(Butterfly Girl II)
Our wonderful art hostess for RIP V, Jennifer Gordon, has once again graciously agreed to sit in the interview chair. I have been a fan of Jennifer Gordon’s work for the past few years, and in that time she has also grown into a good friend. I appreciate so much that she allows me to use her always ethereal, sometimes gothic, art to accompany the R.eaders I.mbibing P.eril challenge. If you haven’t had the pleasure of partaking of my previous interviews with Jennifer, here are the links:
An Interview with Jennifer Gordon
Jennifer Gordon on the Gothic Muse and All Hallow’s Eve
And with no further ado, heeeeere’s Jennifer Gordon:
(The Young Widow)
Carl V: You’ve talked in past interviews about your process and where you get your inspiration, and I [have pointed] people back to those interviews. I was wondering if you would take some space first and foremost to update the readers about your artistic/creative endeavors over the past year or so? What have you been working on, what have been your more recent inspirations, what plans you have for the future, etc?
Jennifer G: Well the past year has been very busy, both on a professional creative level and a personal creative level. I’ve continued to sell my art prints in my online shop, and have worked on a Calendar that will be published by Brush Dance and will be on sale in 2011, for the year 2012.
[Carl V: I cannot wait for that! I can see a calendar or two making its way into the lineup for prizes for R.I.P. VI]
I recently got the printer proofs for that and it looks beautiful. I’ve also started to dabble in some more graphic design projects which has been challenging and fun. They range from blog banner/shop banner design, to business cards and labels. The largest project has been for Lucy B. Cosmetics and that was to design labels for their new perfume line.
[Carl V: Wow! Congratulations, that is so great!]
As far as my art, I continue to be inspired by gothic elements, and “doomed” and forlorn women, as well as vintage showgirls and circus performers. I’ve been doing a lot of dance related pieces as well, as over the past year I’ve taken up (and become very passionate about) ballroom dancing. I’ve competed a few times and did quite well too!
I’m also in the very early stages of writing a book…..but I rather not jinx the creative process right now by saying too much about it.
(The Dancers)
Carl V: In last year’s interview you said, “I need to preface this with saying right off the bat, I love Halloween, LOVE it. It’s my favorite, even better than Christmas, I wish Halloween gifts were something that was done, because then it would be perfect.” Assuming nothing has changed, give us a glimpse of the Halloween-ish festivities in the Gordon household up to this point, and what you have planned for the big weekend?
Jennifer G: Festivities so far have been very low key….there just does not seem to be enough time to revel in autumn this year. That being said, my husband and I have been watching tons of scary movies every chance we get, this year we’ve watched The original Dracula, the Francis Ford Coppola Dracula, 28 Days Later, Descent 2, Zombieland, The Exorcism of Emily Rose, Nightmare on Elm Street (the new version)…..I think that’s it, it’s all I can remember off the top of my head.
We also went this past weekend to the Scare-Atorium, an indoor haunted house in Columbus. I screamed my head off, it was great and truly scary.
(The Butterfly Collector)
Carl V: Do you and/or your family engage in the art of jack-o-lantern carving or are you pumpkin pacifists?
Jennifer G: Oh, I like the phrase ‘pumpkin pacifist’. I’ll go with that, as there is something about pumpkin faces that scares me, I think it brings up some Sleepy Hollow phobia I had when I was small. Also to be truthful, our silly dog (Scribble) loves pumpkin so much that if we were carving and the house smelled like pumpkin he would be impossible to control.
I have been known to black glitter a pumpkin or two though…..
[Carl V: So, no pumpkin corrective surgery, but you will tart ’em up? 😉 ]
Carl V: As this is your favorite holiday, is there any post-All Hallows Eve depression and if so, what form does this take?
Jennifer G: There really is some post-Halloween depression, it of course comes with the over eating of sweets, and I do often watch some scary movies well into November. I’m hoping this year it will not be as bad, because one of the good things with ballroom dancing is that there is always some sort of reason to wear something that most people would think of as a costume, so it will help me down from the Halloween high.
(She Does Not Wait For June)
Carl V: The idea of ‘Halloween = CANDY’ has been a part of our culture since we were children. Is trick or treating still a big deal in your neighborhood?
