Sunday, 1 April 2012

Miss Hilton Presents - Monster Bash and Cirque Du Risque (Previous Performers)



Seas Of Mirth
Where to start! This 7 piece 8 piece 5 on the night piece band of swashbuckling mentalists made my night. After a significant amount of organisational disasters around PA systems and kit due to the band not having access to a van on this weekend (typical), I'm not going to lie, I had everything crossed it was worth the hassle and It absolutely was! They were entertaining with lots of banter, great warm up for the audience, they looked the part and with songs such as Ladyboy (called Steve) how can it be bad. Theres an eclectic selection of instruments (including a air tube operated keyboard?) and general hilarity. Due to the show being a Sunday and time constraints due to public transport unfortunately the set was short lived I would love to book them again but be warned me heartys with this much crew you need a big PA!


Sophia Disgrace and Luci and her Crew.
Unfortunately I had to nip out at this point to drop equipment back (flaws of a single handed promoter) So I missed them. GUTTED But i made sure to canvas the audiences opinions and there was much positive praise for both acts commenting on the quality of costumes and the angle grinder routine included hot wax also! I am impressed that as well this could all be done indoors!


Von Vamp
Well what can I say about this lovely lady, a local (ish) lass from Birmingham who did two acts on the night. A bloody nurse and a fan dance to velvet revolver. There was a good use of props in the nurse act but I have to sat the fan dance blew my sox off! I loved the track anyway and the outfit with orange pumpkin pasties and orange fringing on the bustle was incredible! V impressed.

Lewis Spelt Backwards
We were lucky enough to have a 20 minute preview of LSBs new material at the Pig and Drum last night and I as always was impressed. The backing track was slick it all made sense and merged in the right places. Good audience movement and kept everybody transfixed from beginning to end. A couple of people were disappointed he'd kept his clothes on but I however disagree it was a different performance than the last and was very well put together. The crowd were wowed! (As usual)


Blackfire Burlesque - Stella Noir and Dandy Inferno (Leeds)
This was a good routine, change of pace using Coldplay but a well recognised song. Very different to have a couple performing as a duo. The bride of Frankenstein theme to me didn't really come across too well but this would not have been apparent to the audience as I was obviously told about the act before hand therefore I had an idea in my head of what to expect. The wing dance was very good , good use of space and the costumes worked well my only criticism was that maybe the full reveal was a bit too early and there was a lot of time when Stella was on stage in her final undress. The Dandy Inferno did some indoor body burning and fire eating for us as well later on. Very impressive and professional, Pasties and eye patch very well made and looked the part. Also impressed with the heart latex skirt worn by Stella as the assistant.
Dandy Inferno
Stella Noir



As always Rockella Brown and Dean the Queen were dressed to impress and fabulous and did some routines for me of some well known favourites. A fab night was had by all.






Flixx Demantrant
I can't praise this performer enough I was very impressed with his track, well edited and great use of props. It obviously helps that he is devilishly good looking but since this event (apologies for the delay in review) all people have done is ask about his triumphant return. Surprises in the costume here and there, make-up was good in general its not often you find a performer that creates a character, not just a routine. I will definitely be booking Flixx in the future. 

Satine DeMonte
Ever the professional this incredibly talented lady pulled it off yet again. She did a Grecian goddess routine with Isis wings that wowed the audience with a glittery surprise. Shes a crowd pleaser every time. I have seen many routines from Satine and have booked her before and I'm sure I will do again. 

I have also been lucky enough to work with Mimi and Lilly from Monster Cirque who are very versatile filly's, Their talents include stilt walking fire fans AND Burlesque would you believe! Very professional and a joy to work with.....
Mimi and her Fire Fans....
.... up on the roof




Inspirational Journal Pages

Based on a phrase

nathalienayer.blogspot.co.uk



Listography - Great post on black, white and green. Typography and mixed media art by My Concrete Sky

nathalienayer.blogspot.co.uk


Challenges


Gorgeous post about painting or drawing what to hand by the very talented lori vliegen at Elvie Studio


Collage (strong magazine imagery or photography)

teeshascircus.blogspot.co.uk

Anatomy



Friday, 30 March 2012

Art Journal

I have always been fascinated by books, I have started a few art books of my own. I have a small leather bound book with tattoo sketches in, I have also made my own note book with a binding tool courtesy of my sister. I used different pages, papers and images but I'm too precious to use it because I love the way it turned out so much. 


Why now? The reasons for this project now is, not only because I'm interested in it but as I have just moved jobs into the field of mental health I think it would be beneficial as a spontaneous and personal activity that they could do with or without me, even along side me. This would also give me more experience in the field of Art Therapy activities. So, this got me searching for inspiration, and here's what I have learnt and found at the early stages,


Had a good look through this blog and found some useful lists hints tips and do's and don'ts in the New To Art Journaling Section by the very creative Kelley Luckett who has a story very similar to that I wish for myself, a creative soul who went to study Art Therapy which is where I want to be in a few years from now....


But this was my Fav so far... Julie Fai-Fan Balzer's Blog is informative has great tutorials on how to conquer a blank page, tips such as gesso and masking tape on you inside spine (genius) and a FAQ section that had me sorted pretty quickly with resources about how to get started, themes and lists etc.



