So last year for Halloween weekend my husband Frank and I went on a little road trip to have Famous Monster pizza for our wedding anniversary dinner and came home in time for Halloween day where I transformed myself into a Muppet (Dr. Teeth to be exact). Then this year we went on a longer road trip to see Muppets and got home in time for Halloween day where I transformed myself into a “supreme” witch! The best of both worlds 2 years in a row and my heart is full.
You could imagine when we got to Grand Rapids Art Museum for the Jim Henson Exhibition, Imagination Unlimited that I would take tons of photos with everything in the exhibit. I narrowed it down to some of my favorites to share here and it was still hard to choose. For instance, Labyrinth has always been my all time favorite movie. I had a hard time pulling myself away from Jareth’s iconic Goblin King Masquerade suit. If people were not waiting for their turn to see it I could’ve stood there all day in complete awe. Just knowing there was only a display case between me and this sparkly wonder that David Bowie (aka as my “fairy godfather”) wore just blew my mind. I felt the same magic at that very moment that I felt the first time my Dad introduced me to the film as a young gelfling.
When it came to the puppets themselves it felt like you were about to meet a celebrity. I know that sounds crazy.. but that excitement you get standing in line at a con to meet your favorite actor.. add your inner child about to burst at the seams of your very existence and that was me.
One of the really remarkable things about this exhibit was not only being this close to Jim Henson’s work but also seeing the workmanship and production materials up close. From to the materials used on Grovers mouth.. to the glass in Count Von Count’s monocle, it was truly remarkable to experience as a fan but also take it all in as an artist who has been inspired by the magic of Jim Henson their whole life. We walked the exhibit multiple times and I even got to experience putting on a puppet show in a booth they had set up. As you can see from the cheesy grin on my face I didn’t want to leave.
When we got home from our little anniversary getaway it was time to finally reveal this year’s costume to everyone on Halloween day. Not checked off my art bucket list (yet) but officially off my costume bucket list.. I present to you the one and only real supreme.. Myrtle Snow (as portrayed by me but originally portrayed by the incredible Frances Conroy in American Horror Story). I loved how naturally my sassiness came out reincarnating the look of Myrtle. Forever one of my all time favorite AHS characters I couldn’t help but feel powerful stepping into her shoes.
I hope all my Freaky Fanatics had a wonderful Halloween and I appreciate all of your patience with getting back to you on art and order inquiries while I have been away.
If you are new here and like this post, be sure to check out the Skinned page of my portfolio website and feel free to leave a comment with the costume you think I should do next year!
Balenciaga!
LDG Nicole
Living Dead Girl Nicole 