DVS - Departing from the common norm

DAMNED II - Call For Dark Art

2009-08-30T01:41:00.001-04:00

damned -adj. 1. condemned to eternal punishment. 2. detestable; loathsome. 3. complete; absolute

Within the word "damned", it is easy to envision devils, Hades and hellfire. However, damnation may also reflect the eternal condemnation of self and the subtle abuse of one's mind against itself. It may reflect the emotional trappings within the haunting ghosts of the past. Perhaps the immeasurable tendrils that bind us to our deepest longings or deprivations.

DAMNED is an exhibition of those extraordinary artists who know that without darkness, there is no light, that beauty does reside within the repulsive and enlightenment within our darkest hours. This art may be the one true reflection of self that make us balanced within our personal damnations...or possibly it is an expressive visual therapy...or simply a sign that there is something inexplicably damaged inside without comparison.

Artists of all mediums from anywhere in the world are welcome to submit their work for DAMNED. There are no restrictions on genre or content but the more beautifully disturbing or powerfully introspective, the better.

For further information and to submit your art, please visit:

http://www.thatdamnedshow.com/call

Submission deadline is September 25 2009 and there are no fees for submitting.

On October 29 2009 in Detroit, there will be a congregation of the most controversial fine art artists from across the nation and overseas to display their darkest of creations at DAMNED II. From the famous to the freshest of talent, this ominous assembly will exhibit a diversity of artistries from the deeply depraved to the intensely introspective guaranteed to intrigue, disturb, captivate or repulse. This is not Halloween-themed art but a submergence within the shadowed realms of consciousness within an intimate ambiance of haunting ethereal soundscapes, intimate gallery vignettes and cirque-inspired stage performances.

Then, on Devil's Night (October 30), we celebrate this artistic submergence with an intimate six-course dinner of aphrodisiac delights followed by a grand ball of masquerade and dance within the milieu of exotic rhythms, floor performances and art. To nightcap the ball evening, we now welcome the sensuous noir cabaret sounds of Jill Tracy (www.jilltracy.com) in a rare midnight solo performance.

Current confirmed special guests artist for 2009 include HR Giger, Chad M Ward, Christian Correra, Jose Manuel Schmill, Rich Rethorn, Paul Rumsey, John U Abrahamson, William B Hand, JL Robbins, Eli Livingston, Stephen Blickenstaff, Janina Magnussen, Peggy Wauters, Aunia Kahn, Brian Viveros and dozens of other artists from all over the world!

To see the 2008 DAMNED Exhibition, please visit:

http://www.thatdamnedshow.com/gallery

DAMNED II - A Dark Fine Art Exhibition
and Formal Masquerade Ball wsg/Jill Tracy
October 29 & 30 2009 - Detroit, MI
Tangent Gallery / Hasting Street Ballroom
http://www.thatdamnedshow.com

Friend us on Facebook and MySpace!

THIS WEEKEND: DVS @ Marquis de Sade Ball

2009-07-17T05:40:00.001-04:00

On July 17 and 18 2009, the Society of Erotic Art (formerly the
MidWest Society of Erotic Photography) will exhibit an intimate
showcase of fine fetish art as part of the festivities at the Marquis
de Sade Ball (www.marquisdesadeball.com). Unlike previous exhibitions, this will be themed towards the more extreme realms of erotic art.

The
event itself is 2 nights and 3 Floors of seductive and stimulating
festivities that include cirque performances, various fetish and
corsetry fashion shows, burlesque, live music, vendors and much more.
Detailed scheduling can be found at the official website at "www.marquisdesadeball.com".

Doors are open on Friday at 8pm and Saturday at 1pm until 2am both nights. Advance tickets can be purchased online via TicketWeb.

The Eagle Theater is located at 15 S Saginaw, Pontiac, MI where the old Industry/Have A Nice Day Cafe used to be.

DRESS TO IMPRESS. 18TH CENTURY ATTIRE ENCOURAGED BUT NOT REQUIRED.

DVS @ the Motor City Comic Con this weekend!

2009-05-15T09:37:00.001-04:00

Yep, I'm showing and selling my work at the 20th Anniversary Motor City Comic Con this weekend! I am bring EVERYTHING I have in stock (old old stuff, rare unseen things and new new stuff) and EVERYTHING MUST GO! Here is the link for info, if interested:

http://www.motorcityconventions.com/motor_city_comic_con/

Look, I'm listed as a comic artist! :D

04/17&18 The Seduction of Art @ CPOP (MWSEP Exhibition w/DVS)

2009-04-08T18:56:00.001-04:00

I'll have new never-exhibited work here in a new direction/style...hope to see you there!

