I don’t mean to overdose on ceramics after the last post, but I couldn’t resist sharing this fantastic monstrosity just in time for Thanksgiving: turkey head salt and pepper shakers!
Guy Michael Davis crafts his molds from freshly dead specimens or freeze dried taxidermy (which explains the disconcerting realism).
Honestly, I really wish I had a set of these to bring to our Holiday Abomination party in Philly next month. More about that event later…
Well I’m back in NY and preparing for a very busy few weeks, but I plan to keep up my regular minimum of two posts per day.
My lovely friend Skye recently informed me of designer Nadine Jarvis’s unique use of the deceased. You can now write with your loved ones…literally.
This is a 240 pencil set made from the carbon of a cremated human. Each pencil is foil stamped with the name of the deceased. You sharpen the pencil by putting it back in the box, and the shavings then occupy the space of the used pencils. Over time the pencil box fills with sharpenings — turning the box into a new urn.
I almost wanted to save this link, because…believe it or not…I’ve gathered enough sites over the years for a Bizarre After-Death Novelties theme week. Maybe next month.
Trust me when I tell you that you’ve never seen face painting like that of hawhawjames in your life. It manipulates the mind’s eye, skews perception and is simply all-around amazing.
I never bothered to get my face painted at carnivals (a little flower or peace sign begged the question “Why bother?”). But if I could have come home looking like this, you better believe I’d have been first in line!
There are hundreds of photos in his outstanding Flickr sets. You don’t want to miss them!
History is peppered with a number of eccentric geniuses and it’s always a pleasure to peek into their worlds.
Grant Wallace (1867-1954) was an artist, journalist, screenwriter and occultist. After his death, hundreds of meticulous charts, graphs and illustrations were found in his abandoned rural California cabin.
Cross Section of the Earth and Celestial Spheres:
Wallace used his cabin as a laboratory for experimenting with telepathy. His countless drawings, charts, diagrams, and writings attempt to reveal the patterns of life (including reincarnation, communication with intelligent life on other planets, and with dead spirits).
Ruiz Radiant System:
Man as Ego- His Six Bodies:
I would love to spend a moment in this man’s mind. I’m sure I would leave thrilled, and slightly dizzy.
Now for my favorite…
TAH-NEHZ of Mars:
Many thanks to Matt P. for drawing my attention to this!
Monday starts THRIFT HORROR week here at SheWalksSoftly, where I share some of the worst toys, artifacts and items to be found on thrift store shelves nationwide. Should you have any horrific thrift photos, please submit them!
Lazy-Eyed Dog will be very disappointed if you don’t come back to see the treats.
For the past decade, it was like an old friend parked on Lincoln Blvd in Santa Monica: the Chicken Car. I vowed to finally photograph it before returning home to NY so I could share its majesty (all the more charming as it tarnished with age).
Unfortunately, it seems the Chicken Car is no more. BUT…it has been photographed.
I’ll dearly miss this sight:
The Chicken Car’s purpose, as well as the details of its disappearance, remain shrouded in mystery.
Note: Matt accurately pointed out that along with the legend comes a legendary misnomer. It is indeed a ROOSTER car. Perhaps when baffled by such a sight, people refer back to their most basic classification skills
This book of late 19th century color lithographs by Manuel Orazi is quite compelling.
A rare piece of occultist ephemera, printed in an edition of 777 copies to commemorate magic for the coming year of 1896. Each double page spread mimics the Christian calendar in some respect (name days, iconography). The document is at once a spoof and an attempt to chart the year of magic.
The entire set is extremely unique in style and composition; somewhere between medieval manuscripts, tarot cards and underground occult handbooks. I wish a publisher would pick it up and make reproductions.
Due to my compulsive habit of collecting online images, I’ve literally amassed thousands of intriguing unlabeled pictures.
I have no recollection of where this comes from…I can only assure you it actually exists (and might even grace the neckline of some individual). The size of this piece alone renders it an effort to wear.
Observe the gleeful satisfaction on the pig.
To the best of my knowledge, this is not an art project laden with social commentary on Capitalist decadence. Nevertheless, I’ve seen satirical art pieces far less poignant than this creation.
American entrepreneur Jay Walker, founder of Priceline.com, has the library of my geeky dreams. This 3,600 square foot, three level wunderkammer is a treasure trove of artifacts.
If I am a good girl, maybe I’ll get to spend eternity here in the afterlife. I see the beauty of sparse, uncluttered spaces with perfect Feng Shui, but I tend to feel very comfortable in places that are cozy and thick with history. Every square inch of Walker’s library contains a story, literally or figuratively.
Walker’s home was actually built to accommodate this library (an idea I frequently daydream about). Rare historical artifacts line every shelf, wall and table. I can’t begin to cover the scope of it here, but all oddities lovers should check out Wired’s fantastic article.
Absolutely the most intriguing collection I’ve seen since my trip to the Mutter Museum. Too bad it’s not open to the public. Anyone want to petition Jay walker for a private tour with me?
You really have to see this way to (allegedly) “add stunning originality to your art collection”
Artist Chen Changwei breaks with tradition, reinventing the Chinese zodiac in a series of surrealist busts in the time-honored tradition of pâte de cristal.
“People Belong to Dog,” $12,250.00 (yes, you read that right)
And check out this Special Edition:
“People Belong to Elephant,” $76,500.00 (oh yes, you read THAT right too)
Are there actually people walking this earth who can throw down 76 and half thousand dollars for an elephant bust? Shouldn’t there be professionals to counsel these folks on better spending choices?
SheWalksSoftly 