First, let me appologize for the length of time it has taken me to post this. I've been rather busy since my return; hanging out with my sister while she was still here, getting tattooed, working on a new painting, and just winding down. Let me tell you, trying to get adjusted to the real world again has been tough. Many of you have been asking; "Well, how was it?!"...so...here is my recap!
WOW! What an event! I know if you've read recaps from anyone else that attended, you've read a similar statement, but honestly....words cannot describe what this experience was like!
My little sister flew out from TN to attend FaerieWorlds with me. I couldn't have asked for a better companion for the weekend. She has enjoyed viewing the art of faerie since she was born...I, of course, had a hand in swaying her tastes. ;) Our favorite movie has always been 'The Labyrinth' - we can quote the entire movie and know all of the words to each song! This turned us both into HUGE Froud fans! When she got her own room for the first time, I bought her an Amy Brown print for her wall. Since both of those artists were scheduled to be there, we were super stoked!
We drove from Portland to Veneta on Friday morning. We were planning on arriving at Quiet Camp, the FaerieWorlds camp ground, a few hours before the festival opened. We wanted to get the tent set up, get in costume, and get in line to pick up our tickets so we could get in as soon as they opened. But, of course, we missed our turn and drove about 50 miles past the location. :( We finally turned around, found the camp, rushed to get set up, rushed to get dressed, and rushed to the gates....only to be stuck standing in line for about 45 minutes. The computers that they were using to look up everyone's ticket information had gone down. So, we were asked to split into 3 lines that were alphabetized by fisrt name; A-H, I-P, and Q-Z. Well, I'm pretty sure that over 2/3 of the people attending had a first name that started with one of the letters between I & P, including myself. I watched the two tiny lines on the end walk right up, get their bracelets, and head in, while we were stuck in a line that was about to reach the parking lot. There was an upside to the waiting, there was an awesome old hippie guy that was playing his guitar and singing to all of us. Very cool! :) We are nearing the front of the line, there are 2 groups in front of us, and voila! The computers are up and running again! (Of course) We get our bracelets, goodie bags, and can finally walk through the entrance!
I was sporting my hand painted wings, as day one was Good Faerie Day, and my sister was wearing the mask that I had made. I had, in hand, the strapless Absinth Faerie Wings that I had made for one of the amazingly talented artists that was to be signing at the Faerie Magazine booth. That, of course, was to be our first stop. On our way to find the Faerie Magazine booth, I was completely overwhelmed. Not only were there dozens upon dozens of tents, booths, and vendors of faerie finery, but EVERYONE was dressed up! I actually felt underdressed when I saw some of the costumes! There were not only faeries, but fauns, satyrs, elves, goblins, and tons of cute baby creatures! I was just in awe and didn't know what to do first. Around the first corner, we spied out first destination - there was Lisa Steinke and the Faerie Magazine booth! :) We stopped by, gave her the wings, said a quick hello, then let her know we were going to go peruse the festival. Not only did we want to see what was around, but we had a hefty bag of books that we needed to get signed. ;) **I will share more about my wings and Lisa later in the blog as she didn't get to wear them until Saturday and meeting her was one of the highlights of the weekend!**
We began our trip around the festival, checking out all of the booths. We got to meet Amy Brown, Brian, Toby, and Wendy Froud, Nedda Shishegar, J. Corsentino, and Maxine Gadd!! Let me tell you...to just be in the smae space as some of these artists was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I have looked up to and been inspired by some of those artists since before I even cared who created the beautiful works that I was so fond of staring at! I didn't get pictures of everyone because of how crowded some of the booths were, and then forgot to go back later in the weekend. That's my biggest regret.
Sam and me with Amy Brown
Me, Nedda, & Sam
Brian Fround & Me!
Toby Froud (I so wanted to walk up to him and say: "You remind me of the babe!" LOL Yes, he was the baby in The Labyrinth!)
