Skull Biker Jacket

Super contributor Kathleen Conahan from Portland, OR is back again with a revamp of her original pirate flag design, this time painted onto her jacket.  I'd say it's pretty bad ass with a touch of elegance.  Yes, you can have both!  Kathleen says that now she just needs to start a "Georgia O'Keefe themed motorcycle gang". If you are in the Portland area and interested then I suggest you look her up. Thanks for sharing again, Kathleen!

Felted Sugar Skull

Jessica Johnston of Manchester, England, created this felted skull. This type of felting uses wool roving, a barbed needle, and lots of patience. The addition of embroidery is something I haven't seen. It adds a great dimensional and textural element, blending two types of fiber arts. You can see more of Jessica's artwork in her Etsy shop and Facebook page.

Skeleton Body Art

Elvis Schmoulianoff does incredible body paint artwork. You might have seen her work featured in the past. She shared with us this Dia de los Muertos face art and a video of a skeleton ringmaster. I'm fond of body painting. It takes incredible skill to paint bodies and make the artwork last for hours. I don't think I'll ever tire of seeing artwork on bodies...well alive ones at least. You can find more of Elvis' body artwork on her website, Facebook, and Twitter. She's part of the artists collective Happy Slap Boutique.

The Skeleton Ringmaster video on Happy Slap Boutique.

Karith's Skulls

Karith is a Polish born artist currently working in Worthing, England.  She's a mixed media artist with a photographic background.  These two gems show her versatility from sculpting to drawing, as well as photographing each.  Variety is the spice of life, and we thank you for spicing up our day, Karith!

Burning, Rotting Corpse

This mixed media piece from Ed Preater came to us untitled, but I figured that the title of today's post pretty much summed it up.  Ed tells us that it's made from "matches to build the bones, epoxy clay, shiny beads, seashells, bits of colored glass. It’s about 2ft high."  It's also one of the most awesomely grotesque pieces of art that I've ever seen.  A vicious way for any person to meet their demise.  The Gods did not smile favorably upon this soul.  Thanks for making the rest of MY day look a lot better, and seriously, thanks for sharing your excellent work, Ed!

Jumping Skeleton Horses

Vena Cava, of Memphis, TN, created these skeleton horses. They explained their process, "I deglossed old jumpy horses by leaving them out in the backyard to weather until the gloss was gone off the plastic, then sprayed them with plastic primer, sketched a few lines, and painted." These are great examples of upcycling old things into new art. Maybe one day I can have a heard of skeleton horses jumping through my yard!

Sunday Simulacra - Version 7.26

Today's skull was found by Kim Barrows, on a tree outside of Moore Cove Falls in Transylvania County, NC.

Keep sending those pictures in, we always love seeing what our skull hunters find. Anyone is welcomed to participate, it's fun and it's easy. If you see a simulacra skull, photograph it and send those pictures in to our submissions address with a little something about what it is really and maybe a little about you.

[BONUS] 420. Rosalind Franklin's Skull

One of the diptychs from my new Natural Selection portrait series which is on display at Krause Gallery in NYC. The exhibition closes tomorrow, so don't miss out if you're in the area!

Rosalind Franklin & Skull made from chandelier crystals by Noah Scalin.

Rosalind Franklin (1920-1958): primarily known for her work as an x-ray crystallographer, made a key discovery that led to the modern understanding of the structure of DNA. However her work was used without permission or credit and she died without Nobel Prize recognition. 

Sugar Skull Face

Richmonder, Meena Khalili, is an Assistant Professor of Visual Communication at VSU Art and Design. She creates a variety of artwork including this Seven Hills Scooter Skull and Match Head Skull. Recently, she created this sugar skull face makeup on her own face. You can see more of Meena's work on her Website, Twitter, and Tumblr.

Dia de la Abby: #84 Sugar Skulls and Marigolds Sneakers

I had a plain pair of canvas sneakers laying around unworn, for several years. I decided to paint sugar skulls, marigolds, vines, and leaves on them. I love Dia de los Muertos motifs and often incorporate elements from the celebration, into my artwork. These sneakers are just another canvas for me, and a great way to use my artwork for practical things. Head over to my blog to see additional photos and follow the tutorial, for these sneakers! To find out what else I'm creating, follow me on Facebook, and Twitter.

[BONUS] 419. Natural Selection: Alan Turing's Skull

One of the diptychs from my new Natural Selection portrait series which is on display at Krause Gallery in NYC through November 24.

Alan Turing and Skull made from computer keys by Noah Scalin

Alan Turing (1912-1954): developed the concepts that led to modern computing, and was fundamental in cracking Nazi codes in WWII, but was persecuted by the UK government for his homosexuality and ultimately committed suicide.


Here's a video of the piece being created (actually being taken apart in reverse time-lapse!)...

Pop Skull

Christopher Brown is popping onto our scene with his homage to a late and great entertainer. This colorful painting resembles the lifestyle of the man known as the "King Of Pop". This representation of death certainly pops, just like his music, into the afterlife. Thanks for sharing this, Christopher!