CPOP presents: The Seduction of Art

A limited-engagement exhibition from the MidWest Society of Erotic Photography (www.mwsep.com)

Friday • April 17 • 6pm-11pm • 7pm Opening Reception

Saturday • April 18 • 1pm-11pm • 7pm Evening Gala w/ special stringed performance by Dixon

Featuring fine art by: A Owen Layne, AJ Kahn, Allan Teger, Chris Maher, Ckreationz, Dave Levingston, DVS, Eric Cain, Frank Piccolo, Gary Mitchell, Irakly Shanidze, Jim Young, Lisolette Gilcrest, Patricia Izzo and VATO

Gourmet edibles provided by: Silvios and Centerella Inc.

CPOP is located at: 4160 Woodward, Detroit, MI 48226 • 313.833.9901

Detroit Erotic Meet & Greet, Workshops & Shoot - Dirty Show weekend!

2009-01-18T12:10:00.001-05:00

I would like to inform and invite all models and photographers reading of/to the events I am hosting on February 6-8 2009 in Detroit.

MEET & GREET: On Friday February 6 2009, there will be a Meet & Greet for the erotic models and photographers of the Detroit Erotic Arts Collaborative shooting event happening the following two days. The Meet & Greet will begin at 8pm in the lobby bar of the Leland Hotel in downtown Detroit, MI. There is no cover charge, but it is $3 to park in the hotel's secure fenced parking lot if you are not renting a room. It's a great time to meet other erotic artists and models for DEAC and the Dirty Show. There will be music, drinks, snacks and good times. This will also be announced to Dirty Show feature artists as well so it will be interesting to see who shows up next! You can find further information on our event posts on Model Mayhem and MySpace.

WORKSHOPS: On Saturday February 7, there will be a variety of workshops and seminars designed to cover a diversity of topics presented in large part by the MidWest Society of Erotic Photography and select honored guests. These will range from novice introductions to shooting erotica, post production techniques, exhibiting to marketing erotica, 2257 federal regulations and more including a special guest Q&A presentation by Steve Diet Goedde. Beginning at 10am, these workshops are open to the general public on a first-come basis. See the Official Workshop Schedule for times, course descriptions, related fees and presenter biographies. (psst...I am hosting my own workshop at 1pm)

EROTIC SHOOT: On Saturday February 7 and Sunday February 8, the Detroit Erotic Arts Collaborative, a closed shooting event dedicated solely to the creation of fine art erotic photography, will begin at noon until 8pm Sat and 6pm Sun. Shooting styles include, but is not limited to, artistic nudes, fetish, lingerie and pinup. The format is of the pre-scheduled trade variety in one hour intervals predetermined by the models and photographers prior to the event. Photographers and models 18+, from novice to professional, are welcome, but due to the erotic nature of the DEAC, all participants must register to be reviewed for security within our professional and creative event. Visit our Official Website for further details, to register or view the growing Participation List. You may also visit our forum thread on Model Mayhem.

Hope to see you there!

Two artists for one cause...the rise against domestic violence

2008-12-22T10:49:00.002-05:00

New York artist Katelan Foisy and Detroit photographer DVS have come together to support the rise against a tragedy that befalls hundreds of thousands of women across the country and around the world...domestic violence. Inspired by DVS' photograph "Sacred Heart", Katelan created a wonderful painting entitled "Nico Elise II" (below) which is now in exhibition at the Femina Potens gallery in San Francisco. Within the spirit of its feminine divine essence, both artists have decided to donate 100% of their proceeds to two shelters for battered women, Looking for My Sister in Detroit and RAINN in New York, in the sincere hope that this small gesture will help those greatly in need.

(From the Family Violence Prevention Fund)

Prevalence of Domestic Violence

Estimates range from 960,000 incidents of violence against a current or former spouse, boyfriend, or girlfriend per year1 to three million women who are physically abused by their husband or boyfriend per year.
Around the world, at least one in every three women has been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused during her lifetime.
Thirty percent of Americans say they know a woman who has been physically abused by her husband or boyfriend in the past year.

And this is unfortunately just the beginning of the list.

The original painting is available for purchase on the Femina Potens website, but also please look into your own areas for local shelters to see how you can help.

