Did you know Sacramento is home to some of the most haunted places in Northern California. With pop ular historical landmarks being the epicenter of the paranormal activity. Locals often report spotting ghost and other freaky paranormal activi ties on a regular bases, usually where peculiar incidents have occurred.
The city of Sacramento, CA has a historic past that dates back to the mid 1800’s. Many locals are unaware of or have completely forgotten about Sacramento’s eerie past— Shall we revisit the distant past to see how these hauntings came about.
Sacramento was founded in 1854 by John A. Sutter Jr. The city’s prime water front location, made it susceptible to flooding and rain. Eventually, the city officials decided to raise the street level, In an effort to decrease the amount of causalities from the floods and rain— which is how the underground tunnels came to be. It is said that those old underground tun nels, are haunted by Sacramentians who lost their lives to these conditions along with other unaccountable deaths. Over time people have explored the under ground tunnels in Old Sacramento and have reported seeing ghostly figures and hearing sinister voices that emanate evil energy. It is also reported that cults per form seances and rituals in dark depths of the underground tunnels, elevating the presence of other worldly spirits.
In 1850, the California State library was built. Several of the librarians, from the mid to late 1800’s acquired popular texts and manuscripts on magic and occult teachings. One popular author in col lection was Aleister Crowley— known as the wickedest man in the world. His literary works had a significant influence on a large portion of the California State libraries collection in Gillis Hall.
In Gillis Hall, mystic texts that invoke spirits through incantations can be found with other ancient books on witchcraft, magick, and mysticism. What’s more spooky is that there is a se cret underground passage from the Old Sacramento tunnels that provides access to the California State library.
The Delta King river boat was originally built in 1927, first in Glascow, Scotland and then finished at Banner Island ship yard in Stockton, CA. The Delta King was built with its sister ship the Delta Queen. The ship is said to be haunted by a few different spirits. The most known ghost is a former captain that was dedicated to duties and refused to move on after his death. The second spirit on board is a little girl that was said to have been raped and murdered by a crew member, she can be heard giggling and bouncing her ball on the deck.
Built in 1849, old city cemetery is quite an eye catching place during the day— but at night the cemetery is plagued with spirits that lurk the sacred grounds. People often claim to see a little girl in black dress that doesn’t roam far from her grave. Also, practitioners of the occult are said to hold rituals in the cemetery using grimoires and incantations to summon entities- and once a spirit has been invited in, it’s not easy work to get rid of them.
Built in 1940 by “Pops” Kerth Iceland Skating rink has survived 8 decades, but Iceland isn’t just adored by the living residents of Sacramento- it’s even more adored by the original owner “Pops” Kerth. Every morning at 4:30 am Pops still makes his rounds. Visitors that have en countered Pops, say majority of the time he is a friendly ghost unless he catches you vandalizing or disrespecting his es tablishment. Pops was obsessed with business, which is why some speculate he never crossed over to the other side.
like the Rose that gRew fRom concRete
is flouRishing against all odds.
For most art is a fun hobby, for others it’s a financial side gig, as for Juliet Rodri guez art is an embodiment of emotional expression. Over the years Juliet’s experiences have done more than just shape her into a painter her past experiences have molded her into the authentic artis ta she is today.
Much of Juliet’s pieces are apparitions of the adversity she has overcame. As a result, Juliet’s art acknowledges the common demons many of us are forced to face at some point in our lives. Her art brings awareness to the struggles and fears we battle against— and through emotional awareness and self-love anyone can take back the power from those fears, emotions, and negative experienc es.
es— Juliet Rodriguez has painted her way to astonishing accomplishments. Juliet’s drive to consistently create has given her the growing ability to reach new highs in her career. Juliet’s narrative is truly special, read her interview to delve into her back story and her art.
Art is the way an artist carries themselves, represents the community, supports other artists, talks about their work. All of these things inform the art itself. I do my best to be proactive in the art community and intentional about my responsibilities as an artist. Just like any other job title, it has meaning and merit to it.
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Art holds so much power in orating history, experience, emotion, thought, connection. Finding art that speaks to you and pushes you to experience the world a little differently than before is just short of magic. In many ways, it’s saved my life.
My name is Juliet Elise, I am a 21 year old con temporary artist. I was born and raised in Sac ramento. I am Mexican and Czechoslovakian. My grandparents are immigrants from Penjamo, Mexico and Nicaragua. My Czech family immi grated to Minnesota in the 1800s. Art has cycled through generations of my family in different forms. It is my main hobby, career, passion, achievement, motivation. Outside of creating art, I enjoy spending time with friends, caring for my home, cooking, and working.
