DISASTERVILLE

Eugenio Recuenco

You enter a carnival, late at night, expecting to see clowns and wizards and candies and colored lights. You expect there to be terrifyingly dangerous rides, tightrope walkers with wings on their feet, impossible to win games. Instead you find yourself surrounded by a menagerie of sideshow denizens- geeks, strong men, bearded ladies. Eugenio Recuenco’s artwork has a similar feel. While one expects the typical fashion photography- models posing lithely in pretty clothes - they instead are engulfed in breathtakingly creepy imagery. The sets where Recuenco explore the circus are some of his best: beautiful, yet eerie, they resemble fine art or film stills. Take a closer look at his extensive portfolio to look inside the mind of this visionary photographer.

1 comment July 18th, 2008

The Mid-Week Inspiration Post!

This really won’t be news to most people, but Emily from Inside a Black Apple has one of the most fancy-adorable blogs around! Known for her whimsical paintings (see below) and dolls, my heart swoons every time I read her entries. She has created her own little world full of the most outstanding creatures! Everything she creates is picture-perfect cuteness! When my rss reader shows that there is a new entry at her blog I go batty! Now that I’ve rambled, run off and take a look at her etsy store… its full of many wonderful treats!

Head on over to Tarot Table Talk and pick a card for this week. Try and find some information on the card you’ve chosen. What does your tarot card say about you and what you’ve experienced this week.

We come to love not by finding a perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly. - Sam Keen

We can have in life but one great experience at best, and the secret of life is to reproduce that experience as often as possible. - Oscar Wilde

The best years of your life are the ones in which you decide your problems are your own. You do not blame them on your mother, the ecology, or the president. You realize that you control your own destiny. - Albert Ellis

We have already done so much that people call dynamics. Look at the bumblebee being unaware of scientific truths, goes ahead and flies anyway. If it is possible, we will do it here. - Tom Hopkins

If the showing hasn’t already sold out in your city, go see The Dark Knight at midnight tonight! (How many times can I use “night” in one sentence?)

Here’s to a fantastic week!

2 comments July 17th, 2008

Carnival Rock - Defining a Genre

Why is there no rock genre dedicated to loud, jangly, bizarre carnival music!? Bands who travel in packs, paint their faces like clowns and create music so twisted that it could only end up in the sideshow? Below I have chosen six of my favorite bands whom I feel, if such a genre were to ever arise, would reign over Carnival Rock.

The World/Inferno Friendship Society (pictured above) are an up-to-thirty-something piece band from Brooklyn, NYC. Their music is high-powered punk with hints of reggae, broadway and traditional Jewish klezmer. Like a true carny, their front-man, Jack Terricloth, “advocates drinking, lying, travelling, stealing, doing drugs, keeping enemies, always looking one’s best, getting in fights, befriending hobos and ‘walking the walk.’” He even has his own advice column. Each Halloween, The Inferno hosts Hallowmas, an all out party complete with circus acts, marching bands and street rallies! Check out their website, or listen to “So Long to the Circus” from Red-Eyed Soul and “Friend to the Friendless” from International Smashism to get a feel for the Friendship Society.

Hailing from Montreal by way of Houston, Arcade Fire are another band with a staggering member count who’s music references multiple genres. Possibly Canada’s most adored band (their fans include Bono from U2 and David Bowie), Arcade Fire’s music is jangly, resonate and oft times political. They have performed in an elevator, in French hotel lobbies, and will often times descend into the crowd to play a song or two among their fans. Their videos for No Cars Go and Neon Bible are perfect indicators as to why this band would rock a carnival. Still not convinced? Listen to “Intervention” from Neon Bible or “Rebellion (Lies)” from Funeral.

