Gothic Horror- Final Evaluation ♰

This Gothic Horror project has been full of situations where I had to organise my own time- especially when planning photo shoots as there were two that we had to do completely on our own with out any guidance. This made me learn how to be independent as an artist and the fact that we could have interpreted the brief in any way- made me feel like I could really express myself when it came to designing the looks for both of my characters. The thing about this project that I found the hardest was making sure that the way my characters look is the way I have imagined them to, the practical side of the make up and that I was able to do it up to the standards of the brief, and also that they fit in with the TV show that I have chosen to base my characters on. There was a lot of elements I had to pay attention to, for example at first I thought Claudia’s make up can’t be abstract because Dexter is not that kind of a show, however I was able to explain why it looks that way, and that made me learn that not everything has to always be straight forward when it comes to the brief. Finding the right models was difficult and I feel like I should have started the process earlier than I did in order for me to find the right person. Overall, I am very happy with my work, but I also know I have a few things left to learn.

Quentin- Final Photographs ♰

This is my interpretation of Quentin...

I have really enjoyed doing this photoshoot as I felt like my idea was finally turning into something real. The photographs look like stills from a film, which is definitely the effect I was going for. I decided to photograph Quentin in a restaurant as he is a cannibal, therefore I had to create some connection through the location at which the photos were taken. The lighting is also good, even though it was natural. My model was very easy to work with which made the shoot go smoothly, with out any problems. It was one of the most fun shoots I have ever done! 

(Even though it doesn't look it!) 

Claudia- Final Photographs ♰

This is Claudia. Photos were taken in the studio as I felt that would help to focus more on her, then the surroundings she was in. Her character is so specific and abstract enough- I felt like it did not need anything else in the background. I chose the black paper because it goes more with her personalty- mysterious, lonely and lost. I am very happy with the outcome and absolutely loved doing this make up! 

Claudia - Hair Research ♰

Images taken from:

http://www.raniamaria.eu/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Untitled-11.jpg

http://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users16/esmeraldapirate/default/large-msg-133082008388.jpg

http://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users16/esmeraldapirate/default/large-msg-13308200855.jpg

http://s1.favim.com/orig/15/bw-brunette-dreadlocks-dreads-face-Favim.com-186196.jpg

I want Claudia to have dreads as I feel like that would represent her personality more. At first, I wanted her to have long, black hair so that it went with the Gothic theme. However, now that I have thought through the concept more, I realised it wouldn't be her (or who I would want her to represent).  I have asked some of my friends what dreads represent in their opinion. They all said unusual people with sensitive hearts/souls. I must say- I totally agree with that. This made it easy for me to decide what kind of a hairstyle I would want Claudia to have. 

I have also done some hair charts to show my ideas:

Quentin - Hair Research ♰

This is the sort of hairstyle I would want Quentin to have. Sleeked back and perfect looking. He is meant to represent a smart looking, handsome guy who looks after himself and I feel like this sort of hair would demonstrate that pretty well.

Here are some hair charts I have done to show my ideas:

Practising Claudia's Final Look ♰

-FINAL FACE CHART-

This is my final face chart for Claudia. I wanted to make it look like Claudia has no idea about what kind of make up people wear outside of the house, as she never leaves it. As I have mentioned earlier- make up is the only way Claudia expresses herself therefore it is not subtle even though it is a character from Dexter. I wanted to make her seem like she has been isolated from the world, and she doesn't not really follow the trends... She has her own rules when it comes to make up, hair and everything else in her life. 

The make up is meant to symbolise the pain Claudia is going through as that is the way she shows it to the 'world'. It looks like it is running down her face, and the two dots on her cheeks are meant to symbolise the tears. I decided to leave the lips nude/pale to keep that gothic feel to the make up. 

This is one of my favourite looks that I have done in a long time as I feel like it really represents the character and their story. It was very fun to create something that I could have interpreted in my own way!

