COVER MODEL: Lauren Scheufler PHOTOGRAPHER: Tiffany Marie Buckley MUA: Belladonna's Cupboard Necromantic Designs
MODEL: Lauren Scheufler PHOTOGRAPHER: Tiffany Marie Buckley MUA: Belladonna's Cupboard Necromantic Designs
In this October 2016 Issue we welcome new member of the Crazy Bitch Magazine Team. Our new Visual Editor, Copy Editor, and Contributing Writer. Everyone screech like a pyteradactyl to greet Hannah Rudow. Or bark. Or whatever sound you like, she's not fussed. She estimates a 85% chance that this silly little self-mention will slip past Rachel Boese's notice haha.
CLOWNMAGEDDON
2016 Clowns have been sighted in 20+ states this year leading up to Halloween.
Most have simply been spotted dressed as clowns, possibly carrying a weapon or acting menacing. Some have actually tried to attack people, rob, or abduct children. Clowns have been historial symbols of happiness and fear, playing out charicatures of our emotions in a simple way. This ubiquitous character is under fire. Even professional clowns and clown haunt actors have been warned to wash off their makeup and change before leaving their gigs.
Why are clowns everyhwere this year?
Well, we don't know what's up 2016.
MODEL: Travis Shaw PHOTOGRAPHY+MUA: Sophia Fosdick
But we do know that clowns aren't going anywhere anytime soon.
MODEL: Travis Shaw PHOTOGRAPHY+MUA: Sophia Fosdick
The latest reports show only 7 confirmed incidences of actual violence among all these sightings.
Yet Clown hysteria still ensued. Many have expressed the willingness to shoot anyone dressed as a clown on sight in order to protect themselves. As the statistics show, that's indicative of the fearful hype stirred up by the media.
The English word clown is first recorded c. 1560 (as clowne, cloyne) in the generic meaning "rustic, boor, peasant". The origin of the word is uncertain, perhaps from a Scandinavian word cognate with clumsy. -Wikipedia
MODEL: Travis Shaw
PHOTOGRAPHY+MUA: Sophia Fosdick
The sense of clown as referring to a professional or habitual fool or jester develops soon after 1600. The Harlequinade developed in England in the 17th century, inspired by the Commedia dell'arte. It was here that "Clown" came into use as the given name of a stock character. Originally a foil for Harlequin's slyness and adroit nature, Clown was a buffoon or bumpkin fool who resembled less a jester than a comical idiot. He was a lower class character dressed in tattered servants' garb. The now-classical features of the clown character were developed in the early 1800s by Joseph Grimaldi, who played Clown in Charles Dibdin's 1800 pantomime, Peter Wilkins: or Harlequin in the Flying World at Sadler's Wells Theatre, where Grimaldi built the character up into the central figure of the harlequinade." - Wikipedia
MODEL: Travis Shaw
PHOTOGRAPHY+MUA: Sophia Fosdick
MODEL: Travis Shaw
PHOTOGRAPHY+MUA: Sophia Fosdick
There have been clown sightings in years past, but this year is the first there have been so many. What does this foretell about Halloween in years to come?
MODEL: Travis Shaw
PHOTOGRAPHY+MUA: Sophia Fosdick
Will kids be afraid to dress up as clowns?
MODEL: Travis Shaw
PHOTOGRAPHY+MUA: Sophia Fosdick
Marisa, please tell me a little background about yourself and your interests?
I'm a weirdo, divorced mom of two little monsters. Olivia is 12 and Dominic is 9. I grew up in the East Bay Area, a city called Concord, just north east of San Francisco. I grew up reading a lot, playing basketball and horseback riding. My birthday is November 2nd so Halloween and Dia de Los Muertos have been a part of my life since a young age. I live for the Fall! I grew up in a very non diverse area, so being African American, Indonesian and Dutch (black/ white/Asian) often left me feeling left out and without an identity, but it got better as I got older. I love culture and food and experiencing new cultures through their food and music. I obsess over 3 things- Harry Potter, Disney and Jason Momoa. No really, I would leave my entire life behind for him.
Marisa Garcia
See the attached press release in addition. (included on the next pages for reference)
How did you get the idea for Chunky Girl Comics, how did it come to fruition and what are your favorite things that have come to pass since?