Jennifer G: Well, I live on a very busy street and I always have, so trick or treating was never big in my neighborhood ever…..though we live close to good trick or treating neighborhoods so it’s still easy to enjoy. We did go last year and I think my husband and I had way more fun than his daughter did. We all dressed up too, which was great (again, we were more excited about getting to wear costumes than she was).
Carl V: As for candy, what did it for you when you were a kid?
Jennifer G: Where to start????? Mini Chocolate bars of course, Kit Kat, Milky Way, Nestle Crunch, Three Musketeers, anything in the Reese’s family of peanut butter goodness, and of course M&M’s!!! I also LOVE candy corn.
Carl V: What, if anything, did you chuck in the bin the second you pulled it out of your candy bag?
Jennifer G: Charleston Chew, Sugar Babies, Sweet Tarts, and licorice, YUCK!!!!!
Carl V: Now that you are an adult, has any of this changed? What Halloween treats do you indulge in now?
Jennifer G: Lots of the same sweets but add in pumpkin breads, and pumpkin lattes!!!
[Carl V: That reminds me, my friend Nick makes a mean pumpkin ice cream. Mmmmm….]
(Our Love Was Lost)
Carl V: By your own admission you are an avid RIP participant. What books have you read in the last year that you feel simply must be added to a person’s autumn reading list?
Jennifer G: I read Her Fearful Symmetry last year and loved it, strangely I’m loving it more and more as time goes by. I may re-read it this year. I also read Salem’s Lot for the first time which was wonderful, as was Lost Boy, Lost Girl and The Night Room by Peter Straub. I just finished (this morning) reading The Exorcist for the first time as well, and it was everything I hoped it would be. I’ve seen the movie over and over but the book was still captivating from beginning to end.
Carl V: What books have you been partaking of during this year’s RIP V Challenge?
Jennifer G: I read The Stand by Steven King, Haunted by Chuck Palahniuk (which is not technically horror, but I highly recommend it, but not for the squeamish), The Exorcist, and I’m reading Come Along With Me by Shirley Jackson right now.
(Lost Boy Meets Lost Girl)
Carl V: If the response to this year’s Peril on the Screen is any indication, it is a shared belief that scary reading and scary viewing go hand-in-hand this time of year. Though I have asked you this before, please revisit with the readers a few of your very favorite perilous films.
Jennifer G:
The Orphanage
The Others
The Descent
Exorcism of Emily Rose
Ghost Story
The Village
The Omen (original)
Carl V: Have you seen anything new (to you) in the past year that you have added to your list of films to be revisited in future Halloween seasons?
Jennifer G: Not really, nothing that shook me to the core and made me get chills all over….Though I’m holding out hope as I will be watching the original Haunting Of Hill House, which I have shockingly never seen…..and I have a feeling that will become an instant favorite.
(The Last Farewell)
Carl V: One of many things I have found interesting over the last 5 years of hosting the R.I.P. Challenge is the varying definitions of what is “scary”. Personal definitions range from “truly terrifying” to “nothing really scares me at all”. I’ve seen people’s definition of “scary” have both positive and negative effects on whether they like a particular book or film that might fall under that “scary” definition. What is “scary” to you?
Jennifer G: I love the unknown, the unseen….watching a movie or reading a book that makes you feel like there is someone or something in the room with you, a shadow of something not there, a cool breath on your neck, it’s hard to describe. I know I don’t find gore to be scary, so things like Saw just don’t do it for me. Mood is a big part of the scare factor for me.
(The Afternoon of the Carnival)
Carl V: The whole idea of reveling in the darker, creepier fiction and film that are part and parcel of this season can give rise to the question, is this healthy? I certainly have my own views on the subject, but you are on the hot seat this time. What are your thoughts?
Jennifer G: Well, this is tricky as I would be a hypocrite if I said it was unhealthy, so I would have to say it is a healthy fascination, but not a healthy obsession. Though to be fair I would say an obsession with football or shopping or watching animal planet would also be unhealthy. Everything in moderation, even moderation….which I believe is Oscar Wilde.