Claudia's face charts + practising the looks ♰

I have sdone two face charts which demonstrate the kind of look I would want Claudia to have. I have looked at the work of Francoise Nielly, who is a painter and his work really demonstrated the sort of idea that I have in my head for Claudia. 

This is some of his work that intrigued me the most:

http://store.francoise-nielly.com/img/p/4/8/1/481-large.jpg

http://lookslikegooddesign.com/home/lookslik/public_html/
wp-content/uploads/nielly_10.jpg

http://main-designyoutrust.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/
2013/12/Nielly-Francoise5.jpg

However, while practising I realised that doing this sort of a look would not go with the brief... The make up looks too colourful and not gothic at all, which is what I was going for. The first look is way too colourful, that is why the second one has nude lips. It looks like there is way too much going on and it simply doesn't reflect my idea for Claudia's character. 

Face chart 1

Face chart 2

Look 1

Look 1

Look 2

Face chart 3

In this face chart I decided to incorporate the heart as Claudia is very much in love... But then I drew a line over the eyebrows to create that Gothic feel to the look

Tech file sign off sheet ♰

Vintage circus performers who inspired modern film directors ♰

1) Alice E. Doherty, also known on stage as "The Minnesota Woolly Baby":

2) Unzie The Albino:

3) Isaac W. Sprague, also known as "The Living Skeleton":

4) A performer with massive feet and another with no arms:

5) Koo Koo The Bird Girl:

6) The human pincushion: 

All these photos are very... Well, creepy. As we all know creepy attracts viewers. Horror and Gothic fanatics... especially. Or only? Murhpy who is the director of American Horror Story did his research and came across this... I love it. These photos are amazing and fascinating, which I think is the reason for AHS's success. The story. Which is not made up. And that's creepy. 

Gothic Poetry... ♰

It's late at night, and I have seen all the good horror films... What else could I look at?


Well... This.

Natasha Yount
Jan 25, 2012

I am everything you ever were afraid of

i am everything you ever were afraid of
i am the dark
the monster beneath your bed
the creaking door in the
silence of night
i am the spiders who crawl
the birds who fly
the growling beast in the woods
i am the nightmare
that keeps you up at night
thunder is my voice
and lightning my eyes
i am the death of your lover
your family
the car smashing to bits
i am you
dying all alone
i am everything you ever were afraid of
you cannot hide from me
i am always here

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

Iris Gurganus
Oct 18, 2010

The darkness is... 

the darkness is a friend
the darkness is a foe
it protect me from the light and keeps me whole
as the darkness grows t feel more alone
yet part of me is drawn to the light
the light stings my eyes and burns my flesh
i return to the darkness and this is where i will remain till im ready for the light

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Louisa May Alcott
1832 - 1888

Our Little Ghost

Oft, in the silence of the night,
When the lonely moon rides high,
When wintry winds are whistling,
And we hear the owl's shrill cry,
In the quiet, dusky chamber,
By the flickering firelight,
Rising up between two sleepers,
Comes a spirit all in white.

A winsome little ghost it is,
Rosy-cheeked, and bright of eye;
With yellow curls all breaking loose
From the small cap pushed awry.
Up it climbs among the pillows,
For the 'big dark' brings no dread,
And a baby's boundless fancy
Makes a kingdom of a bed.

A fearless little ghost it is;
Safe the night seems as the day;
The moon is but a gentle face,
And the sighing winds are gay.
The solitude is full of friends,
And the hour brings no regrets;
For, in this happy little soul,
Shines a sun that never sets.

A merry little ghost it is,
Dancing gayly by itself,
On the flowery counterpane,
Like a tricksy household elf;
Nodding to the fitful shadows,
As they flicker on the wall;
Talking to familiar pictures,
Mimicking the owl's shrill call.

A thoughtful little ghost if is;
And, when lonely gambols tire,
With chubby hands on chubby knees,
It sits winking at the fire.
Fancies innocent and lovely
Shine before those baby-eyes, -
Endless fields of dandelions,
Brooks, and birds, and butterflies.

