ocCVlTa Fall/Winter 2020
Porcelainette The Girl Who Became A “Living Art Doll” pg. 1
Plus-Size Woman Uses Makeup to Turn Herself Into a ‘Living Art Doll’ By Hattie Gladwell
A plus-size artist has been depicting her moods using
her face as a canvas. Skye McLaughlin, 24, changes her look daily to transform herself into a ‘living art doll’. She describes her face as being a ‘canvas of emotions’, using makeup to channel her changing moods. Skye says her style is inspired by Japanese fashion. She’s keen to challenge the preconceptions that dolls should have figures like Barbie. Syke, from Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania, said: “At first, people would say, ‘You can’t be a doll because you’re fat.’ But I just did what I wanted. Now, I’m helping other people who are plus-size realise that they can do it, too. I have tons of people every week saying, ‘Hey man, you make me see that I can do that too. I don’t have to dress drab because I’m plussize.’ It’s the magic of life – we can wear what we want. One of my huge goals is to make people feel comfortable wearing whatever they want. It’s so important to dig deep and be who you are.” Skye, whose mum is a makeup artist, became interested in painting her own face aged 15. She said: “I started to realise that I could paint on my face and that segued into special effects makeup. Then, when I 1 Α Fall/Winter 2020
was 18, I started working at haunted houses as a dead clown girl, inspired by Pierrot clowns with the stark white, masklike faces. It provided the foundation for what my make-up evolved into, and I still use the same basic formula when doing my make-up – a white base, some type of bright blush, bold or gigantic eyes, and then details. That’s where I really came into my own and really started treating makeup like art.” While Skye’s inspiration for her elaborate appearance often comes from her love of horror and fantasy, her own emotions are also reflected in her creations. She said: “A lot of my emotions are put into my work. When I’m angry, I paint it on my face. When I’m sad, I paint it on my face and when I’m happy, I paint it on my face. I’m turning myself into this caricature of emotions.” Her love of dolls has developed in tandem with her makeup creations. She said: “I read about ball-jointed dolls obsessively from the age of 10. Even though I couldn’t have one, I was planning which one I was going to get in the future, who they were and how I was going to dress them. I was drawn to them because of the magic of what I could do with them. I got to take something that was in my brain and apply it to this doll – making my fantasy real. And that’s
pretty much what I do to myself on a daily basis.” But Skye, who has 17,900 followers on Instagram, is keen to differentiate between herself and ‘living dolls’ – a community of people who try to replicate the ‘perfect’ waif-like appearance of Barbie dolls. She explained: “Living dolls try to be very perfect, and there’s nothing wrong with that, but that’s not my goal. At the end of the day, I take my look off, and I’m the blank canvas again – nothing is permanent. What I really wanted was always to just be a living artwork and to eat, sleep and breathe it and become it. I describe myself as a living art doll. It means I’m using my body as a canvas to become my own art. Part of being a doll is being blank, especially with art dolls, it’s a lifestyle, so part of being the art yourself is being a blank canvas.” And while Skye has certain repetitive themes – like painting a dot under each eye to highlight two natural freckles – she transforms her look to be different every day, taking between three hours for a simple white face dusted in gold, and 12 hours, for a complicated evil clown look. She continued: “It’s cool because it’s temporary, I make this piece of art and as soon as I’m done, I wipe it off, then it’s gone forever. When you make a painting you have this big thing
left once you’re done, it’s beautiful and it’s wonderful, but I don’t have space for a million paintings. So, that’s the great thing about make-up art – it disappears when you’re done.” Skye says that though she loves doing her makeup, her favourite part is taking it off. “It’s like a breath of fresh air. The makeup is a deep inhale and taking it off is letting it all out again. It’s part of the cycle. I feel just as good with or without make-up. The blank canvas is fine, it’s good, and it’s mine.”
“When I’m angry, I paint it on my face. When I’m sad, I paint it on my face and when I’m happy, I paint it on my face.” Fall/Winter 2020 Ω 2
Witchy Wonderland
How to Add A Pagan Touch To Your Winter Wardrobe
As the cold winds blow and the snow begins to fall, people
across the country are digging their winter coats, hats, and gloves out of the back of the closet. Cold, icy weather definitely means Wthere need to be some changes in your wardrobe, but you don’t need to hide your pagan pride just because you have to bundle up. Whether you are looking for something that alludes to pagan styles or just shows the world outright what you believe, there is something fun for every witch to wear this winter.
