STEVE'S WEIRD HOUSE

This is Steve. Steve is an eccentric. I've been in some weird houses, but Steve's has to be the weirdest. That's an understatement, like saying Humpty Dumpty has a large head. Steve calls himself a collector, but I call him obsessed. His Victorian house is a massive cabinet of curiosities crammed to the rafters with thousands of odd, downright creepy things. Skulls, for instance. And stuffed animals. Monsters, medical experiments, hair wreaths, antique caskets. The world's smallest mummy. Circus sideshow exhibits. Minotaurs. Surgical tools. Toasters. A painting on the head of a pin.


I toured his house with several artist friends. We'd been asked to produce artwork inspired by the collection. We squeezed through the crowded house with sketchbooks, jotting down impressions of the place like explorers on a strange planet. I was lucky enough to be invited into this weird world, but you can take a virtual tour at "VR Seattle" where there are some amazing 360 degree panoramic views to explore.

http://www.vrseattle.com/pages/browse.php?cat_id=845

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

We made it, kids! Happy Halloween!

Here's a song about the greatest monster of all time by a rock group who thought it was Halloween every day. That's right, the New York Dolls! These gals wore tons of makeup and loved to dress up, played punk rock before it had a name, and, like Ginger Rogers, did it all backward and in heels.
Here's a treat for all you tricksters, a rare gem from back in the stacks: "Frankenstein" by the New York Dolls.
Click the button, if you dare!

FANCIFUL GROTESQUES

Isn't it time to start thinking about a Halloween costume?

These beautiful hand-colored lithographs from 19th century Austria might give you some ideas. You rarely see such fine work in this day and age of lazy Photoshoppers. Here at the hammer, we revere the masters of old illustration. These fanciful "grotesques" are attributed to Rappelais.


See you at the Cafe Racer Halloween art party Saturday, October 27th. (see entry below for details)