The Christopher Moonlight Blog

2009-08-06T11:39:00.001-07:00

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$399. & Under! Black Cat Art Sale Sat Dec 6 w Music+Fashion+DJ+Film

2008-11-21T14:16:00.000-08:00

Jennifer Hart Biagiotti

The BLACK CAT GALLERY
11523 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City CA 90066 310 313 4931

blackcatart.com www.myspace.com/theblackcatgallery

For Immediate Release: November 17, 2008

For Press Contact: 310 313 4931 gubkitty@yahoo.com

“$399. & UNDER!”

Buy ART for Holiday Gifts That Will Never Be Thrown Away!
A fine Art Reduced Priced Sale, Fashion, Film, Music, Performance, Design Riot
Make Warhol’s Ghost Proud: Eccentric-Stylish-costume Hair & Dress Encouraged!
Black Cat Gallery December 6-January 20 Hours: Friday & Saturday 11-6pm & By Appointment
Opening & Artists’ Reception Sat. December 6, 2008 7pm-Midnight

Live music (12 Midnight): FANGS ON FUR myspace.com/fangsonfur.com

Live Painting: J MARTIN Jmartindesigns.com MARK DERAUD markderaudartist.com

Dj’s DARREN REVELL indie103.1.com www.myspace.com/bigsonicheaven RAIN myspace.com/rainbow_arcoiris

Live Gothic Fashion Divas : fatal impact fatalimpact.com www.myspace.com/fatalimpact

Indie Films (7-12 Midnight): “The Three Sisters” and “Portals” by JUN TIANGCO III j2t3.com

The Black Cat Gallery in Culver City, presents “$399 and UNDER!” a multi-creative outburst with extremely reduced prices on artworks by LA’s best artists.
Opening night for “$399 and UNDER!” is Saturday, December 6, 2008 from 7pm-12 Midnight and will feature the Artists’ Reception, Live Fashion models, Live Music and DJ mixing, Live Action Painting, Indie Film, and Architecture, all of the violently original. There will be $399. And Under priced Artworks by JAMES MATHERS, NORTON WISDOM, TERRELL MOORE, TIMOTHY WILLIMAS, ORION, ANGIE MASON, ABRIL ANDRADE, GEZA X, TIM MOHAWK, CHRISTOPHER MOONLIGHT, TIM TIMMERMAN, STEVE BALDINO, HERWIG MARURER, JEREMY CORBELL, DAWN LAUREEN, ERIC FOBAIR, TIM TIMMERMAN, KEVIN ROLLY, JOSE WANTLAND, RALPH BONILLA, MICHAEL CASEY, JUSTIN KALMEN, KATRINA BEA, EDWIN BETHEA, MICHAEL SPITALETTO, and many more artists TBA.

FANGS ON FUR will be assaulting the eyes and ears of all with their ferocious and well-crafted music delivered with a style all their own @ midnight. Fangs on Fur combine their Gothic/New Wave melodies and tight slamming Punk attack with a Diva Art Fright stage show. If you want to hear something ORIGINAL and you like the Goth/Punk guitar sound of TSOL, wild stage antics of Iggy Pop, and the haunted singing style and visuals of Siouxie Sou, Fangs on Fur are for you. With a lineup featuring ex members of Christian Death, 45 Grave, Faith and the Muse, and The Leaving Trains comes a talented sound and fury by musical artists who know what the hell they are doing. They even design and create their own clothes! Look for their Fangs on Fur EP on Pachinkore Records. To eject from your life the corporate filth of Blink 182 and Greenday that’s been shoved down your throat see Fangs on Fur live at Black Cat and visit www.myspace.com/fangsonfur & fangsonfur.com You’ll get immediate results.

DARREN REVELL, the visionary DJ, creator and host of Big Sonic Heaven on Indie 103.1 will be administering his favorite musical meds all night within the gallery.
By combining Ethereal Dreampop, Shoe Gaze, Goth/Industrial, and Dark Romantic Rock for masterfully created sets Revell will be spinning his musical menagerie of sounds for 399. & Under! by mixing the timeless songs of yesterday-Cocteau Twins, My Bloody Valentine, Portishead, Bauhaus- with the songs of the here and now:
Panda Riot, The Verve, Sigur Ros, Autolux, and Goldfrapp. Indie103.1.com www.myspace.com/bigsonicheaven

JMARTIN, artist/custom clothing designer for J-Low, Gwen Stefani, Dave Navarro, LA Laker Smush Parker, P Diddy, Ayu Hamaski, etc. will be airbrushing fashion models throughout the evening. For the first time in NBA history, an NBA player, (Smush Parker), is wearing custom painted shoes by J. JMartin can paint on anything under the sun and make it electric. Jmartindesigns.com

JUN TIANGCO III will be projecting two of his silent films “The Three Sisters” and “Portals”. “The Three Sisters”, starring Rainbow Underhill, explores the inner disturbing spaces of a schizophrenic woman who isn’t aware of her three separate sides. “Portals is a color visual story about the creative flow in artists and following the connection to the source where it comes from. j2t3.com

FATAL IMPACT the online Gothic, Punk, and Dark Counter Culture clothing and accessorie store will be featuring Drop Dead Gothic Fashion Divas all night.
Fatal Impact is owned and operated by the highly-creative and soon to be married duo Goth Model, Fashion Designer and Musician Kitty Corey and Post Punk/Goth DJ Jamey Wheeler. Look for Fatal Impact discount coupons for clothes and accessories that shock, scare and inspire during the opening reception.
http://www.fatalimpact.com/ www.Myspace.com/fatalimpact

Complimentary AGWA BUZZ cocktails, (a new LEGAL liqueur distilled from coca leaves from Bolivia), ALIZE’ fruit cognac cocktails, and organic BLISS tea will be served on the outdoor smoking patio by the Saints and Sinners bar blessing godz.
http://www.agwabuzz.com/ http://www.absente.com/ http://www.alize.com/ http://www.blisstea.com/

Door: $10
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE ARTS !

