Looks like the weekend of April 6 and 7 2013 will be a busy one. Already posted about one of these events I’m about to mention, but it bears mentioning again. There’s also another wonderful event put on by two long time promoters in the NYC Goth scene.
On both April 6th and 7th during the day, I will be at the MoCCA Art Fest 2013 sharing a table with two other talented cartoonists, E.J. Barnes and Paul Curtis.
April 6th, Saturday night I’ll be at Cleopatra’s Ball at Through The Mirror. Through The Mirror is a bi-monthly event put on by Absolution NYC. It’s run by two long time promoters in the NYC Goth scene, Xtene and Jason. Both are established DJs spinning the best in classic and current Goth along with its various sub-genres.
Cleopatra’s Ball Flyer by Absolution NYC.
For more information about either MoCCA or Absolution, be sure to click on these links:
Back in late August 2012, someone asked me if I knew who Quentin Crisp was.
“Of course I know who he is” I replied in a not-so-eloquent manner.
That tidbit was one of the few things I remember from that night. It had tied in with a conversation about Doctor Who somewhat. Now ask me about anything else that happened that night. My next response would be ‘answers on a postcard please.’
Personally, I don’t even know why we’re even debating this in this day and age. If anything, it’s a distraction from other issues. Let’s say two people are lucky to find love with one another. Then what difference does it make whether or not if it’s a union between opposite genders or the same sex? Is it really any of our business? Oh, and if gay couples want to be as miserable as straight couples, then be my guest. Cause it’s not that I’m against gay marriage. I’m all for it. I just question why anyone would want to get married in the first place, regardless of gay, straight or whatever.
I jest. If I found someone I was truly in love with, then I would get married. Deep down inside I’m a romantic at heart. It’s just hard to find that special someone who will put up with your nonsense 24-7, and vice-versa. There’s love and then there’s the pure, unconditional love. Anyone can fall in ‘love.’ It’s whether or not it’s unconditional that remains to be seen.
I’ve been lucky though. I’ve had experiences of this unconditional love that I speak of. Despite my increasingly misanthropic outlook, I would not hesitate to give unconditional love in return.
What is love in general? Why do people get married in the first place? Chances are, it’s not really love. People marry for all sorts of reasons, and usually it’s for the wrong ones. So when it’s in the right, marriage no matter what sexual orientation shouldn’t matter.
If I was a divorce lawyer, I would be delighted for the national legalization of gay marriage. Just think about all the increased revenue!
I kid, I kid. I know a few married gay couples, and they’re doing just fine. A union should be one of choice. Haven’t quoted Alister Crowley in a long time, but this comes to mind:
4. Man has the right to love as he will:—
“take your fill and will of love as ye will, when, where, and with whom ye will.” —AL. I. 51
There you have it. So when news of gay marriages and nine justices debating about same sex marriage was heard, I thought about Quentin Crisp. If he was still alive, I wonder how he would feel about it. After all, he was the Oscar Wilde of our time. A raconteur daring to live an openly homosexual lifestyle when it was illegal in Britain. A man brave enough to live as an eccentric, setting an example for generations to come. Most of all, he was an individual whose every move developed into a work of art. Most people should be so lucky to be that exciting.
Regardless of the US Supreme outcome, here’s two Quentin inspired pieces I created. One is a meme that I’m giving away. Please feel free to use it and pass it along.
Quentin Crisp and red equal sign meme. Created by Michele Witchipoo March 27th, 2013.
The other is a drawing and watercolor illustration done in the wee hours of the night. Pen, ink and shimmery, glitter watercolor. Again, the scan does not do justice to the glitter watercolor effect. In person this painting looks kinda pretty. A fitting portrait of a pioneer.
Quentin Crisp. Quickie illustration by Michele Witchipoo. Created March 28th, 2013. Pen, ink, glitter watercolor.
And yes, I know who Quentin Crisp is. Everyone should.