Chunky Girl Comics and the Chunky Girl Universe have made my life so incredibly full. I get to surround myself with people who are learning to love themselves. It's a daily struggle for us all. Sometimes the mirror is our friend and other days it's our worst enemy, but we have more good days than bad days and that's what is important. I love going to Conventions as a speaker and getting the opportunity to share our story and to also start some deep conversations on body image and diversity in our lives, in the media , in comics, in cosplay. We have met so many amazing people out on the road. But what has been extremely fun is the fact that this has branched off from just comics to cosplay, to plus size modeling (print, runway), to doing school workshops to making special appearances. People started to fall in love with the real life versions of the characters, with us. So the comic actually got put on hold for quite some time as we were searching for a new lead artist but also so busy being US. It's been fantastic. In January I got chosen to walk the runway in the Geek Fashion Show at SacAnime, in Sacramento. I thought 'who would want a divorced, fat, 30-something-yearold woman modeling their clothes on the runway?' And you know what, it was one of the most freeing and carefree few moments of my life. I love this crazy journey that I'm on, even with the nay-sayers and negativity from others that can come with it.
How did your Anti-Bullying Children's book come to be?
Who inspired the illustrations- and why this is important to you?
The book is a poem that I wrote years ago. It's very sing-songy and I was inspired by the prose of Dr. Suess. It's the tale of a young girl who is Chunky and just wants her classmates to see that she's just like the rest of the kids, just a bit chunkier. She wants the kids to know that words hurt and that school is a lot more fun when everyone gets along and respects each other. The artwork was done by 16 year old Kaitlyn Lundelius. She's a self taught artist from Stockton, CA. Her father, Eric, has been a supporter and friend of Chunky Girl Comics since the beginning and when I thought about how I wanted the illustrations to look, I immediately thought of Kaity and her adorable anime style artwork.
Congratulations! You recently surpassed your fundraising goals for the Children's book! I am so humbled by the generosity that we were shown during our campaign! I think people just realize how important this message is. I decided to venture into children's books because of my own kids. Bullying and this culture of shaming one another starts at an aridiculously young age and I realized that we need to reach these kids right out of the gate.
THE HEAVY RESPONSE UNIT IS MAKING WAVES IN AN INDUSTRY FILLED WITH GAUNT SUPERHEROES
Chunky Girl Comics is changing the standards of what is beautiful in the world of comics.
Stockton, California- Chunky Girl Comics is breaking down barriers and introducing the world of comics to Rosie, Sage, Sweet Pea and Candy, a group of ladies with curves in all of the right places that are determined to break the standards of what a typical superhero should look like.
Chunky Girl Comics is a small, independent organization based in Stockton, California created and conceived by Marisa Garcia. Marisa, who is not very artistically talented, is the creative mind behind the Heavy Response Unit and Chunky Girl Comics’ other creative projects. She is a lover of comic art, both new and classic and after a few years of toying around with the idea of starting her own comic, it was in 2011 that Chunky Girl Comics was born. With the creative and artistic talents of friend and digital artist, Grant Miller, the preview issue of the Heavy Response Unit was completed and made available to the public on August 5, 2012 at the Stockton-Con Comic Convention at the University of the Pacific.
“I am a proud overweight woman who loves comic book art. But it was so hard to actually relate to any of the characters because no one that I’ve ever met looks like any of those women. It was time to have characters that looked like me, had the same issues as me.”
The Heavy Response Unit storyline follows four friends who go from being happy, well adjusted, overweight women in Northern California to having to fight for equality when it essentially becomes illegal to be overweight in America. Not only are the girls curvy, but they are all of different ethnic backgrounds.
“It is so fun to write these characters because they are all so different and so strong in their own ways. They go from being confident and comfortable with their bodies to being shunned and forced into hiding. It’s basically an exaggerated take on what society has done to plus size women in the real world. I want anyone, no matter their size or race, to be able to look at these girls and find themselves in one of them.” Marisa has completed the first preview issue which introduces readers to the girls and begins to tease about what is to come. Stories are written and ideas are flowing and more products are being created in whatever spare time she can muster. Marisa had two beautiful children, Olivia, 9 and Dominic, 6. Most of her days are spent doing laundry, going to soccer and baseball practices, helping with homework, attending violin recitals and taking care of her three dogs, Manny, Oscar and Abby. But occasionally on weekends you will find Marisa and the rest of the Heavy Response Unit at comic conventions all over California sharing the comic book, stickers, prints and bracelets with comic lovers.