Press Release: "Night Gallery" Sat Nov 15 T.Williams, J.Mathers, Geza X

2008-11-04T19:55:00.000-08:00

The BLACK CAT GALLERY blackcatart.com myspace.com/theblackcatgallery
11523 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City CA 90066 310 313 4931

PRESENTS
"NIGHT GALLERY: STUDIO ART PARTY"

Saturday, November 15, 2008 7pm-12 Midnight
Main Room Fine Art Exhibit featuring:
TIMOTHY WILLIAMS myspace.com/timothywilliamsart timothywilliamsart.blogspot.com
JAMES MATHERS
GEZA X myspace.com/gezaxart

Sub-Gallery Fine Art Exhibit featuring:
CHRISTOPHER MOOONLIGHT myspace.com/moonlightandmermaids
christophermoonlight.blogspot.com

Live Gothic/Acoustic Music by:
MICHAEL BERG (10:30 pm) myspace.com/minus12
PETER SEAN MALONEY (10:00 pm) myspace.com/peterseanmaloney

DJ’s
RAIN myspace.com/rainbow_arcoiris
JUN TIANGCO III j2t3.com

Make Warhol’s Ghost Proud: Eccentric Dress Encouraged!

Triad birthday bash for Timothy Williams, James Mathers, Eric Dhyrsen

FREE ADMISSION

Like Willem DeKooning, Artist/Musician TIMOTHY WILLIAMS, supported his art making by house painting. Finding discarded vintage doors and windows from the houses he painted and off the street, distressing them further and placing his oceanic-stained glass paintings behind the glass Timothy’s work gained notoriety and started selling in famed Venice artist Terrell Moore’s Westminster Garage Gallery in the 90’s and is now included with the likes of Picasso and Matisse in Hammer Museum owners Michael Hammer Collection, Weinstein Gallery Director Michael Miller, Bauhaus/Love & Rockets Bass Man David J, and film producer Alan Mindel. "Timothy has hit upon an original style. I haven’t seen anything that looks quite like his work. I appreciate the way his art looks old and mysterious yet new and never seen before." -Michael Hammer. Timothy and actress wife, Rainbow Underhill, opened the seminal Culver City Black Cat Gallery known for it’s melting cauldron of creativity. Since 2000 Black Cat’s shows have included fine art, music, dj’s, architecture & fashion shows. Los Angeles Times listed Black Cat as one of LA’s best galleries.
myspace.com/timothywilliamsart timothywilliamsart.blogspot.com myspace.com/musicbyblackcat

Since Andy Warhol gave JAMES MATHERS his first one man show at New York’s famed Paige Powell Gallery, where Jean-Michel Basquiat also made his start, the World of Art has undeniably recognized the fierce talent and genius of this LA based Soul Attacking, Mind-Bending Master Painter. Mather’s collectors include the famous
Corsini Family of Florence, Actors Nicholas Cage, Eric Idle (Monty Python) and Beverly D’Angelo, Crowded House singer Tim Finn, and Dublin’s famed Guinness Draught Co. Owner Marina Guinness. The Art of Mr. Mathers will arrest your vision, flex your convictions, slap and somehow soothe your soul. James has shown at Edgemar Center for the Arts, Turskin Whitney, Phoenix, Sponto, Attack, Zero One, Charley Cowles, Gracy Mansion, and Nature Mort Galleries in the states and has also shown internationally in Zurich, Rome, Berlin, Dublin, and Amsterdam. Adding to his prolific art career James has also directed 3 independent feature films, "Crushproof", "Bungalow 19", "Karmageddon" and had a major role in "Malibu Song"- a documentary film about the state closure and destruction of the homes of the Topanga Arts Community.

Legendary platinum music producer GEZA X helped invent Punk Rock producing seminal acts Black Flag, The Germs, Dead Kennedy’s, etc. and performing/recording his own art damaged music since punk’s beginning in the late 70’s. His productions of "Holiday in Cambodia" for the Dead Kennedys and "Lexicon Devil" for The Germs separated California's punk sound from others at the time with its eccentricity, humor and spunk, making Los Angeles very different than the scene in New York or London. In the 90’s Geza produced Meredith Brooks’s song "Bitch" which went platinum ranking #2 on the charts and the musical bible Billboard Magazine voted Geza "Best Producer of the Year" in 1997. Since the 80’s Geza began taking pictures of the early punk scene. Geza now takes those pictures, such as a 1979 photo he shot of Red Hot Chili Pepper singer Anthony Keidis, dramatically alters it via computer, prints the altered photo on canvas, adds paint to the canvas and frames the completed works with copper tubing. He describes his artworks as "Biomorphic Shutterings." The neo-Warhol, pop-iconic, and vibrantly colorful style work comes across as contemporary to the core with harrowing whispers of yesterday. Geza has shown in several group shows including Track 16 and Black Cat Galleries. Geza’s art collectors include Tool manager Victoria Blake, Philanthropist Cameron Melville, and famed artist manager and collector Peter Hursch.
myspace.com/gezaxart myspace.com/geza_x

MICHAEL BERG will be performing his musically superb and highly original dark folk/nighttime cafÈ ballads at 10PM.
David J of Bauhaus/Love and Rockets has recently produced Michael’s new album "Lights Down", which gives shades of Nick Drake and Jacques Brel sung with Michael’s own unique storytelling style. Against the backdrop of his fingerpicked guitar or piano you will find this is real music by a real artist! If you are ailing from the C-grade "singer/songwriter" musical impostors who shove insipid music into our lives via big media, Michael Berg is your new medicine man! Give "Save Me" a listen for immediate relief, musical inspiration and hope from the evening shadows.
myspace.com/minus12

Event: Night Gallery: "Studio Art Party" @ Black Cat Gallery

2008-11-01T17:03:00.000-07:00

Event: NIGHT GALLERY: "STUDIO ART PARTY" at Black Cat Gallery

Saturday November 15, 2008 7pm-12 Midnight Free Admission

Artworks by:TIMOTHY WILLIAMS, JAMES MATHERS, GEZA X,

and in the Sub-Gallery: CHRISTOPHER MOONLIGHT

Triad B-Day Bash for Timothy Williams, James Mathers, Eric Dhyrsen

Gothic/Acoustic Music by MICHAEL BERG myspace.com/musicminustwelve & PETER SEAN MALONEY myspace.com/peterseanmaloney

DJ: RAIN & JUN TIANGCO III

Eccentric Dress Encouraged!