Sam was highly intrigued by the photographic work of J. Corsentino, author of 'Time of the Faeries' - she later purchased 11 of his prints!! If you haven't seen his work yet, you MUST check him out! (www.myspace.com/jcorso) Amy Brown was super nice, but very busy with other fans, so we didn't get to chat long. Nedda was lovely! She remembered me from MySpace and gave me a huge hug upon our meeting. She is a very lovely and talented artist. Brian Froud...WOW! He even talks like a faerie! LOL I was totally star struck when we got to his booth. I didn't know what to say, but forced myself to speak. All that came out was: "You made me draw faeries!" his response: "Well, I didn't MAKE you draw them." (In his lovely accent of course) I said: "Ok, you inspired me, I am such a huge fan!" he says: "Ah, yes, much better choice of words!" He then signed my copy of Art of Faerie and Lady Cottington's Pressed Faerie Book. I had also brought a copy of his book, Land of Froud. A friend had let me borrow this book and I took it for Brian to sign. It is from 1977 and is no longer in print. He was very excited to see it in such good condition. Not only did he sign his name in each book, but he also drew a different faerie creature in each one!
We decided to head back to the car at this point to drop off our bag o goodies. We came back to join in The Spiral Dance. WOW What killer energies that involved! To raise our hands to the Mother and give back to the Earth in such a large group was an amazingly spiritual moment for me. Sam's words were: "Oh my gosh, they aren't raising thier hands to Jesus! HOW COOL!"....welcom to Oregon Sam! :) We then hit the booths on the far side of the venue, checking out loads of leather crafts and stones. I was drawn to the booth of The Beekeeper's Daughter. There were tons of different rocks, minerals, and oils inside. My skin was just vibrating with all of the energy they gave off. There was so much energy, in fact, that I couldn't decide what it was that I needed from these fine ladies. So, I thought back to the horrible hynagogic nightmares that I had been having and approached one of the ladies. "Astral protection" is what I inquired about. She spoke to her spirits and after some consideration, asked me to pick up two of the round stones in the silver bowl behind me. I picked out two that called to me and brought them back. She told me how to hold them and move them back and forth until I felt either an attraction or repulsion from the stones. This happened very quickly. She then told me that they are Moqui Stones or Shaman Stones and are used to center and focus energy and Chi. She said that they can only be found in a place in Utah and on Mars and that they are 130 - 150 million years old and were brought to earth by the Star People. She also gifted me a Dream Crystal from Colombia. She said it would aid me in contacting astral visitors and that she was told it was very important that I have this stone as there are major messages I should be receiving. She placed the stone in my hand and ran her Chi through it. As she did so, the stone grew warm and throbbed like I was holding a beating heart. Absolutely amazing and highly spiritual! And....let me tell you, my energy has been amazing since receiving this stone - also, since I've been using the Moqui Stones to center, my tarot readings have been spot on and highly intuative! :)
As we left the booth, we were drawn to the main stage by some fantastic music! My sister asked me who they were and I told her it was Trillian Green! :) We headed right over and began the dance! You couldn't help but move to their music....it was almost like being in a trance. The name of their newest CD really describes their sound to a tee: 'Psycho Tantric JuJu Jazz' :) We rocked out to them and the guy that plays the flute....he's a mad man! :) (www.myspace.com/trilliangreen)
After the lengthy dance experience in the sun, we were exhausted....and hungry! We grabbed a bowl of chicken fried rice from one of the vendors, then went and sat in the hemp tent to eat and cool off. I heard a couple speaking Spanish behind me, I turn around, and there is Priscilla Hernandez and Hector Corcin! I didn't want to bother them while they were eating, but I had to speak to her. I told her who I was and mentioned my painting 'The Willow's Lullaby'. She instantly remembered me from my posts on myspace, faespace, and yourfantasycostume.com. :) We had a lovely chat with her about her trip and how she was enjoying the states. She was just so lovely and kind it was unbelievable. Her concerts both Friday and Saturday night were magical and she later signed my copy of her CD 'Ancient Shadows'. (www.myspace.com/priscillahernandez or www.yidneth.com or www.members.enchantedfolk.com/priscillahernandez) **Unfortunately, upon their arrival back in Spain, Priscilla and Hector were attacked and robbed. All of ther sound equipment, cameras, and money from sales at FaerieWorlds were taken! Please, please, go visit one of her sites - there is a link set up by the folks from Woodland, the Frouds, and Robert Gould to take donations to help replace what they have lost.**
