Wednesday 14 October 2009

Clowns

How do you feel about clowns? I feel that they are deeply disturbing or else really sad. I wish I found them funny but I really don't. I know I am not the only one on the disturbing front-Pennywise the clown is pretty scary. This collection of clowns is less scary I hope. The pretty one above is from a great book I have of forties advertising and packaging illustration called Euro Deco.
Wooden skittle clowns from-you guessed it-Greenwich market.

16 year old me dressed as a Pierrot for a fancy dress party. My Mum made the costume-it was great. I have been to two other fancy dress parties-one was a 20s theme so I was some kind of a flapper. For the other I made a hole in a big knitted blanket I had, made it into a kind of dress and wore that. I was a blanket. I don't know what I was thinking but I don't think anyone understood that I was a blanket. They just thought I was wearing a really odd dress.
My clown doll which has been waiting around for ages to be finished. I managed to gesso him ready for painting this weekend, but now he is waiting again. I might call him Gelly Roll after the pen that is in the box with him. I like that as a name for a clown! This is the first doll I have attempted in all polymer clay. I will fix him together with wire I think. Speaking of fixing, I watched a great film last night-'Coraline'. (Based on a book by Neil Gaiman) (I think it has been out for ages but I am always a bit behind!)It is a kids film-PG but not for younger kids I would say. It is about a girl who has very busy and consequentially a bit neglectful parents. She finds another world through a tiny door, where another version of her parents awaits. All seems perfect at first but things gradually become frightening and dangerous. I loved the themes of different types of parenting, and perfection not being reality. The doll/children ideas were brilliant, creepy and scary. There is a wise cat, some ghosts and dog bats! It is a great film for this time of year too I think.

11 comments:

Mary S. Hunt said...

i really have no opinion on clowns
i see them highly collected is about all
your clown doll is off to a great start!
got to start to finish
:)

Shell said...

you look cute in your clown outfit. I love clowns. I know so many people who hate or fear clowns, so you are not alone.
I do admit Pennywise was seriously creepy. For years, i couldn't walk by a sewer drain without thinking of him.

frayed at the edge said...

When I read Steven King's 'It' I had to sit in a corner so I could see the door, and for a long time afterwards clowns (and plugholes in wash hand basins) gave me the shivers!! I shall have to look out for that film - sounds just the thing to watch on a wet and windy winter afternoon! Glad you liked the notebook - I look forward to seeing a tiny little illustration on one of the pages!! Love, Anne

Lynne said...

I don't mind clowns. I do like that photo of you as Pierrot.
Coincidently my daughter mentions the film Coraline on her blog. And made a fabric doll inspired by the film. I don't know the film but it sounds worth seeking out.
I look forward to seeing Gelly Roll again.

Katrine K said...

Clowns are both scary and fascinating, I can`t make up my mind wether I like them or not. These clowns are nice, though! Like your post.

Anonymous said...

I'm not a clown fan. Like you, they've never made me laugh so I can't really see the point. Slapstick comedy as a whole does nothing for me so it's no surprise really!
Another great blog banner.

jabblog said...

I don't like clowns or slapstick. My middle daughter was always frightened of clowns when she was little - not surprising really, with all that masking make-up.

Yiota said...

I don't particularly like clowns; There was a street show in Covent Garden when I was in London and hubby stopped walking to watch. I would never do that. I find it boring.
I love your photo.

snoopydogknits said...

I think your clown is looking great..... if a little sad. Would love to see him when he is finished!Fab photos as always. Ros

Candace said...

Fantastic! I fear and loathe clowns. Always have. oh well...

I loved the book "Coraline"... and the movie was quite good as well. Clowns in Native American culture are used to teach kids lessons -- moral stories, etc.

The photo of you is fun and your own clown looks great. I hope you show the finished version!
Take care.
Candace in Athens.

Anonymous said...

I'm not bothered too much by clowns but I know a few people who dislike them.

I can't wait to see how your doll will turn out.

I have not seen Coraline. I'll have to see it!