Art, Events

Blake Armstrong’s “Morpheus” Solo Exhibit at Lethal Amounts

by Jennifer Vasquez5 Comments on Blake Armstrong’s “Morpheus” Solo Exhibit at Lethal Amounts
Blake Armstrong's "Morpheus" exhibit at Lethal Amounts
Blake Armstrong’s “Morpheus” exhibit at Lethal Amounts

For his first West Coast solo exhibit, artist Blake Armstrong debuted “Morpheus,” a collection that delves into a dark, ethereal world that exists beyond consciousness. It’s only fitting that the opening reception coincided with the rise of the full moon on January 10th—a peak time to manifest dreams into waking reality. The series, which is named after the Greek god of sleep, invites onlookers to experience otherworldly visions and confront beings hidden in the deepest parts of our psyches. Continue reading “Blake Armstrong’s “Morpheus” Solo Exhibit at Lethal Amounts” →

Lifestyle

Being an Introvert: Me, Myself and the “I” Word

by Jennifer Vasquez6 Comments on Being an Introvert: Me, Myself and the “I” Word
"Introverted but willing to discuss books." (Sweatshirt from the Introvert, Dear online store)
“Introverted but willing to discuss books.” (Sweatshirt from the Introvert, Dear online store)

Although I’ve known for a long time that I’m an introvert, I had no idea until recently what that fully entailed. I was aware of my quiet nature, difficulties conversing with people and discomfort socializing. I’ve found it challenging to maintain friendships because I usually pull away when I feel the social commitment is too much for me to handle. But there were other traits about myself that frustrated me that I wasn’t aware were due to my introversion. I’ve gone the majority of my life believing there was something wrong with the way I interacted with people, processed information and spent a lot of time in my head. Continue reading “Being an Introvert: Me, Myself and the “I” Word” →

Art

Hyaena Gallery Presents: “Dreaming of Spirits”

by Jennifer Vasquez4 Comments on Hyaena Gallery Presents: “Dreaming of Spirits”
"Dreaming of Spirits" artwork
“Dreaming of Spirits” artwork

For its current exhibit, Hyaena Gallery in Burbank, California, is communing with phantoms and the other-worldly in “Dreaming of Spirits.” The group art show features pieces by more than a dozen artists that explore the ghosts that plague us, both figuratively and literally, tapping into mental, emotional and spiritual terrain. Continue reading “Hyaena Gallery Presents: “Dreaming of Spirits”” →

Events, music, Nightlife

Metal Band FIRA Ignites at Bar Sinister

by Jennifer Vasquez2 Comments on Metal Band FIRA Ignites at Bar Sinister
Metal band FIRA performs live at Bar Sinister
Metal band FIRA performs live at Bar Sinister

“We are made of music and fire!”

This is part of the manifesto of fantasy metal band FIRA who hails from Hollywood, California. The group’s latest show at goth club Bar Sinister gave the crowd a dose of heavy beats mixed with vampiric whimsy. It was my first time seeing the band live and it was thrilling! Continue reading “Metal Band FIRA Ignites at Bar Sinister” →

Events, Film

House of Salem & Lethal Amounts Present The Texas Chainsaw Museum

by Jennifer Vasquez10 Comments on House of Salem & Lethal Amounts Present The Texas Chainsaw Museum
The House of Salem's The Texas Chainsaw Museum at Lethal Amounts
House of Salem’s The Texas Chainsaw Museum at Lethal Amounts

It’s gone down in history as one of the most controversial films of the 20th century and set the bar for the slasher genre. Upon release, “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” was not only met with polarizing critical reviews but was also banned in more than six countries. From being described as “despicable” by one Los Angeles Times reporter to being said to possess “redeeming social merit” by Stephen King, there’s no doubt this horror movie elicits strong reactions from audiences, down to the present day.

To commemorate the 45th anniversary of the motion picture, House of Salem, in collaboration with Lethal Amounts in Los Angeles, California, debuted The Texas Chainsaw Museum this past weekend. The pop-up features hundreds of memorabilia and artifacts from the 1974 film, including many never-before-seen items—until now. Continue reading “House of Salem & Lethal Amounts Present The Texas Chainsaw Museum” →

Lifestyle

7 Gifts for the Spooky Soul in Your Life

by Jennifer Vasquez4 Comments on 7 Gifts for the Spooky Soul in Your Life

7 Gifts for the Spooky Soul in Your Life

It’s that most wonderful time of year when the weather gets chilly, colorful lights adorn homes, Christmas trees go up, carols play on the radio and the smell of cinnamon practically permeates the air. And, let’s not forget the holidays are synonymous with gift-giving. Even a dark soul like myself enjoys the season. But, having said that, my macabre factor doesn’t tone down.