We walked around some more, checking out the rest of the booths and vendors, taking pictures here and there. We heard a lovely little flute sound so we vetured over towards that stand. There was a lovely guy selling Ocarinas! He even had some that looked like the Ocarina of Time from the Zelda game! (Our personal favorite game) Not only did he have the replicas, but he could play all of the songs from the game and had song books that teach you the notes! We couldn't pass it up! So, Sam purchased a blue Ocarina of Time and I purchased a smaller, higher pitched version covered in tr-knots that hangs from a neckalce! :) We were so excited about our find that we carried them around all weekend and tooted away every chance we got! :) (www.songbirdocarina.com)
After a while, we ended up back at the hemp tent to take a breather and have a cold drink. Guess who's hanging out there?! The band Qntal and Lisa Steinke! :) We joined them and Lisa introduced us to Michael Popp from Qntal, as well as author Jamie Wood. Kaywyn, Wren, and Squirt soon joined the group to sing a lovely happy birthday song to Lisa. Kaywyn gives amazing hugs and runs a metaphysical shop in Colorado - they are part of the Kan'Nal family. :) They passed around a b-day card that we all signed for Lisa. Then, another old hippie dude joined us. His name is Rainbow Light and his wife started the Casbah Tea House and the hemp tent. He started off by shooting a little 'thank you' video for his wife, which turned into several songs. He kept singing to Lisa since it was her b-day...something about galactic butter and dragonflies! LOL It was a trip! :) We all parted ways and put on warmer clothes since nighttime was nearing. We met Lisa and Jamie back on the lawn to listen to the magical sounds of Woodland. It was Emilio and Kelli that got this whole FaerieWorlds thing started in the first place, so listening to them was enchanting! (www.myspace.com/woodlandtwilight)
When they were done playing, we got to see a special show. Tricky Pixie came out, drummed, and sang as folks from Myth Makers put on a fire show! Absolutely awesome way to finish off the night. Then, it was back to the car and over to Quiet Camp. We were exhausted and passed out rather quickly! :)
**
Satruday morning - up early for cold camping showers, then back to the tent to cook up some hashbrowns. Saturday was BAD FAERIE DAY and the day I was looking most forward to! I had spent much more time on my costume and finally got to wear my strapless wings!
Again, our first stop was The Faerie Magazine Booth to see Lisa Steinke. Of course, there she is, wearing my wings! :) Man...it was so cool and exciting to see her wearing them! I felt like I had accomplished something great!
Isn't she just beautiful!! :) (www.thefaeriegathering.com or www.myspace.com/nykkifae)
The Absinth Wings really did make her fly, and they made her a tad bit naughty! She felt the urge to sneak around the crowd, tap people, and pull their tails...so...we did! :) It was Bad Faeries Day of course! :) Lisa is such an amzing person...not only is she a talented artist, but she has one of the most amazing souls I have ever met! I wish there were more people in the world like her. I am very proud to call her a sister. We approach our artwork the same way - through music, so that gave us an instant connection. We have been chatting via myspace for about a year now...meeting her in person and sharing our love for faeries was increadible! She even complimented me on my art! :)
Now....are you ready for the most exciting part?!?! :) Lisa Steinke and I are going to work together!!!!! That's right, I am going to create strapless wings and incorporate her signature spiral designs into them! HOW COOL IS THAT?! There are no major details yet, but I will be sure to let you all know as soon as I have something solid! I can say, that it sounds like the wings will be available at the Faerie Magazine Booth next year!! :) YAY! Lisa has faith in me as an artist and is really helping me tkae flight! (Thank you Lisa, I love you my sister!)