"We love to celebrate women, men, and children of all sizes. And show that despite size and having a little extra padding, we can do all that everyone else can do!” Future projects for Chunky Girl Comics include an anti-bullying children’s book illustrated by Miss Olivia Garcia, a Chunky Boys line and the ultimate goal is to have the Heavy Response Unit transformed into a cartoon. They have also started doing public and motivational speaking engagements at local schools and presenting self-esteem and positive body image workshops for girls, an area that they would like to see grow in the coming years.
“Our dream is to bring awareness to how bullying and singling out differences effects everyone, not just children."
“We believe that the world of comics and cartoons are ready for this story, for these women. The feedback we’ve gotten over the last year has been extremely positive and we will keep pushing and pushing until Sage, Candy, Rosie and Sweet Pea have their place at the top!
Fierce. Fab. Fluffy! Who says superheroes have to be skinny!?”
DEEPER
THAN INK
RUSSELL JAFFE
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve felt just a little out of place in my skin. So, naturally, I was drawn to anything that could make my body more fitting.
I’ve always really liked the idea of tattoos.
Tattoos were the first step of my self-expression, and through them, I could wear the image of my soulsymbols and colors mixing with the contours of my flesh. My parents, being somewhat conservative, were less than pleased by this, but the ink was never enough for me. Some people see their bodies as sacred temples but I prefer the idea of it being like some high tech power armor, ready to be customized to my preferences. I wanted something more than tattoos could offer, but I didn’t know what else I could do. And that was when I discovered the implants. I’m not talking about the kind that makes your boobs bigger or helps you get back on your feet after hip surgery, these were a new kind of body modification altogether. The first one that I encountered was a tiny neodymium magnet not even the size of a dime. It was specially coated to be permanently embedded under the skin, barely noticeable except for when it would pick up nearby paperclips or other small, metal objects. Honestly, just being able to do a trick like that would have been cool enough, but that wasn’t even the main purpose of the device.
Even under the skin, the magnet still had the ability to pick up electromagnetic waves from the world around it. At once, a whole new spectrum of senses opened up for me. The signals of my TV, my computer and my cell phones- all normally invisible, suddenly became a very real and tangible force. After that, I was hooked, and the next implant that I discovered were the RFID tags, tiny implanted signalers that could start my car, unlock my doors and essentially allow me to control the technology around me with nothing more than a gesture. Every year, the list of new implants grows longer, from subdermal LED lights, pockets in the skin and even navigational aids that will point you north from anywhere in the world. Each time a new implant is created, I am reminded of the fact that we are not chained to the bodies that we are born with. We live in the future, and that means that we can upgrade ourselves like characters in a video game. My advice? Take your bodies apart and put them back together just to see what they can do. Change the parts in and out like a mechanic fixing up a high performance engine.
In the end, it’s your body, and nobody else’s.
And that gives you the right to transform it into anything and everything you can imagine.
EMPOWERMENT DOESN'T LOOK THE SAME ON EVERYONE
Slut shaming: also known as slut-bashing,
is the idea of shaming and/or attacking a woman or a girl for being sexual, having one or more sexual partners, acknowledging sexual feelings, and/or acting on sexual feelings. Furthermore it's about "the implication that if a woman has sex that traditional society disapproves of, she should feel guilty and inferior” (Alon Levy, Slut Shaming). It is damaging not only to the female people targeted, but to women in general and to society as a whole.
Be wary, slut-shaming often occurs even without the use of the term “slut”. MODEL: Amanda Sorkin-Agudelo PHOTOGRAPY: Jessica Sterner
The Double Standard:
Men aren't shamed for their perceived or real sexual activity based on society's sense of virtue.
The effects of this double standard pervade society and negatively impact girls and women in many ways every day.
Latina women earn 56 cents and African-American women earn 64 cents for every dollar earned by a Caucasian male.