What and who inspired you to become an artist?
My life experiences guided me into art. I am a survivor of domestic violence and narcissistic abuse. My entire life, I was not allowed to voice my experiences. Even being removed from that situation, I struggle to talk about it. Some things are just beyond words. Art gives me the space to communicate and process these experiences without having to reach for the right words. I’m inspired by the idea that other victims and survi vors can have a voice through artistic represen tation.
As soon as I could hold a pencil. I can’t remem ber a time when I wasn’t making some type of art. I remember writing on the walls and draw ing on my homework as a kid. When I turned 13 I spent a lot of time drawing my classmates for fun. My dad decided I should show and sell my work shortly after. I had my first solo show at the Lodi Community Art Center at the age of 14 and essentially have been a working artist ever since. My work has evolved a lot over the years.
I started as a charcoal portrait artist. It almost felt like I had graduated to using colors, after I felt solid with black and white. When I started acrylic painting, I was sold. It’s fluid, it dries fast, the col ors are bold, it’s cheap, it’s easy to wash out of car pet... I love that color is universal. No matter what language you speak, the color red will represent heat, anger, spice, love, blood. Paint allows me to use color as a tool and I have a lot of fun with that.
Are you planning on learning any new styles in the future? If so what style(s)?
Recently, I assisted on a mural project with a few lovely Sacramento artistas. I really enjoyed the physical aspects of mural art. The labor can be intense but it’s rewarding to literally feel the work that I’m putting into a project. We have a largescale mural project coming up in 2023 which is super exciting and I look forward to the commu nity integration portion. I am so grateful to have the support and mentorship of seasoned artists in the field, while learning so many new techniques.
What prompts you to create new pieces of art? What does that process look like?
Art is like a visual journal for me. I approach the canvas in the same way someone might approach writing in their journal. These days I try to be more intentional about how I represent my emotions and ideas. I hardly approach a painting with a sketch or an outline but I do try to have a clear internal dialogue about the subject matter before getting started. Music is a must. Always something that fits the tone of the work, to keep that momentum throughout the process.
Besides art what else captures your attention/interests? Is it a special cause or another form of creativity, or something else altogether?
Mental health and social work. I went to school for psychology to become a trauma therapist. I was diagnosed with C-PTSD soon after. My symptoms worsened and I dropped out of college in 2021. This year, I had the opportunity to work in a lo cal crisis center, rehabilitating persons placed in the hospital on 5150. I’ve led art therapy groups, cooked, meditated, listened, and traveled with all types of people struggling mentally. If I wasn’t an artist, I would definitely be doing social work.
How do you take care of your mental health when you start to feel burned out?
I’ve definitely struggled with finding healthy coping skills in the past. I adopted a lot of the coping skills I learned in childhood (smoking, excess sleep, iso lating) and had to be very intentional about finding healthier methods of self care as an adult. I try not to push myself too far once I feel overwhelmed. If I can take breaks from work, art, conversation, etc. early on, I have a better chance of avoiding burn out.
What has been your proudest moment as an artist?
Docenting for the Coordinates Exhibition. It was a huge honor to be recognized by curator Faith J. McKinnie. As a docent, you are essentially the tour guide and human directory of an exhibition. If people have questions during their visit, you’re the go-to. I had the opportunity to meet every art ist and spend meaningful time with each installa tion. I was so proud, knowing these artists trusted me to represent their work to the community. I learned a lot from the whole experience overall.
Live your life with integrity and self care. The art industry is highly unprotected, there really is no HR department for a full time artist. If someone is treating you unfairly, being disrespectful, not paying as agreed to... speak up about it. Ask ques tions. Get used to asking for help, you’re going to need it more than you’d like to admit. Trust your intuition. And most importantly - let go of your abuser.
To give power to people that need it most. I felt very small for the majority of my life. Every day, I find my voice in art. It’s like looking into a mirror. Art holds so much power in orating history, expe rience, emotion, thought, connection. Finding art that speaks to you and pushes you to experience the world a little differently than before is just short of magic. In many ways, it’s saved my life. If I can do that for one person, I’ve done my job as an artist. Even if that one person is me.
I’m workshopping a domestic violence awareness art exhibition here in Sacramento! This project is in its early stages and projected to show in 2023. See page 38 for more info & Follow me on Insta gram @juliet_elise for updates on my work and the show
This piece is “Untitled” painted by Juliet Rodriguez.
