Originally published in Metro Times.

Happy Skeletons

Natasha Blue has always been drawn to imagery that is a bit spooky. As a kid her favorite TV shows were The Addams Family and The Munsters, and she loved the movie Poltergeist. When she first discovered the Mexican holiday, Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) she was immediately drawn to the dark, yet happy imagery and bright colors of the festivities lavish decorations and its influence is clearly visible in her work.

Blue has always enjoyed making crafts, but didn’t start painting until 2007, a relaxing hobby meant to detract from a stressful work life. All the pieces she created were made with the intention of decorating her apartment. Her friends encouraged her to sell her artwork online and with just 4 paintings to work with, Blue made prints of her art available online. A few months later she had a solo exhibit and started vending at art festivals. After losing her job in 2009, Blue stepped up her art making, creating full time and traveling throughout the Midwest selling her work at comic cons, horror conventions and art shows.

Using acrylics on canvas, papier-mâché, wood, and repurposed thrift store treasures, Blue creates original paintings and mixed media shrine boxes with brightly colored, happy skeletons.

For more information on Natasha Blue visit iheartskeletons.com. Click here to see a slideshow of her work.

See Natasha Blue’s work at Zombie Con in Troy August 17-18, Dally in the Alley September 7, DIY Street Fest in Ferndale September 13-15, Strange Folk Festival in St. Louis September 28 & 29