Saturns' "Diamonde" Skull Masks

Saturns is a Toronto, Canada based duo who create electro-pop music. They recently created a music video for their song Diamonde. The video has several pink and turquoise skull masks that stand out from the black and white footage. The band thought you all would love the skull masks, so they are sharing the video with you all. You can hear Saturns' other songs on their website, and find out what they are doing, on their Facebook.

Two masks from the video

Saturns' "Diamonde" music video

Sunday Simulacra - Version 7.25

Today's skulls are made of shells.

Dolores of Loudoun County, VA, found this skull on a beach in Outer Banks, NC. She explained, "Shelling on Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge we found ole Shelly Skull nestled among the sand and stones and bits of shell. He now resides on our bookshelf!

Tressy Baronem of Boynton Beach, FL, "found this skull on the beach in FL. This is exactly the way I found it, unaltered in any way. It is one of my favorite pieces as I am an avid skull collector."

Keep sending those pictures in, we always love seeing what our skull hunters find. Anyone is welcomed to participate, it's fun and it's easy. If you see a simulacra skull, photograph it and send those pictures in to our submissions address with a little something about what it is really and maybe a little about you.

Headlight Skullpture

What do you do with an old motorcycle headlight, a couple of gears, and a desire to recycle in the name of skull art?  You do what Bon Barde does and create this happy looking headlight skullpture.  He looks happy because he's been saved from the scrap yard and given new life.  Thanks for sharing the smile with us today, Bon!

Anatomical Skull Embroidery

Enid Twiglet is "a fellow anatomy lover and skull enthusiast". She created this hand embroidered skull. She explained, "I am an embroidery artist based in Perth Western Australia and all of my work is hand embroidered. I only use my own drawings as patterns for my embroidery or just free hand stitch, I never use commercial patterns!" I've been doing embroidery since I was a little girl, so any embroidery submissions we get, I'm drawn to them instantly. I love that this one of kind piece is through normal cotton, vs Adida cloth, because it allows the stitches to be more free-style and follow the anatomical curves of a skull. You can see more of Enid's work on her website, Etsy shop, Facebook, and blog.

Dia de la Abby: #83 La Calavera Catrina Makeup

A couple weeks ago, I attended a party on Dia de los Muertos. Over the past few years, I've been doing skull makeup at least once a year, for various things. I decided this was the perfect time to do a La Calavera Catrina, in honor of Dia de los Muertos. I wanted to play with a softer design and do colored eyes instead of my normal black. For this one, I also painted bones on my neck and decolletage. For more photos and a makeup tutorial, head on over to my blog. To find out what else I'm creating, follow me on Facebook, and Twitter.

[BONUS] 418. Natural Selection: Albert Einstein's Skull

One of the diptychs from my new Natural Selection portrait series which is on display at Krause Gallery in NYC through November 24.

Albert Einstein and Skull made from dice by Noah Scalin

 Albert Einstein (1879-1955): developed general theory of relativity and the most famous of all equations, but died refusing to accept the concepts behind quantum mechanics, saying many times “God doesn't play dice with the world”

Skull Labyrinth

This fun looking "labyrinth" is from Job FitzGerald. A maddening game of work the marble through the maze has a "not so bitter" end when you arrive at the skull. Plus, I love the fact that the marbles are eyeballs. Great work, Job!  HAPPY 11/12/13 TO EVERYONE!

DIY Vintage Lace Sugar Skull T-shirt

Debi Beard of Debi's Design Diary created this fabulous sugar skull using vintage lace and beads on a t-shirt. Debi shared how to make this shirt in a great video tutorial. You can download the template from her blog post, or create your own template. I love seeing how people create skulls from non-traditional art materials. This lace sugar skull is very wearable and unexpected. I might have to follow Debi's tutorial myself and make my own version. You can find out what else Debi is creating, on her Facebook, YouTube, and blog.

To learn how to create this Vintage Lace Sugar Skull T-shirt, follow this handy tutorial.

Sunday Simulacra - Version 7.24

Manuel Bump found this veggie skull in Mérida, Venezuela. If you have trouble seeing this sneaky skull, look at the center. I feel the need to check all future heads of greens for skulls.

If you have trouble seeing it, perhaps this will help.

Keep sending those pictures in, we always love seeing what our skull hunters find. Anyone is welcomed to participate, it's fun and it's easy. If you see a simulacra skull, photograph it and send those pictures in to our submissions address with a little something about what it is really and maybe a little about you.

Psst.....I can see your skull

If you follow our site regularly then you will remember these excellent face paintings of Elvis Schmoulianoff. She made mention of a possible booth at a festival in England this summer which was going to be a Day of the Dead themed Skeleton Circus. As it turns out those plans carried through into some amazing new works. Here's a collection of those, with photo credits going to the appropriate photographers. Thanks for sharing some of your summer fun with us, Elvis! It looks like you had a "killer" time!

