Nov 2, 2014
Aug 12, 2014
Aug 8, 2014
I've resorted to making memes
I've had no time to write lately, so for kicks I've started making my own "memes" (or at least that's what I think the kids are calling them)...
Mar 26, 2014
Her Royal Highness...RuPaul!
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| "I've Made My Decision" - pastel & pencil on toned paper |
I have been doing artwork inspired by each episode of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 6. This week (episode #5) I drew the Queen Mutha herself! in honor of the runway theme, "Night of a Thousand Ru's." I spent some time on this one, in order to do Her Majesty justice...
DETAIL "I've Made My Decision"
It was also the night of the ever-popular "Snatch Game," and I think I see a Judge Judy (played to perfection by Ms. Bianca Del Rio) or an Anna Nicole (by the hilariously sloppy Adore Delano) drawing in my future! In the meantime, here's a quick recap of my art-by-episode drawings so far:
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| Week 1: BenDeLaCreme |
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| Week 2: Adore Delano |
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| Week 3: Laganja Estranja |
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| Week 4: Laganja Estranja |
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| Also Week 4: Milk |
NOTE: Two of these drawings have already appeared on the official RuPaul's Drag Race fan art page! They select one piece of fan art per week to show on the air. So far, no luck...but I'm keeping my fingers crossed because if they show one of mine, then I could die happy.
Jan 29, 2014
Jan 8, 2014
an Artsy Fartsy interview: DIEGO SANSON
He's performed in various forms of ladies' underwear onstage and off for over 20 years now; he's marched miles in make-up & heels in gay pride parades; and he recently werked the runway for a cause in a corset and platforms like nobody's business! Oh, and did I mention that he's straight?
Who is it? None other than the Long Beach Art Theatre's current reigning Frank-N-Furter, the deliciously demented diva, Diego Sanson! I recently got a chance to catch up with the performer during this quick Q&A sesh...
DS: "About 7 years. I like becoming somebody else for a couple of hours...and you can get away with a lot, especially when you're in drag."
DS: "Incredible!!! Best thing ever!! One the coolest things ever to happen to me."
Who is it? None other than the Long Beach Art Theatre's current reigning Frank-N-Furter, the deliciously demented diva, Diego Sanson! I recently got a chance to catch up with the performer during this quick Q&A sesh...
AFB: How long have you been performing in a Rocky Horror Picture Show shadow cast?
DS: "I've been doing Rocky Horror for 20 years now. I know...too long."
Diego explains to me that the cast had to change their name a few years back from Midnight Insanity to Rocky Horror at the Art Theater Long Beach, due to an attempt to be sued for the name by a disillusioned ex-cast member..."but we are the same cast though."
AFB: What or who initially drew you into this crazy troupe?
DS: "I was an audience member and got picked to do a "Rookie" show- and have stayed ever since."
AFB: How long have you been playing 'Dr. Frank-N-Furter'? What do you enjoy most about playing this character?
DS: "About 7 years. I like becoming somebody else for a couple of hours...and you can get away with a lot, especially when you're in drag."
AFB: You recently worked with and developed a friendship with Richard Elfman, creator of the cult classic Forbidden Zone (and co-founder of Oingo Boingo) when a shadowcast performance was put together for the film... What was that experience like?
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| Diego performing onstage with Richard Elfman |
AFB: Are there plans to do more with Richard and'Cell 51' (the name of the Forbidden Zone shadowcast)?
DS: "Yes...sometime in early 2014."
AFB: Awesome! Can't wait to see more. Have you run into any issues or obstacles in your life due to basically being a straight drag queen? What have you learned the most about yourself by wearing ladies' undies?
DS: "Well....my mother still hasn't accepted me about me dressing up. She doesn't like it. And trying to be pretty is really hard!!"
AFB: Tell me about it, gurl! So what, if any, are your hopes & dreams for the future, as far as performing is concerned?
DS: "Going to keep doing this until my body and mind give up. I love performing. It's addicting. And maybe, hopefully, make a career out of it one day...not sure what yet..."
Well, pretty-please Mr. Sanson- keep doing what you're doing- because we love it!
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| Diego sites B-movie maker Ed Wood (a pioneer in the area of "hetero" cross-dressing) as a personal hero. |
Jul 9, 2013
Vincent, I know how you felt...