At the highest, Women earn only 78 cents for every dollar earned by a man. - Amber Rose Slutwalk
Around the world, women ages 15-44 are more at risk from rape and domestic violence than from cancer, car accidents, war and malaria. - United Nations
MODEL: Amanda Sorkin-Agudelo PHOTOGRAPY: Jessica Sterner
MODEL: Amanda Sorkin-Agudelo PHOTOGRAPY: Jessica Sterner
We Deserve Respect And Freedom
MODEL: Amanda Sorkin-Agudelo PHOTOGRAPHY: Jessica Sterner
Know the Facts
Rape is NEVER the survivor’s fault. The only person to blame for rape is the rapist!
"3 out of 4 rapes are committed by someone known to the victim." -RAINN
"The Department of Justice offers a low estimate that 300,000 women will be raped annually." Yet "97 percent of rapists are never incarcerated." - Amber Rose Slutwalk
MODEL:Amanda Sorkin-Agudelo PHOTOGRAPHER: Jessica Sterner
"Approximately 1.8 million adolescents in the United States have been the victims of sexual assault." - Amber Rose Slutwalk
Rape can affect anyone no matter their: sex race gender ethnicity social class mental disorder sexual orientation
"27 percent "American women serving in the of rapes are committed by a Middle East are more likely current or former to be raped partner." by a comrade -RAINN
than to be killed by an enemy." -The Pentagon
"One in four college women has survived rape or attempted rape in their lifetime." - Amber Rose Slutwalk
"An LGBT prisoner has a 15 times greater chance of being sexually assaulted." - Amber Rose Slutwalk
The number of women in the U.S. impregnated against their will in the U.S. as a result of rape is 32,000 ... each year. - Amber Rose Slutwalk
MODEL:Amanda Sorkin-Agudelo PHOTOGRAPHY: Jessica Sterner
MODEL: Amanda Sorkin-Agudelo PHOTOGRAPY: Jessica Sterner
Modesty empowers some, nudity empowers others. Both are ok.
And so is everything in between. Fight society's virgin-or-whore complex.
MODEL: Amanda Sorkin-Agudelo PHOTOGRAPY: Jessica Sterner
PHOTOGRAPHY: Lauren Scheufler MODEL+MUA: Kimberly Kandi Estrada Makeup by THC Cosmetics
My name is Kimchi and I have been actively participating in the world of cosmetics since 2004. During the last decade I have learned many skills and experienced many unique opportunities.
I want T.H.C. to be an all inclusive line of makeup, for the brash, the bold, the dangerous and weird.
-Kimchi
"Too High Cosmetics was created with the idea of personal acceptance in mind." -Kimchi
"No matter what color the lines we define ourselves are, we are all experiencing the same ride through different eyes." - Kimchi PHOTOGRAPHY: Lauren Scheufler MODEL/MUA: Kimberly Kandi Estrada Makeup by THC Cosmetics
PHOTOGRAPHY: Lauren Scheufler MODEL+MUA: Kimberly Kandi Estrada Makeup by THC Cosmetics
Too High Cosmetics has custom color programs for eyeshadows and lip colors to help make the idea of that perfect color more than just an idea.
www.toohighcosmetics.com
PHOTOGRAPHY: Lauren Scheufler MODEL+MUA: Kimberly Kandi Estrada Makeup by THC Cosmetics
MODEL: Sarah Raftery JEWLERY: Nomads Talisman V 2 from Haus Of Syn PHOTOGRAPHY+DESIGN: Cupcake Paparazzi.
Saahirah Syn’s Fashion Line, Haus Of Syn: http://www.hausofsyn.com
Saahirah Syn’s Website:
http://www.saahirahsyn.com
Jackie Bone’s Website:
http://www.cupcakepaparazzi.com
MODEL: Saahirah Syn WARDROBE+STYLING: Haus Of Syn PHOTOGRAPHY: Cupcake Paparazzi
MODEL: Saahirah Syn WARDROBE+STYLING: Haus Of Syn PHOTOGRAPHY: Cupcake Paparazzi
In the beginning I was creating my own belly dance costuming, which involved using antique jewelry pieces as decoration. As I developed out of the belly dance costuming and into more practical clothing designs my interest in jewelry developed with it. Haus Of Syn was created to and will become an actual clothing line. However, clothing lines are costly to produce. In the interim, jewelry helps me to create art while Haus Of Syn grows into what I’ve envisioned.