Timothy WilliamsARTIST 310 * 488 * 9166 http://www.myspace.com/timothywilliamsart BLACK CAT GALLERY DIRECTOR 310 * 313 * 4931 gubkitty@yahoo.com http://www.blackcatart.com http://www.myspace.com/theblackcatgallery11523 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City CA 90066

Flier by Christopher Moonlight & Moonlight Art Magazine and tell them we sent you.

Underwater Painting:

2008-08-29T13:34:00.000-07:00

Outside The Lines: An Art Show

2008-01-16T23:01:00.000-08:00

This is the latest art show I'm in, where I will be displaying my works on wood. I may put up more of the classic Christopher Moonlight stuff, but I'm not sure how much space I'll have. As you can see there are nine people in the show, including myself; all teachers at Art Is Our Passion. I really do hope you can come. All the info in in the flier below.

New Black Lipstick Curse Poster for 2008

2007-12-14T08:32:00.000-08:00

Christopher Moonlight Interview...

2007-12-14T08:20:00.000-08:00

...@ GeeksOfDoom.com
CLICK HERE
to read.

The Black Lipstick Curse in Super-Goths

2007-12-08T11:23:00.000-08:00

Super-Goths in Progress

2007-11-02T10:08:00.000-07:00

My four page Black Lipstick Curse story, Super-Goths goes well, I think. These are of course more work in progress photos of this, my first fully painted comic. So far I'm very happy with it, all though it's not quite what I intended it to be. Having said that, I also should point out that it is an experiment. I am by no means done educating myself about my craft, and find the learning experience to be every bit as interesting as the stories themselves. You may be asking yourself why I am painting comics rather then just plane inking them. Not to say that I won't ever do black and white again, but I do want to make sure that every comic I do is special in some way or another. I may not be among the greatest of today's artist, but I do think of myself as one of the more original and exciting. I've found that some of my favorite artist as of late, have relegated themselves to some of the driest of subjects, from my point of view... Or maybe they've just taken interesting subjects and found ways to make them dry and uninteresting, because they think that somehow that will make them more acceptable to the comic illiterate. It's not going to make people who don't read comics, want to read them any more you know, or gain us more respect, so quite trying to impress boring old people, and remember why you got into comics in the first place. Right, I'm logging off and getting on with my day. I've said far to much already, and the web has dulled my judgment enough already.

Thanks to Eddie Campbell, Batton Lash, and Dan Brereton for there insight. I see your influences on my work. Do you?

New Black Lipstick Curse Pencils

2007-10-12T22:10:00.000-07:00

These are the pencils for one of many Black Lipstick Curse projects I'm working on right now. It's a four page superhero spoof, that I wrote a while ago for a friend of mine who never got around to drawing it... so I did. Anyway, I have one other six page story, and Frank Kane has come up with two more eight pagers. He also has a 160+ story that he's working on for me, but I don't get to see that until it's done.

Shrine Report

2007-09-24T22:24:00.000-07:00

So, as many of you may know, I had a table for my comic, The Black Lipstick Curse at the Shrine Auditorium, this past Sunday. Over all the Los Angeles Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention was collectibles show, with low attendance, but it was still nice to have a presence there, and having said that, I really didn't do to bad. Nor was I the only person there pushing their own comic book.

Of course we have to start with me. Aren't I just the cutest thing you ever saw?

...and the table. I think it turned out rather nice.

Here's Bill Bronson with his line of rather cheeky comic strips. This was his first time at the Shrine, too.

Blazin Brandy had a very nice booth, and I'm told that they're there every show. They were also pushing the novel Of Another Kind.

And here are the nice folks at Tumble Creek Press with their book 13. They seemed to be having a good time, while selling prints, having drawings for prizes, and giving out ashcans

And of course those damn Jedi (this time from LAJedi.com) are always acting up. Here they are fighting over the last copy of my comic. But really, these guys were just awesome, from there willingness to pose for photos, to the attention to detail in their costumes. I was very impressed, and happy to see that there would be people dressed up, even at a small convention like this.
People I forgot to photograph, include the Bridges, of Pendant Productions (Your Source for Original Radio Dramas!) who do wonderful fan, superhero radio shows. Comic dealers Eliot & Josh Spero, and staff, who we had the table next to ours (and bought work off of me) as well as my friend Dan, who knowing nothing about comic books, helped me out all day long, without complaint or pay. Thanks also go out to Heidi MacDonald for making an anouncment about my table on her blog for Publishers Weekly, called The Beat.
Lastly I'd like to thank Bruce Schwzartz for providing me with the table at an amazingly low rate.

You Are Invited...

2007-09-11T13:55:00.000-07:00

At the LA Comic Book And Sci Fi Con.

The Big 2007 San Diego Comic Con Wrap-up: One Month Later

2007-08-19T10:23:00.001-07:00

What? I've been busy. You try sitting down and writing about that monster of a convention, right after getting back. Okay, you're right, a lot of people did, but they were ether payed to do it, or just out of their damn mind. Even Heidi MacDonald took a breather after the con before writing over 40,000 words on the subject, and and I'm sure she would tell you that it could have taken more.
Anyway we were there, pushing our new comic The Back Lipstick Curse.

