Bettie And The Space Freaks (2009)

The Spirit's Notes: Completed in October, 2009, Bettie & The Space Freaks is a fascinating and complex visual that provokes much thought. "This was the first time I've drawn the actual likeness of Bettie Page into any of my artworks, though she has inspired a few other ones. She just has that perfect girl-next-door look that makes for a perfect model. A thousand other artists have drawn Bettie, but I am not aware that any has drawn her stripped bare from the waist down in such a manner as to have her blossoming femininity viewed and admired. But let that be a lesson to any pretty brat out there if they get out of line on the staged set of The Space Freaks. Ah, The Space Freaks. The Space Freaks are a comedic collective of four genuine aliens, each with his own distinct personality, that have strayed to earth and had met up with and befriended Bettie. With a little help from their pal Bettie (who was working as a -clumsy- Stage Hand for a Movie Production Company), got themselves cast in a movie playing Aliens, while Bettie was not cast in the film. Yet the wholesome-looking Stage Hand made a starring appearance in the film when the Director spanked her publicly for bumbling and interfering with several takes. That was to be my background for how Bettie got her big break in show business. Well that was the premise, or my original idea, but as I was drawing it, I changed the set somewhat which made the visual plot somewhat convoluted, yet made for a more pleasing and striking artwork (because of the disparity). An artist must make such decisions with the best intentions for the final art in mind. The Space Freaks are totally original characters I created for this piece that I hope to have the opportunity to elaborate on in the future. What sets this composition apart from others in my portfolio is the extent I pushed my imagination, and the number of figures within it. If you would like to see an alternate version of this artwork, one in which the top logo is not present, where you can see the full art beneath it, then click here."