I’ve always been drawn to the natural elements of the world from bones to stones. Nature in all of it’s forms are what inspire me for Haus Of Syn. I love animals so much so that I love them even after they’re dead.
The inspiration came to me for dance while I was working at The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire and there was a performance of tribal fusion belly dancers. Physical activity was never my forte growing up as I preferred reading, computers, and video games over sports and the like, but seeing those dancers I immediately realized that it was something I had to do. So I did! -Saahirah
MODEL: Saahirah Syn WARDROBE+STYLING: Haus Of Syn PHOTOGRAPHY: Cupcake Paparazzi
A HAUNTED HOUSE PORTRAYING CONTROVERSIAL & REALISTIC SITUATIONS IS A GOOD THING Opinion Piece By: Hannah Rudow
IMAGES BY: The 17th Door FROM: www.the17thdoor.com
Media shapes our perspective of our society and of reality over all.
So based on the radio commercials and print ads it’s easy to think of a haunted house as a generic and cheesy jumpscare factory. Through internet reviews ‘touch haunts’ have a come to have the misleading reputation of being a bunch of poorly made up and over-gored actors seeing who can grab and push the patrons the most without getting hit back. Those who are truly dedicated to the real haunt industry, seek to smash those stereotypes.
Haunts using realistic subject matter may shock the public’s sense of decency, but it is a positive thing that these interactive scare-plays provoke thought about the issues in our society, much in the way of a dread-inducing afternoon special.
The original reason that these events exist is for people to find adventure in feeling fear. The pounding of their heart makes them feel alive, the rush of adrenaline exciting, the flood of dopamine rewarding the ‘risky’ behavior, the bonding that emotional intensity creates among the group of friends going through the haunt, and the satisfaction of surviving something scary. In order for each to have the proper impact on the audience, tact beyond a simple “Boo” must be employed. Realistic makeup, settings, and situations help hit each note. IMAGE BY: The 17th Door FROM: www.the17thdoor.com
The high quality of their work on the plot of their haunt’s narrative and the visuals that they craft, instills terror in their guests.
The general public has heard horror stories of actual abuse of ticket holders at the more ‘extreme’ haunts. One such haunt is McKamey Manor in San Diego, CA where the guests are drenched in fake blood and subjected to ‘extreme physical contact’ resulting in cuts and bruises or the feeling of being sexually assaulted for 4+ hours. Of course there are waivers to sign for legal reasons and the option to say “mercy” to be released from the experience. Most touch haunts rely on the waivers and allowing people to “mercy out” in order to keep things on the consensual side. An attraction at Knott’s Scary Farm in Los Angeles, CA called “FearVR” caught flack in the mainstream news and mental health advocates for having a psychiatric hospital setting and theme where it appeared that a mental patient was a serial killer. The plot of the virtual reality attraction was actually one of demonic possession that used the modern psychiatric hospital setting to better immerse the guests. Pennhurst Asylum is a haunt opened at the former Pennhurst State School and Hospital built in 1908 and closed in 1987. People who are patients at mental hospitals are often emotionally or psychologically vulnerable, consequently there is a long history of employees abusing patients and even inciting them to attack each other, as was historically the case at Pennhurst. Therefore it is understandable that a large section of the horror genre, especially film, employs an old-time asylum or modern mental institution setting in order to cast a coherent environment in which to employ aspects of psychological terror. Realism in American Literature often centers around the middle class, and The 17th Door Haunted House in Tustin, CA shows an example of this by following the story of an average college student who befalls realistic calamaties for the age and demographic. Paula struggles and often fails to come to terms with traumas of her past and of the present. She was raped and otherwise sexually abused as a child, weathered viciously bullying by peers about her weight, was raped and beaten by her college boyfriend, suffered from bulimia, self-harmed, attempted suicide, was abused while in a mental institution, had an unwanted pregnancy from being raped, attempted a dangerous and painful self-performed abortion, and went through other emotional trauma as well.