Boston’s Dresden Dolls look as though they stepped right out of the Big Top. Playing brash and beautiful Brechtian punk cabaret, the duo paints their faces like mimes, stages theatre shows and samples music boxes. Before concerts, fans are encouraged to dress vibrantly and entertain the queue with kissing booths, stilt-walking or mini-concerts. When I attended their Dallas gig in May, a coin-operated, robotic Ballerina and silvery hula hoop dancers performed. Their opening acts include modern dancers and transvestites dressed in corsets and tutus. The band formed after drummer, Brian Viglione, met singer / pianist / former street performer, Amanda Palmer, at a Halloween party. Take a look at their videos for Girl Anachronism and Sing… or listen to “Gravity” from their self-titled album.

Formed in California, and made up with the members of two metal acts (Avenged Sevenfold and Ballistico) is the ever-disturbing Pinkly Smooth. Their music is mentally deranged, high-powered metal. Sounding like a collaboration between a sideshow and a slaughterhouse, the elusive band only plays a gig when A7X isn’t on tour (ie: never). While this may sound disappointing, I have a feeling it might be for the best- their music is so ear-shredding on mp3 that I can’t imagine how brutal it would sound live. Listen to “Necromance Theatre” and “Nosferatu Does a Hefty Dance” from Unfortunate Snort or visit their myspace.

If Pinkly Smooth was too heavy for you, if you’re more of a fairytales and fauna type, then Joanna Newsom is your lady. Her lengthy, drowsy harp compositions are paired with an ethereal voice that sounds both childish and worldly. She has toured with the lovely folk-freak Devendra Banhart and her songs have been covered by the Decemberists and Final Fantasy. Joanna’s music is like a carnival on a summer day, a carousel ride by the beach: sunny, refreshing, joyous and magical. Let the 12 minute, 9 second long “Emily” from Ys be your introduction to Miss Newsom.

In my own opinion I have saved the best for last: France’s fascinating, dark caberet quartet The Katzenjammer Kabarett. Their myspace profile details their influences best: “the Katzenjammer Kabarett members do not mind using the diletante and frivolous aesthetic of several past movements, their compositions, nonetheless, by the means of varied and various collages, is an attempt to reveal in a coherent or almost way, by the use of electronic, pop, jazz, deathrock, or classical music sounds as well as traditional cabaret songs, the peculiar atmosphere one could have probably found in old fashioned Lieder.” With songs that explore living portraits, schizophrenics, wakes and Jack the Ripper, the Kabarett crafts haunting, delicate songs that sound like some sort of twisted carnival on the darkest of nights. If you can track down a copy of their 2006 cd, Nova Express, it would be in your best interests… songs such as “Gemini Girly Song” and “Genuine, a Fantastic Revue” are fantastic examples of what this band can do. Having trouble tracking down the cd? Head over to their myspace or take a look at their website.

3 comments July 17th, 2008

Carny Tea Party

Fairy lights strung ’round limbs of cherry blossoms, goldfish and cotton candy, pom poms and paper hats, welcome to a tea party fit for a carny or clown! One needs no occasion to celebrate the carnival with a cup ‘o tea. Put on your best clown face, gather up your tea cups and get ready to throw a carny tea party that your friends will be remembering for ages.

The Food
Carnival food is enough to make any sweet tooth’s heart melt. Brightly colored bowls of sugar-dusted fresh fruit, sand art sculptures made from pixie stix and frothy, fluffy fairy floss clouds should dazzle the table. Make cupcakes from scratch and ice them with clown faces and balloons. Rent a popcorn machine, fill bowls to the brim with sweets and scatter candy necklaces and gum drops around the table. Let your guests sip on lemonade and sparkling grape juices colored with a drop or two of food dye. No tea party is complete without the tea- pick up a tin of gypsy tea and as the party nears to a close, read the leaves.

The Decor
Find a brightly colored, plastic tea set in the toy section of your favorite store. Make paper hats for all your guests and decorate them with glitter, pom poms and ribbons. Fairy lights strung around flowering tree branches or garden statues will illuminate your party. Sprinkle glitter, maribou and star-shaped confetti over everything. Buy lots and lots of balloons and twist them into adorable balloon animals. If your party setting is near trees, hang paper stars from ribbons strung among the branches and leaves. The decor should be colorful, bright and fun. Take a look at theMad Tea Party miss Vanessa Valencia threw - it is a trés perfect inspiration!