Some of projects or challenges that caught my creativity were "The A-Z of me" and lists such as Things I love about me, places I want to go, things about my town and even illustrated recipes. Challenges you can set yourself, as the above taken from Squidoo, Art Journaling and prompts. This reminds me of a project I did many years ago at college which I should upload to show you all soon. Other things that appeal to me, mostly as I adore music is doing illustrated albums by a certain artists, I remember doodling these when I was at school bored in lessons. I once has a whole A4 page of Aerosmith tracks in picture form :D. I Also like the thought of doing a kind of instruction manual of different tasks etc that I could set myself so I could pick some at random to run along side the project. So two books, one journal and one inspiration and prompts book.


I also aspire to be able to do a little bit a day, even when I do 12 hr shifts even if I prep a page background or title/assign a project to a page.... SO


WHEN DOES THIS START I hear you cry. Well I am on the hunt for the book of choice in the next week or so. and I will thoroughly document this journey in the line of Art Therapy research. I have plenty of materials to get me started and previous work that I can draw from as inspiration. I will also upload previous art works completed with my support by people I have worked with with varied disabilities to document my Art Therapy interest and approach.


Exciting stuff, stay tuned.....

Sunday, 18 March 2012

Having a Burly shopping moment.....

Having just watched Burlesque and having just done my 4th and most successful Burly show yet. It got my brain ticking over....

Want!
Anne Summers Bra £40 and feather collar last season. Would look amaze under a sheer blouse or with an underbust corset. The collar reminds me of Skunk Anansie last year at Download, but obviously far more practical. Hers was on a wire frame and looked fierce!

Want!
Pearls and Swine, Cherry Fascinator. Limited edition in the sale £60! I will get around to buying them soon I hope. 

Want!
ASOS SALE Vivienne Westwood By Melissa Skull Slingback Court Shoe - RRP £120 Reduced to £75! 

Owned!
Collectif Norma fitted sailor dress, in the Sale one of many Bargains I got, this was only £30 :)
Payday isn't far away!
In other news for Download this year I NEED THIS! Mexican Skull oversized backpack,  I have wanted this for ages. I have changed jobs so I'm 5 weeks between ages, so I've been waiting. Sooon my pretty :)


That is all. 

toodles xx

Sunday, 15 January 2012

Inspired

I want this
Malice In Underland

And This
Ravings and Illustrations by Bamcat


<3 This - Egene Koo, Being Alone 2011





I WILL do this tomorrow!

x

Sunday, 1 January 2012

Xmas Giftage and Happy New Year!

Whittards Spotty Cup and Saucer

YUM!

Kurt Geiger Boots.

A Itunes voucher, with which I will buy this 

Fashionology Skull Bangle

Benefit Glam Set
Fashionology Necklace

I feel so lucky. I have some gorgeous items and some very special friends and family. Some dearly missed. 


3 New Years resolutions:

1. Blog more! (and sort website *coming soon*)
2. Use my Lumix G1 camera more. (I bought me and a friend a DSLR session in Bham to start this off in Jan)
3. Be Happier 

I also as not a resolution, more a decision will be moving out again early this year and go to estate agents and do it all properly so I don't end up back at home in a years time :s and new job prospects? and New Burlesque show opportunities :D and more progress towards an MA....... Hopefully.   


I hope you all behaved over New Year and Xmas ;)


Start as you mean to go on xx

Saturday, 15 October 2011

Books and Bits

I have just had a kinda eureka moment. Something that fills you with energy even though you're tired and fills you with ideas that you cant write down fast enough. After a grueling 12 hr day at work I have come home and decided to focus on how my work can work for me. As you may have seen a few posts ago, I want to be an art therapist. I have been working for young people with autism teaching life skills for 3 years now so with my fine art degree background I am going to try and make both worlds collide. I have joined an activity committee and have sat down tonight with an "Expressive Arts Activity Book" to get some ideas of projects.


I think  first of all i need a kit. The BASIC kit needs to contain:




  • Collage images (words, magazines, textures, colours)
  • Paper (lots of)
  • Pens (Millions of)
  • Glue (sticks and PVA)
  • exciting things! Stickers, glitter ribbon etc etc
So I have text my colleagues and friends and told them I am from now on collecting images and words from magazines on any theme. Travel, animals, children, words, photos and they can give them to me or leave them for me at work. The book suggests that I should cut these out myself so that participants with less dexterity can still join in. This is a great idea and I pile of images can be so inspiring! Also the book suggests as an ice breaker to make image cards, plain card with an image stuck on it so that it can be used as a basis for a piece of work for those daunted by an empty page. Genius! Once I have a good collage selection I will make a whole heap of these and carry them with me. 

Sessions I could do that I have thought of include:
  • Make a city (drawer on the walls covered in paper, drawer around people and use collage)
  • Book making (sketch books, story books, concertina books...)
  • Drawing and Painting to music (Even a live band)
  • Paper mache (bowls, masks etc) 
  • Drawing on the floor (covered in paper, hands knees and feet)
  • Then there is the obvious, cards masks etc etc 
  • Still Life Drawing, for the more high functioning and arty types amongst them who get the bug... Draw their favorite items. 
So I have just ran round my room like a nutter sacrificing items of mine that I have collected to use in collage, examples of books I have made (prototypes) and generally great things. Tissue, postcards, adverts and collage material. I have a carrier bag full of sacrificed materials and it feels good. Next step, go and buy a big box to keep it all in and maybe research book making activities...........


Excited x)