Created using Acrylic, sculpting medium on canvas. Made in June 2022— This piece was created shortly after the over turn of Roe v. Wade and the proceeding march on Capitol Avenue. My work calls to question the intentions of the overturn, as well as expressing fear for the safety of women and children under the new legislation.
“Withheld in Destitution” By Juliet Rodriguez
“The Highest Bidder” By Juliet Rodriguez
Tim Noble and Sue Webster are the wildly creative minds responsible for these intricate shadow sculptures. Their art is formed using bizarre materials such as piles of trash, metal scraps, toys, dead an imals, (taxidermy), and light to cast these intriguing shadow sculp tures.
Tim and Sue’s underlying message from the trash sculptures is to shine the light on the fact that we humans are over-consumers and over-indulgers, and our excessive trash is a direct reflection of our deadly habits of binging and consuming.
“Kiss of Death”
unDerstooD & Mr. Meanor”
with
taxidermy
Tattooist Aaron Charley is leaving his BOLD mark on human canvasses throughout the streets of Sacramento, CA. 15 years ago— 31 year old Aaron Charley began forging his path in the tattoo industry. Perfectin BIG BOLD traditional style tattoos.
At a young age Aaron was heavily influenced by graffiti, comics, and anime which would inevitably ignite his hunger to become a professional tattoo artist. In his teens, instead of applying ink on paper in class Aaron was applying ink on his buddies outside of class Aarons hunger to take his talent to next level would soon present itself.
At the age of 21 Aaron was granted an apprenticeship at Nor Cal Tattoo. Today, Aaron has serious skin in the game and a plethora of knowledge and gnarly talent that speaks for itself.
Beginning January 1st 2023, catch Aaron Charley setting up shop at his new tattoo parlour “Good World Tattoo.”
Aaron Charley, 31, Profes sional Tattooer currently at True Craft Tattoo in mid town, but opening up a new shop beginning 2023 with Eric Goodman @good mancreates. I’m horrible at talking about myself but I have two spynx cats, they are twins and a handful.
What was your first form of art or creativity that may have led you to tattooing?
I was really into anime and comic books as a kid so that sparked alot of my interests in art. As I got older my cousin showed me graffiti and something about the bold lines and crazy color combos and the fact it was kinda a big middle finger to society. I loved that as a little skater kid which slowly turned into tattooing.
When I was 14-15, I was so into the idea of tattoos and having tattoos I was constant ly drawing on myself and everybody who would let me draw on them. Even got to the point where I was at tempting to do stick and poke tattoos on myself.
(not a good idea). but knew it was all I wanted to do and I was gonna make it happen by any means.
How long have you been tattooing and how did you get your start in the field?
So I have been tattooing for 15 yrs since I was 16 unfortunately not the proper way to go about starting but it’s all I wanted to do and I wasn’t even old enough to
My style of tattooing I would say is classic based tattoos. Big bold tattoos you can see from across the room. Pret ty much tattoos that look like tattoos. What drew me to the style is how they age over time because when you tattoo someone that tattoo has to age with them. Classic tattoos are tattoos designed exactly for that big bold and stand the test of time.
Other than tattooing what else captures your attention/ interests? Is it a special cause or another form of creativity or something else altogether?
Other than tattooing honestly just building fun cars and motorcycles hanging out with my cars nothing special I’m a pretty simple guy.
so I did it on my own. I would ditch class at lunch and go tattoo my friends my in a garage behind the skatepark it was gnarly. Then from there just got really lucky at getting into shops based primarily off my tattoos and not my experi
I wish I knew because I’m covered in them, but I’m glad they are because it keeps me in business.
What do you love to tat too? And what’s your fa vorite part of the body to tattoo?
I love tattooing all classic de signs. I do a lot of pinups and lady heads though. But hon estly anything big bright and bold is my jam. I don’t really mind tattooing anywhere on the body or have a preference as long as the clients sits good the tattoo will come out good. Always hard to tattoo a mov ing canvas.
What is a common misconcep tion people have about what you do?
That it’s a “cool” job. It’s not even a job, tattooing has to be your life in order to make it work otherwise it shows in your tattooing. Tattooing can be super stressful due to the fact it’s permanently on your body, so that’s stressful espe cially if you’re not confident in the design.
What’s something you want peo ple to know about your work?