A loving little ghost it is:
When crept into its nest,
Its hand on father's shoulder laid,
Its head on mother's breast,
It watches each familiar face,
With a tranquil, trusting eye;
And, like a sleepy little bird,
Sings its own soft lullaby.

Then those who feigned to sleep before,
Lest baby play till dawn,
Wake and watch their folded flower -
Little rose without a thorn.
And, in the silence of the night,
The hearts that love it most
Pray tenderly above its sleep,
'God bless our little ghost!'

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Source: http://hellopoetry.com/collection/355/gothic-style-victorian-horror-mystery/

I feel like poetry has disappeared from the "cool things" basket nowadays, and people completely forgot about it. It is all about photos,apps etc. and never about Art in physical form of words on paper anymore. It's intriguing how we have all 'evolved'.... but in a good or bad way? Am I making sense to you?

Gothic Motifs ♰

What does it mean to say a text/mood/atmosphere is Gothic? I decided to research this and look a how Professor John Bowen considers some of the best-known Gothic novels of the late 18th and 19th centuries, while also exploring the features they have in common, including marginal places, transitional time periods and the use of fear and manipulation. 

"Gothic is a literary genre, and a characteristically modern one. The word ‘genre’ comes from the Latin ‘genus’ which means ‘kind’. So to ask what genre a text belongs to is to ask what kind of text it is. A genre isn’t like a box in which a group of texts all neatly fit and can be safely classified; there is no essence or a single element that belongs to all Gothics. It is more like a family of texts or stories. All members of a family don’t look the same and they don’t necessarily have a single trait in common, but they do have overlapping characteristics, motifs and traits. The genre of Gothic is a particularly strange and perverse family of texts which themselves are full of strange families, irrigated with scenes of rape and incest, and surrounded by marginal, uncertain and illegitimate members. It is never quite clear what is or is not a legitimate member of the now huge Gothic family, made up not just of novels, poems and stories but of films, music, videogames, opera, comics and fashion, all belonging – and not quite belonging – together. But they do have some important traits in common. 

Just as places are often mysterious, lost, dark or secret in Gothic fiction, so too are its characteristic times. Gothics often take place at moments of transition (between the medieval period and the Renaissance, for example) or bring together radically different times. There is a strong opposition (but also a mysterious affinity) in the Gothic between the very modern and the ancient or archaic, as everything that characters and readers think that they’ve safely left behind comes back with a vengeance. 

Sigmund Freud wrote a celebrated essay on ’The Uncanny’ (1919), which he defined as ‘that class of the frightening which leads back to what is known of old and long familiar’. Gothic novels are full of such uncanny effects – simultaneously frightening, unfamiliar and yet also strangely familiar. A past that should be over and done with suddenly erupts within the present and deranges it. This is one reason why Gothic loves modern technology almost as much as it does ghosts. A ghost is something from the past that is out of its proper time or place and which brings with it a demand, a curse or a plea. Ghosts, like gothics, disrupt our sense of what is present and what is past, what is ancient and what is modern, which is why a novel like Dracula is as full of the modern technology of its period – typewriters, shorthand, recording machines – as it is of vampires, destruction and death.

The Gothic world is fascinated by violent differences in power, and its stories are full of constraint, entrapment and forced actions. Scenes of extreme threat and isolation – either physical or psychological – are always happening or about to happen. A young woman in danger, such as the orphan Emily St Aubert in Ann Radcliffe’s The Mysteries of Udolpho (1794) or Lucy Westenra in Dracula, is often at the centre of Gothic fiction. Against such vulnerable women are set the great criminals or transgressors, such as the villainous Montoni in The Mysteries of Udolpho or Count Dracula. Cursed, obscene or satanic, they seem able to break norms, laws and taboos at will. Sexual difference is thus at the heart of the Gothic, and its plots are often driven by the exploration of questions of sexual desire, pleasure, power and pain. It has a freedom that much realistic fiction does not, to speak about the erotic, particularly illegitimate or transgressive sexuality, and is full of same-sex desire, perversion, obsession, voyeurism and sexual violence. At times, as in Matthew Lewis’s The Monk (1796), Gothic can come close to pornography. "

John Bowen. (2013). Discovering Literature: Romantics and Victorians.Available: http://www.bl.uk/romantics-and-victorians/articles/gothic-motifs. Last accessed 15th Apr 2015.