The Ambiance
Set the mood with some music- freeplaymusic has some great carnival-esque tunes and bands such as The World Inferno Friendship Society and I’m From Barcelona have a punchy, fun feel that is very “night hittin’ the midway.” Use plastic martini glasses as place cards: fill each one with water, drop in a live goldfish and use glittery paint pens to write each guest’s name on the glass. Just like at the Carnival, your guest will walk away will an adorable pet prize! Require a dress code - everybody must dress in costume! End the night by heading inside and watching Big Fish and episodes of Carnivàle!

2 comments July 16th, 2008

Carnival Fashion

The Clown lives life like one giant, colorful party. Her wardrobe is filled with unusual pieces and bright splashes of color. She knows the best way to avoid looking like Bozo is to anchor the crazier pieces is with touches of neutral hues such as black. A carnival mask slung around the side of her magnificent afro and a candy necklace dangling from her neck, this clown girl is a hell of a lot more stylish than that creepy old man making balloon animals on your street corner.

This miss loves hittin’ The Midway to play all her favorite carnival games. Candy colors are her cup of tea- a sweet silk dress and iridescent sandals in sugary pinks and blues match the lollipops and cotton candy that make her sweet tooth swoon. Miss Midway is an ace at shooting games and has a large collection of stuffed animals which she has won. She likes to tote them around as accessories; they go great with the chunky bracelets and fairy-tale inspired rings she has come to love. Miss Midway has the heart of a child and shows it through her pastel, candy-colored wardrobe.

Hiding in the hall of mirrors, watching you from behind a veil of dry-ice-smoke, is the Haunted House girl. Just like the lil’ house of horrors she loves so much, this girlish ghoul is a little bit silly. From the cartoon monster on her favorite shirt, to a pair of skeleton gloves, there’s nothing scary about her look. Pairing bold blacks and whites with a single, vibrantly-colored piece ties her look together. Unique accessories such as polka-dot shoes, skeleton brooches and a bat bag make her look anything but boring. Silly, spooky and fun, she resonates all the best parts of the Haunted House without stomping around in fake fangs and a rubber monster mask!

Spinning high above the carnival is a girl peering down from The Ferris Wheel. So high up in the air and surrounded by dazzling lights, she almost looks like a star! Miss Ferris Wheel sparkles in gold tones and loves shades of blue; being so high up in the air has made her fond of the sky and stars. If she could she would catch the constellations and wear them draped over her shoulders like a shawl, but instead she’ll settle for some fantastic star-shaped jewels and gems. With a turban to hold back her long flowing locks, she’s ready for another spin!

Miss Sweetheart took a ride through The Tunnel of Love and fell head over heels for all the hearts, swans and darling cupids she saw. Dainty, feminine and very pink, she’s a cotton-candy colored Valentine. Her wardrobe is full of silks, satins and frills. Silver-toned jewelry and heart-shaped rhinestones clutter her jewelry box. Every time this valentine takes a whirl through the Tunnel she imagines meeting her soulmate at the carnival. As she hops off the swan boat and returns to the Midway, she slips on her very-pink shades and daydreams of her one-true-love.

Have your palm read and future revealed by the Fortune Teller. Flowing fabrics in mystical shades of lavender and grey are this gypsy’s staples: they are brooding and mystical shades, just like her! Her wardrobe is eclectic and she piles on various bangles, bracelets and charms from all the many places she has visited. The light and airy pieces this lady chooses only further the sense that she is a surreal being; these breezy pieces make her look lighter than air, as if she could fly away or disappear at any moment. Gladiator sandals with straps that snake up her legs and a worn-in deck of tarot card complete her look!