Two things: One, I forgot to take pictures while I was there, so I'm going to find ways to substitute them with other things (and there are plenty of photos on line anyway) and two, my hearts really not in this. I love comic con, but it was so big this year, so overwhelming, that I came away with a feeling of isolation, that I believe was shared by many a comic book (and graphic novel) creator. I know that sounds odd, with over 150,000 people in attendance, but with so many other things to compete with, that had nothing to do with comics, and so many people going this way and that, it all kind of started to feel a little meaningless.
Right, let's start with the arrival, where we first got our badges and souvenir books. Great news on that front. All of my students Star Wars 30th anniversary pin-ups made it in. Great job kids.
Then it was on to:

10:30-11:30 From Fan to Creator: Goal-Setting for Creative Types—Which side of the convention table do you want to be on, artist or fan? If it’s artist, what’s keeping you from getting there? If you have an idea in your head that you’ve had trouble bringing into reality, you might benefit from this practical goal-setting workshop. Teacher and leadership trainer Douglas Neff will show you techniques for setting and achieving your most important goals. Whether you want to write your own screenplay, draw your first comic, or shoot your independent film, you’re sure to get something useful from this informative workshop. Room 30CDE

On our way we got to wave hi to our passing friend Pan Noles as she shuffled Neil Gaiman to some unknown event. She came an went so quickly, it made me feel a little sad. Anyway, the room was full. Took a peek in, to see what it was all about, and lost interest very fast. Listening to the man talk, I realized I'm living the goal-setting lifestyle as it is, so it was off to the exhibit hall for us, where our little girl Katelyn met her first celebrity.

As you can see, it was love at first sight. As we rolled wee lass away, she kept turning around for one last look. Damn cute.

Now, where did we stop? In no particular order.

Exhibit A Press:
...where we picked up the Supernatural Law Companion. It's a wonderful little book written by artist and writer Batton Lash's wonderful wife (and SL editor) Jackie Estrada, who was kind enough to note my small contribution to their comic within. Jack also had the presence of mind to take photos.

Then it was on to Eddie Campbell, whom I also didn't get to see for very long, and for the stupidest reason. By the time we got to see him, we weren't sure if we had enough money to stay parked where we we're, and thus cut short our last day at the con. I hate being broke.

Neko Press. Wonderful people. Great art. Took some video of artist and owner Billy Martinez, doing some fantastic live painting. Enlarge the picture to see when his next show is by the way. I did a piece on them, in this blog, which you can read here.
I'd like to thank David Mack for this poster and the copies of Kabuki that he gave to my students at Art Is Our Passion. David, I will not forget your continued kindness toward my students, and your support of their education.
We also go to spend some time with another great comic book painter, Dan Brereton who is going to be coming out with a whole bunch of new stories for his book The Nocturnals. I cant tell you how much I love his work, and I really recommend you pick it up.
Cecil Castellucci and Jim Rugg where on hand, signing their book The Plain Janes. I think this is a very good book to put into the hands of any young person.
My wife Faith, and baby Katelyn watch as am unidentified ego goes by.
I stop to say hi to one of my fans.
Also stopped and traded coming with the folks at Bleeding Edge, who I'm quite a fan of. Believe it or not, I really like the comic they're putting out, to tell the story of their toys. It's sincere, and unashamed of what it is. A quality sorely laking in a lot of things goth.
We also had the pleasure of meeting up with Dame Darcy, for a nice chat about our upcoming projects. She's a very nice woman with an imagination to match, and I love her work.
Another victim of the parking lot cures were our friends at Penny-Farthing Press, whom I've written about here, and who have just debuted there first animated film, The Lock.

...and that was it, I think. I don't know, I'm sure there was more, but I was beat.

Two New Christopher Moonlight Prints

2007-06-22T12:14:00.000-07:00

Ah, and now the new prints are ready. Here they are. Only two of them I'm afraid, but I have a lot of projects going at this time, and so I don't paint as much as I'd like to. I'm also trying to pull together some new artist spotlights for everyone who reads here, just so this blog doesn't become all about me, all the time, and because I've discovered some extraordinary talent as of late. I'm hoping I can get them to talk to us, and let me post some of their work here. Here's 60's Dream which I've talked about before, here. I think we all know what this is from the posts below, but my ego is big enough that I think that some of my admirers may want a print of it.

New Postcard

2007-06-16T00:47:00.000-07:00

Here are the images for my new promotional post card, featuring The Black Lipstick Curse on one side, and my newest mermaid on the other. Please, feel free to save the later as your newest desktop.

A Trippy Little Mermaid

2007-06-12T21:17:00.000-07:00

As promotion time grows nearer, I keep coming up with images which are easy to do black and white T-shirts with, as well as color. For this image the main goal was to do a picture that would ID me, while still keeping with my style. I've also been experimenting with that 1960's, San Francisco, psychedelic, rock and roll poster look, which I adore so much. The computer has been great for coloring like that. Anyway, you can see by the work in progress pics that I did the original drawing in pen and ink, and then colored it in the computer. It's good for those sorts of things.

The Black Lipstick Curse T-Shirt

2007-06-06T11:13:00.000-07:00

While we're at The San Diego Comic Con. we hope to have t-shirts to mark the 10th anniversary of The Black Lipstick Curse with this image on them. Looking at it, I almost feel that this should have been the cover, but I'm out of time for the printers, so I can't paint it. Still, I love the cover I have now.

The Black Lipstick Curse Classics

2007-06-04T09:13:00.000-07:00

The San Diego Comic Con. is right around the corner, again and I find that I once more have a comic book to promote. The Black Lipstick Curse Classics collects all of my finished stories from the series from it's birth in 1997 to 2001, with new digital shading, and an all new painted cover. My plan is to have it printed by ComiXpress, and at the con this year.

I'm rather happy with the way this cover turned out. While painting it I was feeling the influence of my pal and fellow artist Eddie Campbell, who has a very loose painting style. Essentially, it's the original cover to issue number two, which has always been very relevant to the story inside. Don't let the word bubble mislead you. There is more to what she's saying then what most would assume.
Instead of redrawing the whole thing, I painted over a copy of the old cover to some effect. I used photoshop for other touches, like the lace, lettering, framing, and logo.
Here is what the original issues cover looked like.
Here's the inside cover for the new collection.

Women In Art

2007-05-31T20:03:00.000-07:00

More Star Wars Fan Cartoon News

2007-05-22T10:18:00.000-07:00

Well, here are my wonderful students working hard on my Star Wars fan cartoon. They're doing it all on a volunteer basses, using their valuable class time to work on the movie when they could be working on their own stuff, and have (through their own stylings and designs) made the project as much their own as it is mine, so from here on out, I shall refer to it as our cartoon.

For more on the project, we now have our own blog for it, called Star Wars Is Our Passion.

