Spitting Image: Insect Politics

Did you ever have a movie that sort of freaked you out enough that it has stuck with you over the years? No pun intended, but as a kid in the 80’s, David Cronenberg’s remake of The Fly was one of those movies for me. Not only were the special effects both impressive and grotesque, but the empath in me can’t help but feel all the feels when Seth tells Ronnie she can never come back due to “Insect Politics”. Top that off with that precious baboon hug and that shot gun blast and yah.. it sticks with ya.

None of this changes for me no matter how many times I watch the film and being a big fan of Jeff Goldblum this art piece has been on my art bucket list for many years. I knew I wanted to do one of my split face portraits and try to utilize the “Brundlefly” phase that was more obviously insect. I also wanted to utilize that soft, smokey, eerie green glow that I love so much in 80’s movies and is very prominent in the film and it’s branding.

For many months I have been working on this piece on and off. One because I had to figure out a way to make the insect mesh with Seth’s face and two, I have been trying to take more time when working on my art pieces. No rushing. Just letting things flow. Ironically whenever I had not worked on the piece for awhile I would get what I would refer to as “Goldblum Signs” that would inspire me to take time to work on it. This was happening so randomly and timely that even my husband would see Jeff Goldblum on something, point it out and say “it’s a sign… time to get working on your portrait”. Well needless to say, I finally completed it using pencil, charcoal and pastels and of corpse decided to call it “Insect Politics”.

I dream to one day cross paths and meet the legend that is Jeff Goldblum and gift him the original art piece. Are you listening universe? I am putting it out there and would love to manifest this moment that would stick 🪰 with me all of my life.. just like the film does.

Are any of my Freaky Fanatics a fan of this film or Jeff? I have prints and made-to-order t-shirts for sale in my Etsy and Amazon shops. Prints will also be made available to purchase in store at Closet Collectibles in Crete, IL as soon as I do my next art drop off.

Want to see more of my portrait drawings? You can find them on the Spitting Image page of my portfolio website!

Stay Spooky & Magical!
LDG Nicole

Freaky Fanatics: Corpsified Cake Toppers Were A Hit!

Back in December I posted the custom corpsified cake toppers I made for a lovely couple that was having a Halloween wedding this year. Well the day has come and the newly married Mrs. just sent me this photo saying “The cake was a huge hit!”

I can’t get over how bloody delicious it looks and how well the cake toppers went with everything. Such an honor to be a part of someone’s special day!

Want to see more photos submitted to me by my happy customers? Check out my Freaky Fanatic slideshow!

You can also see more of my handmade horror inspired prop decor on the Adopt The Undead and Remains pages of my portfolio site. And don’t forget to contact me or reserve a custom order if you want a corpsified couple of your own. They also make great anniversary and wedding gifts!

Stay Spooky & Magical!
LDG Nicole

Adopt The Undead: It’s Zombie Wedding Time!

I have been bouncing back and forth between life and the undead for the last few weeks after receiving a custom order to make some corpsified creations for an upcoming wedding. Being a Halloween (2009) bride myself I wanted unique things for my wedding that I could not find at the stores so I also commissioned artists to bring my visions to life. Being an artist, It was actually very important and symbolic for me to include handmade creations. Having been there and done that I also know what all goes into finding the right artist to bring your vision to life. So when someone wants to incorporate my work into their wedding I am beyond honored.

For this order I was asked to make custom zombie cake toppers for a blonde groom and brunette bride with the dominant wedding color being a burnt orange. I was also asked to make 3 zombie hand barrettes that they will be using to clip to things such as boutonnieres. Here is what I conjured up!

When I do a custom order I always send updates to the client on how far along I am in the creative process and when all is said and done I send photos of the creation when it is completed to make sure no changes are needed before I ship it out. Needless to say I was very happy when I got a response from the bride today that said…“The amount of detail is impressive!!! These are great!!!” 

You can see more of my handmade horror inspired prop decor on the Adopt The Undead and Remains pages of my portfolio site. And don’t forget to contact me if you want a corpsified cake topper (also great for anniversary and wedding gifts) or zombie hand barrettes (can also be made as pins) of your own.

Stay Spooky & Magical!
LDG Nicole

Spitting Image: Deadtime Stories

When I was a “kiddie” my Aunt gifted me a small tv for my bedroom. Late at night when I was supposed to be sleeping, I would turn on Tales From The Crypt. My Grandma who I lived with at the time was very religious and anything horror was considered “of the devil” so I would make sure to turn the volume down low as I curled up in my bedding for “deadtime” story time with the Crypt Keeper.

My Mom had introduced me to horror and these moments of young-ghoul-rebellion were very freeing from the life I was forced to live after she had passed away. They gave me something to look forward to late at night. It was a time by myself away from the hell I was living during the day.

In 2009 when Frank and I got married I designed a Tales From the Crypt comic inspired wedding program that we passed out to all of our guests.

In 2018 we had the honor of meeting John Kassir at Days of the Dead and we shared stories with him and told him how much the show meant to us. He told us how he loves hearing these stories and how amazed he still is knowing how determined so many “kiddies” were to watch the show.

Needless to say as a part of that special late night Kiddie Crypt Club, it was only a matter of time that I would be checking this art piece off my art bucket list. I present to you “Deadside Stories” a split face portrait done in pencil and chalk pastels in tribute to John Kassir and the Crypt Keeper…..

I can’t wait to cross paths with John once again so I can gift him the original art piece.

For any Boils and Ghouls who are interested in purchasing prints or wearing this art piece on a shirt, you can find them listed in my Etsy and Amazon shops. Prints will also be made available to purchase in store at Closet Collectibles in Crete, IL as soon as I make my next art drop.

Want to see more of my portrait drawings? You can find them on the Spitting Image page of my portfolio website!

Stay Spooky & Magical!
LDG Nicole