SheWalksSoftly

Otto Rapp

September 29th, 2015

I came across the following macabre yet captivating image by Otto Rapp and fiendishly searched for more.

Many would be quick to associate his work with classic surrealism (which he does cite as an influence), but he balks at the idea of, pardon the pun, being painted into this corner.

He states:
I do not concern myself with the elimination of the rational, the exclusivity of the irrational and the absurd, but presentation of the conscious and subconscious world as an inseparable whole. I draw my inspirations from the layered labyrinth underground which represents the other side of life, which is an inner imaginative-inspirational counterpart to the outer world, expressed with the help of logic-alogic associations, analogisations and symbolism.

His portfolio is teeming with richly detailed paintings and drawings. Have a look.

Otto Rapp
Edith Waddell

September 28th, 2015

Peruvian born artist Edith Waddell is a painter, illustrator and printmaker who often combines traditional painting with collage and digital work.

Many of her works are brightly colored, tempered with soft pastels…filled with feminine imagery, botanicals and spiritual symbolism.

At times, she employs a kind of beautiful yet unsettling symmetry that makes one feel as if staring at a colorful Rorschach test.

She states:
My goal is to make visible that which is overlooked, confronting the public with the dark and mysterious aspects of their own psyches, emotional struggles, and their relationship with the natural environment. My work is an invitation to make an introspective examination and reflection into our own existence, both physical and spiritual.

Edith Waddell
Source
Super Blood Moon

September 27th, 2015

One complication of Lyme disease and other bug born illnesses is the exacerbation of symptoms during the full moon due to the natural cycles of the pathogens. Wondering why my pain levels just escalated from incapacitating to “somebody please kill me!” I remembered that tonight is the SUPER BLOOD MOON.

Not only is the moon remarkably close to the Earth, but there will be a full eclipse. We won’t see another one of these until 2033. You can find incredibly detailed information and viewing times for all regions HERE.
Countdown to Halloween

September 26th, 2015

Once again, I’ll be participating in the Countdown to Halloween, with the “Cryptkeepers” who gather every year to bring spooky treats as the holiday draws near (I usually begin October 1st).

Thanks, as always, to John Rozum for organizing this blog event. If you want to participate, head to Countdown to Halloween.
Steven Russell Black

September 24th, 2015

Steven Russell Black’s monochromatic pieces often make me feel like I’m looking at double exposed photographs…in hell.

We see beauty unhinged, morphing, revealing realities strange and sinister under the surface.

His subjects are caught in moments of unveiling an extreme duality.

Or perhaps, an awakening…a transmutation.

Steven Russell Black
Rose Wong

September 23rd, 2015

Rose Wong’s illustrations are slightly strange…

…peppered with magic…

And often manage to convey a kind of cool detachment combined with the vaguest sense of longing.

Rose Wong
Susan Beatrice

September 22nd, 2015

Susan Beatrice crafts beautiful, detailed sculptures from mechanical miscellania. Her pocket watch creations are stunning:

From the artist bio:
All Natural Arts was started by Susan Beatrice as a venue for selling her creations. Combining talent and imagination with a love of nature, the designs are created with the environment in mind. Recycled, upcycled and repurposed objects are combined with natural elements into unique, Earth-friendly and artistic items sensitive to the limits of our natural resources.

All Natural Arts is a celebration of nature in the form of jewelry and other fun and whimsical items. Using sea glass, stones and other natural elements as well as vintage watches, jewelry pieces, and found objects to create one of a kind treasures for you to enjoy or to give as gifts.

I adore her tiny animals…

Perfect use of gears!

Susan Beatrice

Thanks for sharing this, Colleen!
Chloe Giordano

September 21st, 2015

Here we have a little dose of You Can’t Handle the Cute before things stay spooky this season.

Chloe Giordano’s miniature embroidered animals are nearly photorealistic. Her Tumblr has progress shots so you can see them emerge on blank pieces of fabric. It’s quite a thing to behold.

Look at the level of detail in this tiny work! Many, many close little stitches…Can’t you almost see it breathing?

Chloe Giordano
Beadedmischka: Beaded Death’s Head Moth

September 20th, 2015

Make: posted this incredible beaded Death’s Head Moth by Beadedmischka.

This piece seems to be one of a kind (I was actually hoping the link would provide a tutorial). Excellent work.
Stefano Bonazzi

September 19th, 2015

As September draws to a close, I’m always tempted to shift into full Halloween mode (but I try to restrain myself because, surprisingly, not everyone is obsessed with Halloween). Let’s start setting the mood with some evocative photography from digital photography artist Stefano Bonazzi.

These strange portraits traverse the ominous open fields and enclosed spaces of a nightmare world.

All of the characters are masked, mysterious, alienated; they conjure an odd sense of unease in the viewer.

We find beauty, subdued and obscured…

…identities lost…

…a sense of the subject being consumed.

Check out Stefano Bonazzi’s work and feed your nightmares.