9 comments July 15th, 2008

Weekly Theme : The Carnival

You had always been one obsessed with the menagerie of lights and sounds, the boundless sense of happiness, that was the carnival. Feather-footed trapeze artists, the precarious sway of a ferris wheel car, clowns that looked dipped in rainbows and roses. Tunnels of Love with boats in the shape of giant swans. The carnival, it seemed, was an entirely different world, one free from sense and full of sensory. So imagine your surprise when you discovered the abandoned Big Top tent, faded and worn, abandoned in the forest like some sort of cast-off recluse’s home. Curiosity being one of your better qualities, you pull back the heavy canvas flap and enter the tent, expecting nothing more than dust and dead leaves. Instead you find an old man in a crumpled top hat, sitting cross-legged on the dirty ground. He is very old, swaying precariously close to death, with a stringy beard, heavy-lidded, deep-set eyes and a dodgy set of teeth. You begin to leave, but as you turn, he beckons you with one bony finger.

“Close your eyes, close them now, quick.” His voice- accented from a dialect unknown- sounds surprisingly young. You watch his face strain as his voice deepens. Your eyes shut. You hear him sigh. “Welcome to Disasterville!”

You put the palms of your hands against your eyes and peek through your fingers. And what a surprise! Your eyes are blinded by colored lights. Jewel-colored silk banners and glistening rhinestone stars hang from the celling and live canaries dance among them. An attractive woman breathes fire to light the candelabras that look like the tentacles of squid. The Big Top is full of beautiful beasts- lions with braided manes lying on lavish velvet cushions, pink ponies galloping in circles around a boy in a velvet top hat. “Thank you- you set me free!” exclaims the boy, tipping his hat to you. His voice is accented and wise- you realize it as the voice of the withered old man who brought you here. Trapeze artists and arial acts are smiling down at you from high above. A magician is pulling tricks out of a hat.

You turn to exit the big top and find that the forest has been transformed. Tree houses settled in between limbs and leaves house booths full of carnival games and gifts. Whirling, twirling, fairy-lit rides spin in spirals, zooming down metallic tracks. A man with a rosy face is holds a bouquet of balloons and a fairy floss web of cotton candy the size of a watermelon. A shaded clearing is home to a lovely little diner, complete with a jukebox full of oldies and cheery waitresses on roller skates. There are clowns, giants, contortionists and a photo booth full of giggling grandmas posing in funny hats. Flowers have begun to bloom and the ground grows fresh and grassy. You hear a loud crash and look above you where fireworks twinkle like burning spirits.

The next morning, you awaken in the dusty, abandoned circus tent. Your skin feels wrinkled, your eyes strained. You feel your head and realize that you are wearing a crushed, dusty top hat. You turn your eyes to the canvas flap that separates this big top from the rest of the world and pray that a visitor enters soon. Like a genie in a lamp, you wish for a curious stranger. So you may return to the carnival, your youth. So that it may set you free.

Each week at Disasterville, I have decided to present a different theme that will loosely tie each post together. This week we are exploring the Carnival! Here are a handful of the posts that you can look forward to:

Francesca Lia Block Style : Part 2

The Art of Eugenio Recuenco

Carnival-Influenced Style

Disasterville’s Top Five Favorite Clowns

The Carnival, a short story

Elysia vs. The Desert

Of course, you can also look forward to old favorites, such as the Disasterville Fairytale and the Mid-Week Inspiration post!

7 comments July 13th, 2008

The Mid-Week Inspiration Post!

I have fallen head over heels in love with the art of flickr user chimidoro. Not only does this baby blue-haired bombshell have an amazing sense of style, but her drawings and photographs kick major ass as well! Her photographs of Blythe dolls and sketches of doe-eyed doll-faced girls make my heart swoon! If she sold prints of her work I would buy lots and lots and frame them in pretty gold frames and cover every inch of wall space with them. Fantastique!

Draw an affirmation card every morning and let the positive message inspire you throughout the day.