Many issues depicted at haunts like The 17th Door can be disturbing, and are all mentioned in the waiver so that people who know they would be triggered into episodes of PTSD or otherwise wouldn’t be able to handle the content can make an informed decision not to enter.
IMAGE BY: The 17th Door FROM: www.the17thdoor.com
Literally showing Paula fight to cling to her relative sanity and taking the haunt patrons through her experience helps them understand the isolation and pain of what people in similar situations have endured. TV and Movies are forms of entertainment that often try to bring new perspective to societal problems. A haunt doing the same is an interesting new way to give meaning and an important narrative amid the typical fear factor.
Giving a voice to these realities in such an interactive media can provoke thought on those issues and even help a guest gain understanding and empathy for those who have been through such trauma.
Do you consider yourself a crazy bitch- and why? Haha, at times I think I cannot deny it and say a definite YES. Especially if I'm at Boardners in LA on their Blue Mondays after a few scotches and New Order comes on.
Any crazy bitches in your life you want to shout out/mention?
I'd have to say the only other crazy bitch I know is my buddy Aaron Crow from Belgium. You should look him up he does some crazy martial art type stunt stuff. We've toured together and its always a good and dangerous time when we get together.
What is the craziest thing you’ve experienced at a show, after a show or on tour?
(We saw that video of the craziest chick ever on stage. Is that the craziest or is there more?)
Some of the craziest stuff has happened in other countries. South America, Mexico, and parts of Eastern Europe were some of the craziest because of people - even mostly fans - who believe what I do is part supernatural and there's something real to it. I've had people try to show up backstage and have me help put a curse on their boss or ex or something like that. Then there's been times where fans have really believed I have a relationship with them even though I've NEVER met them nor even had a conversation - via social media or otherwise. Like a month ago a woman came with her son from Mexico to a gig I was doing in New York City and was trying to get in by telling the bouncers that she and I have a life together in Mexico and I'm coming there as soon as I'm done with this gig and all this stuff -- it was really strange. Then there's times when I get off a tour and come back and check my mail and there's some really strange stuff fans have mailed to me I won't even bother trying to list them you can probably imagine it and I've go en it. But really for the most part I have the best fans in the world they're so dedicated and steadfast and also super talented. The things I get brought too that are made by them such as drawings, paintings, sculptures, and even clothing are really incredible.
Even the ones that get my logo or name or image ta ooed on them is amazing - I never thought me doing magic tricks would bring me to a level where I actually have fans let alone ones that would honor me back by doing something like that. At the same time though I've learned I have to be careful...I'm still super humbled and honored to have so many awesome fans but I've started to learn how much of no ma er how many good ones there are going to be some crazy ones too. I used to go to randomly announced meet and greets and stuff on tour but I've had to stop doing that because a few times stuff got strange and then some fans got a li le too into it and started making hate pages when I had to sort of explain to them as kindly as I can about what the deal is like no one fan is more important than the other and that WE are ALL equals. You just don't know anymore I guess, like look at that one American Idol singer who was shot just doing an autograph signing. I'm not saying I think I'm a big deal by any means but I've had my fair share of threats from people who think I do stuff with the devil, or hurt animals, or sacrifice orphans or whatever I mean there's so much shit I get not only because I do magic tricks but also because of the look I have. So then put those two together and it's like, 'whoa look out'.
OUR OBSESSION WITH THE EXTREME:
Adrenaline. Roller Coasters. Extreme Sports. Shock Rock. Side Shows. How we do obsess over the extreme. We are exhilarated by these things, especially at a safe distance from the audience.
Why do you think people are drawn to the outrageous and bloody acts you do? What inspires you to do these kinds of performances? That's a good question, and I think it is one that is hard to answer because
I feel it is something that is internal for each individual.
It is like looking at a painting, everybody takes away something different from it - everybody may really like the same painting - but it makes them feel a certain way that is unique to them, know what I mean? Regarding my magic tricks though I think the dichotomy of what I do a lot of the times by mixing magic with some shock value be it visual, audible, or otherwise makes things unpredictable. Situations, the usual "story line" - for lack of a be er description, etc that people are aware of when magic tricks are presented go a li le off the rails and makes the presentation unstable...or at least appear that way.