We thank you sincerely,

Katelan and DVS

The DAMNED Gallery...now online!

2008-11-20T17:40:00.001-05:00

Yes, the photos of the DAMNED exhibition, performances and ambiance are now online! Here is a sample:

Visit the DAMNED gallery here:

www.thatdamnedshow.com/gallery

DVS @ Exotica Expo 4 this weekend!

2008-11-06T18:03:00.003-05:00

Yes, I'm still busy even after the whole DAMNED show (photos coming soon). Stop by my booth at Exotica (www.myspace.com/exoticaexpo) at iLounge in Pontiac this weekend to say "hello" and grab a couple "I ♥ DVS" cat stickers! Bring me a birthday cookie and I'll give you two! =D

If you can't make the expo, then you better make either the Slick afterparty at Clutch Cargo on Friday or the Skin Two Exotica Ball at Crofoot on Saturday!

The 3 Day Expo will be at CLUTCH CARGOS iLounge, 65 East Huron Pontiac MI 48342 www.clutchcargos.com

- Over 50 Vendor Booths from across North America, adult toys, BDSM furniture, body jewelry, vintage clothing and much more
- Shop for the best in Fetish Wear and Latex Couture
- Model Salon by Exquisite Restraint Couture Corsetry
- 2 days of Erotic Workshops
- Numerous Live Stage Performances
- DJ's spinning ambient, downtempo, lounge
- Celebrity Meet and Greets
- Contests, Giveaways, Live Demos
- Social Tea Parties with French Maids
- Freakshow Fashion show by Grey Gargoyle

**************************************

Friday night's party SLICK! is at CLUTCH CARGOS Main Hall and features:

- Official line launch and fashion show by Frenchy LaRue Latex Couture
- Official line launch of Hilary's Vanity fetish/industrial wear
- Fashion shows by Ego Assassin Latex, Ceres Moon Latex, Leather Realm, and much more!
- Numerous Stage Shows
- BDSM Public Play Stations
- Guest DJ Xris from SMack! New York
- Top guest DJ's from across North America to keep you on the dancefloors
- Rub shoulders with the biggest names in the fetish and erotic industry
- Exclusive VIP Lounge
- Join us for the numerous Afterhours Parties

**************************************

Saturday night's SKIN TWO EXOTICA BALL is at the CROFOOT Ballroom, 1 South Saginaw, Pontiac, MI

featuring live performances by:
- Emily Marilyn and Ruby Luster
- Evil Dolls (Hollywood, CA)
- Chaos Productions
- Miss Pussy Kat
- Pain Tribe
- Vivian Ireene Pierce and Evelyn Rose
- Numerous other live shows by performers yet to be announced
- Ticket Giveaways by Skin Two's Tim Woodward
- Guest DJ Stitch from the band Mushroom Head
- Guest DJ Xris from SMack! New York
- Top guest DJ's from across North America to keep you on the dancefloors
- Exclusive VIP Lounge featuring more intimate shows
- Join us for the numerous Afterhours Parties, including the rumoured poolside party!

Happy birthday...

2008-11-04T07:57:00.000-05:00

...to me...

Yep...

DAMNED made the cover of Real Detroit!

2008-10-24T12:54:00.001-04:00

Check out DAMNED in Real Detroit this week!

Pick it up at your friendly RD stands everywhere
or view the article online at:

http://www.realdetroitweekly.com

With the full article at:

http://www.realdetroitweekly.com/content/article_4731.shtml

You can still get your DAMNED souvenier tickets at Showtime Clothing in Detroit, Noir Leather) in Royal Oak and V-Male Vintage Clothing.

Or order them online here via PayPal: [ $5 General Tickets | $25 VIP Tickets ]

Visit the DAMNED MySpace page at "www.myspace.com/thatdamnedshow" for details on the show, ticket information, contest giveaways and more!

DAMNED - A Macabre Fine Art Exhibition
Devil's Night - October 30 2008 - Detroit
Tangent Gallery / Hastings St Ballroom
15 Milwaukee St E, Detroit, MI 48202
www.thatdamnedshow.com

DAMNED made the cover of Real Detroit!

2008-10-24T12:21:00.000-04:00

Check out DAMNED in Real Detroit this week!