This last shot is of our animation table, where all the stop motion footage is shot. All of the above photos were taken at Art Is Our Passion.

Another Black Lipstick Curse Story For You: The Vampire Cat

2007-05-07T08:58:00.000-07:00

Because one free Black Lipstick story isn't enough, here's another. Sorry for the copyright notice this time, but I've got a book to sell. This is the chapter where we pay tribute to one of my favorite writers, Anne Rice while also showing the demise of Wendell's preconceived ideas.

Another Update, Date to the Up, Yo!

2007-05-06T21:20:00.000-07:00

Our Star Wars project is coming along quite nicely, (at Art Is Our Passion) where I teach. We've started officially shooting as of two weeks ago, and the students are loving it. So am I for that matter. All involved have exceeded my expectations. Below we see one of them, hard at work, making a stop motion model of a droid of his (2nd place winning in our last art show) design.

It may only look like a Dr. Pepper can, and some wire right now, but soon...
...it will look like this.
Here is a photo of some of the other 2D, stop motion figures, by other students.
I would also, at this time, like to thank Megan Culver of Gencon, for sending us passes (for Star Wars Celebration 4) to raffle off to the the students. As you can see in the next photo, we're very excited about the upcoming event. Oh, and we have our own STAR WARS BLOG now, documenting our work as we go along. Go check it out.
************************************************************************************
In other news, interest is steadily growing in my prints, which is making me feel good. Here we can see an order, matted and ready to go out the door.

Don't Ever Let Them Tell You You're Stoopid!

2007-05-06T00:04:00.000-07:00

There are people out there who would find some small flaw in you, and pull it out like a thread, to unravel your self esteem, self worth, and confidence. They would then pick up the unraveled fabric and weave it into all sorts of new shapes, making a tapestry, that showed a story of some sad, pathetic, moronic person that is not you. Pointing at it, they would say to people around you, "Look at this! This person is not our equal. How could this person be worth anything compared to me? I tell you that this is the slime under our shoes, and you should not give him/her your time."
"Why would anyone do this?" you ask. Because in doing this, to the people around them, they can feel less threatened. They fear that if someone around them might appear smart at anytime, it might make them less of a human. In short, they would call you stupid, to make themselves look smart.
Always be on guard for this. It's hard to know what to look for, sometimes. Only today, I had a very cranky, bitter, insecure individual latch onto the fact that I was a poor speller, to take away credibility to some very strong arguments, I made against his bullying of others. I'll tell you right now that I have never been good at spelling. You may even find some errors in this post. The fact is, that I am dyslexic, which has made more trouble for me on this subject then I would like. Does this make my wit any less sharp? No. Some people don't do well in math. Some very smart people can only burn food. Albert Einstein couldn't change a tire, and his taxes were a complete mystery to him. My point is, that the thoughts that run through my head are none the duller, or tainted for my lack of nimble letter arraigning, so don't fall for that trick. I haven't.
Another sure sign of a bully is when they tell you it's us (the smart ones for example) against (the dullards) them. The fatal flaw in that statement is, who has the right to determine who is intelligent and who is not. Why, they are, of course. What are their determining factors? Whatever suits them, I can assure you. They'll attack what you watch, read, dress as, like in art; anything to make you loose your confidence, so that they can move in for the kill. Let's take a look at what us against them, can really turn into. The Nazis said it was the jews; the KKK, black people; Bin Laden, us.
So, how do you fight this? By being happy with who you are. By always improving yourself, but never letting yourself be shaped by what others might think of you. True, they may be smart, talented people themselves (in fact you have to be to make those kinds of surgical strikes against ones person) but they don't make the rules as to what is intellect or talent. They just want to think they do, so that they can recreate the world around them in their image. Do you want to live in their world? I don't. I feel really good about who I am, these days. I've worked hard and gone far to see life, and reality the way I do today, and I never, EVER let others tell me I was StOopid for it.

A Free Black Lipstick Curse Story For You.

2007-05-03T11:22:00.000-07:00

Recently I have gathered all of my Black Lipstick Curse stories together, scanned them, corrected the spelling, and retouched the art. I'll be putting them out this summer, in a collection called The Black Lipstick Curse Classics. I'm rather happy with the way that they turned out, and thought I'd share one of the earlier stories for free. I should note that the original stories (like this one) started out rather silly, but as they go along they get more mature and engrossing. This will all lead to a new issue of BLC which will hopefully lead to an ongoing series. Enjoy!

Harry Potter and The Order Of The Phoenix

2007-04-25T00:02:00.000-07:00

...and here's a sneak peek. I'm very excited to see this movie, solely because it's a part of a story that's so rich with concepts and ideas. Plus I've love seeing the kids go crazy with joy, over it on opening weekend. It's all such good fun.

Top Shelf's Owly @ Art Is Our Passion Art Show

2007-04-22T21:15:00.000-07:00

Hello and welcome to the art show.
Oops sorry. Couldn't help but have some fun with that fish eye lens. The photos by Art is Our Passion owner Tom Violand. Anyway the weekend before last we had our biannual art show at Art Is Our Passion, in Agoura Hills, CA where I teach. We've got a lot of very talented students. I'm so proud of all of them, and there endeavors, so this was a great way to show off what they can do. It was also a chance to raise awareness to another art form which is near and dear to my heart... comic books. I would like to send out a very heart felt thanks to Chris Staros of Top Shelf Comics, for sending us 150 free comic book day additions of Owly, for us to put into our gift bags, for the students.
I feel that a lot of these kids art going to be tomorrow's art stars, in not only fine arts, but comic books, and animation.
Owly is a great example for them to see just how a story (with a beginning, middle, and end) can be told visually, and in a format that is safe for the whole family to enjoy.