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| Vincent Van Gogh self portrait, painted shortly after his infamous self-inflicted ear amputation |
But exactly why is the artist such a traditionally tortured creature? Well have a seat, and let me break it down for you. Imagine yourself as a child, about 3 or 4 years old, just playing like any other kid, then maybe grabbing some crayons and doodling something up. Suddenly, an adult snatches the paper from your grubby little hands and declares, "This child is really talented!" And there it was for the first time, that word I now sometimes despise - talent. What does it even mean? Webster's Dictionary describes it as "the natural endowments of a person" or "a special often athletic, creative, or artistic aptitude." Okay, whatever. All I know is, it felt good to be called talented. As one of four children in a single-parent home, my newfound "talent" gave me some desperately-craved attention. Throughout grade school, I used every opportunity to show off my artistic abilities as a means for attention and approval. You better believe my mother fucking mission was the best! And paper mache'? Forget about it. No one even came close. But then I got older, and there were no more gold stars, A+'s, or blue ribbons to fill me up. Now it was time to be a grown-up, and to seek approval as an artist in the real world- and boy was I in for a shock.
Ah, and there is that other nasty word - approval. A HUGE part of the artist's tortured existence is that we often seek outside approval to validate ourselves and our work- which isn't really our fault- it's how our system works. Even if an artist was never a needy little rugrat like me, the approval we are forced to seek as an adult artist comes in the form of money (you know, how you pay rent and eat and stuff). There is nothing more difficult for an artist than to pour your heart & soul into your work, resulting in pieces that you love and are very satisfied with...and then no one buys them. Or even likes them. Or even sees them. And the illustration agencies don't call you back. And neither do the galleries. And the only
As an artist in this world, it is easy to feel completely unappreciated, dejected and useless- like an old dinosaur roaming around in the suburbs, just getting in the way of the busy, money-making people and eating everyone's plants. Okay, maybe that analogy didn't make perfect sense, but you get my drift. I wish that I could end this little rant on a more positive note, but alas- this is one of the 362 days this year that it sucks to be an artist.
ADDITIONAL NOTES & LINKS:
Think I'm crazy? Just check out this list of artists throughout history who have commited suicide and at least you'll see I'm not alone in my frustration.
-Vincent Van Gogh's suicide note
-Life in Hell comic about struggling artists (hilarious!)
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| Van Gogh's final painting before shooting himself in the head. Many believe this painting hinted of his planned suicide, with the crows reacting to the sudden sound of the gunshot (this field was the view from his window). |
Dec 12, 2012
YES, I'M A JEALOUS BITCH...
This weekend I ended up watching some crappy 2005-ish college comedy on cable starring Blake Lively, whom I think is drop-dead gorgeous. Anyway, I didn't even recognize her at first because her nose looked MUCH larger than I remembered! I'm slightly ashamed to admit that I couldn't have been more delighted! A-HA! Not so perfect after all (though she was definitely very pretty with her old nose). I even recall Kelly Osbourne on an episode of Fashion Police becoming equally excited over a photo of poor Blake in which cellulite was visible. Jealousy? Bitterness? Perhaps.
At any rate, this realization sent me googling for celebrities who've had work done, and I couldn't believe all the subtle rhinoplasty that has been going on around Hollywood! I was positively giddy at the prospect that these beautiful creatures were once mere mortals like me! And I think more than just plan old envy, it also gave me a sense of relief. Relief that perhaps I am not so bad after all, even with my God-given, slightly crooked nose. Relief that, in reality, much of what we perceive as perfection is just an illusion-- and true beauty will always be on the inside.
If I were President... NOSE JOBS FOR EVERYONE!!!
Jun 29, 2012
May 17, 2012
Last Night a DRAG QUEEN Saved My Life...
People often ask me, "Desiree, just what is
your obsession with Drag Queens?!"
It's not a very difficult question for me to answer, since there are just SO MANY things I adore about the Fabulous World of Drag! For me, drag queens are like the glitzy, gorgeous & glam fairy godmothers of my most self-indulgent, over-the-rainbow dreams! I mean, they represent just about everything that I love ~ lots of sparkle, over-the-top fashions, music, dancing, fierce performances, cult cinema, comedy, sickening make-up artistry, subversive culture, gender-bending...
I mean, really - what's not to love?!