Carl V: Ghosts—do they or don’t they? Exist that is.
Jennifer G: Yes, definitely.
(Portrait of the Ballerina’s Ghost)
Carl V: Have you personally had any ‘things that go bump in the night’ experiences, or heard any that you feel like sharing?
Jennifer G: My father was ill for quite sometime–several years–and in the final months before he passed away he did not quite have the strength to call out to my mother if he needed something, so she gave him a bell that he could ring. The house was very small so you could hear the bell quite clearly no matter where you were.
About a year after he passed away, my mother moved to Florida and I (and my ex) moved back into the house, which was the house I grew up in.
After a couple weeks I started to wake up in the middle of the night hearing a bell being rung. At first I thought I was dreaming it, so just I ignored it. The bell was not even in the house anymore, my mother had brought it with her, hundreds of miles away.
I didn’t say anything about the bell, and it did not happen every night, but it did happen several times a week. I woke would wake up and, laying in bed, still hear it being rung a few times, then about a minute or so would pass and it would ring again.
I cannot remember how the subject came up, but my husband at the time (who certainly did not believe in these sorts of things) told me he woke up sometimes with the sound of the bell.
Now knowing it was not in my head….it made things a little strange. I was scared but not scared, mostly I was sad because I thought if it was my father, then he must be confused, like he was looking for my mom but she wasn’t there anymore.
So one night I woke up with the bell and my husband was also awake and he heard it too, I laid in bed for a few minutes and heard it again, very clearly.
I went downstairs into what was his bedroom and literally talked to him, out loud. I told him that Mom was fine but she wasn’t here anymore, and I told him that the bell scared me.
That was when it all but stopped. I did hear it from time to time, on nights when I was very upset, or under a lot of stress I heard it, and in the last months of my marriage when things were terrible, I heard it too.
[Carl V: Wow, that was chilling. And very personal, thank you so much for sharing that.]
(The Ringmaster’s Daughter)
Carl V: Are you dressing up this year, and if so, what, pray tell, is this year’s costume choice?
Jennifer G: This year I’m very, very excited to be dressing up as a Circus Ringmaster!!!! I’ve always loved circus performers and then I read Water For Elephants this year and knew that was what I had to be. I’m so excited that I was actually wearing the costume around my house this past weekend, for a “test run”.
As always, Jennifer, that was a lot of fun. Thank you so very much for the entertaining and candid insights. We will most certainly do it again.
_________________________________
(The Fortune Teller)
I am thrilled to announce that between now and November 17th, Jennifer Gordon is running some specials just for R.I.P. participants (any of you reading this). In addition to her current Buy One Print, Get One Print Free special, Jennifer is offering an additional 20% off R.I.P. orders. Simply enter the code “RIP2010” in the Note to Seller section when checking out, and wait for Jennifer to send you a corrected invoice before paying.
Making this extra special is that Jennifer Gordon will be giving a free mini-print of the above image, The Fortune Teller, which was made specifically with R.I.P. in mind.
And of course I cannot let you get away without offering a couple of giveaway opportunities. I will be giving away two mini prints on canvas (winner’s choice of any image in Jennifer’s shop). These are wonderful, I have a couple hung in the bookshelves in my bedroom.
GIVEAWAY:
I will be giving one away to a randomly chosen commenter. All you need to do to qualify is to respond to something in this interview.
The second will be given away to a randomly chosen winner to anyone who purchases something from Jennifer’s shop (click here for shop link). Simply send an email to me at poegeek (at) gmail (dot) com to let me know that you have purchased some item.
In addition to her great prints, Jennifer has several “bookish” items, including bookmark sets and book plates.
Both contest will end on All Hallows Even, at 11:59 p.m. I will announce the winners in the Grave Times Newsletter ending this year’s R.I.P. Challenge. Double your chances by entering into both drawings! 🙂
But remember, the great offers for R.I.P. participants doesn’t end until November 17th.
Best of luck to you all!
Thanks again for everything, Jennifer. You are great!
Yay, it is my annual Jennifer Gordon purchase time 🙂
Carl, thank you so much for the lovely feature!! I will be checking back for your reaction to it 😉
Jennifer’s work is fascinating and eery. Thanks for sharing so many for us to admire!