I'm not sure what the final turnout was for the show, but I'm happy to report that we had 300 people vote for there favorite pieces of art, in 26 categories. Could this be the Sparta of student art shows?
"Who was there?" you ask. Well in this picture (above) we see in the top left, waring a purple shirt, we have (as one of our art teachers) the acclaimed artist and designer David Durand. In the grey shirt, and blue jeans, just a little lower and a little to the right, is Keva. He'll be a big name some day in either art or sports. Only time will tell which. And in the bottom right hand corner is our surprise celebrity appearance, tween star Emma Roberts. Yes, she's Julia Roberts niece.
...and here is only a small sample of the work that was on display. Note the Alex Ross, Superman, charcoal drawing. You'll be hearing more from that kid in the near future, I'm sure.
Above is the best in show winner, in the adult category. It's by 16 year old Meghan Toomayan; a student who is so good that we hired her as a teacher.

...and here is best in show winner for the kids category, Sonia. Sonia is also one of our lead artist in our upcoming Star Wars fan cartoon, which my animation class is working on as we speak.
There's more to come from Art Is Our Passion. Next up will be our movie night, showing the David Mack documentary The Alchemy of Art. Oh, and if you'd like to know more about Free Comic Book Day, play the You Tube video below.

My Psychedelic Poster

2007-04-19T11:20:00.000-07:00

I've been working on this drawing, for the folks at It's Only A Dream to see. It's for a potential job doing artwork for their show. You may remember that it came about from my friend Neil, who's band (Imagine: A Beatles Tribute) is auditioning for it. Who's knows what it'll all come to? A playbill? A poster in the gift shop? Oh crap! I just realized that I'm going to have to paint all this. Anyway, the idea is that it'll be like one of those 60's, San Francisco, psychedelic posters, but pushed into my style. All you old guys, try not to have a flash back, okay.

I shall leave you with some really cool 1960's music.

300

2007-04-18T11:03:00.000-07:00

I have seen 300 at last, and all I have to say is that Frank Miller must be so happy. It was truly a wonderful and relevant piece of cinema. I would like to see more movies made like this, where it gives way to some much opportunity for artist styling.

One other thing I feel I should note, is a conversation that I had with a friend of mine. He said much the same thing as I, but also gave way to his vexation with Alan Moore, with this comment. "300 is such a fantastic movie, and Frank Miller must be feeling so proud, where Alan Moore has only expressed shame in comics, and made it a very loud point to distance himself from it all." I paraphrase, and I should also point out that we both feel much love for Moore, and all of his awe inspiring work. Of course, we'll all see what it comes to when 300's director, takes on The Watchmen next.

Suffering For Art

2007-04-18T00:02:00.000-07:00

There is no greater testament to love, than through suffering. Before you say "no", think about it. There was just a school shooting where 33 people died. The suffering is immeasurable, yet people are banding together because of it. They reach out to each other and embrace as brothers and sisters, because they share in the most common ground that mankind can share in. Suffering. We're in it together.
Sure, we can send flowers, write poems, and take each other out to dinner, but there is no greater way of showing you care, then to endure pain on behalf of another person, or thing. Ask any parent and they'll tell you that they'd give their life to protect their children.
Think on the Christ. I am of no particular religion, but I must say that the Crucifixion is among my favorite symbols of God's love, because it shows him suffering extreme pain for it. That's love that can't be denied.

I feel sick when TV evangelist tell us that God has allowed so much suffering in our modern world, because we have slowly but surely pushed (Him) away from us. I really don't think that has anything to do with it. I believe it's allowed to go on, because if it didn't, we would no longer need to care for one and other. We would grow could and self serving. Our imaginations would wither and die, because we would have no conflict in our lives to spur us on, to make us want to fight, reach out, prove ourselves, or even love. We need antagonist to rise above. Our worth as human beings comes out in us, when we are forced to show that we are not lesser then another person.
So, we dream and aspire to create a better world for ourselves, as others seek to tear it down. As a result, we imagine ways to make it stronger and more beautiful then before. That's where art comes in.

Art is a scream of pain. Artist labor for years, trying to perfect their work, so that they might tell you their love. They take ridicule from friends and family, because what they're doing isn't lucrative for most. The finer things in life? They go without them, so that they might buy paints, or some other such supply. They risk persecution, guilt, censorship, and well being, just to give you glimpse inside their love of the things they create or depict. Indeed, those who would fear beauty would seek to smash down those who would imbibe it, and then show it's reflection to the world.
Then why bother. For the pure, irrational, God blessed, love of it. For the love of the ideas that drive our world to grow. For the love we share in enjoying art together, as we all say, "I know how this person felt (or feels) and I feel the same way, too. I've been there. I've been through that. I've suffered that. We've suffered that, you and I. We survived it together, and it has made us stronger." That's why we must suffer. That's the proof of our love.

Star Wars and Art Shows

2007-04-11T10:32:00.000-07:00

This is just an update on what I've been up to, for this month with teaching. I'd like to share with you the drawings that my animation students have come up with for the San Diego Comic Con 2007 souvenir book. One of the themes, as you can see, it the 30th anniversary of Star Wars. They're also working on a Star Wars fan cartoon, which I'll post more on latter.

Age 11

Age 12

Age 11

We're having our student art show this weekend at Art Is Our Passion, where I am a teacher. I'll do a post on that after it's done.

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

As I have talked about my goth day's in the last post, I thought this little video good for a chuckle. It's fun, and I feel much love for these people. The only thing I'd make a point to disagree with them on, is that you hear a lot of them talking about how their outer appearance is "who" they are. Come on people; it really is what's on the inside that counts. Gothy clothes are just for fun. *****************************************************************************
Then there's this one, which is just strait out funny to me as Beatles fan, and a horror movie fan. This is exactly the kind of thing my art friends and I liked, back in the day. Not ever taking ourselves seriously, we referred to it as humor. *****************************************************************************
Oh, and here's my pic for the Comic Con book.

Music Spotlight: Birthday Party

2007-04-11T00:08:00.000-07:00

It's my hope to one day write the story of my days as a young death rocker/goth, but to do this (I think) I have to first understand those days myself. Truth be told, I'm the same person now as I was then, I just don't go out to clubs anymore. I don't feel the need or want to. Having done my thing, I got off the "stage" before I wore out my welcome. Only the originators of that life style like my good friend Dave Grave, have their place forever cemented into the moldering tombstone of what is the real dark arts. Only he and his like, belong heart and soul to it. However, I will always be a goth deep down inside, with all the artistic atmosphere that comes with it, eternally burned into my beating heart. For your listening pleasure, I give you Birthday Party; a band that encapsulates that atmosphere. You can watch the videos or just listen as you read other entries, but remember that I use these songs and others as part of a creative engine, that drives my ideas farther and farther out, into new territory. Enjoy... or be repulsed. It's all the same in art.

