Friday, September 15, 2017

RIP, Basil Gogos ...

So sad to learn that one of the most well-known and prolific "monster" artists has passed away.

Basil Gogos was best known for having created many of the amazing covers for FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILM LAND, a favorite of mine as a young monster kid, growing up in the 1960s and throughout the '70s onward. 
There are even one or two vintage late '60s copies of the magazine somewhere in my collection, including this one below featuring Lon Chaney as The Phantom of the Opera. 
FMOFL magazine in my private collection
I loved Gogos' style - vivid, brightly defined, creepy, funny yet scary, all wrapped in one beautiful package.




NOSFERATU by Basil Gogos



I never got to meet him, though I'd always hoped for the chance.
RIP, dear Sir....  thank you for the memories and nightmares! 
 1949-2017


Tuesday, September 12, 2017

My favorite Vamp ...


Maila Nurmi, best known as TV's "Vampira." 

This framed mixed media collage is my loving homage to her, and will be available at this month's MONSTERS & MERRIMENT show.

Nurmi horror-hosted the Vampira show in the mid-1950s in my hometown of Hollywood, setting the stage for sexy vamp horror hostesses long before anyone else. She was quite a sensation in the ultra-conservative '50s, with her smoldering sensuality, tiny wasp-waist, and super villain eyebrows. LOVED her!!!

 (The Munsters and the Addams Family shows were not to be for nearly a full decade; the Elvira show did not become a reality until almost 30 years later)
I do not own this photo
In the late '80s and early '90s, I used to see her occasionally walking around in Hollywood. She was tall, very thin, and had a determined, regal sort of strut, very purposeful. I always wanted to approach her and find a reason - ANY reason! - to speak with her ... but was far too shy to do so. How I wish I had! 
I do not own this photo
There was one time in particular in 2004, when me and my Dad were having lunch at a fancy restaurant in the Burbank/North Hollywood area. About halfway through our meal, in walked Ms. Nurmi, followed by three or four men who were less than half her age. She sat directly behind me, and proceeded to give the young gentlemen an interview. My mouth went dry... I couldn't speak, couldn't eat! I kept trying to "casually" turn my head to look around to see her... OMG! I could have reached over and tapped her on the shoulder, she was that close to me. My Dad thought it was hilarious and just laughed at me, but I squeaked to him that "Vampira's butt is right next to mine!"  

RIP, you wonderful Glamour Ghoul... 1921-2008







Monday, September 11, 2017

My PFATT Marketplace offering for September, 2017!

"Halloween is Bursting Out All Over!"


As we move closer to the glorious Autumn season, along comes the first happy Jack O'lantern, whose top is literally bursting up with Halloween joy.
I share his joy! Counting down the days until it's Halloween night... it'll be here soon!

This offering of mine is posted for this month's Prominent Folk Artists and Trinkets, or PFATT as it's also known (link at bottom of page).

Created with paper clay, and painted with autumn colors in acrylics with a triple layer of bows in three different fun fall fabrics, including a tiny black satin bow with miniature pearl in the center.

From his crown, there's straw, a festive garland of black stars, and a sculpted and painted Halloween heart bursting upwards, framed by a black bat on one side, and a black spider on the other.

This jaunty little fellow is mounted on a plank of wood that's been painted in pretty shades of purples, and lined around the outer edge with lovely traditional black & orange Halloween stripy material. 

Measuring 5" L x 2" W x 7" H, he's the perfect size, and would look fabulous on your desk or shelf, where he's guaranteed to bring out a grin to all who see him... because his elation is contagious!

$25 plus $5 shipping in the continental USA 
(email me for shipping rates outside of US)

Please visit the PFATT Marketplace website for complete purchase information. 
Thank you for stopping by today!

http://www.pfattmarketplace.com/macabrewebs.html