I had somewhat similar experience with the passing of my 13 year old Maine Coon cat Alshane. For about a year after she died, after going to bed at night i would feel her jump up on the end of the bed, walk around and get comfortable. Since she weighed about 17 lbs. I find it hard to believe it was just my imagination.
I personally like to believe that your beloveds whether people or critters hang around to make sure you’re okay before going on to whatever is next.
As always it’s a joy to get further insight into Jennifer’s thought processes and gorgeous artwork. Happiest of Halloweens to her!
Jennifer:
Okay, I had to stop myself from adding too many comments to your interview, so I’m going to respond with some of my thoughts, etc. here. I’m numbering these. Not sure why, just as some semblance of order.
1. First off, I wanted to congratulate you on your projects again. I am so excited about the calendar and also the perfume line. You must keep me up to date on all this as I cannot wait to see your labels. Might find myself purchasing some Lucy B. stuff just to decorate with.
2. I thought is was great that you mentioned being inspired by “doomed” or forlorn women. I was originally thinking of a follow up question based on my own personal reaction to much of your work, which is that it has a melancholy feel to it. I mean that in the very best of ways and that is, I believe, one of the reasons I am so attracted to it. Doom, melancholy, foreboding and gothic all seem to go hand-in-hand, and I love that. Do you see this in your work at all, or is this just my own reaction to it?
3. I don’t remember if we talked about Zombieland last year on email or not. Wasn’t it great fun?!?! I have to pick up a cheap used copy of that DVD. It is a very clever black comedy. Haven’t seen the new Nightmare. What did you think?
4. I have never screwed up my courage enough to want to go to one of these big haunted house things. I’m sure it would be great fun, but I must admit to being a little nervous about the whole thing.
5. I’m not sure I get post-Halloween depression so much as that I generally ride this wave of euphoria mixed with sadness during the months of October through the end of the year. Because my birthday falls in the midst of these glorious three months with all their wonderful holidays, I have always considered this my favorite time of year. So I’m happy, love the weather changes, etc. and yet also carry along this sadness just below the surface knowing that it is all passing quickly by and that it won’t be back for another year. That probably makes no sense at all, but it is really how I feel.
6. While I can’t help but admit that Audrey Niffenegger is a talented author and that talent shows in Her Fearful Symmetry, I was so disappointed with the direction she took with most of her characters that I don’t have the affection for this one that I did for Time Traveler’s Wife. Like you, though, the book has stayed with me and I have thought about it often throughout the past year. It is a well written book, I just disliked most of the characters by the end of it.
Lost Boy, Lost Girl sounds really good.
I know you are a huge fan of Shirley Jackson, so I look forward to hearing about your experience with Come Along With Me.
7. As I scroll down through the interview I need to stop here and tell you just how much I love The Last Farewell. I have always been fascinated with the Titanic disaster and this image is beautiful and sad and I LOVE IT!
8. I have a similar definition for what I find scary. It is all about atmosphere, and if I get just a little chill from it then I am pleased, be it book or film. I do find some gore films scary, especially those that mimic real life craziness in some way, but I don’t enjoy those kind of films and tend mostly to stay away from them. I would watch The Others or The Orphanage for the umpteenth time before I would watch most gore-horror for the first time. I don’t need the “jump out” moment in my horror films, I much prefer the slow building menace, that miasma of dread that builds and surrounds you.
9. I got chills reading your story and I do thank you again for sharing something so personal, it being connected with the death of your father. I’m not sure what I believe about these kind of experiences, as far as the why, etc., but I know they do happen as I’ve heard similar stories from other trusted people. Makes life that much more fascinating.
10. You’ve got to send me pics of you dressed up in your costume. And if you have any ballroom dancing pics too.
Thanks again for doing this, it was so much fun.
I really like Jennifer’s thoughts about what makes “scary” enjoyable. I don’t like gore or gratuitous nastiness, and often don’t like stories about really evil/disturbed people (depends on the story!) But that mood, that sense of being not alone, that feeling that the characters in the book in your hand might have crept out and just might be in the other room… Ooooo, fun.