Ok...back to the festival. :) Sam and I left Lisa to work her booth. We walked around the venue and checked out the shops we had missed the day before, chatted with other folks, took more pictures, and posed for others. I even got to meet two other myspacers - Katie the faun and Airrowin! :) Didn't get to kick it with Airrowin like I wanted to, but there's always next year! :) I was just happy that I spotted her dragon tattoos in passing! LOL We went to the car and made sandwiches for lunch, then met Lisa at her booth just before 4pm. Why? Well, Kan'Nal was scheduled to perform and that could not be missed! Lisa, Sam, and I went and stood by the front of the stage as they were setting up so we could have a good spot. They came on and they did not disappoint! They played some of my favorite songs, including; 'Digging up the Devils', 'Desert Flower', 'Animal Angel', 'Iris' and 'Coyote'! The energy from the crowd was tremendous. Seeing them live is like being on some kind of drug. Their sound pulls at your soul strings and forces your body to move in ways you never thought possible. I had absolutely no controll over my dancing and it felt amazing! Tzol got the crowd going with his wonderful voice, Kayate and Terra Sita were a thrill to watch dance, Tierro's eyes would roll back into his head as he played the guitar becuase he was just that into the music, Rudolpho kept the energy going on bass, and the didge man and the drummer smiled from ear to ear as they watched the crowd rock out with them! You absolutely HAVE to listen to them if you haven't and if you get the chance to see them live you can't miss it! (www.kannal.org or www.myspace.com/kannal) We got a copy of their new CD signed by the band for our mom and got to chat with Tzol. He;s another great hugger! :) He has a solo CD coming out soon. He is really excited about it! He said it's all about the love, but there's still some dark stuff, he just can't help it. When I asked him when it was due out, he said soon - he's a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to his music so as soon as he's happy with the results, he will let us know! :) (www.myspace.com/tzolmusic)
Tzol & me! Mmmmmmmm :)
Later that evening, after warm clothes and blueberry vodka, it was time for Qntal! We all congregated on the lawn and awaited the sounds of the band from Gremany. (Thanks Katie & EmKay for sharing your spots!) Again, this band did not disappoint! I thought it would be strange hearing them live since their music is so club/trancey, but WOW! Syrah's voice is increadible! The notes she hits and the stamina she has while she sings cannot be matched! They performed to the Froud's Bad Faerie light show. We watched as smoke blew off the stage and images of Brian's work scrolled on the screen behind the band. On top of that, all of the stars were out and the Big Dipper was positioned dead center above the stage! There were other lights being projected into the trees. Some were fast paced pinpoints of light that looked like faeries flitting through the branches. Some were white stars that spun with the music. There were red lights on one tree that looked like Brian's goblins were hanging out in the trees! I don't know if that was on purpose, or if it was just the magick of the night, but Lisa, Sam, and I both saw them! :) The rhythm of Qntal's music drew me and Lisa to our feet and urged our bodies to move! Just so entrancing! (www.myspace/qntal)
There was another special performance after Qntal. The Myth Makers put on a great show! They told us of the faeries and how they banished their dark cousins which caused unbalance to the world. The different spirits were called to band together to bring harmony back and reclaim the power from the humans. They showed this through costume, dance, and fire! It was truly stunning!
It was very chilly that night, so we quickly headed back to Quiet Camp to get warmer clothes on. We knew there would be a big party that night! Well...I ended up locking my keys in the car! That's so not how I wanted to finish the night! It made me really grumpy and we were both so exhausted anyway that we just layed in the tent and tried to sleep. Just outside our tent was a big fire and an even bigger drum circle. I think I heard four different drums, two flutes, and a guy who put words to the music! It was fantastic to fall asleep to the sounds of the faerie folk! I woke early the next morning and called an unlocking service that I was referred to. He came out very quickly and $50 later, I had my keys. :( I let Sam sleep in and I joined the folks from the tent next to us. They were the ones that had the fire and started the drum circle. I thanked them for the wonderful sleepy time music and they were sad that I didn't join them, but understood my mood. So, we got another circle started and began our morning with a smoke! Nothing like hanging out with the faeries!! Sam finally woke up and we pakced everything up with the plan of loading the car, heading to the festival, saying our goodbyes, and heading home. We ended up being completely done an hour before the gates opened. It was hot out and I could barely keep my eyes opened, so we decided to bag the last day and head home before it was too late and I couldnt' make the 2 hour drive.
I miss my faerie home and faerie family very much. Though I've detailed my experience, words cannot fully explain how amazing this event was! Coming back to the real world was tough, but I'm coping rather well. I am working on a new painting inspired by the event and have a birght future ahead of me with my art and my wings. Lisa Steinke described her first experience at FaerieWorlds as being unzipped. That got me thinking about how I felt when I returned home. I still feel like I'm floating above everyone else...I'm still high on energy and pixie dust! :) I would describe it as being turned inside out. You creative types should understand what I mean. There is this place, this person, that hides deep within my soul. It comes to the surface when I paint, it helps move my brush. But, when the rush of creativity is done, and the real world becons, it sinks down and hides within again. Being at FaerieWorlds flipped me inside out and now that place, that person, is on the outside all the time. I am now that person all the time! My creative self has found it's place in the world and is not going anywhere!
Thank you to everyone who made this event possible. If you haven't gotten the chance to go, you must! I will be there next year, and the year after, and the year after.....will you?!
For more pictures, please visit this link:
http://s191.photobucket.com/albums/z46/Lynsye818/FaerieWorlds%202008/?albumview=slideshow
Password: faeriewings
~Love & Light~
*Lynsye*