This is not easy I’m still learning every day and it’s been 15 yrs.
What advice would give to anyone looking to become a tattoo artists?
Don’t do it there are to many people in the field that shouldn’t be even tattooing. The industry is so flooded with bad tattooers and people that need to do an apprenticeship it’s not the best time to get into the field unfortunately. But if you really wanted to do it right with an apprenticeship I would say if you go get heavily tattooed by one person you like or admire and you build a friendship with them start cleaning there shop then put in a solid 2 yr apprenticeship and maybe tattoo after.
Anything else you would like to add?
Word of wisdom stop get ting trendy realistic/ micro tattoos. They age horribly get tattoos that look like tattoos, that’s why they are tattoos.
Where can people find you? (ie. socials, websites, etc.)
Find me tattooing @good worldtattoo (starting January 1st). My IG is @tattoos byaaroncharley.
“What drew me to the style is how they age over time, be cause when you tattoo someone that tattoo has to age with them. Classic tattoos are tattoos de signed exact ly for that.” big bold and stand the test of time.” - Aaron Charley
In the ink realm there are several styles, colors, and concepts of tattoos that are absolutely mind-bending but there’s one style that has a cool Illusionary effect at first glance the tattoo appears to be real on the skin- but this intresting trickery is merely the raw skill of a tattoo artists. Check out these amazing illusionary tattoos!
Skin ripping, cylinder turning, and depth defying opical illusion tattoos are executed by only the most talented tattooists the key being precise mathmatics. One error in calculations and the precision is ruined.
October is upon us which means the spooky vibe tribe has come out to play, and leading the pack is Make-up artist Haley Purser. Chanc es are you have seen Haley beautify women, or even apply a dope spooky special effects look on herself. What ever the occasion, Haley and her clients are turning heads and breaking necks.
Young and ambitious, 31 year old Haley Purser has been a licensed beautician for 15 years. Her passion towards her profession is impressive— Check out her 31 Days of Halloween on her instagram @theemakeupgirl.
With that being said, Haley’s skill set wasn’t acquired over night, nor did Haley get lucky. Her impressive success today is the pay-off for all the hard work she’s put in over the hours, days, weeks, months, and years of applying makeup. Hollywood look out here she comes!
Hey Haley, tell the readers about yourself.
Heyyy I’m Haley, I’m 31 years old and I’m a makeup artist here in downtown Sacramento.
I have 2 pets, a bunny & a cat who I love dearly, and when I’m not hanging out with them I am working in my makeup studio or on location for who ever I’m glamming.
So how did becoming a make-up artist come about for you? What and/or who influenced you?
I started doing makeup for friends and family in high school, I loved getting people ready for prom or weddings, especially Halloween. When I graduated I decided to go to beauty school, fell in love with the craft & kept going ever since.
How long have you been a makeup artist?
Professionally, I’ve been li censed for 13 years.
Did you go to cosmetology/beau ty school? How did you acquire the level of skill you have today?
Yes I did, but I would give more credit to post graduation. I learned the most by practic ing, being on different sets & locations, working under other artists & studying different styles of makeup, applications and techniques.
What are the types of make-up styles you specialize in?
I would say glam & special fx. I have done a lot of weddings, which range from 4-8 people per wedding so I would say I have that style of glam down lol. Facepainting/sfx I prac tice a lot as well, it is the most fun for me. I love commercial work too.
How long does it take you to beautify a bride or model? And how long does it take you to ap ply spooky special effects makeup on yourself or clients?
A bride 1-1.5 hours, I want to make sure I really take my time. Models it varies, if it’s for runway or on set usually you have less time so 35ish min.
Sfx can go from 1-2 to 8-9 hours, it just depends on the design and amount of detail.
What’s your favorite make-up style to apply on yourself and your clients? What attracted you to that style?
For clients I would say heavy glam, when they have a smokey eye & contour/highlight, it’s fun to see them completely dolled up. On myself sfx makeup is the most fun for me, but day to day makeup I have a 25 min go to routine.
Have you ever considered learning new styles of make-up like body painting, etc? If so, which style(s)?
Yes! I would love to body paint more, as well as high end fashion makeup; which is usually a bold lip or eye look with very glossy skin. I’m hoping for more oppor tunities in the future for me to do that type of work.
What is the craziest, coolest, and spookiest special effects make-up style you have ever executed? What inspired that specific look?