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| Me, invading Venus D Lite's personal space... |
But my adoration for these decadent creatures is more than skin-deep. Unfortunately, due to the small-mindedness of many in our society, most of these queens have had to endure a lot of suffering and heartache on their road to the throne ~ but in the end, they have become some of the most wonderful, caring and strong individuals you will ever meet! This deeper side of drag - combined with all the fun & fantasy - has proven itself to be a magic elixer for me in my life. By doing what they do, these Queens have helped pull me through some very dark & difficult times. They've shown me that, come what may in life, you must always be true to yourself, love yourself...and for heaven's sake, child, do it with some panache!
Thank you, thank you, thank you to all you fabulous girls for doing your thang...your talent, tucking and tears are never in vain. XOXO
LONG LIVE THE QUEENS!!!
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| Sharon Needles, latest winner of RuPaul's Drag Race |
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| Gabriel Villarreal (aka Delta Work) poses with little ol' me! |
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| The fabulous Kristie Champaigne of Velvet Lounge, Santa Ana |
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| Delta Work (runner-up on RuPaul's Drag Race 3) at work. |
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| The sickening Latrice Royale, runner-up on Drag Race 4 |
May 5, 2012
Apr 17, 2012
Sharon Needles/Drag Race Update: TOP THREE!
1. SHARON NEEDLES (my pick!)
Well, the season started with my favorite queen, Sharon Needles leading the pack...but I guess RuPaul didn't want to be accused of playing favorites ~ so for a few episodes now, my devestating queen of darkness seemed to have taken the backseat. BUT, now that we're getting down to the nitty-gritty of the competition, the goth-underdog from Pittsburgh has once again pulled to the front position ~ proving she has most definitely has the charisma, uniqueness, NERVE and talent to win the race! Go all the way Sharon!!!
#SharonNeedles
2. CHAD MICHEALS
At the beginning of the season, many wrote off this seasoned perfectionist as "nothing new" ~ but as Snow White and Chad Micheals prove, one doesn't have to be a bitch to make it to the top. While some of the other queens have felt it necessary to show their claws in this competition, Miss Micheals has shown us that grace, beauty, wisdom and talent can also get you far in life (...though the catty bitches are a little more fun to watch)!
Good luck Chad - you're a true professional and one classy lady!
3. PHI PHI O'HARA
Don't hate her because she's beautiful ~ or a ROYAL bitch. Phi Phi O'Hare is lovely, talented, and loud! This queen likes to argue - A LOT, and usually about why she's better than you. As many of the younger competitors seem to prove, with youth - often comes a defensive, arrogant ATTITUDE. Phi Phi is fierce, both in a good and bad way ~ but she has also shown a surprising softer side throughout the competition, revealing that underneath her bedazzled diva exterior, lies a sequined heart of gold lamé.
Of course if I had any say, the hilarious, fabulous and super-sweet Miss Latrice Royale would be in the top three rather than Phi Phi... MISS YOU, Sugar!
So - who will be named top dog in this competition - or should I say "top bitch"? Stay tuned to find out...
Mar 22, 2012
CHAINSAWS, WHIP CREAM & MOHAWKS...OH MY!!!
To me, the first lady of punk has always been the indomitable Wendy O. Williams!
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in·dom·i·ta·ble/inˈdämitəbəl/
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If you call yourself a punk fan, then you best know this lady's face! Plasmatics front woman, Wendy O. Williams, aka "WOW", "The Queen of Punk" and "The Queen of Shock Rock" was one bad-ass bitch that proved she could hang with the boys ~ and kick their asses, if need be...
Onstage, Wendy O. Williams was a force to be reckoned with. Besides sledgehammering TV's, she also enjoyed butchering guitars with a chainsaw and blowing up cars (yes, I said cars) onstage while performing - all while wearing little more than whip cream and a mohawk. All this, combined with her aggressive and fearless vocal style, have cemented Miss Willam's place in history as a feminist pioneer, and one of punk's all-time greatest performers.
Petite, blonde with a gorgeous, tight bod - Miss Williams defied all stereotypes. She turned the late 70's/early 80's punk scene on its ear, calling out even this subversive genre for its male-dominated hypocrisies. Wendy, along with Yale graduate Rod Swenson, formed the Plasmatics in 1977, and remained it's only permanent members until its dissolution in 1983. Her super-sexy, yet tough-as-nails look, combined with her dangerous & shocking onstage antics, created a larger than life persona - which unfortunately somewhat hid the very intelligent, passionate and progressive-thinking woman she truly was.