Two weeks ago I had plans to do this Bowie sketch. Then came news of his new album going to number one in the UK. (http://www.nme.com/news/david-bowie/69250) So perhaps after being subjected to auto tune pop music crap, there might be hope for the human race. Perhaps not. We’ll see.
I really haven’t sat down and listened to the new Bowie release. Don’t matter. I will always be a fan of his seminar work such as Ziggy Stardust, his Heroes era, and right up to Scary Monsters. While I’m not that much of a Bowie fanatic, no one can deny his influence.
Here’s a quick watercolor piece done this morning. Basic glitter watercolor. It’s not my best, but it’s not my worse either. This painting looks a lot better in person. The scan didn’t do it justice. Now I’ll quietly curse myself for not being a teen or a young adult during the Glam Rock era. Meanwhile the song “Panic In Detroit” runs through my head.
David Bowie from his Aladdin Sane era. Glitter watercolor. Painting done by Michele Witchipoo March 2013.
Last minute…I’ll be at the MoCCA Art Fest 2013, sharing a table with two other cartoonists.
MoCCA, which stand for Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art has joined forces with The Society of Illustrators, bringing you Mocca Arts Festival 2013. Just like what the poster says, it’ll take place the weekend of April 6 and 7th, 2013 at The 69th Regiment Armory (located at 68 Lexington Ave between E. 25th and 26th streets.)
I missed the Mocca Art Fest last year, due to previous plans. Yet 2013 is a another year. At the last minute I got offered table space. I’ll be sharing a table with two other cartoonists, E.J. Barnes and Paul Curtis. Looking forward to the fest, and if you’re planning to buy my work, drop by or just say hi.
Received my copy of “The Children’s Voice: A Definitive Collection of Welsh Nursery Rhymes” today. Published by A Raven Above Press and written by Peter Anthony Freeman, the book features over 27 different artists from the U.S. and Wales. I’m proud to have contributed to this project.
The book debuted on March 3rd, 2013 at the Los Angeles St. David’s Day Festival – National Day of Wales (Dydd Gwyl Dewi Sant, Los Angeles – Diwrnod Cenedlaethol Cymru,) taking place at the Barnsdall Art Park in Los Angeles, California.
At the moment you can order the book through this link:
Just found out about the news of Luisa Felix’s passing.
Luisa Felix was a cartoonist, writer, peer and friend based in Hoboken, New Jersey. I don’t know the entire details. She died in January 2013.
According to this blog entry by cartoonist and publisher Paul Curtis, Luisa died of a stomach virus. It was complicated further by the power outages following Hurricane Sandy:
Luisa Felix had a love of films from the 1920’s and 1930s era. Inspired by actress Jean Harlow, Luisa created her character Candy Blondell.
Comic book character Candy Blondell created by Luisa Felix.
I had first met Luisa during the MoCCA Art Festival back in 2005 or 2006. She was a sweet lady who formed her own fantastic world through her comics. Here’s two of her front covers:
“Bury Me Not” comic by Luisa Felix.“The Evil Cat” by cartoonist Luisa Felix. Featuring her main character Candy Blondell.
Luisa was a kind creative who was a regular fixture at the annual Indie comic con MoCCA Art Fest. It was there I first came in contact with her. A very sweet woman. When I first started taking my own comics and artwork seriously, she was one of the first comic creators who I befriended. Due to this, she kinda holds a special place in my memories. In addition, she was a wonderful artist.
Cartoonist Luisa Felix (1952 – 2013) at the MoCCA Art Festival. Photographer unknown.
Plans for a tribute in honor of this delightful female cartoonist is in the works.
April 6th, Saturday night I’ll be at Cleopatra’s Ball at Through The Mirror. Through The Mirror is a bi-monthly event put on by Absolution NYC. It’s run by two long time promoters in the NYC Goth scene, Xtene and Jason. Both are established DJs spinning the best in classic and current Goth along with its various sub-genres.
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