The true harvest of my life is intangible - a little star dust caught, a portion of the rainbow I have clutched. - Henry David Thoreau

I wouldn’t be surprised if someday some fishermen caught a big shark and cut it open, and there inside was a whole person. Then they cut the person open, and in him is a little baby shark. And in the baby shark there isn’t a person, because it would be too small. But there’s a little doll or something, like a Johnny Combat little toy guy - something like that. - Jack Handy

‘Got writer’s block? Join Writing Weekly and see if a little competition helps out.

Sanity and happiness are an impossible combination. - Mark Twain

Have a lovely week, dollfaces!

5 comments July 10th, 2008

A Disasterville Fairytale Pt. 3

New to the fairytale? Just need a refresher? Click HERE and begin reading, lovely! Just want a taste of the last chapter? Click HERE.

Marrow imagined her secret admirer as a lanky little librarian boy with an argyle sweater, tangly hair and a gap in between his two front teeth. He would have fallen in love with her when she checked out armfuls of vegan cookbooks, he would be watching her at the circulation desk from behind a pile of texts with a silent grin tacked on his face. When she left, this secret lover boy would creep over to the computer and look up her name and address.

Or maybe he was a business man in an Armani suit, carrying armloads of papers to be signed by the boss. He saw her out the window of his high rise office and immediately had his secretary scribble out a note professing his love.

Was he a Tuxedo Max look-alike carrying a bouquet of roses? The gorgeous Indian man who drove the ice cream truck? Possibly, just possibly, the delectable grocery store cashier who complimented her on her cardigan last week?

So enchanted by her daydreams, Marrow had failed to notice the heart-shaped pink smudge of a lipstick kiss seal, the delicate curls of the perfect cursive script, the faint scent of roses and a woman’s perfume. She did not realize that this letter did not come a library book-toting Indian ice cream truck driving business man with a bouquet of roses and a secretary named Susie, but rather from a lady.

And as she heard the knock and opened up the door, Marrow was disappointed to see the pink-haired pixie-faced girl wearing the rosette-covered prom dress, origami earrings and Go-Go boots. “Ready to leave this place, dollface?” The pixie was grinning from ear to ear. Marrow stood stunned as her secret admirer leaned over and kissed her cheek, leaving behind a glittery, strawberry smudge.

“I’ve been watching you, dollface, and you dream too much. Not that dreaming is a bad thi-”

“Who are you?”

The pixie-girl rolled her eyes. “I’m Veruca. And, not to come off like a creep, I’ve been watching you. Now, come quick, follow me. Do you want to leave this world or not?”

Marrow reached for her backpack. “Um. Sure… where are we going exactly?”

Veruca grasped Marrow’s hand and took off running. “Oh you’ll see dollface. You need to learn to be nicer to your Sprite.”

And that was when Marrow saw the tiny shiny pair of wings sprout from Veruca’s glitter-caked shoulders. And then they went up: up, up and away into the smoggy city sky.

This week indulge in glitter and glamour! Expect the unexpected! Secret lovers may be disguised as girl fairy princesses. Prom dresses may hide a pair of wings. Dust the world in glitter, kiss the cheeks of all you know and open your eyes to find the beauty in the real world. Sure, things may not go exactly as planned, but unlike Marrow, don’t be a sourpuss and keep your head up- you have no idea where these new roads will take you! (Although it is most likely somewhere extraordinary, for sure!)

5 comments July 9th, 2008

Forget E-Mail : Writing Letters in Style

When is the last time you wrote a letter (and I’m not talking typed out an e-mail or tapped out a text)? True, it may be easier to send a note digitally, but something is lost when you bypass stamps, envelopes and paper, especially stationary as cute as this! So grab your favorite gel pen and a pack of stamps and get ready to write!

Send your best friend birthday greetings in this Nutty Bunny card by Teriko! Sure, a giant grinning rabbit is a lil’ creepy, but paired with a happy birthday message written in metallic silver paint pen and a dash of confetti, this card will brighten up their day. Pass up giving your pal a gift card, and instead get them a bright vintage frock and a pair of heart-shaped shades!