Wendy didn't just sledgehammer a TV onstage for shock value - it was symbolic of her abhorrence and frustration with greed & consumerism in modern society. She didn't perform almost nude just to say "look at my tits" - but rather to scream "I am woman, hear me roar!" Many do not realize that throughout her life, Wendy was a vegan, animal-rights activist, and natural foods advocate. Throughout her career, Wendy was arrested several times, mostly for "indecency" charges - which further fueled her feminist attitudes regarding double-standards. Though several of her male contemporaries had also been arrested during shows on indecency charges, none suffered this with more frequency than Miss Williams. In the mug shot photo above, the injuries Wendy sustained were from the arresting officers, due to her "resistance."
Sadly, like many other gifted and dynamic performers, Wendy also had a lifelong struggle with depression, which was most likely due to an undiagnosed bipolar disorder. In 1998, Wendy lost her battle with depression, and committed suicide with a self-inflicted gun shot wound. She was 48.
Rest in Peace Wendy O. Williams, an indomitable free spirit and true pioneer!
For more info visit:
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Mar 13, 2012
Desiree's Favorite Moments in Comedy
When I decided to make this list, my instinct was to do what I always do when I feel confused & overwhelmed... give up, go home, and watch recorded episodes of RuPaul's Drag Race. But that night, I tossed and turned - and in the dead of night was visited by the Spirit of Comedies Past (who appeared in the form of Chris Farley)! The mighty specter bellowed at me "Do not forget those who have made you who you are!" ...and then found his way to my kitchen for a snack. When I awoke the next morning, I was unsure if what I had experienced was real or just a dream, but I knew one thing - I knew that I owed it to my most beloved comedic films to make this list! So here they are, in no particular order ~ some of my personal favorite outrageous, witty, inappropriate, ridiculous, over-the-top, pee-in-your-pants, and squirt-milk-through-your-nose, hilarious moments in comedy...RAISING ARIZONA - Huggies Heist & Chase Scene
Apparently, the newfound pressures of family life seem to be getting to ol' H.I., as he relapses back into his criminal ways in this classic scene...
ANCHORMAN - Crying over Baxter
I can certainly understand one's grief when losing a pet, but in this scene, San Diego news anchor Ron Burgundy becomes completely unglued when he believes he beloved dog Baxter is dead...
ELECTION - Seeing Tracy Flick Again
Imagine seeing your most despised nemesis after many years and pathetically trying to pretend like it doesn't affect you...Why is thinly-veiled bitterness so damn funny?!
THE BIG LEBOWSKI - Marmot in the Bathtub
In a case of mistaken identity, German annihilists storm into the wrong Mr. Lebowski's home - aka "the Dude." I love this scene, because it so closely describes what it feels like when trying to take a relaxing bath in a home with three sons...
CLUE - Mrs. White "Flames"
No matter how secure in yourself you are, I'm sure most of you have, at some point in your life, secretly hated someone due to jealousy, even if it was way back in kindergarten! Here, with one word, Mrs. White describes the feeling to perfection...
HISTORY OF THE WORLD PART 1 - The Eunich Test
In this scene, our friend and slave-on-the-run, Josephus, tries to disguise himself as one of the Queen's guards in order to avoid certain death from the Roman authorities. In order to prove whether or not he is a real eunich, Josephus is put to the ultimate test...
YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN - Igor's Father's Words of Wisdom
Like many of the aforementioned films, this one is riddled with great one-liners. It is impossible to pick just one, but this is certainly one of my favs, that I can be overheard quoting quite often...
Mar 6, 2012
The Photography of Stephen Von Frankenstein
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With his photographs, Stephen Von Frankenstein has mastered the delicate balance between sex and the macabre. Though his work spans the spectrum between cheesecake and horror, it always retains the unmistakable stamp of Von Frankenstein-ness. His lighter stuff has elements of darkness, and his even his darkest work somehow manages to bring eroticism or humor... |
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| quite the colorful character himself, Mr. Von F was recently featured in Tattoo Savage magazine |
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| Stephen Von Frankenstein is an Orange County-based artist, photographer, piercer & performer |
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