Like touring the Wonka factory or maybe like a theme park ride like Tower of Terror controlled chaos, living in the make believe within a safe environment allows you to fully escape, let go, and go into this world of pretend.
What is the best thing you’ve heard from a fan?
You’ve said before it upsets you that people think that you actually hurt live animals during your show, obviously that isn’t the case. We have been curious about the trials and There have been several times I've go en emails tribulations of traveling, transporting, or or physical le ers or hell even tweets and posts from caring for the doves during/between shows. fans - often younger ones like teenage fans, where Anything about that you want to share? they say something about how they came across a video of mine and then they started watching others and got into my stuff and its let them forget about whatever it is that is bothering them. Most of these like kind of messages have something to do with self harm, a empting suicide- posting a pic holding up a piece of merchandise they ordered from me and I can see the scars on their wrists level of seriousness. Somehow what I do, how I look, how I am just me and I just exist and live proudly without apology does something to inspire them and stop whatever destructive behavior or thoughts of this kind of behavior. As sad and shocking as the situations I read about are, hearing the happy ending and being told that my li le magic tricks (that's how I see them anyway) had something to do to pull them out of that is a feeling that I never get used to and a feeling that is new and fresh every time I hear it.
I never ever thought what I do would have an impact like that - but that's at the same time why I love doing magic tricks because it is an adventure in make believe I love being able to go on every day, never grow up, and even at times vicariously live through my audience seeing their reactions and such. I think it also helps too that the audience I appeal to, the fans, we share interests that are similar in music, fashion, art, and more. So I can talk and interact with them as an equal and I love doing that. Talking not about me or what I do but talking about the new Combichrist music video for example haha.
Nobody likes to be accused of anything that is not true haha.
I see my animals as a team, like a sled dog team for example, we all work together we're all in this together. I need them more than they need me haha but they're my kids I give them baths, treats, outdoor time, etc haha. Traveling on tour is grueling on me let alone them. I always travel with "swing birds" that I can use to rotate in and out of the dove act so that I can give everybody a break. When I'm doing like 3 shows a day I'll not use my parrot the first one or two shows and give him a break too.
It does get frustrating though that no ma er how clear I try to make it both in person and via social media people still chose to ignore it and go with whatever it is they believe.
I also travel with a large road case that I've converted into a portable aviary for the birds so they're not si ing in the dressing room stuck in a li le carrier all day. I take be er care of them than I do myself, we'll put it that way haha. There have been a few times where a few dumb reporters, and I'm talking about ones for what are considered major new outlets, have reviewed me and then tossed in something like "we've seen the movie the Prestige and wonder how many birds he goes through every week" or something like that. It is completely ridiculous and unnecessary too it makes you wonder how they got the job in the first place its like do the math do you know how expensive that would be if that was actually the case haha. I can honestly say that I do far worse to the humans on stage in my show that I do to any of the animals.
Dan, you grew up in the midwest and have stated before there wasn’t much in the way of resources to learn magic there. We’re from the midwest too, now living in L.A.
Do you think the lack of resources or maybe lack of stimulation from your environment motivated you and fueled you in a different way?
I think it did for sure. Because of the limited resources for magic and even other forms of entertainment my a ention span was like Swiss cheese haha. I had to fill those gaps with other things I was just as obsessed about like Disney, Universal Studios Monsters, ancient Egypt, fishing, hunting, hockey, concerts, garage bands, movies, etc. I just needed to be entertained and mental and creative stimulation at all times - I was constantly doing something and constantly looking for the next thing to create or put together. My friends and I would make home made horror movies in middle school and later I'd be in garage bands at the end of middle school into high school and once one of us got our licence it was all over - TP'ing houses, playing ding dong ditch, grabbing free furniture off someones end of their driveway and taking it to a parking lot and se ing it on fire - just immature juvenile things that really did no serous damage to any individual or their property. We did have morals and standards when it came to our anarchy, as opposed to other groups at the time haha. It was just pure mid-west punk rawk mischief.
Do you have any advice for fans of yours who may be inspired by you to explore magic and/or performance as a career option?
