Lisa Snellings-Clark, one of my favorite 3 dimensional artists whose praises I sang in this post here (Lisa is a fantastic artist…you should read this post and if you already have, read it again!), recently had a rat sale. I discovered Lisa through Neil Gaiman who has written several short stories based on Lisa’s sculptures. Many years back Neil called Lisa a ratbag and the idea for the Neil Rat was born. More rats soon followed. Lisa recently had a sale and her rats left her studio like…well…rats from a sinking ship. And some found their way to my home. I picked up the Neil Rat, of course:
Neil’s regular mode of dress is black with a black leather jacket and it will be no surprise that I also couldn’t resist the Poe Rat:
In fact I bought two of those so I could give one to my baby sister for a much belated birthday gift!
Soon after this sale she unveiled the Grim Ratter, pictured at the top of this post, who arrived just the other day in time to preside over the Halloween festivities. Each rat is hand painted and the Neil and Poe rats are individually numbered, part of a limited set. The are wonderful little things and so very fun. I’m very happy to have these small pieces of Lisa’s art. Her website is a great place to follow the creative process. She often shows pictures of works as she is creating them…currently she is working on a very large rat sculpture for the front yard for Halloween. Lisa will be having a sale very soon for the coming Christmas season. I encourage you to visit her site often.
_________________________
As we ramp up to Monday’s celebration of All Hallow’s Eve there are some potentially interesting things to watch on the old television this weekend. The History Channel is showing:
On Saturday evening at 8/7 central and again on Monday evening as part of a Halloween day extravaganza that features:
12/1cHistory’s Mysteries: Amityville: Horror or Hoax?
1/2cHistory’s Mysteries: The Real Dracula
4/3c Time Machine: Bloodlines – Dracula Family Tree
5/4c History’s Mysteries: Ancient Monster Hunters
6/5c Haunted History Of Halloween
7/6c Haunted History Of Halloween
8/7c Houdini: Unlocking The Mystery
10/9c UFO Files: Russian Roswell
11/10c Weird U.S. Creepy Curses
The Discover Channel has Twisted History: Vampires on Sunday at 10/9c
The Learning Channel (TLC) has Possessed Possessions on Sunday at 8/7c
and The Travel Channel has Most Haunted: Live beginning today with rebroadcasts throughout the weekend in which the team goes on a search for Jack the Ripper.
Looks like some fun, spooky stuff for the weekend!
_________________________
This weekend I will be posting some pictures this week of the Tarts‘ First Annual Halloween Party as well as pre-party pics of my decorating and the party invites that I made a few days ago. Its some fun stuff so check back in if you have time. Have a wonderful Halloween weekend everyone!
I too first came across Lisa’s work through Neil Gaiman, think those rats (especially the Grim ratters) are fantastic btw, but I never have any money to spend on them. Still, maybe a Halloween present to myself…
Are you enabling my random purchasing Carl?
Grim Ratter was only $15 or $20…pretty cheap. The others were half off and I’m wondering if she will reduce them again as part of her Christmas sale specials here soon.
Yes, I’m fueling your spending fires Fence…sorry.
Yeah, but then you gotta add on postage and packing (should the packing come first), plus the fact that I wouldn’t stop at one.
I’m still very tempted though. Lucky the credit card isn’t near by
It was $20 total, shipping and all….not that I’m trying to tempt you or anything, but I do want to throw business her way because I like her work so much. And each rat comes in a cut little black velvet rat bag with a little signed card inside. Ah, heaven!
And not that you need it, but here’s the link.
Ha! Your peer pressure won’t work on me….
Mainly because I’ve already gone an ordered one of those Grim Ratters. Not too sure about the cost though, I’m guessing it takes more to ship (look, I’m turning American) to Ireland than inside the states. Have emailed to ask so I’m sure I’ll find out eventually.
little too strange for my taste
I also like the grim rat. These pictures really don’t them justice either. Carl showed me his two rats a couple of weeks ago and they are much neater up close.
I agree Jeff, they look much, much better than the pics show.
What Angela? Rats? Strange? What is this strangeness of which thou speakest! 😉
Good for you Fence! Good to know that the Grim Ratter will also be landing on Ireland’s fair shores!
I’m so watching this: Twisted History: Vampires!!! Care to meet Krista and I in the cemetary tonight for some drinks? hehehehe! Can’t wait to see your pictures!
Only if you know of a portal to the east coast…I’ve always wanted to visit the historic graveyards in Boston!
the grim ratter unavoidably reminds me of Terry Pratchett’s Death of Rats.
SQUEAK.
As I say everytime you mention Pratchett, Jenn See….I’ll have to read him sometime.
I agree Jenn See, and I think I’ve already got a name picked out for mine; Terry 🙂
Once he arrives I’ll be able to make sure that Terry suits him of course.