never stop being silly, friends.

I’ve struggled a lot with communication since the pandemic started.  And my feelings of being a misunderstood monster have surged.  This past year, I’ve mostly communicated to others through memes.  This form of communication is digital/tech based rather than analogue, and depends on a community of others to also be so equipped.  Most of the time when I think of monsters, I think of crytids and hybrid-animals; most of the monsters I draw have fur and/or feathers.  It might be because I’m a very tactile/texture loving person: I want to be able to hug my monsters (and make them out of faux fur & felt).  But maybe it’s time I thought more about cyborg monsters.  Monsters with tails and teeth and tech.  Monsters that can send memes.

I’ve talked a lot about monsters, especially on this blog.  But if you’ve been around since then, you’ll know my I AM A MONSTER thesis work was 8 years ago (what even is time, amiright?). And while some things change some things don’t, and I still feel that work to be relevant to me personally as well as conversations I’ve had with others since then.  So what is a monster?  A monster is someone or something that is, or is perceived to be, other.  Inherently other, or othered by society or circumstance: there are so many ways to be considered other.  Most monsters are demonized because of their otherness, and I am still most interested in exploring and exposing how our relentless need to simplify and categorise is unfair and unnecessary: let us all be complex and contradictory, be okay with our monsters, and each others’.

I miss making monsters, and I have several ideas brewing, ideas that have been pushed to the back burner for years, if I’m being honest.  I’m not always great at being able to follow through on a daily challenge, so I’ll be keeping this a bit looser for myself.

Because when a friend comes to you and says: “hey, I need a giant snake puppet for a performance” of course you say yes. The body is made from a velveteen and and a lycra, and “reinforced” with a muslin backing so it wouldn’t stretch poorly when stuffed.  The lycra material was also used to back the eyes! I used some foam to structure the head, and some thin plastic to give the inside of the mouth smooth flatness.  The fangs were made from polymer clay bake, and painted with a clear lacquer to give them a bit of a shiny “wet look”.  The tongue is a bit of pink suede.   Although I’ve made a bunch of monsters, they’ve all been made to be “photographic props” basically, and never meant for live action/puppetry.  This is my first proper puppet!!! Also, they’ll be using the snake for another performance coming up! 

Friendly reminder about my Be The Monster fundraising campaign: https://igg.me/at/BeTheMonster where I will be bringing my monsters to Toronto for anyone/everyone to sit for their very own [photo] portrait, as a monster <3 

Please donate/share/get involved if you can!!!  I can’t wait to keep this work going!!!

Happy Hallowe'en, I miss you Canada. (I can't actually go anywhere, especially in these heels, because sciatica, but let's all enjoy how great I look, and that I finally got to put together this outfit)

I taught myself how to make a hat today! It’s not perfect, cause I kept making adjustments as I went, but now I have a good idea of how hat construction goes, so the next one will be even simpler. I am going to make so many hats, you guys.  This one will most likely be the most “normal” looking, I want to get weird.

While I have been both making monsters and dressing like a flamboyant wizard for years, it only just dawned on me how very 'Newt Scamander' I am when I bring these things together.

PS: I’ve got an Instagram that will be covering all the things I make that don’t fall under Call Me Cornelius.  I’m “branding” such things under the awesome name of Elijatude.  Along with this, I’m going to try and get back to updating this process blog much more!!  I miss doing so! Stay tuned!

I have to do desk work on a beautiful day, but at least I get to decide where my desk will be? I have a meeting with my business mentor tomorrow, and I'm very stressed about it: my financials are such that I feel stalled and stagnated, unable to grow or push my business without money to invest into it. But today there is the sun on my face, and a fresh breeze.

How have I been spending my Friday night? Oh, just by image searching “giant grubs” and making some creeeeeeeeepy little appendages.   I had this “skin tone” sculpy left over from this side project, and decided it would actually be the best for some weirdo monster arms, rather than a more insect-like colour.  I think I’ll use leather/suede for the faceplate?  And I’ve got a bunch of shiny plastic monster eyes already (as you do). The body will probs be a combination of felt and suede?? Maybe some velvet???   I’m super excited for this little weirdo to take shape :D Also, if you’re on Instagram, I’ll be posting updates to @elicitmonsters 

Sometimes you have a ridiculous idea at 1am, and you have to see it through.