love at last! Congratulations Hayley and Gaz, may you have many years of wedded bliss!

To inquire about your own project, get in touch via the contact tab, or email me at: dansemacabredesigns@gmail.com

MADE @ No. 18

There have been some exciting developments afoot at Danse Macabre of late and its great to be able to announce that my original artwork is now on display at brand new creative cafe MADE @ No 18. in Alfreton. Original artworks and cards are available to purchase from the cafe, which is situated on Church street. Head on over and check out the various arts and crafts on sale in the cafe, which is aiming to showcase a variety of local talent, as well as running all sorts of creative classes and workshops.
http://www.madetheatre.co.uk/

HR Giger Museum: An Artistic Pilgrimage

For the past eight years I have been planning an artistic pilgrimage to the museum of my favourite artist, Hans Ruedi Giger. Giger has been an inspiration and hero to me virtually my entire life, and since the age of 16 I have been desperate to visit Château St. Germain in Gruyères, which houses some of Giger's most prolific pieces of artwork and sculpture.
After so many years of waiting, hoping and planning, the fact that the moment had arrived at last seemed utterly unbelievable.

We arrived in Gruyères early evening, after a long, tiresome drive from Southern France.
We were greeted by a tiny picturesque town, perched atop a rocky hill. Its cobbled streets and ancient buildings looked as though they were straight out of a movie set, and with little noise other than the gurgling of the public water troughs and the faint clinking of cow bells, the slower pace here was welcome after suffering the manic bustle of the Swiss Motorways.

On first exploration of the town we stumbled upon the Giger Museum and Bar almost immediately, as sculptures reared their heads suddenly through a large arch, we were there. I had made it. At last.
We enjoyed some much needed refreshment, in the form of a few beers in the Giger bar, as I marveled at the staggering reality and magnificence of the place, desperate to study every tiny detail, and attempting to absorb the fact that I was really in Gruyères.

The next morning after a breakfast consisting of mostly cheese and salami, it was up to the Museum to wait for the doors to open. With early pieces lining the staircase from reception to main museum, and another 'Baby Wall' similar to that on display in the bar, the museum eased you in gently, allowing excitement at what awaited to build. Once inside there was such a wealth of things to see it would have been easy to feel overwhelmed. Entire rooms dedicated to Giger's work on movies such as Alien and Species had everything from original sketches and conceptual ideas, to vast pieces of artwork, as well as film props, models, sculptures ... even a room to sit and watch the entire Alien film, surrounded by artwork.

The museum leads you through a labyrinth of rooms, mostly themed by subject matter or a particular series of paintings. The scale of some of the pieces is incomprehensible when viewing them in a book, in particular the 'Spell' series. These were in their own room and covered entire walls floor to ceiling they are so vast. 'The Spell IV' in particular was utterly breath-taking and left me speechless. I cant even begin to guess how long I stood staring at the piece and every minute detail. Giger's use of layers and depth is truly fascinating and unlike anything Ive ever seen before, something which can only truly be appreciated in the flesh.
As well as a wealth of Giger originals, the museum also houses Giger's personal art collection, which was an interesting insight into the art that Giger enjoyed and was inspired by. Many pieces are familiar from the books 'www HR Giger com', and the Taschen Icons book 'HR Giger', with some wonderful Ernst Fuchs pieces on display.

Artwork from every phase in Giger's life can be seen within the museum from early pen and ink works and oil paintings, to air brush works growing in complexity, sculptures, jewelry and furniture. For any Giger fan, or lover of surrealist art, the museum is a haven, where beauty and the beast are one and the same. The unabashed, unapologetic presentation of the grotesque, horrific, bizarre and erotic is refreshingly honest, I adored it. The museum was everything I ever dreamed it would be, and more. I certainly wont be waiting another eight years before I return to the incredible, beautiful museum of my hero, Hans Ruedi Giger.