Embrace Nature Most pagans find that nature and the environment play a large part in their religious beliefs, so this is an excellent place to start when you are adding a pagan flair to your wardrobe. As well as being more eco-conscious in your fashion choices, you might choose to use nature as a theme when updating your look. This might be as simple as choosing nature-based colors such as various hues of green or brown. If you feel especially drawn to the water you might choose a shade of blue or green that reminds you of the ocean, while others might choose the bright red of a winter cardinal. You can’t go wrong when you are letting nature be your palette! You might also choose designs and symbols based on nature. A holiday sweater with snowflakes or reindeer could have a double meaning for pagans this year, while a full moon brooch or a pair of raindrop earrings could be a lovely way to spruce up an outfit, adding a subtle nod to the natural world. You can even choose to wear items from nature like feathers or stones in your jewelry to make a beautiful statement about your connection to the world around you. 3 Α Fall/Winter 2020
hooded wrap cardigan, celticfusions.com
Wear Your Pantheon oakleaf shawl pin, celticfusions.com
Let Nature be your palette
There are tons of ways to add a bit of your preferred pantheon to your outfit! Whether you choose a specific god or goddess or the pantheon as a whole, you can easily add them to your ensemble with a subtle pattern or an in-your-face image. For people who follow Celtic traditions, a Celtic knot, a tree of life, or Ogham script would all be excellent ways to wear your faith. For people who choose to follow ancient Egyptian gods, an eye of Horus or an Ankh might be excellent choices. Odin’s Horn or a Valknut might be the perfect symbols for people who worship ancient Norse gods. If you want something simple that won’t draw a ton of attention, a small pin on your collar or a border along the bottom of a tunic or sweater would be lovely and understated. If you want something big and flashy, a silkscreened t-shirt is an excellent way of telling the world what is important to you by having it emblazoned across your chest.
Accessories In the winter many people choose to wear a nice warm coat, but there is no reason you can’t choose something a little different. For instance, the right cloak could keep you nice and warm while giving your outfit a witchy touch.
Stay in touch with your Pagan roots
You can also choose jewelry, scarves, and other accessories that highlight your pagan side. Rings, chokers, necklaces, and bracelets are available with thousands of pagan images, from subtle images like the phases of the moon to assertive images like runes or pentagrams. You can even find detailed drawings or engravings of various gods or goddesses on everything from jewelry to cloaks, which means you can embrace your faith whether you want something simple or something complex. By Rachael Brennan
wizard-inspired outfit, characterportraits
Fabric Matters Choosing natural fabrics is an excellent way to stay in touch with your pagan roots. An angora sweater, a cotton t-shirt, a silk scarf, or a linen skirt would all be completely free of synthetic fabrics, helping you feel closer to nature and helping you reduce your carbon footprint at the same time.
moonstone wire-wrapped necklace, etsy.com
Wearing wool, for instance, could be a symbol of Duttur, Sumerian goddess of sheep, and Dumuzi, Sumerian lord of shepherds and flocks. In the Norse pantheon they worship Frigg and her weaving abilities while in Greek traditions you’ll find Athena was the weaver, making natural fibers and hand-woven fabrics a fantastic way to honor these goddesses. For people who want to embrace pagan styles without all the symbolism, renaissance style clothing such as layered skirts, boho style tops with wide sleeves, warm wool tunics, or an outfit with a fitted bodice would be excellent ways to hint at the fact that you’re a witch without ever actually saying it.
pine branch hair wreath
There are lots of fun ways to add a witchy touch to your wardrobe. What are some of your favorite pagan accessories? traditional viking dress, thevikingqueen.com
Fall/Winter 2020 Ω 4
Myrkur “The more time I can spend in nature, the better for me”
This year, Amalie Brunn banished her nightmares with Myrkur’s second album In 2017 Myrkur took the leap from black metal curio to one of the most adventurous and awe-inspiring artists in heavy music. Her latest album Mareridt married extremity with haunting choirs and traditional Scandinavian folk music, in a truly invigorating display of artistic vision and integrity. Like nothing we’ve ever heard before, it reached number two in our Albums Of 2017 list – in fact, we’re still listening to it right now. We called the mastermind behind the album Amalie Bruun (aka Myrkur) to talk about the record, the future and spirituality. 5 Α Fall/Winter 2020
How do you feel about the response to Mareridt so far? “It’s been very positive. In terms of growth since my debut album, it’s been really wild, actually. So that’s a very positive development, I guess. I think they’re right. I do think it’s a really good album!”
It’s a very thoughtful and thought-provoking album, it seems very therapeutic and cathartic for you as an artist… are you hoping that it’s helping people directly in that same way? “Mostly people are writing that they’re really engaging with it and getting into it and spending long nights with it. No one’s saying that it’s an easy listen and I agree, it’s not. I don’t know if people will feel the therapeutic effect of it; only time will tell.”
Does it matter if they don’t? “Especially with this album, I set free some demonic thoughts and nightmares and some music, and now it’s got a life of its own, so after that it’s not really up to me to judge what it should or shouldn’t do. That’s how I feel, but particularly with this record I’m oddly passive about it, without being apathetic. It really did feel like an exorcism, so once that was out, I feel kind of distant from it. Unlike my first record, which I was much more invested in afterwards, this one is more like, ‘Here everyone, take these songs! Now they’re away from me…’ It’s interesting. Time will tell.”
