Dame Darcy's Gasoline
[ 2 September 2008 ]
When I was in New York a couple of months ago, I was extremely fortunate to meet Dame Darcy. She’s an artist, writer, musician & film-maker, & when I was a teenager, she was one of my personal heroes. I used to buy her Meatcake comics off Ebay, then wait for months for them to arrive by some tragically slow shipping method, because there was no other way of getting them in New Zealand!
In July, my friend Dicie invited me to a birthday party in Brooklyn, where Dame Darcy was reading palms & tarot cards. Dicie, her boyfriend & I all lined up, & when it finally came my time to sit down, we started talking. To make a long story short, that was the beginning of a delightfully unusual friendship which included midnight jaunts to Ukrainian diners where we slurped borscht, talking about casting spells & realising we know all the same people.
But anyway. The point is this. Dame Darcy has a new graphic novel coming out in October. It’s a post-apocalyptic fairy tale called Gasoline, it’s about learning to survive in a world without gasoline, & it features… Fairies! Witches! Zombie sailors! Telekinesis! Voodoo rock bands! & eco-consciousness!
I’ve seen some of the pages & it is amazing — really original, beautifully drawn & radical in motive. I can’t wait to get my hands on the real, bound deal!
We met in Central Park to talk about it on an incredibly steamy day in July, & here’s what eventuated… (We also filmed an hour-long interview sitting on my bed in the West Village, parts of which are coming soon to a screen near you!)
For lucky American ducks, there are Gasoline events happening in Los Angeles & New York in November, with book signings, bands, Gitane Demon from Christian Death, costume competitions, art exhibitions & apocalyptic cabaret! Have a look & write the dates down somewhere. You’d be maaaaaad to miss it!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
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That was a really great video, i really like her from that. She voiced all my own concerns, i definitely like her ideas.
Loved the vid. Dame Darcy is a kick. Everytime I look at your pics under your “Shop” button above, I have to ask, where did you get those incredible eyes? They are what make all your outfits. ;~)
Wonderful interview!
This was specially awesome for me though, because I had seen Dame Darcy’s artwork years ago and felt truly inspired, but never knew her name so was never able to find it again!
When I checked out her website and art I immideatly recognized it!
I am so thrilled! and can’t wait for the other interview!
Oh, also, regarding yesterday’s post, I use the same sunblock, is great, but have found, over the years that Olays complete defense daily UV moisturizer (spf30) is great also, specially for your face and hands in winter months!
Ahhh, I want to be her doll, or something! What an amazing person.
I might have to pick that up. Sounds amazing! I love the underworld/environmentalism/fantasy/art…-ness. I’m excited.
Also, damn that helicopter.
Also, also… She is a STUNNER. Meow!
xoxo.
Thanks for sharing that Gala. I found the vid really interesting. I’ve never heard of Dame Darcy before but you really have me intrigued!
Love the graphics by the way.
Oooooh I’d give my left kidney to be at one of the Gasoline events (Dame Darcy AND Gitane Demone = EEEE!)
Loved the video interview too. Awesome work :)
I have loved her ever since I recieved a copy of Jane Eyre that was illustrated by her. She is amaaazing! That is so awesome that you know her personally. (:
I discovered Dame Darcy when I was 18. 8 years later, she is STILL my hero! She is such an individual, and truly inspiring. A conversation with her is never, ever dull.
my friend hates that i don’t recycle but its only because i live in a very ghetto area where i couldnt even get my recycling picked up.
so instead when we hang out she picks me and my recycling up.
saving the planet is really just making me more obsessive compulsive. i mean sorting trash is an untouched plain of sorting for me….
Wow. I’ve never heard of her before, but I think you have just introduced me to my new personal idol. Her words! Her work! Her talent! Her ideas! Her dress! Her doll! Golly I’m smitten.
i have a confession to make. i stole frightful fairytales from a library today. i devoured it when i got home. i want to write fairy tales, she’s such an inspiration!
Totally off topic, but.. Gala, will Cupcake return once you’re settled in NYC?
I certainly don’t believe in faeries – or anything supernatural for that matter – but Dame Darcy makes it sound fascinating. :)
Gala, this is really great. It’s fantastic to see the lovely Dame live and in colour, and your interview brings out some of her most fascinating traits.
For Dame Darcy on personal beauty and magic, your readers might like to have a look at Beauty Skool, our crazy beauty blog for punks and goths. Who could resist beauty advice and insights from this glittering faery?
Thanks!
Justine