The story of Cannibals ♰

As one of my characters for the next projects is a Cannibal, I thought I should learn more about it. So, what does it actually mean to be a Cannibal? It is known to be a person who eats the flesh of other human beings. Nice one:-)

Above is a very interesting and long interview with Jeffrey Dahmer, who is said to be the most famous American serial killer who ate 17 people.

"Jeffrey who was a chocolate factory employee and seemingly mild-mannered gentleman, was accused of killing, raping, torturing, dismembering, and even in some cases, eating, a total of 17 victims between 1978 and 1991.

Dahmer's calm, controlled, and polite attitude throughout this 1994 interview with Stone Phillips shows no indication of a man capable of committing the crimes he's describing. Though evidently aware of his mistakes and regretful of his actions, he gives us and Phillips an idea as to the sort of satisfaction and sexual gratification he felt while dominating and subduing his victims.

A chilling recount of his first murder in 1978, in a hotel room involving a man he met at a bar, is vaguely described at the three-minute mark of the clip. "When I woke up in the morning, my forearms were bruised," Dahmer said. "And his chest was bruised, blood was coming out of his mouth, he was hanging over the side of the bed, and I have no memory of beating him to death, but I must have."

Dahmer admits to striving for total control over his victims, a large part of the reason why he committed the crimes, and when Phillips questions him about the pleasure he acquires from the actual act of killing his victims at the 6:06 mark, Dahmer replies, "the killing was just a means to an end, that was the least satisfactory part, I didn't enjoy doing that. That's why I tried to create living zombies with muriatic acid and the drill. But it never worked."

Michael Gibson. (Unknown). Cannibalism: List of 15 Famous Cannibals . Available: http://www.ranker.com/list/the-15-craziest-cannibal-attacks-in-history/michael-gibson?page=3. Last accessed 9th April 2015.

Face charts for Quentin ♰

This make up includes a half moon as i felt like it could stand for the letter "C" - Claudia. 

This is my favourite look as I feel like it represents Quentin the most. 

This look is very mysterious... However, reminds me of Batman too much! 

In this look, I decided to incorporate a moustache as Quentin is a grown man, in a suit and I feel like that could be a nice part of the whole look. 

Colourful Make-Up Research ♰

I wanted to look at colourful make up ideas as this is what I want my character Claudia to look like and represent. I have found a lot of inspirations and interesting looks, for example:

http://cdn.girlishh.com/wp-content/uploads/
2013/03/Colourful-Eye-Makeup-300x300.jpg

The make up above reminds me of a bird because of the feathers... I like how the detail adds meaning and that is something I would like Claudia to have when it comes to her make up look. The unusual use of yellow as blusher really intrigued me as well.

http://www.eyeshadowlipstick.com/wp-content/uploads/
2010/06/multi-coloured-eye-makeup.jpg

Here I LOVE the blending... All the colours look like they are creating a rainbow that makes this look work. I would add a lot more contour to make the make up seem even more drastic.

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/
28/49/f5/2849f566b8c859ccf90a358459c90f57.jpg

This is my favouriiiteeeee one. The black frame around the eyes adds the Gothic feel to it as well as the pale lip look making the model look ill...almost. The colour saves her, which is the idea for my character as make up will be the only way she expresses herself.

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/7c/c6/ed/
7cc6edf1f282023b2ea6630b643a46a7.jpg

All these photos gave me an idea of what I want Claudia to look like... especially the last photo as it looks so intimate and personal, which is how I see Claudia. I really like the pose and the way she almost looks like a painting.

