We just had to get the right people together and get the details figured out. Unfortunately, because of some other opportunities for both of us we put it on the back burner for a while. 2014 we both had opportunities that we wanted to pursue and that taught us a lot (Both good and bad lessons... But as any teacher knows, even a lesson that comes from a bad experience is useful as you grow and move forward.
In Fall 2014, we began to fiddle with the idea of The Shattered Silk Studio. An online experience and studio where we could work on projects in a creative and supportive collaborative relationship. We both still did our own things, still ran our own businesses, and created individual projects. We both still work with people the other does not, and still have our own personalities and our own journey. However, we wanted to have somewhere that highlighted our work together and with other artists.
Our first collaborative experience was a gid photo shoot at HaHa Tonka Park in Missouri. But that will be a throwback post for another time. :)
In January 2015, we revisited the idea of doing a Labyrinth Project. We started brainstorming about what we wanted to focus on for our Labyrinth Project.... The Bog of Eternal Stench was not going to be an option. (and again if you dont get that joke... GO WATCH THE MOVIE!! I mean David Bowie as The Goblin King...)
I wanted to do some dance magic but didn't want to endanger any children by tossing them in the air.
Casey, who loves creating beautiful dresses, and I, who can create masks and props, decided that we would do our own small ballroom scene. I mean seriously, Sarah dancing with Jareth,the Goblin King, surrounded by amazing costumed people in masquerade masks. YES ON SO MANY LEVELS!
We planned out the outfits. Casey created one of a kind piece inspired by the scene. I made over 20 mask including a handmade paper mache Goblin King mask that I created from a hand sculpted clay mold. It is one of my favorite pieces ever.
We then gathered models who were enthusiastic to be a part of this event. Sarah White, who we have worked with on several projects including our Snow White and the Evil Queen, was set as our Sarah. Our Masquerade Ball Goers were; Jamie Marvel, Kyle Mills, Samantha Snyder, Karson Cox, Angie Pedersen and Angela Graham.
We were approached by a local shop who specializes in Steampunk items. Distorted Utopia in downtown Springfield Missouri invited us to have the event at the store front. So we had the players, we had the stage, we were working on creating custom made pieces for everyone.
In the weeks leading up to the event we had some ups and downs. Models had scheduling issues and Casey and I both had some financial balancing to do.
Then disaster.... Our Goblin King had a issue that would prevent him from attending. The hustle and bustle to find another male model or actor who fit the custom made clothing that was already finished. OMGoodness, the stress of a production.
The day before we finally found someone who was available and who could fit in the clothing. Neither Casey or I had ever met him. But we told him where to be and when. Then we just prayed that he would show up.
Finally the day here, and our 2 year journey was finally happening. Our Labyrinth Project was underway. When I arrived Casey was already there. Minda the owner of Distorted Utopia had set up a window and a dance floor. Our models were going to be living window mannequins, and they were going to recreate the Masquerade scene on the dance floor in the middle of the shop.
We had a unusual time getting the models ready in the back of the shop, while the shop was open. Customers were asking questions and trying on items during our prep time. Which was fun and yet stressful at the same time.
Then there was the strange issue of the electrical outlets. We had to plug in a hair curler but couldn't find a working outlet. Lets just say after many tries we FINALLY found one that was working. Minda and her team were wonderful and helped us in so many ways including figuring out where we could get ready.
(I will say that the shop was doing some remodeling and I believe that a breaker may have been turned off or something like that. )
As the time got closer to our event, we were all in a frenzy to get everyone in their clothes, masks and jewelry.... and still no Goblin King. Oh my what were we going to do. We started to narrow down our options to get it done and get it done right.
10 minutes before we were to begin he arrived. Our model, who we had just confirmed the day before was there. With a quick change into the custom made Goblin King jacket, a wig, and the Goblin King mask. Adam Blair was our Goblin King!
So the stage was set, and it was time. We moved our models into the window to create a unique living window display. Photographers Teresa Baker, Sarah Holland and Brian Martin were in attendance to capture the magic on film.
After about 20 minutes in the window, we moved the players to the ball room. The heat from the sun shining through the window was getting a bit extreme. Everyone was so amazing and stayed true to their character.
Check out some of the amazing images captured that day. Casey has created a youtube video showcasing some of them. Watch it here.
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| Model Adam Blair Photographer Sarah Holland Concept, Clothing: Casey July Concept, Mask and Jewelry: AJ Blanton |
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| Model Samantha Snyder Photographer Teresa Baker Concept, Clothing: Casey July Concept, Mask and Jewelry: AJ Blanton |
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| Models: Samantha Snyder, Angie Pedersen, Angela Graham, Kyle Mills, Jamie Marvel Photographer Brian Martin Concept, Clothing: Casey July Concept, Mask and Jewelry: AJ Blanton |
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| Models: Adam Blair and Sara White Photographer Sarah Holland Concept, Clothing: Casey July Concept, Mask and Jewelry: AJ Blanton |
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| Model: Adam Blair, Sara White Photographer Sarah Holland Concept, Clothing: Casey July Concept, Mask and Jewelry: AJ Blanton |
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| Model: Adam Blair, Sara White Photographer Brian Martin Concept, Clothing: Casey July Concept, Mask and Jewelry: AJ Blanton |
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| Model: Adam Blair, Sara White, Samantha Snyder, Karson Cox, Kyle Mills Photographer Brian Martin Concept, Clothing: Casey July Concept, Mask and Jewelry: AJ Blanton |
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| Model: Angela Graham, Karson Cox, Kyle Mills Photographer Teresa Baker Concept, Clothing: Casey July Concept, Mask and Jewelry: AJ Blanton |
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| Model: Sara White Photographer Brian Martin Concept, Clothing: Casey July Concept, Mask and Jewelry: AJ Blanton |
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| Model: Jamie Marvel Photographer Teresa Baker Concept, Clothing: Casey July Concept, Mask and Jewelry: AJ Blanton |
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| Model: Angie Pedersen Photographer Teresa Baker Concept, Clothing: Casey July Concept, Mask and Jewelry: AJ Blanton |
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| Model: Angela Graham, Jamie Marvel, Samantha Snyder, Sara White, Adam Blair, Kyle Mills, Angie Pedersen, Karson CoxPhotographer Sarah Holland Concept, Clothing: Casey July Concept, Mask and Jewelry: AJ Blanton |
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| Model: Angela Graham, Jamie Marvel, Samantha SnyderPhotographer Sarah Holland Concept, Clothing: Casey July Concept, Mask and Jewelry: AJ Blanton |
Look forward to our next big collaboration in 2016!
Please leave me a comment on what you though about our Labyrinth Project. What is your favorite part of the movie? (And if you still havent seen it, seriously what are you waiting for?!?!?)
Credits:
Props, Clothing, Masks, and Concept by Aj Blanton, ABeesCreations
https://www.facebook.com/aBeesCreations
Clothing, and Concept by Casey July, The July Studio
https://www.facebook.com/TheJulyStudi...
Hosted by Distorted Utopia
https://www.facebook.com/is.distorted...
Photos by Brian Martin https://www.facebook.com/BWMPhotography/
Sarah Holland https://www.facebook.com/BlueSkyesPhotos and
Teresa Baker https://www.facebook.com/TBakers-Photos-416268391766977/
Models: Sara White, Adam Blair, Jamie Marvel,
Angela Graham, Angie Pedersen, Karson Elijah Cox, Kyle Mills, Samantha Snyder