Was this album the first time you’d sung in English? “Not in my life… haha, but yes, it was the first time I wrote and sang in English, but I think that was mainly because sometimes, when I woke up from nightmares, some of them, in my ramblings that I write down when I’m half asleep, some of them were actually in English. So then I thought, okay, let’s go with that on these particular songs, you know? Why change that? It was kinda fun. I read some of it now… I have some notes in this book I have, and
also on my phone, and I’ll be reading and I’m like, ‘What the fuck is this?’ What is this mix of three languages, half asleep and stuff… haha!”
Away from the awful reality of dealing with the music industry on any level, there’s obviously a big spiritual element to what you do. How would you say your spirituality has evolved or grown over the last 12 months? “I guess I’ve become further interested in pursuing a life away from materialism and kind of… the modern world? Obviously I’m busy with music, but the more I manifest myself, I suppose, in the way I work, then the more I can call the shots about how I want to design my life, you know? So it’s only going more in that direction, and that also means a more natural life and not engaging in kind of things on the internet or even watching the news. I think most people feel that way right now. As a musician, you want to keep it about the music, and that’s about the only thing you can do. The more time I can spend in nature, the better for me.”
What’s next for you? “I’ll be doing an acoustic folk tour in early 2018. Then I think also there’ll be an American tour starting in February. Then I’d like to write that dark acoustic folk album that I’ve talked about for three years.”
Would that be a Myrkur record? “Yeah, definitely, and I’ll work with some of the same musicians I’ve worked with before. I’ve purposely not given anyone around me any promises of dates, but I feel very inspired to do that, and I feel that a lot of people are asking me to do that. That’s inspiring when it’s already something I’d like to share, so that’s definitely in my plan. I don’t know about other people’s plans, haha!” By Metal Hammer
Fall/Winter 2020 Ω 6
8 maGical braNds That will cast a speLl on Your beAuty routinE Bbeauty eauty and magic go hand-in-hand. Witch-inspired products often draw scents, shades, and package art from magickal themes. As it becomes easier than ever to begin your start up, many women in touch with the magickal arts are pursuing beauty businesses as well.
By Amanda Grace
is definitely your beauty altar! Candlelit baths, essential oils, and even adding a charcoal smolder to your eyes or red rouge to your lips has its ties to a mystical history. In addition to rituals and rouge, most beauty ingredients have been used since ancient times such olive oil, lavender, and lemon.
Think of your current beauty routine, aka beauty ritual. Perhaps you have a bathroom counter or vanity — that
They might not be using eye of newt (actually, most of these are vegan!), but here are 16 of our favorite witchy beauty, skincare and cosmetics brands!
1. Witch Baby Soap
2. Necromancy Cosmetica
From printed soaps to scrubs to amazing bath bombs, Witch Baby Soap is a great addition to any bath ritual!
If you’re a fan of bewitching colors and wand-free classic lipstick, Necromancy is for you!
3. Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab Purveyors of fine oils (aka addicting perfumes), nail lacquers, and hair glosses, BPAL will rope you in with their extensive catalogue of scents!
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4. LunatiCK Cosmetics Labs You probably have seen their Mystifying Mattifying Ouija Planchette ($20), but they also have a coffin-shaped Elvira palette, so drop everything!
5. Notoriously Morbid Cosmetics Notoriously Morbid has an extensive cosmetics catalogue of shimmery shadows, highlighters, and lip products!
6. The White Witch Parlour The White Witch Parlour has you covered in magickal beauty from head to toe. From the New Moon Charcoal Face Mask to the Spiced Clove lip balm, everything is blessed with stones with magickal properties!
7. Hex Bomb by Bella Muerte Known for their “Black As Your Soul” bath bomb, Hex Bombs have extended their vegan, cruelty-free line to include bath bombs in a wide range of colors and fragrances.
8. Medusa’s Makeup Medusa’s Makeup is a veteran of the indie beauty game. Their extensive line features everything from primer to brush cleaner, and everything in between!
1. Winter Spell Box, $50. witchbabysoap.com 2. Blind Devotion Collection, $60. necromancy cosmetica.com 3. “O” Perfume, $24. blackphoenixalchemylab.com 4. Elvira Palette, $35. poshmark.com 5. Vanishing Cabinet Beauty Box, $13.25. notoriouslymorbid.com 6. New Moon Lavender Face Mask, $24. whitewitchparlour.com 7. Macabre Skull Soap, $5.84. hexbomb.net 8. Monthly Vegan Beauty Box, $15.95. medusasmakeup.com
Have these brands cast a spell on you too? We are totally bewitched!
