Artwork: Voodoo Cleansing

Skull & Snakes

As with all my projects, I do loads of research beforehand–trying to get into the core of the product, theme, or event. I notice that Voodoo (or Vudon/ Vodoun) is something that scares a lot of people in the Western world because of what has been portrayed in horror movies and the media (as with Wiccan beliefs). Researching it made me understand that it’s a valid religion not particularly associated with darkness, but with all things, there are a few bad apples along the way. More info here. It’s a cliche, but knowledge is power–to understand differences and realize similarities. As an artist, I find that researching unfamiliar topics broadens my creative vision and style.

In the voodoo research, chickens are used in religious ceremonies. The black chicken is used to absorb evil spirits, while the white chicken is used to cleanse the spirit. Influenced by this, I did a little creative licensing. In my artwork, the body of the chicken houses spirits, while it’s plucking away at savory little eyeballs. The drawing was first created in pencil, then cleaned up, and digitally colored and texturized. View Larger Image.

Photo: World Famous Dance Crew

From my sessions of attending the Cellspace dance practices, I met some really cool folks, one of whom led me to take this photo–amazing dance crew out of San Diego–World Famous! The photo shoot was located in and around Golden Gate Park. This image in particular was great fun. I saw a huge 9-12″ tall fountain in the middle of the concourse, pointed, and said, “that looks really cool–maybe you could get on top of that” as a passing thought, but without hesitation, they climbed up and starting posing. Great models, amazing experience. Check ’em out here

Photo: Aplus


Aplus
Originally uploaded by shaire productions

Another photo from Cellspace practice. Here’s a photo from b-girl Aplus out of the Sisterz of the Underground dance crew.