Just because you’re writing a formal letter doesn’t mean you it has to be dull or drab. Use your best ball point pen on these Pink Alligator Memo Sheets by The Stationery Studio to add a playful punch to what you write. And don’t worry about you illegible signature: the best part about these pretty papers is that you can have them personalized with your name!

Iggy Pop fanatic? Want to profess your love of Courtney Love? Write a fan letter to a rockstar on these Music is My Rainbow note sheets by szmoon. Avoid coming off like some sort of creepy stalker (that means don’t write this letter in your blood) and instead write the Katie Jane Garsides and Bob Dylans a friendly thank you for writing some damn good songs. Bright paper like this looks fantastic with punchy colored inks. Be sure to seal the envelope with one of the included star stickers.

Wether it be to a secret love or the sweetheart you already have, send off a love letter in these Sailor’s Life cards by stilettoheights. Pretty delicate images on the front of these cards will match the heartwarming prose you write on the inside perfectly. Fill up the envelope with dried rose petals and spritz the card with your favorite perfume. Tie the card to a bar of luscious dark chocolate and leave it on your lover’s pillow as a surprise for them to find.

Moving? Let your friends know your new address in these House is too Small greeting cards by NoosedKitty. Make the note shine by putting together a mini zine showing off where you lived before and where you are now.

If you go on a trip, pass up the tacky tourist postcards and send a souvenir note back home on these Forest Baby Postcards by littlebigpants. Scour the local shops for matching stamps and small trinkets that can be attached with either tape or string. Describe the sights in full detail to give the recipient a way better image of where you are than a photo of some monument ever could.

Say thank you on a Sisters greeting card by drinkabutter. Use your best cursive and quill pen to show your gratitude in words. Like the fairy children that grace the greeting, share what you have; include a piece of wisdom, a fun fact or a joke you’ve learned. Not only will your friend appreciate how much you loved their gift, but they will adore that you returned the favor and gave them a bit of knowledge to chew on.

Next time you feel the need to write a little letter or note, pass up the keyboard and grab one of the pretty papers above. Not only are you going to have a blast playing around stickers, glitter, pens and glue, but the recipients of your letters will have a smile on their faces seeing such a delightful treat in their mailbox.

4 comments July 8th, 2008

Why Don’t You?

Best known for her roles as a Harper’s Bazaar columnist and Vogue editor, Diana Vreeland is the ultimate fashion icon. One of her best loved columns was the “Why Don’t You” series: Miss Vreeland would offer up outrageous and outstanding ideas on how to turn one’s ordinary life into that of high class, glamourous citizen. While we aren’t about to suggest that you “turn your child into an Infanta for a fancy-dress party” or “have an elk-hide trunk for the back of your car”, Disasterville has a few spiffy suggestions as well:

Why don’t you match your toenails to your eyeshadow?

Why don’t you answer the phone with a luscious French accent? (Hello dahhh-ling…)

Why don’t you tie a lovely ribbon bow around your neck?

Why don’t you dye a streak of an unexpected color in your hair?

Why don’t you make t-shirts featuring the cameo silhouettes of your favorite people?

Why don’t you braid feathers and flowers into your hair?

Why don’t you find a silk heart-shaped box to keep your jewelry and dried roses in?

Why don’t you wear pure essential oils rather than perfume?

Why don’t you base an outfit around your favorite song?

Why don’t you dress in monotone colors for an entire week?

Why don’t you embroider a magic spell onto your jeans?

Why don’t you learn to knit lace?

That’s all for today in Disasterville, but check in tomorrow for the next chapter in the fairytale and the ultimate guide to writing letters in style, be it odes to your love or a chat with a pen pal!

6 comments July 7th, 2008

Eugenio Recuenco

The Mid-Week Inspiration Post!

Carnival Rock - Defining a Genre

Carny Tea Party

Carnival Fashion

Weekly Theme : The Carnival

The Mid-Week Inspiration Post!

A Disasterville Fairytale Pt. 3

Forget E-Mail : Writing Letters in Style

Why Don’t You?

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