Nick The Stripper

Junkyard

Dead Joe

Deep In The Woods

Release The Bats

Christopher Moonlight Prints: 3rd Series Available

2007-04-10T10:54:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: No long available...
Click My Fine Art America Site For Prints.
I give to you, the 3rd series of Christopher Moonlight Prints.

Christopher Moonlight Prints: 2nd Series Available

2007-04-04T12:23:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: No long available...
Click My Fine Art America Site For Prints.

...and here are the next available prints, that can be ordered in the same manner as the first run. We are working on also selling them through Ebay, using Pay Pal, and giving shipping options. Look for a third run, coming soon.

Fictional Bands: Satan's Night Out

2007-04-01T00:41:00.000-07:00

The idea of a fictional band is a very interesting one to me. When Queen Of The Damned was made, it was widely overlooked as just another bad, Vampire, B Movie. I have to admit, when I first saw the previews for it, I was sure that I would hate it. It was so obvious to me that it wasn't anything like the beloved works of literature (and yes, I do know the meaning of that word) by Anne Rice. It wasn't, but it did turn out to be a great movie. It seems that because it was a B movie, director Michael Rymer had to come up with other ways to make a fun, cutting edge, film, that still captured the essence of Rice's story. The best way he found, was not to make a horror movie, but a rock opera. Of course, I could go on and on about the things I absolutely love about this work, but it was his decision to enlist the help of Richard Gibbs, and Korn's Johnathan Davis that really made the film. In conjunction with their awesome talent, Rymer shot some great (Satan's Night Out) music videos, which not only are great works of art unto themselves, but pay homage to almost all of the pioneering horror films of cinema. These are such works as: Metropolis, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, just to name two.
The reason why I'm really excited by the fact that they did this, though, is because I like the freedom that working under the guise of fiction provides. You can literally do whatever you want, without the concern of being labeled a poser, or accused of being contradictory. It is my hope that in my future comic books, I can make bands with whole backgrounds, whose songs I can use to narrate certain points of the stories. I could then write and produce music that can be downloaded (maybe with videos) to go along with the books, thus making it an interactive experience.
Maybe, I'm crazy to think that I can pull this off, but I happen to know a music genius (named Jeremy Hanes) who I'm going to pester to help me with this. The bands don't have to be confined to one book ether. They can run in The Black Lipstick Curse, or any other story I choose to tell. That's the great thing about it.

Forsaken

Redeemer

System

What I especially like about these videos, is the unapologetically gothy way they go about their presentation of the materials. A lot of people who are into this sort of thing, impose a strong sense of irony on themselves, as if they'd beat someone else to the punch in ridiculing them. These music videos take it way over the top, without looking back.

Slept So Long Concert

Not Meant For Me Concert

Not Meant For Me w/ Movie Clips

Artist Spotlight: Billy Martinez of Neko Press

2007-03-29T00:18:00.000-07:00

My wife and I recently met Billy Martinez, owner and publisher of Neko Press on our trip to Wizard World LA. His display at the Golden Apple booth was small, but I was very impressed by how what he was there to present immediately grabbed the attention of myself and other passersby. I was delighted and inspired in seeing that he, and his wife, seemed to be doing well, selling comics and prints of Billy's work, along with the works of other talents, while the artist himself did some very impressive live painting. Upon talking with them, I learned that he was not only a fellow art teacher, but was doing well as a gallery artist, too. Well, as you can imagine, I immediately realized that I should at least somewhat follow this guy's example. I have to admit, that if I hadn't had seen him selling prints, I wouldn't be doing my print project, right now. After the show, I sent him an e mail with some questions, that are always on my mind (about art and the art world) and this is what he was kind enough to send back.

When a person gets into publishing, it's usually because they have a vision, or see a need in the print world that isn't being filled. What are you trying to provide to comics, that no one else is?

I think I'm really focusing on putting out books that readers will remember. I want to make sure they get the most out of our books. Our job is to entertain readers so I'm doing my best to make that promise to our readers.

Outside of comics, you show some really beautiful work in galleries. Are your patrons comic fans, or are you working in two separate worlds?

Two separate worlds. I run my art school in La Mesa. I always tell my students to be versatile. Life is always changing and an artist must change and adapt if he or she wants to make a career out of the biz.

Concept wise, where do you think art is thriving more... in the comics books or in galleries?

At this point it's hard to tell. Both are doing well but I would need more time to observe this.

What do you wish you could see more of? What would you ask growing artists to think about, when they are making art?

To have fun and to follow their own mark and not try to be a clone of other artists. Be original.

You paint mainly women. What are you trying to convey when you paint them?

The beauty and personality and strengths of a woman.

What are your next goals? Where do you see yourself one year from now?

Making comic books and doing more paintings. The same thing I have been doing for over 14 years.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Red wine is good for the heart. Drink lots of it!

Ah, a wine man, too! I'll drink to that.

Christopher Moonlight Prints: Now Available for Pre-Order.

2007-03-26T08:24:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: No long available...
Click My Fine Art America Site For Prints.

I now have 10 new prints available for pre-order, which are shown below. Each one is in a 16x20 mat with a 11x14 opening, chip board backing, and resealable, plastic slipcase, which can all be fitted into a standard size frame. Printed on matte photo paper, they can be purchased signed or unsigned for $25. Special retailer pricing is also available. To contact me, click the View my complete profile for my Email. Sorry, but at this time, I have no shipping rates or pay-pal, so they'll only be available to Southern California residents, for the time being. I will let you know as soon as they are available nationwide.

Artist Spotlight: Natalia Pierandrei AKA Nati

2007-03-22T07:22:00.000-07:00

There are so many artist on the web, doing so many different things, but when I find one who really stands out, I get excited and want people to know about them. Natalia Pierandrei's profile reads as fallows.