I like to compare myself to Jack Skellington from “The Nightmare Before Christmas” who had an appreciation for the holiday, but also injected it with his Halloween spirit. He proves that us morbid folk can strike a nice balance between Christmas cheer and ghostly boos. So, what do you buy someone who basks in the darker side of life? To get you started, following is a list of 7 Gifts for Spooky Souls that will work with any spending budget. Continue reading “7 Gifts for the Spooky Soul in Your Life” →

Lifestyle, Spiritual

Spotlight on Clairvoyant & Psychic Medium Shelley Hofberg

by Jennifer Vasquez4 Comments on Spotlight on Clairvoyant & Psychic Medium Shelley Hofberg
Photo by Sasha Freemind
Photo by Sasha Freemind

Have you ever had a gut feeling about a situation that turned out to be correct? Have you experienced vivid dreams that, to your great surprise, foretold a future event? Or, maybe you just frequently have hunches about things and don’t understand why you do. Intuition is a guiding force in these situations and is key to unlocking psychic abilities. Continue reading “Spotlight on Clairvoyant & Psychic Medium Shelley Hofberg” →

Events, Nightlife, Spiritual

Aiden Sinclair Brings Illusions of the Passed to The Queen Mary

by Jennifer Vasquez4 Comments on Aiden Sinclair Brings Illusions of the Passed to The Queen Mary
Entrance to the Revenant Room aboard The Queen Mary
Entrance to the Revenant Room aboard The Queen Mary

Recognized as one of the most haunted places in the world, The Queen Mary in Long Beach, California, is a ghost ship believed to be filled with phantom passengers. Master magician and apparitionist, Aiden Sinclair, invites the living to join him for an evening of spirit conjuring and paranormal activity aboard the vessel with his show Illusions of the Passed—if you’re willing to suspend your predisposed notions of reality. Continue reading “Aiden Sinclair Brings Illusions of the Passed to The Queen Mary” →

Events, music, Performing Arts

LA Opera’s Hitchcock Halloween with “Psycho” & Live Orchestra

by Jennifer Vasquez7 Comments on LA Opera’s Hitchcock Halloween with “Psycho” & Live Orchestra
Inside The Theatre at Ace Hotel
Inside The Theatre at Ace Hotel

The notorious shower scene—a pivotal moment in Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” where Marion Crane is stabbed to death by a shadowed figure. The only thing more terrifying than the blood-splattered bathtub and close-up of the victim’s lifeless stare is the screeching of the strings as the knife repeatedly pierces her flesh. It’s “The Murder” by composer Bernard Herrmann and one of the most unforgettable instrumental scores to grace a horror film.

For 2019, as part of its annual Halloween tradition, LA Opera’s Off Grand presents “Psycho” at The Theatre at Ace Hotel. Off Grand is an extension of the opera company that showcases more experimental performances across the city. Making this event extra special is the live orchestra, conducted by Louis Lohraseb, that provides the soundtrack as the film plays on the silver screen. Continue reading “LA Opera’s Hitchcock Halloween with “Psycho” & Live Orchestra” →

Art, Events

Shadow Selves: “In Rooms” by Brittany Markert

by Jennifer Vasquez4 Comments on Shadow Selves: “In Rooms” by Brittany Markert
In Rooms by Brittany Markert
In Rooms by Brittany Markert

“To confront a person with his shadow is to show him his own light.” – Carl Jung

These words grace the opening pages of Brittany Markert’s photobook “In Rooms Volume 2 (2016-2017).” They play an essential part in not only grasping the photographer’s intention behind the “In Rooms” series, but also in how the spectator connects to it. Psychoanalysis, repression, female objectification, mental illness and eroticism are just a few of the themes explored.

Recently, Lethal Amounts gallery hosted a lecture and pop-up exhibit by the artist. On display was “In Rooms”—a three-installment collection dating from 2014 to the present. Formatted like a personal diary, it is set in chronological order and exposes Markert’s psychological and emotional states in progressive stages. During the presentation, guests were given an intimate glimpse inside her creative process and personal evolvement, as well as the opportunity to view her portfolio of work up close. Continue reading “Shadow Selves: “In Rooms” by Brittany Markert” →