Ooh that’s really hard, I would say my optical illusion series. A lot of those were really challeng ing but turned out really cool. I’ve painted murals on me as well which take a long time. Or turning my face into a famous person.
Other than beauty and make-up do you have any other passions or express your creativity in any other way?
I love to cook, if I wasn’t a make up artist I would pursue becom ing a chef. I’m vegan, so I try and make anything that’s a tradition al dish into a vegan version of it. I love creating art in just about everything I do lol.
What is a common misconception people have about what you do?
I’m not sure! Maybe that I’m an extrovert? I think being in the service industry has taught me great communication skills & I can be very outgoing, but I really do enjoy my alone time & being at home or traveling solo.
What are your ambition’s? Where do you imagine yourself in 3-5 years?
To do Meg Thee Stallion or Angelina Jolie’s makeup! Lol but I would love to do makeup for red carpet events, or more “Hal loween type” face painting year round, like for music videos. I definitely want to branch out in more creative gigs.
What words of wisdom would you offer someone pursuing this career path?
Take your time to learn your craft & don’t compare yourself to other artists. Your only com petition is you, and only you can do what you do. Practice, practice, practice!
Anything else you would like to add?
I have more exciting projects for face painting in the works! So following me on Instagram and tiktok @theemakeupgirl would be awesome. Any type of like, comment, repost, share is super supportive for me. & book an appt if you need some glam!
Where can people find you? (ie. socials, websites, etc.)
My website is www.theemake upgirl.com, all of my pricing, contact info & booking is through there. My social me dia handles are ig & tiktok, username is @theemakeupgirl Thank you for the support!
Haley executing sfx makeup inspired by “They Live” a cult classic.
Live
Haley’s sfx human carved Jack o’lantern
Haley Purser’s Special fx makeup — ZOMBIE style!
ELEMENT: FIRE PLANET: MARS NATURE: COURAGE, PHYSICAL STRENGTH, VITALITY.
ELEMENT: EARTH PLANET: VENUS NATURE: CREATIVE, WEALTHY, BEAUTY, SEX MAGIC.
ELEMENT: AIR PLANET: MERCURY NATURE: WISE, EL OQUENT, MENTAL POWER.
ELEMENT: AIR PLANET: VENUS NATURE: CREATIVITY, BALANCED ENERGY, GARDEN MAGIC,
ELEMENT: WATER PLANET: PLUTO NATURE: PASSIONATE, COURAGEOUS, SEXU AL PROWESS.
ELEMENT: FIRE PLANET: JUPITER NATURE: WILLPOW ER, PURIFICATION, MAGICAL ENERGY.
ELEMENT: WATER PLANET: MOON NATURE: HEALING, ABILITY TO CREATE USING EMOTIONS.
ELEMENT: FIRE PLANET: SUN NATURE: PHYSICAL ENERGY, CONFIDENT, HEALING ABILTY,
DREAMER: EARTH PLANET: MERCURY NATURE: POWER THROUGH WRITTEN WORDS, WISDOM.
ELEMENT: EARTH PLANET: SATURN NATURE: SUCCESS FUL, BALANCED, PRO TECTED, GOOD LUCK.
ELEMENT: AIR PLANET:URANUS NATURE: ABILITY TO CHANGE CIRCUM STANCES, DREAMER
ELEMENT: WATER PLANET: NEPTUNE NATURE: HEALING ENERGY, CONNEC TION TO THE DEVINE.
First and foremost, the creatives and artists in Sacramento are undeniably the heart and soul of all the colorful creative energy throughout Sacramento - Thank you for giving our community fresh life and inspi ration, you all are truly appreciated.
Sacramento is a unique place, the atmosphere is so diverse and full of life. In meeting local Sacramento artists, two things instantly caught my attention. The first being, the artists and creatives are thee most eccentric and extraordinary individuals I’ve ever met. Their individuality and passion to create keeps that creative needle moving forward.
Second, Sacramento creatives and artists all have their own unique
swag, they march to the beat of their own drum-- but even more interesting-- these artists all have a radiating sense of self that is liberating. They are 100% free spirited-- never waiting and always creating.
I myself am not skilled with a paint brush, but I am gifted with a cam era and pen. So as an addition to the creative community, I aim to use my skills-- and Epiphany zine-- to effec tively introduce and connect 916 art ists to broader markets across the US and vice versa.
To support our local creatives and be apart of this expansion mission, subscribe for future issues at https://studi olab.tech. & follow @epiphany_zine on Instagram.
-Eddie Walker