Photographer: unknown

Photographer: Scott M Salt

Photographer: Michael Marks

Photographer: Donatella Parisini

Photographer: Donatella Parisini

[BONUS] Skullflake In-Use

Mavis Hansen of Santa Barbara, CA, "made this t shirt using your skullflake pattern and bleach." It's rare that I get to see in-use submissions using my own work. I made a Skullflake and wrote the tutorial for it, a couple years ago. I've seen a few people cut their own, which is great. Seeing someone use their skullflake past the cutting stage, makes it extra special. This is a great use of the lacy Skullflake, and makes me think of what else it can be use for, other than window decoration. If you've made anything using one of my Dia de la Abby tutorials, or the Free Stuff, make sure you submit it to us! We'd love to share it here!

[BONUS] 417. Natural Selection: Marie Curie's Skull

One of the diptychs from my new Natural Selection portrait series which is on display at Krause Gallery in NYC through November 24.

Marie Curie & Skull made from vintage watch parts by Noah Scalin

This piece includes several watch hands that were painted with the radioactive element radium, which was discovered by the portrait subject Marie Curie.

Marie Curie (1867-1934): developed the theory of radioactivity and fundamentally changed modern physics and chemistry, becoming the first woman to win a Nobel Prize. Extended exposure to radiation from her work ultimately caused her death and to this day her papers are so radioactive the have to be kept in lead-lined boxes and only handled while wearing protective gear.

Mictlantecuhtli

Jerry Vigile is known as Colorado's "Dean of the Dead".  His love and work of El dia de los Muertos themed sculptures reflects his appreciation for the Chicano community and their reverance for the deceased.  Jerry is considered an expert on the history and cultural significance of El dia de los Muertos.  I'll leave you with the best description of this piece from the best source possible.  Thanks, Jerry!

"Mictlantecuhtli (Nahuatl meaning "Lord of Mictlan"), in Aztec mythology, is Lord of the dead and the Ruler of Mictlan, the lowest of nine levels of the underworld. He is one of the principal gods of the Aztec pantheon.

Mictlantecuhtli is sometimes depicted as a blood-spattered skeleton. Although his head is typically a skull, his eye sockets do contain eyeballs. Although not used in this sculpture, his headdress is usually shown decorated with owl feathers and paper banners, and he wears a necklace of human eyeballs. Shown in the sculpture are his earspools which are made from human hand bones.

Mictlantecuhtli is not the only Aztec deity to be depicted by having a skulls for a head or else wear clothing or decorations that incorporate bones and skulls. In the Aztec universe, skeletal imagery is a symbol of fertility, health and abundance, alluding to the close symbolic interplay between life and death."

Skull Jar

This crafty little ceramic jar is courtesy of Sheila Rayyan. She creates handmade mugs, bowls, and jars, and this one has been adorned with a sugar skull made with an underglazing pen. Sheila writes, "It looks like a typical pencil or charcoal drawing that might rub off if you touch it, but it is fired on and durable as any ceramic glaze." I like how the colors seem faded. An air of antiquity adds to the value of this artifact. Thanks for adding to the value of our site with your awesome work, Sheila!

Dia de los Muertos Makeup

Nonna Tarmina from Western Washington sent these photos of her "daughter Janine and grandson Connor dressed up for a Dia de los Muertos celebration last year." Dia de los Muertos is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, but in some places, the festivities go on for weeks. This is the time of year where we see lots of great costumes and artwork for this holiday. Many more to come!

Sunday Simulacra - Version 7.23

Danielle Carra found today's skull on concrete below Gardiner Expressway in Toronto, Canada.

Keep sending those pictures in, we always love seeing what our skull hunters find. Anyone is welcomed to participate, it's fun and it's easy. If you see a simulacra skull, photograph it and send those pictures in to our submissions address with a little something about what it is really and maybe a little about you.

"2 B or not 2 B" Skull

"2 B or not @ B". That is the question and the title of today's skull painting from Lori Zébière.  This magnificent beauty measure 40" x 30" and has enough life in it to make you forget about the fact that the skull is dead.  It's eternal rest will be surely pleasant with the scenery and nature that Lori has given to it, hence the smile on it's face.  Thanks for brightening our day as well, Lori!

[CONTEST REMINDER] Casa Del Barco Giveaway

THIS CONTEST HAS ENDED. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERED WITH A COMMENT. STAY TUNED FOR MORE SKULLACIOUS FUTURE GIVEAWAYS!!!

Don't forget to make a reservation for some time to sign up for our latest giveaway.  You only have until 11:59:59 PM Eastern Time, TONIGHT to get entered to win one of 4 FREE sugar skull items from Casa Del Barco Restaurant in Richmond, VA. 

[NOTE: If you are reading this on Facebook or Google+, you must go to THE ACTUAL BLOG POST HERE to enter this contest! You CANNOT enter this contest by commenting on Facebook, Twitter, or Google+]

This might be your one and only chance to get one of these savory sugar skull items from Casa Del Barco so don't miss out.  Unless you live in or visit Richmond, VA.  In which case they would love to see you stop by for some delicious twists on traditional Hispanic food and imbibe in a diverse tequila bar.

 Thanks to Casa Del Barco for these awesome giveaways and The Flores Shop for designing them!