A lovely tribute from The Misfits' own Jerry Only was posted on their official site [here]. I thought it was a perfect dedication, as both were and are absolutely brilliant horror masterminds. Maila Nurmi was an extremely talented hostess and lady all around, giving true meaning to the words glamour ghoul. She was an inspiration to many, The Misfits and myself included and will live on in the realms of B-movie horror for years and years to come. This is a sad loss, I must say - I was very much a fan, and will remain so in her honor. I am, however, glad that she passed peacefully at a decent age. She will forever be one of my most cherished idols. Rest in Peace, Vampira. <3IN LOVING MEMORY OF VAMPIRA (1921 – 2008)
On January 10, 2008, Maila Nurmi, better known as the legendary 1950’s Los Angeles B-movie horror hostess “Vampira”, passed away in her sleep at the age of 86. Said to be the inspiration for the Morticia Addams character in “The Addams Family”, Vampira was the original “glamour ghoul” and the iconic star of Ed Wood’s “Plan 9 from Outer Space”. She was also the subject of the classic song “Vampira” from the Misfits 1982 release “Walk Among Us”.
Misfits founding member Jerry Only comments:
“I found her one of the bravest and most charming people despite heartbreaks that came her way. When she found out what she meant to us, she went out of her way to come down and see us at the record store Vinyl Fetish in LA for the release of “Walk Among us” in 1982 and I’ll never forget that.”
She will be missed.
- Jerry Only
Another day gone by with tears welling up the eyes of many. Not only fans, friends and especially family mourn the loss of this rising star, but fellow talents - actors and actresses of many. I personally found it undeniably considerate
At 3:30PM today, young beloved actor Heath Ledger passed away at 28. I realize this is just "one more place" this story is being talked about, however, most gossip/news sites will delete this and replace it with the newest tragedy leak in the near future and I will not. It is also more important to view this in a less formal way, one more realistic and close to home, the sort of live life to the fullest, because it's short type realistic. And I couldn't agree more. I must also pay my respects to this absolutely great actor and fabulous person, no matter the cause of death. He played some awesome roles, Brokeback Mountain, 10 Things I Hate About You and A Knight's Tale, to name a few personal favorites. I also must acknowledge his Oscar nomination alongside many other accomplishments at such a young age, and give credits to his latest role as 'The Joker' in the upcoming film: The Dark Knight. My condolences to his family, ex-wife, and young Matilda Rose Ledger he left behind. Great talent and an even greater tragedy to such an honest, modest man and father. Honestly, shock isn't even close to what I am feeling at this very moment. There really isn't much more I can say. May he rest in peace, xo.
This past semester, Creative Arts students were given a photography assignment - to edit and create a 12-15 image book containing unified images of similar color, contrast, attributes, ideas and overall theme. Being one of said students, I decided to go for something real. As an aspiring photographer and make up artist I had hoped for something creative, yet individually revolutionary and still portraying that "togetherness" very visibly. I came up with the 'Fighting Censorship' series. 36 individuals asked to choose a word that describes themselves, who they are, what they like, or even what they aspire to be, written in their own writing on a piece of duct tape, taped over their mouths. The idea was simple, yet filled with depth. The point I was trying to relay? A visual representation that people all over the world are being censored and misjudged, whether it be due to their attire, language, race, style, ideas or even because they are simply not given the chance to speak. Personally? I feel that good photography not only looks good, but the message behind it is interesting, clear, and most of all powerful.