Pick it up at your friendly RD stands everywhere
or view the article online at:

http://www.realdetroitweekly.com

With the full article at:

http://www.realdetroitweekly.com/content/article_4731.shtml

You can still get your DAMNED souvenier tickets at Showtime Clothing in Detroit, Noir Leather in Royal Oak and V-Male Vintage Clothing in Dearborn Heights.

Or order them online here via PayPal: [ $5 General Tickets | $25 VIP Tickets ]

Visit the DAMNED MySpace page at "www.myspace.com/thatdamnedshow" for details on the show, ticket information, contest giveaways and more!

DAMNED - A Macabre Fine Art Exhibition
Devil's Night - October 30 2008 - Detroit
Tangent Gallery / Hastings St Ballroom
15 Milwaukee St E, Detroit, MI 48202
www.thatdamnedshow.com

DAMNED - A Macabre Fine Art Exhibition - Devil's Night - Detroit

2008-10-23T00:33:00.004-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Detroit, MI - On Devil's Night (October 30) 2008 at the Tangent Gallery/Hastings St Ballroom in Detroit, there will be a congregation of 75 of the most malevolent fine art artists from across the nation and overseas to display over 150 of their darkest of creations at DAMNED: A Macabre Fine Art Exhibition (www.thatdamnedshow.com). From Oscar winner HR Giger to the freshest of talent, this sinister assembly will exhibit a diversity of artistries from the deeply depraved to the intensely introspective guaranteed to intrigue, disturb, captivate or repulse. This is not Halloween-themed art but a submergence within the shadowed realms of consciousness within an intimate ambiance of haunting ethereal soundscapes, refined freakshow vignettes and cirque-inspired stage performances.

DAMNED will feature special performances by the tantalizing circus hellion Miss Pussykatt fresh from her "grinder girl" act on NBC's America's Got Talent. Other devilish treats include the femme fatale performance troupe Devil Dolls, new dementias from Satori Circus, disturbingly exotic gallery teasers, Devil Girl hostesses, VIP area with an on-site chef, wine tasting, a gallery store to purchase art and much more! Aurally, the exhibition will be laced with original compositions by Life Toward Twilight and the haunting solo strings of Dixon accompanying the gallery vignettes.

Limited VIP tickets will be available for a most intimate of ambiances with a private two-hour preview of the exhibition with artist reception and special VIP-only vignette performances. Indulgences include an on-site chef courtesy of Centaur Bar with live preparation of delectable edible temptations, an exotic wine tasting compliments of Farmington Hills Wine & Liquor, a bevy of Devil Girl servers and other treats to come. After the preview, VIPs will have full access to the lush private mezzanine overlooking the public exhibition with their own private cash bar, side chef, video feeds and live VIP entertainment throughout the night until 2am...and yes, the Devil Girl servers as well. VIPs also bypass the entrance lines with their own DAMNED special speedy entry!

The DAMNED festivities begin at 7pm with a VIP Preview/Artist Reception with the general public opening at 9pm until 2am. General admission is $6.66 at the door, $5 in advance online or $5 with a canned good donation for the Gleaners Food Bank or the All About Animals no-kill animal rescue. Discounted $5 tickets are also available at Showtime Clothing in Detroit, Noir Leather in Royal Oak and V-Male Vintage Clothing. VIP admission is $33 at the door or $25 in advance online. No Halloween costumes are necessary but red dressy/sexy Devil-wear is greatly encouraged. 18+ welcome.

Visit the DAMNED MySpace page at "www.myspace.com/thatdamnedshow" to get your tickets, enter our ticket giveaways and more!

We hope you join us in celebration as we bring the infamous Detroit institution of Devil's Night back to our city...without the arson, of course.

DAMNED - A Macabre Fine Art Exhibition
Devil's Night - October 30 2008 - Detroit
Tangent Gallery / Hastings St Ballroom
715 Milwaukee St E, Detroit, MI 48202
www.thatdamnedshow.com

Jacob...rest in eternal loving peace...

2008-10-01T14:20:00.000-04:00

It is with broken heart that I announce that Jacob, my dearest friend of 13 years and icon cat of 5, passed away the morning of September 29 2008. He was 15 years old.

He first came into my life from a friend of my sister who could no longer keep him because of a new apartment residence. I had another cat at the time and he was first welcomed by loud hissing and growling. I remember his response of simply ignoring the other cat, walking past and immediately claiming my house his own. His was definitely a quirky nonchalant persona which often resulted in me messing with him to break past this stoic demeanor to provoke reaction.

