Not just Monsters, not just men.

THE CLASSICS NEVER GO OUT OF STYLE.

Whether you're a crazed Misfits fan or a connoisseur  of classic cinema  Frankenstein, Dracula, The Creature of The Black Lagoon will always remain a few icons of Classic Horror Cinema.  I remember being a little boy going to the town library to check out the Wolfman and Phantom of The Opera on VHS(if you remember what that is) for an afternoon of adventure and mystery.  I've graduated art school, started a career, but in many ways I'm still that five year old boy who loves monsters and isn't afraid of the dark.

The Creature From The Black Lagoon.  20 x 15 Pencil, Charcoal, & Conte Crayon on Textured Paper.  alexiogessa.tumblr.com

I remember marveling at my tv screen as Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi delivered their iconic performances.  I don't think anyone else can fill the boots of Frankenstein's monster like Boris Karloff.  The bolts in the neck, the drooping brow, the sad expression hanging on his face all add up to one of the most incredible creatures in movie history.

Boris Karloff as Frankenstein's Monster 8.5 x 11 Pencil on Paper alexiogessa.tumblr.com

"The monster was the best friend I ever had."  Boris Karloff

I guess in many ways a monster can be your friend.  After all if one reads the novel, it is discovered that Dr. Frankenstein is the real monster for abandoning his creation.  One thing I find most striking of all in the Frankenstein story is that it is not about death but life.  So many horror films of past and present deal with death or the threat of it, but Frankenstein is about bringing something to life.  I can't think of many other tales of terror that make coming to life seem so scary.  I think this is the single most distinguishing feature of the Frankenstein legacy.

Lon Chaney Sr from the silent film The Phantom of The Opera.  20 x 15 Pencil, Charcoal, & Conte Crayon on Textured Paper.

"In between films there is no Lon Chaney."  Lon Chaney

The Phantom was just one of the thousand faces for the actor Lon Chaney Sr.  The son of deaf parents he learned to pantomime at an early age to help communicate.  The lemons were made to lemonade when those pantomime skills aided him as a star in the silent film era.  

Joker Ink-wash concept sketches based on the likeness of Lon Chaney Sr. 20 x 15 on paper alexiogessa.tumblr.com

In 1928 Lon Chaney Sr starred in the film The Man Who Laughs http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Man_Who_Laughs_(1928_film)

He played a boy who's face was disfigured into a permanent grin during England of 1690. "Wanna know how I got these scars?"  In early Batman comics the likeness of Lon Chaney Sr was used as an inspiration for the Joker. 

Lon Chaney Jr. as the Wolfman 8.5 x 11 Pencil on Paper alexiogessa.tumblr.com

Horror is hereditary.  Lon Chaney Jr. is the famous for his portrayal of the Wolfman.  "When the full moon shines, and the wolf's bane blooms, even a man who says his prayers at night can become a wolf," is a great line from the film. 

In dealing with icons like the Wolfman or the Phantom at some point everything old becomes new again.  I guess a great thing never dies!

Heathe Ledger as the Joker.  18 x 24 Acrylic on Canvas alexiogessa.bigcartel.com

 

 

I went to a City of Darkened Angels party last Friday.  I saw it on newgothcity.com which is a great site.  I was reminded of just how diversified and entertaining the Goth Community really is.  I parked my car and began walking to the venue on West 14th St between 8th and 7th Ave painted up like this guy and enjoyed all the passer by stares of disbelief.

I got to the venue and right away stumbled into a conversation about Bruce Lee, Danny Inosanto's Jeet Kune Do Concepts, Ted Wong's Jeet Kunde Do style, and how long it's been taking to build the Bruce Lee Action Memorial Museum.

After two appleteenies and Temple of Love by Sisters of Mercy I realized something.  It's fun and ok to be different from the mainstream.  There I was in a room celebrating a movie from 1994 but it was so much more.  We weren't incessant mimes chasing the 90s. No.  We were living the legacy of The Crow.

The Crow is always an iconic source of inspiration to me on many levels.  Like most people I saw the movie first and then discovered the graphic novel.  The graphic novel being filled with Joy Division lyrics inspired me to do some required listening.  I'm also a huge a Joy Division fan as a result.  Joy Division led to The Cure, Sisters of Mercy, Depeche Mode, Siouxie and The Banshees, and on and on.

The graphic novel and movie introduced me to Goth culture, independent comic art, and emotive expression.

I delved into a world where the good guys wear black, people aren't afraid to like horror/sci-fi movies, and individuality is never frowned upon .  I know these are a few key principles of the Goth community.  With these guide lines in place, there is also the truest sense of open-mindedness I've ever seen.  No one judges anyone else's "dance moves" or "style."  Frankly you could wear a clown outfit and fend just well for yourself at any event. 

That night I felt like I was at a Live Action Art Gallery.  The film was playing on white blanket facing a projector as everyone danced their boots off.  Bartenders and patrons alike were graced with a "shadow smile" on their faces while other were decked out in full Brandon Lee attire.  All in all good times were had and what is old isn't always new again; but nostalgia can be fun.