...better known as 'nati', is a traditional illustrator based in Italy. Her artwork is basically anime-styled but also influenced by that of Art Nouveau, and European graphic novels with a penchant for gothic imagery and classical fantasy themes. She loves travelling, Japan, art museums, prose and cats.

Nati was kind enough to reach out across the oceans and around the world to talk to me about just what it is she's after as an artist. I was surprised to learn that (for someone of her talent) she doesn't seem to think she's all that special. I would disagree, but I'll let you be the judge.

Are your ultimate plans to become a comic book artist?

Well, unfortunately my reply is "no, I'm not ultimated them". Many reasons for feeling doubtful about my future as comic book artist. Basically the lack of time. Working on one piece takes less time than working on illustrated fiction, even the short ones. I can complete one, full coloured image in just a day, but a whole story is another pair of shoes!
As you know, I have a full time job (which unfortunately has nothing to do with art or comics). At the moment, I can draw only in my spare time and during the weekends. So, I prefer devoting myself to illustration than to sequential work. That's a pity, especially because the great enthusiasm for comic books caused my passion for drawing when I was a young girl.
Then, I suck at writing decent stories! I mean, I tend to write too complicated plots and that doesn't help when you should need extra time just to draw a couple of pages.

Are you writing your own comic, or do you want to work with a good writer, to help get your ideas out?

When I was a high school student, I drew a lot of comics with a friend of mine. There were basically short comic strips, or parodies of popular TV series. But I also started working on my own fiction and characters. As I wrote, the main problem is I tend to be too prolix and unfocused when planning the events in my stories. This is also a fact that I've not attending any Schools of Comic Art in my life. I have ideas but I lack the basis for writing and drawing good plots. So, I would prefer working with a good writer having the gift for conciseness than trying to publish my incomprehensible projects!

Why is it that even though you are published in four books, taking commissions all the time, and have a sizable fan following, you still do not consider yourself a professional?

LOL! Thank you very much for this question! Well, when I speak of "professional" artists, I refer to people who have a paid occupation as illustrator or cartoonist. Art is their job and they don't need to do something different to "make both ends meet". I'm not a person qualified or employed in one of the "art professions". Some of my illustrations have been featured in collective art books in the past but I should say those weren't payed works. Of course, I gained popularity and exposure but I still need to have a regular job to pay instalments and bills. That said, I'm not a "professional" illustrator because art is not my job. And I also doubt at the moment my artwork has the qualities of professional ones. But things could change in the future, of course!

Where will you pop up next?

No idea. I'm very impulsive, I don't like planning my future.

Where do you want to be, one year from now?

Hhmm, I'd like to be "physically" in a lot of different places in the world but I figure I'll be in Italy yet. Professionally speaking, I have no ideas. I'd like to prepare a good portfolio and try to get in touch with art directors and publishers. But, being a perfectionist and shy artist doesn't help. I mean, it probably will take more than a year to have this portfolio of mine done and "sent"or show to the right persons! LOL
Anyway, I need to focus more on my artwork and this is my goal for the 2007. And then...illustrate a fairytale, complete a short sequential work, improve as illustrator, etc, etc, etc.

Keep an eye on this one folks. I have a feeling that she's going to be a star.

After Wizard World

2007-03-19T19:06:00.000-07:00

I know, I'm days behind everybody else, but after Wizard World, LA I need a few days to get my brain back. Here I am though, with a brief overview of my Saturday there. I'll be spotlighting some of the stuff I took and interest in, a little more in depth, throughout the next week or so.
It started at the IDW panel, where Gene and his son Nick Simmons showed up to steel the day, and talk about there new line of comic books. They're big comic fans, but we've seen this happen before. A movie or rock star will think they can use there name to push a comic, and everything will be great. RIP: Roger Corman Comics, Glen Danzig Comics, Jada Pinkett Smith Comics... does anyone know if Rosario Dawson's comic is still going?

Next up was a visit to Billy Martinez and his wife, who were there promoting Billy's art (here we see him doing some live painting) and there publishing company Nekpo Press.

After that, was a stop off at the Atomic Comics display, where they have a comic book store in a van. The ice cream man wouldn't have got a penny from me, when I was a kid, if this thing had driven through my neighborhood.
Next up was a visit to artist ally, where we came across Omaha Perez and his book Holmes.
Here's the man himself with is book. "Sherlock Holmes is a maniac completely out of his head on drugs at all times and Dr. Watson, his own personal "Dr. Feelgood", isn't much better off." I haven't read it yet, but being that Omaha was a student of Barron Story, this book must have something going for it art wise, at the very least.
Then we met this girl. Damn, what was her name. I have her husbands card, so we'll call her Mrs. Bridges, of Pendant Productions. She gave me a disc, all full of wonderful, fan made, radio shows, like 007, Star Trek, Indianan Jones, Superman, Batman, & Wonder Woman. I think I'll be looking more into what they do.
Then there was the guy was doing horror make up at the Fox Atomic booth, who's Frankenstein flash was so good, I just had to get a photograph. I forgot his name, too, but we chatted for a bit while we waited for our prospective women to come out of the bathroom.

There was Dame Darcy (love the dolls, girl) whom I will tell you more about later. I've been a fan of her very imaginative comic books for years.
I also got a copy of the documentary about David Mack, from David himself. I'll be screening that for my art students in the coming months. More on that one later, too.
Here's John Leekley, Ahmet Zappa (yes, Frank's kid), and Brendan Smith, with their new comic Amerikan Freak. These guy were having such a good time, and were so nice, I couldn't give there comic a bad review. Besides, they said they'd hunt me down if I did.
Atomic Comics owner Mike Malve with the man (signing at Atomic's booth) who bloody killed Captain America, Ed Brubaker. Cap! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am a big fan of Ashley Wood, but I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do with some of the comics he puts out. Inside the front cover of this D'Airain book is an image that I just don't see a need for. Anyway, it's one of the pictures I took at the IDW booth. Over all, I'm liking that company.
And last but not least (because I just can't help a little goth) I had to stop by and talk to the folks at Bleeding Edge, about their Be Goth dolls. That's right. I like um, and I aint ashamed.