In 1998 or so, he somehow escaped the house and went missing. I searched everywhere but after one month, I considered him lost forever. I still remember vividly the summer day two months after he disappeared when a mangy black cat scurried past my house on the street...a somewhat familiar one. I called out his name and he stopped, staring for a long moment before running up to me meowing loudly. Since then, he never left my side.

In the recent months, he was diagnosed with hyperactive thyroidism with possible heart disease and was prone to heavy fluid buildup in his lungs. He fought hard to stay with us, dealing with countless tests, lung stints, minor operations and bothersome medications. His final days were difficult to witness as he was no longer was the spirited feline he once was, mostly laying still unmoving with hindered breathing with no appetite. I weighed heavily the guilty thought of taking his fate into my own hands. On his final morning, he raised his head to greet me from his favored sleeping spot and I spent an extra long personal moment with him before I left for work. Within a few hours afterwards, I received a call that he went peacefully in his sleep...as I prayed he would within his home and amongst those who loved him most.

I already miss him dearly. I miss seeing his head in the window waiting for me to come home. I miss him greeting me at the door. I miss his shadowing me everywhere I went in the house. I miss him taking over my lap as soon as I sat in front of the computer. I miss him fetching me his favorite crinkle ball when he decided he wanted to play. I miss him purring contently next to me when I layed in bed to sleep. And I know I'll miss him being nosey while I'm shooting my art.

But I also know he is at peace.

He was cremated later that evening and part of his ashes will be spread amongst the flower bed he always overlooked outside his favorite window.

Be happy, free and forever loved, my dear friend...

(My first photo and thus my first model with my first digital camera in 2004)

DVS @ 2 shows this weekend - Noir 25th & PAF/Streetwise!

2008-09-18T12:16:00.001-04:00

It's a busy weekend for me...

Saturday 09/20 Noir Leather's 25th Anniversary Bash @ Crofoot
(as a member of the Syndicati Obscura dark art collective)
Located at Crofoot Ballroom, 1 South Saginaw St, Pontiac, MI
(check out the huge stage and event lineup in the flyer below)

Sunday 09/21 Streetwise Art's Erotic Gallery @ People's Art Festival
(as a member of the MidWest Society of Erotic Photography - MWSEP)
Located at Russell Industrial Ctr, Bldg 2, 1600 Clay Avenue, Detroit, MI
(check out the huge lineup in the flyer below)

I'll have new work to show off in both of them with new prints available for purchase! Or just stop by to say "hi" and get a free "I ♥ DVS" sticker! =P

Here are the flyers and hope to see you there!

Explorations at the Detroit Erotic Arts Collaborative

2008-05-22T16:17:00.000-04:00

As you may have seen in a couple posts back, I hosted an event called the Detroit Erotic Arts Collaborative, a fine art nude/fetish/erotic group shoot held at the Exotica Expo in Detroit. Although I had to coordinate the nearly 100 models and photographers from all over the Midwest, I still found time to shoot a bit. The DEAC, the first of now many to come, marked my first venture away from the confines of my studio and into the chaos of uncontrolled locations. Here are the results:

Model: Lela Rae

Model: Italian Kitten

Model: Nicotine

Model: Nicotine

Model: Nicotine

Model: Nicotine

Model: Orixx

Model: Orixx

Model: Alkemie

Comments/critiques/praises welcome...

TONIGHT: DVS and Sparkly Devil on LA Ink!

2008-03-13T03:56:00.002-04:00

A old friend and ex-Detroit burlesque dancer Sparkly Devil will be appearing on LA Ink tonight and next Thursday (March 13 & 20) at 10pm on The Learning Channel (TLC). I photographed her a few years back laying in 3000 red feathers and was contacted by the production company for use of the photo on air in their promos. So, unless I end up on the cutting room floor, check me out on TV...oh yea, and her getting inked too!

Detroit Erotic Arts Collaborative @ Exotica Expo 4/26&27

2008-03-11T01:30:00.001-04:00

Sign-up for models and photographers are now taking place.

Click the following links for detailed information and the current attendance list:

http://www.modelmayhem.com/p.php?thread_id=260521
http://www.exoticadetroit.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=1908

Hope to see you there!

New DVS art from the Dirty Show on eBay!

2008-03-02T21:27:00.005-05:00

I have 12 pieces of art placed on eBay, most new including unseen releases of the images that were featured at the international Dirty Show in February.