My idea for Claudia and Quentin... ♰

https://storiesthatmatter.files.wordpress.com/
2012/09/bridgecouplelonelysadwaitingpeople-d795edc4a83
e3829db2b530b3065830a_h.jpg?w=400&h=300&crop=1

The show I decided to base my characters on is Dexter. I chose that show because I feel like I really understand it and if I could be a part of any TV production- that would be it. He is an anti-hero, whereas before it used to be Spiderman or Superman. It's fascinating... I like the idea of him commiting crimes in a white room. It is not something we are used to- it's different. The show is for 16 year olds +, both male and female. 

My idea for Claudia is that she would be Dexter's sister who has been pushed away by their father, for not being as ambitious as their other sister who also works for the Police. The thing that I would add to this character is that she would self-harm and the only way she will express herself would be through colourful make-up. The word I chose to represent Claudia was bandage. This is because it went well with her story of self-harm.  

Quentin is someone who is being investigated by Dexter... Purely because Dexter found out that Claudia is being eaten alive. But in reality she was hurting herself... Quentin would be a cannibal that would use Claudia for his own benefits. He will look young and attractive... Almost innocent. The word I chose for him is fork, this is because it goes well with the whole idea of cannibalism. I have watched a film called Vile, that showed lots of injuries as people were told to torture each other. This helped to understand wounds more and gave me an idea of what I wanted to do. Another film that really inspired me to do this was American psycho. It is about a very handsome and successful man who at night turns into a serial killer. 

The story of Claudia and Quentin- Presentation ♰

- ♰ -

“It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold; when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.”

- Great Expectations

Victorian inspired fashion ♰

I was sat in my Fashion lecture today and all of a sudden felt an urge to write a post on modern fashion that was based on the Victorian era. I thought it would be very interesting to see what fashion designers have specifically taken from the era and made it into something fashionable NOW. You know... Intriguing.

-Valentino-

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zxFrA_CkN9_aODLlo36viuycf4bmioomEep_so_V3emLuvhuCzeqkJW_z9RXdfpQ_NS0fYTA4mXqOJd5lpIYGhV9P9N2EAnhEpKOlYdsvcHD3APeHMuC0VOi9k3yijvn6eprR_Opphi7/s1600/Picture+10.png

This collection SCREAMS Victorian. Personally, I love it and I think it definitely has a modern and interesting feel to it. It looks very personal to me as it is all nude and quite tight as well as very feminine and sexy. 

-Nina Ricci/Spring '09-

http://www.hautfashion.com/designer-collection/nina-ricci-spring-2009-rtw

http://www.hautfashion.com/designer-collection/nina-ricci-spring-2009-rtw

This collection has a Victorian feel to it because of the high collars, the iconic sleeves, jodhpur-like pants, a natural palette of nudes, purples and browns and delicate floral prints. The result was a poetic and ethereal gathering of long-legged fairies that wore sheer ombre-dyed tights and high-heeled pumps. This collection I think is very beautiful and girly.

"Olivier Theyskens, one of the few exceptionally skilled couturiers, uses exquisite fabrics and innovative structural details to emphasize feminine beauty and renew the idea of romanticism in fashion, detached from seasonal trends." - http://www.hautfashion.com/designer-collection/nina-ricci-spring-2009-rtw

Julien Macdonald- Grunge Deluxe ♰

These are the looks that I re-created on my model. It is a look from London Fashion Week '13. 

I found these very cool and grungy. I love the idea of the messy look but you can tell it has that hint of creativity to it and behind all that mess hides a piece of Art. 

I also really like the hairstyle that comes with this make up look- very easy but cool and effective. Simple, twisted ponytail which screams 'I couldn't be bothered but I still look good'.

This look has been inspired by Marilyn Manson the king of this smudged black eye's look. 

LOVE IT. <3

♰

                                                                               ♰

                                                                              ♰

This look is all about creating flawless skin with highlight + contour. The messy hair is suppose to represent 'the morning after the night before'.

I think there is a few ways how I could represent Claudia and Quentin through my work, and these looks have helped me to understand the techniques other make up artists use in order to send a message they need to send.