Great interview, and lovely collection of prints. I’m off to check out her website and see what particularly grabs my fancy – my new house is full of empty wall space. 🙂
the bell story is chilling, and the art is lovely. great interview Carl–loved the questions and found the answers equally wonderful.
and “pumpkin corrective surgery?”–brilliant.
~L
L: It was, wasn’t it? Thanks, I had fun with that one.
Sarah: I enjoyed what she had to say too. It was one of the questions I was looking most forward to when it came to her answers. I hope you find some lovely things to fill your walls with.
sgist: Great story, thanks for sharing that. 17 pounds! Big cat!!! 🙂
Jenclair: I’m glad you enjoyed it. As always it was fun for me to pick out images and read Jennifer’s answers.
Fence: Great, let me know if you pick anything up so I can enter you into the drawing.
I love Jennifer’s work! What a nice interview of a talented artist.
My stomach started to rumble when yall started discussing the candy. Am considering buying a bag of chocolates to “give to trick or treaters”. :p
Jennifer has good taste…I threw away the same ones. Or gave em to my dad.
Wow…what an amazing interview AGAIN! I just love Jennifer 🙂 She’s so awesome!! I couldn’t agree with her more about Her Fearful Symmetry. I noticed with the reviews that they were very mixed about that one, but I loved it from the get go..however, I find that I love that book even more and more as time passes. It continues to haunt me. Also, I’d LOVE to know what Jennifer thought of The Haunting if she had a chance to watch it! I just watched it for the first time myself a few nights ago…the original black and white version and it was amazing!!
What a great interview! And all this art is so gorgeous. I will definitely be in the market for a 2012 calendar!
I would also agree with Ms. Gordon that mood is what really makes something scary for me. I’m not so frightened by overt violence or gore…it’s the slow, creepy, suspenseful buildup of tension that spooks me! That’s why I tend to prefer gothic novels to straight-up horror.
Jennifer: I love that you were wearing your costume as a “test run”! Thank you for allowing Carl to share some of your work here. It is a pleasure to view your creations.
I have been a fan of Jennifer’s work ever since being introduced to her through Carl’s blog. I also purchased one of her works two years ago or maybe three now that has been up in my living room ever since. I love the forlorn comment. That fits the women in the piece I have. She is next to a lighthouse and I’m always just trying to imagine what her thoughts are and whom she keeps hoping to return to her. Great interview! Thanks to both Jennifer and Carl.
Dude! I just noticed you titled this interview. ” Let’er RIP ”
LOL! Sometimes you just crack me up. That’s the kind of humor that will earn you extra points up at the shop tomorrow. 🙂
I am so excited about a calendar!! Ever since you featured Jennifer last year, I have been a big fan, purchasing a gift here and there. I love love love her stuff for many of the reasons that you mention.
The bell story gave me absolute chills. Thanks to Jennifer for sharing.
I can’t believe October is already ending. sigh.
That story about her Dad and the bell is amazing! And my favorite SK book has always been The Stand. Right now I’m reading “After Midnight” by Richard Laymon. Happy haunting, Carl 🙂
Janet: It was amazing, wasn’t it? I’m not sure if I have ever read The Stand. I do know that I’ve read his book On Writing, and Thinner, The Shining, Pet Semetary, and the collection of short stories/novellas that includes Stand By Me and The Shawshank Redemption (not sure if those are the story titles or if those were just the film adaptation titles).
Jehara: Me too, I will definitely be purchasing one (or more). It is hard to believe October is almost gone.
Jeff: True, that is perfect Jerry humor, isn’t it? I really like that image that you guys have hanging in your house, it is a cool one.
Mosker: I need to see pictures though! 🙂
Christina: I prefer the gothic as well, which is why I tend to put the challenge in those terms even though it includes true horror.
Chris: I enjoyed the original Haunting when I watched it for the first time last year. I too would be curious as to what Jennifer thought of it if she has seen it.
Escapist: I’ve been snacking on trick or treat candy for the last week. I need to stop or I’ll have to go out and spend more money…and I’ve already spent too much as it is. 🙂
I think i’ll be buying some prints for a friend for Christmas, and maybe one for me too! I really like “The Afternoon of the Carnival” and “She Does Not Wait for June”.