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZdvsdetroit

Only a few of each and 1 more day left...thanks for looking!

DVS

New visions at the Dirty Show this weekend - "Shokushu Aijou" & "Baphomet"

2008-02-05T20:04:00.000-05:00

This weekend, come stalk me at...

I will have three images on the hallowed walls of the dirty...including these new photographs:

"Shokushu Aijou" - translated from Japanese to 'Tentacle Love'

"Shokushu Aijou" consists of 150 gallons of home-made translucent slime, 120 lbs of real octopus and two wonderful models.

"Baphomet" - whose two hands form the sign of hermetism, expresses the perfect harmony of mercy with justice. The flame of intelligence shining between his horns is the mystic light of the universal balance, the image of the soul elevated above matter, as the flame, whilst being tied to matter, shines above it. The beast's head expresses the horror of the sinner to bear the punishment exclusively in sake of the soul. The erect male genitals symbolizes eternal life while humanity is represented by the two female breasts...the androgyn attributes that unite with the goat because they are one and the same.

"Baphomet" was created using a real goat skull, flaming orb and prosthetic male thingy.

And "Zentai Hejira" taken at Exotic 2 in Detroit, which was promoted here a month back.

If you have never been to the Dirty Show, it is an event not to be missed. 2,000 people each night will gather to view over 250 exhibits of erotic art at it's dirtiest. My work is fortunate to be included alongside erotic art greats like Annie Sprinkle, HR Giger (Alien), Sorayama, Martin HM Shreiber, Bunny Yeager (Bettie Page), Eric Kroll (Fetish Girls), Buck Angel, John U Abrahamson, Jason Beam, Chad Michael Ward, and Peggy Wauters.

For further information and directions, please visit www.dirtyshow.org.

Comments/critique/praise welcome on my new work...

Vote for DVS as Best Detroit Artist in the Real Detroit Poll!

2008-02-01T00:10:00.000-05:00

Even if you don't live anywhere near Detroit, I'd deeply appreciate the help in getting my name out there more.

The link is below to register for the poll and the artist section is the top of page 8.

http://www.realdetroitweekly.com/survey/index.php?sid=1

Thank you and feel free to bug your friends to do the same! =)

Visions of Foxy...a nude in chains

2008-01-27T19:54:00.000-05:00

See more of Foxy's session at:
www.dvsdetroit.com/foxy

Comments/critique/praises welcome...

DVS can do glamour too...

2008-01-17T22:23:00.001-05:00

Every now and then, I like to move away from the intricate artistic sessions and shoot some straight glamour. Some of these are a couple months old, but not previous posted...enjoy.

[ See more of Stephanie here ]

[ See more of Melibea here ]

[ See more of Bea here ]

Comments/critique/praises welcome...

Visions of Zentai @ the Exotica 2 Expo

2007-11-21T23:19:00.000-05:00

As some of you have previously read, I held a little photography session with 10 models in Zentai bodysuits at the recent Exotica 2 Expo in Detroit...and here are the results:

"Zentai Taikai" - I saw a small sea of bodies in this image flowing about one another so the title translates from Japanese into "Covered Ocean".

"Zentai Hejira" - I saw an exodus of beings from within darkness towards light. Unfortunately, I couldn't find the Japanese word for "exodus" so I decided to use the Latin "hejira", which means a flight from an undesirable place.

Special thanks to models (in alphabetical order) Amadeus, Chrissy, Dika, Elys3, Farril, Jade, Kajira, Libertine, Siddella and Sparkillz.

Comments/critique/praises welcome...

happy birthday...

2007-11-04T01:16:00.001-04:00

...to me...sing it softly...

A tribute to Day of the Dead - "Virgen de los Muertos"

2007-10-31T23:58:00.000-04:00

Day of the Dead (or Día de los Muertos in Spanish) is a Mexican holiday celebrated on November 1 (All Saints' Day) and November 2 (All Souls' Day). Though seemingly morbid from the perspective of some other cultures, Day of the Dead is a colorful and joyous time to honor the lives of the deceased and celebrate the continuation of life...that death is not the end, but rather the beginning of a new stage in life.

My tribute combines the traditional Day of the Dead imagery of floral calaveras (skulls) and the Virgin de Guatelupe which marks my first attempt at special effects makeup. Special thank you to the very patient model Plain Jayne Jones (more of her coming next).

Further information and history on Day of the Dead can be viewed here and here.

Comments/critique/praises welcome...