Krampusnacht needs to become a holiday tradition.

Posted on by Thor

Krampus is a horned, anthropomorphic folklore figure described as “half-goat, half-demon”, who, during the Christmas season, punishes children who have misbehaved, in contrast with Saint Nicholas, who rewards the well-behaved with gifts. Krampus is one of the Companions of Saint Nicholas in regions including Austria, Bavaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovenia and Northern Italy. The origin of the figure is unclear; some folklorists and anthropologists have postulated a pre-Christian origin for the figure.

Presented by Pink Hair Productions and Thomas M. Bunting Projects, Krampusnacht was brought to Orlando at the Hammered Lamb (1235 N Orange Ave, Orlando, Florida 32804). My monthly ODD event (Orlando Drink and Draw) so I figured it could be a fun night of sketching demons. I was right. The best demon come out very late at night. By that time, I was spent having finished four sketches. 

My primary sketch was of the main stage. The goal was to sketch Santa and the angry elves. They did a sound check and then disappeared for several hour to get changed. I never did see them perform.

Brendan O’Connor was dressed as a Kampus, and he agreed to pose for a brief five minute sketch for the group. Brendan and Denna also walked the room applying temporary Kranpus tattoos to any patrons who wanted them. They affixed a demonic Krampus tattoo on my bald head as I sketched. It looked pretty good. They also applied a tattoo to the inner cleavage of a buxom woman’s breasts. 

The most demonic Krampus’ seem to arrive just after I left. I heed to work on my stamina so that I c continue sketching until very late at night. I’m still a bit of a early bird, and lightweight

Deviant Dolls dominated at Krampusnacht.

Posted on by Thor

Orlando Krampusnacht was presented by Pink Hair Productions and Thomas M. Bunting Projects.

He’s half-goat, half-demon and all holiday cheer. He has horns and a long tongue he is covered in fur. He caries a switch which he uses to spank children who have been bad. This demonic holiday demon keeps children in line much more effectively than Santa. It was night of not-so-traditional holiday fun honoring Krampus! I decided to host ODD (Orlando Drink and Draw) at the Hammered Lamb (1235 N Orange Ave, Orlando, Florida 32804) on the same evening as Krampusnacht. About six artists stopped out to sketch the festivities.

I wandered inside to enjoy the air conditioning, and discovered this incredible collection of Deviant Dollz. These adorable, bloody, bruised and scared dolls all had personality. Many dolls had horns just like Krampus himself. The exotic sales mistress had on a billowing black skirt with a tight corset.  Prices ranged from $20 and up. These bloody creations are sure to grab
attention as the~f hang in Christmas stockings, or from a rope. Several dolls were sold while I did the sketch.  I felt I had to work fast, before they were all gone. Krampus himself inspected the dolls with a knowing approval.

Dia de los Muertos

Posted on by Thor

I went to the City Arts Factory for the opening of Dia de los Muertos, the day of the dead themed art show and block party. Pine Street was blocked off around the City Arts Factory with a large stage set up, art vendors, and a food truck. Large skeletal figures surrounded the entry way. Inside it was already packed and all the art in the hall and left gallery had highly ornate day of the dead skulls. I saw a flash of pink. It was Denna Beena ducking behind some black curtains. I followed and we entered a hectic backstage dressing room and makeup area. I recognized many of the Yow dancers and Denna graciously introduced me. Carolina Suarez Garcia came in and did her own makeup. She is the public relations manager for Tacatantán Records, one of the events producers along with The Orlando Downtown Arts District and Pink Hair Productions.I tried to find order in the chaos and clutter.

There was a mad rush to get the makeup done for all the performers before the 8PM Yow Dance, Thriller Flash Mob.  I thought I was sketching Yow dancers, but it turned out that these performers helped with Dali Live’s painting performance on stage. Dali was dressed like the joker with a shock of green hair. He quickly painted a large portrait of the joker while dancing to loud techno music. Poison Ivy and the other characters danced as he painted. They were all characters from Batman movies and eventually Batman did a cameo walk on stage. The crowd loved it. There was a costume contest and day of the dead parade.

Yow dance lead the assembled crowd in the Thriller line dance. A few people joined in, but it was hot and most Central Floridians are rather reserved.  Children joined in. Terry arrived and I searched for her in the crowd. I texted each location I went to thinking it might help. I was up against the stage watching Dali Live when Terry bumped me in the shoulder. We walked away from the stage to the back of the crowd and sat on some steps behind two girls with large snakes. A guy was coaching them saying they shouldn’t let people touch the snakes heads or grab at them. Terry wanted to take a picture, but the girls wanted money.  Terry was tired, having just come from another corporate party, so I walked her back to her car and called it a night. The Dia de los Muertos exhibit at City Arts Factory is up through the end of October.