Working at Fête Paradiso this last summer has proven to be one of the best things I ever did for myself. Not simply for the incredible experience of just being there every weekend but mostly for the amazing new friends I have made. As I explained in my interview it felt sort of like an adult theater camp, but much less awkward. Enter new friend Kima Baffour, an up-and-coming costume designer. You can view her work here (complete with a logo designed by yours truly). Kima invited me to help her create an environment to show off her costumes for the Raw Artist’s Brooklyn Showcase. The result was a Sofia Coppola, Marie Antoinette inspired corner.
We used whatever (mostly free) materials we could find in the community theater where Kima works. To make the set I used scrap wood, rope, lace and spray paint for the frame. Thick plastic fabric and spray paint for the “rug”. Duct tape, which I molded into frames, reflective material and paint for the pieces on the wall. We found foam cupcake props which we scattered around.
Here we are looking suave and debonair.
Some of my favorite props from the event made it home with me and have become nice additions to my growing bedroom/studio.
Working with Kima at her community theater has unexpectedly opened a door of artistic opportunities. I was able to paint my first mural in the basement and thusly attend a wacky and magical Halloween party hosted by the theater. Here’s to even more and greater adventures in the future! I’ll be sure to keep you posted.
Aurelia Nightingale Rohrbacker 