Is there anything more you would like to express? Are there any links you want me to include for our readers?
I think any sort of creative art-form be it magic, music, burlesque, comedy, etc is worth going for if you feel the calling inside you.
I love hanging with locals and finding the down and dirty cool places to hang in each city I visit so I'd say just follow me on the Ge ing up in front of people BandsInTown app or follow me on Twi er/Instagram: @dansperry or on regardless of the size of your Facebook: facebook.com/DanSperryOfficial audience takes balls and guts so to see when or if I'm touring to the reader's having the desire and then going area maybe we'll run into eachother some through with it is very respectable. place strange and unusual. Any other info and It doesn't even have to be a career, even just as a merch can be found at: dansperry.com weekend warrior you can still do a 9-5 at like a Jimmy And my coffee company Zombie Java is at: Johns there is nothing wrong with that. I'm not saying I'm at any high "level" but I still have my side business of zombie-java.com my coffee brand Zombie Java. I promote it and advertise That's a lot of promo right there... and such, it is a side project but also a side job . It is what helps keep me sane and gives me a nice break to put my focus outside of the entertainment world.
haha but yeah truly do hope to see
you guys at a full show some day!
"[Working on the Zombie java company] is what helps keep me sane and gives me a nice break to put my focus outside of the entertainment world. " - Dan Sperry
Visit the Zombie Java site at zombie-java.com
MODELS: Roxxy Mayhem & Sarelle Elise PHOTOGRAPHY: 6Touched9 Productions
MODELS: Roxxy Mayhem & Sarelle Elise PHOTOGRAPHY: 6Touched9 Productions
MODELS: Roxxy Mayhem & Sarelle Elise PHOTOGRAPHY: 6Touched9 Productions
MODELS: Roxxy Mayhem & Sarelle Elise PHOTOGRAPHY: 6Touched9 Productions
MODELS: Roxxy Mayhem & Sarelle Elise PHOTOGRAPHY: 6Touched9 Productions
#HALLOWEENSTORIES Haunted House Actor Submissions!
One particular scare that I witnessed
My company would choose the most inexpensive motels when I was traveling. I spent the night of a full moon in Tonopah NV at the
Clown Motel
It was super spooky with clowns everywhere. All night long, I kept hearing whispers and noises in my room. I told myself that I was just spooked by all the clown decor. Not much sleep at all during that long night. Next morning, I saw the cemetery right outside the back window of my room. -Tammy M (Atchison, KS)
belonged to a friend we called "Darko". He was posing motionless on a headstone in front of some people as they were tentatively passing by. When he jumped down and scattered them like roaches when you flip a light switch, I broke character and started laughing because it was just so funny. -Anon (California) There was a lot of stupid people coming through my haunted house one night and I was feeling rather aggressive. I only saw this particular woman from the back. I pop out to get her group moving and she spins around fast and yells,
"Oh god I think my water broke!"
I realized she was indeed pregnant and broke character in a panic to get her to our EMTs. Turned out she was in false labor due to how bad I scared her. The baby was born a few days later. -Luis S (Sylmar, CA)
Early on in my haunt career I was lucky enough to work the same night as a Hollywood Undead show. The group came through and Johnny 3 Tears called me a pussy just before I had my jump out. When I did my roar he hit the ground and peed his pants. -Luis S (Sylmar, CA)
Follow us @crazybtchmagazine on FB to hear about the next call for the Submissions section!
COVER MODEL: Lauren Scheufler PHOTOGRAPHER: Tiffany Marie Buckley COVER MODEL: Lauren Scheufler MUA: Belladonna's Cupboard PHOTOGRAPHER: Tiffany Marie Buckley Necromantic Designs MUA: Belladonna's Cupboard Necromantic Designs
COVER MODEL: Lauren Scheufler PHOTOGRAPHER: Tiffany Marie Buckley MUA: Belladonna's Cupboard Necromantic Designs
COVER MODEL: Lauren Scheufler PHOTOGRAPHER: Tiffany Marie Buckley MUA: Belladonna's Cupboard Necromantic Designs
COVER MODEL: Lauren Scheufler PHOTOGRAPHER: Tiffany Marie Buckley MUA: Belladonna's Cupboard Necromantic Designs