Art is and always has been my saving grace. Whenever tragedy strikes, whenever I feel inspired, whenever I am tired, energetic, or whatever, art is what gets me to the next place.

My father died this week after a brief but incredibly unforgiving bout with cancer. It was a relief to have him pass so quickly, so he would not suffer further from the demon inside him. We were very close and he gave me a lot in  my life. One of the most important things he gave me was the gift of art.

My father was the illustrator for several editions of Gray's Anatomy (yes, it is more than a TV show). Ther are very few medical illustrators around, and he was the best. I remember him taking me to work with him when I was about 5 years and older. He worked in the art department at LSU Medical School. It was like taking a kid into a candly store...but for me, the candy was all of those wonderful art supplies. In addition to that, he was an avid photographer. He passed on to me the love for art and photography.

My entries into the Brickfish art and photography contests are my tribute to him. He didn't live long enough to see me complete my PhD, but with the gifts he gave me, maybe I can win some tuition money and finish. Then, when he looks at me from the other side, he can smile and know that the muse he passed on is taking care of me now.




Original story posted here.

How to make a Voodoo doll on YouTube...who would've thunk it? Well, Voodoomama did, and here it is in all it's glory (don't forget to comment and vote when you get there!):

Here's the link if you can't get there from above: How to Make a Voodoo Doll

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PKDs8-8cGc

Here's what's new...The Mystic Voodoo will be undergoing a complete cosmetic makeover that I believe will better reflect the serious nature of its content. As opposed to being compared to other novel Voodoo and Voodoo doll sites, the goal of the Mystic Voodoo is "to chronicle and present museum quality mystical art for future generations, and to educate the general public about the impact of trauma on the psyche of marginalized and oppressed peoples and how this trauma is evidenced in artistic expression, spirituality, archetype, and culture." Yeah, I know its a mouthful, but it is what it is!

The look and feel will be different. It is designed to be much easier to navigate and will cut out all of the superflous stuff that was taking the focus off of the mission. I am a serious professional artist and want to present my art in a gallery format. This way, my art can still be purchased, but it can also be viewed for the sheer joy of viewing.


For a chance to bid on a powerful Voodoo doll, check out Voodoo Mama's One Stop Mojo Shoppe. Right now there is a Hoodoo Root Doctor up for auction and an Erzulie Freda!