Fall/Winter 2020 Ω 8
An Enchanted World Of Dark Alternative Style:
Faerie Gothic Prepare yourself to be flown away to the otherworldly and magical side of gothic fashion, a place where fantasy and a palette of dark, glittering hues come together to create a look that’s as magical as it is dramatic and mesmerizing. Whether you prefer to call it dark faerie, or faerie goth, the look is as fantastical as it is wonderfully creative. Gothic fashion gets a spellbinding makeover for this style that brings together the best of goth style with the wonderful world of the magical realm, if you thought faeries were just impish creatures lurking at the bottom of the garden, you’ll be pleasantly surprised with this otherworldly look.
Faerie Goth is all about embracing the magical and otherworldly, it’s a look where your creativity is allow to run free to add elements of magic to your outfit.
Fairy goth sometimes takes more of a light hearted approach to the classic goth look.
9 Α Fall/Winter 2020
Accessories are the key to this look
Finish off your look with some creative, magical make up, adding a sprinkle of pastel tones and glitter for a truly magical look.
Flower crowns and headdresses are an easy way to add a touch of magic to your look.
Items such as fairy wings, pointed elf like ear tips, crowns, wands and even unicorn horns are brought in to accessorize the look, adding a magical twist to goth style.
Jewellery is usually minimal, but pieces that are inspired by nature are perfect to add to your outfit
Your creativity can certainly run free , and what better way to connect with nature whilst still retaining that beautifully dark gothic look? Fall/Winter 2020 Ί 10
ORIGINS OF HALLOWEEN By Dragana Angela Dorn
A h, Halloween! Every Goth’s peak of the social calendar! As we plot, plan and craft our costumes in order to be on our most fabulous or shop for Halloween decorations we would use as all year round home dÊcor, we rarely stop to think about the origins of our favorite holiday. It took a lot of time for Halloween to shape into what it is today; a fun, party-style, commercial holiday that generates more than 6 billion dollars annually in U.S. alone!
Origins of Halloween can be traced back some 2000 years, to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain/ Calan Gaeaf. This festival was held to mark the end of summer and harvest time, but also the beginning of the New Year for ancient Celts. On that night, veil between the world of living and the realm of dead is lifted, so ghosts of ancestors are coming for a visit. Some of the spirits came to cause mischief and trouble, while other spirits came to offer comfort for the upcoming long and dark winter in the form of prophesies given trough Druids. How does an ancient Celtic New Year festival relate to Halloween? The way it was celebrated is the key here. First, people would extinguish their house heart fires at dusk, dress themselves in costumes consisting of animal heads, furs and bones, than gather
11 A Fall/Winter 2020
around the huge bonfire to party, offer sacrifices to gods and have their fortune told by Druids. This is precisely why we are never supposed to leave the lights on in our house on Halloween, dress in costumes, light bonfires, give children candy and have a bunch of superstitions related to this holiday in this day and age. Fast forward a couple of centuries and Roman Empire conquered most of the Celtic lands. People started to mix and traditions of two cultures started to fuse together. Specially, Roman holyday to commemorate the dead called Feralia and holiday to honor Pomona, goddess of fruit and trees. Pomona’s symbol is an apple, which is a good explanation for today’s tradition of bobbing for apples on Halloween.
After WWI, newspapers campaigns that urged parents to remove “frightening” and “superstitious” aspects from the festivities, made Halloween into more secular, party-style, children friendly holiday we know today. Trick-or-treating was promoted as an inexpensive and fun way for the entire community to participate in the Halloween celebration and preventing tricks by providing children with sweets. One thing is for certain, after 2000 years, three religion changes and across continents, Halloween always remained the source of the dark, mysterious fun that brings communities and cultures together.
A couple more centuries passed and Christianity was slowly taking over Europe. In an attempt to assimilate Celtic and Roman Pagan rites into Christian, church-sanctioned holidays, Pope Gregory III introduced The All Saints Day, holiday that was celebrated suspiciously similar to Samhain. The All Saints Day celebration was also called All-hallows or All-hallowmas (from Middle English Alholowmesse) and that is where Halloween got its name. Fast forward a few centuries again, to colonial New England, where predominantly Irish communities held annual “play parties” to celebrate the end of the harvest. Neighbors would share ghost stories, tell each other’s fortunes, sing, dance and allow their children small mischief of all kinds. Young ladies held the belief that they can divine the name or appearance of their future husband using mirrors, pieces of yarn or apple peals. Surge of Irish refugees in the 19th century really popularized the holiday throughout the States.
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M AY B E MAYBE SHE’S BORN WITH IT. MAYBE IT’S MAYBELLINE. Lamia is wearing New Define-A-Line Eyeliner in Ebony Black. ©2007 Maybelline LLC, DIST.
maybelline.com