Jennifer’s story about her father and the bell gave me chills…
Wonderful artwork AND interview!
You know, I think this may be my favorite interview so far. Maybe it’s because I feel we get to know Jennifer a bit more with each passing year.
Oh thing though–chucking the Sweet Tarts?!! Seriously?!! Now that I just don’t understand…
Wow her art is so beautiful! I’m definitely going to have to get a 2012 calendar!!
No need to enter me in the contest. While I love her art, I bought a whole bunch of it last year and have yet to figure out how to frame everything and where to put it in my house, so I shouldn’t add to my collection at this point…
Amanda: I find myself wishing desperately that she had a 2011 calendar coming out!
Debi: I’m glad you pinned her down on that. I’m a Sweet Tart lover myself. And actually I liked Sugar Babies as a kid but they are just a bit too chewy to me now. And you are right, it is great how these interviews build an intimacy. I’m am sure we’ll do it again!
bekkah: Me too.
Melanie: Those are great. I just took advantage of the discount and bought a few Christmas presents myself.
Two things I admire about Jennifer (besides, of course, a huge appreciation for her work which is so ethereal to me): reading The Stand and appreciating the unknown.
I’ve never been able to finish The Stand, although I’ve started it at least five times in my life. And, the unknown continues to be one of the scariest things in life to me. Who needs scary movies when one can be scared by any unforeseen even around the corner? I didn’t use to feel this way, but as I’ve witnessed parents my age lose children they love, not to mention parents, my fear quotient grows. Perhaps I should indulge in more scary novels just to distract me.
Anyway, the thing I love most about Jennifer’s work is the large eyed beauties which are always a favorite look of mine; wouldn’t it be great to time travel back to the 20’s and look like them? That’s what I’d like to be for Halloween!
Thanks Carl, and Jennifer, for this autumnal interview which gives us a better look at the artist in each of us while focusing on Ms. Gordon.
Bellezza: It would be fun to time travel back to that time…but then I think I would miss all the luxurious conveniences of today. Maybe we could work on bringing that style back! 🙂
I think scary movies are an excellent way to distract one from real fears and can sometimes be quite therapeutic that way.
Are you not finishing The Stand because you aren’t getting into it, or because it is too scary, or what?
Here’s what gets me, Carl. I’m all up for eerie, ‘smoky’, autumnal creeps. But, when King starts getting into evil as in Satanic, I can’t cope. My friend who loaned me her unabridged 1,000+ page edition, assures me that it’s the battle between good and evil which makes this novel prevail. I just have to finish it! Maybe someday.
We just read Joe Hill’s novel Twentieth Century Ghosts for our book club; again, a few ghost stories are good. Evil intent? Not so much. For me, anyway. There’s a story in there called Buttonboy, where rape is going on, and it was just too dark.
p.s. How’s Clash of Kings going for you? I had to abandon it, as I didn’t find it nearly as grabbing as Throne of Kings. Maybe I’ll pick it up again this summer.
Bellezza: I was finding Clash just as enjoyable as Game of Thrones, but got wrapped up in all the RIP stuff and haven’t gotten back to it. I will though because I’m sucked into the series now and will want to follow it through to the end. Can’t wait to see the Game of Thrones miniseries next year.
Yes, I’m not big on the Satanic storylines either, and rape stories, be they in book, film, tv are something that I tend to stay away from if at all possible. Just too real and too brutal and the thoughts I feel rising up about what should be done to the people who do that sort of thing are certainly not healthy.
“Throne of Kings” what an idiot. Of course I meant Game of Thrones, and it’s good you’re able to decipher what I wrote. Thanks for telling me it’s to be a mini-series…next year promises many wonderful things, including the release of Murakami’s latest. And, who knows, maybe 2011 will be the year I can complete The Stand?!
Bellezza: I didn’t even catch your mistake, so I wouldn’t berate yourself too much. Glad to hear Murakami will have another one out next year, even though I still have so many more of his to read. I finished Hardboiled Wonderland during the summer and need to review it. I really liked it.