Mummies Little Monster

Mummies Little Monsters tatoo infested rockabilly artwork is Voltcase's art feature for the month. Horror, skulls, vampires, frankensteins, fast cars and a load of cigarette smoking - what more could you want??

And yes, those are Misfits skulls on that pic over there. So, as usual, read the interview, click on the pics, and enjoy the show!

For more info, or just to say 'hi!', you can check out Mummys Little Monsters own website here.

Hello! How are you?
Tired as hell but too awake to sleep. All you late night painters and creators know the drill!

If you were talking to a stranger, how would you describe yourself in three words?
Too Much Caffeine!

The Misfits seem to be an obvious influence on your work - do you like the music as well, or is it just the skull face artwork? Any other horror punk bands that influence you?
I've been a Misfits fan for years. I'm a purist about it though, original Misfits or none for me thanks. I dunno about getting into the whole band listing thing I could be here for hours. But a few bands I couldn't do without would have to be The Cramps, Samhain, The Meteors, Demented Are Go, Mad Sin and The Ghastly Ones. I'm really into a great local band from Toronto called The Von Drats, they put on a great show and have some really wicked surf tunes. The thing I love about most of the modern surf bands is that they really have the horror aspect down, and always use the best samples of creepy and spacey sounds. I'm an eccentric kinda gal when it comes to music. The most important thing though is what gets me motivated and music is one of my biggest inspirations. Every painting I've done has a sound track. Some more obvious than others.

Plus, there’s a lot of horror imagery in there too. Any favorite horror films / horror actors that influence your work?
Its kinda funny but to be brutally honest I couldn't sit through most of the horror films out there. I'm not a big movie watcher, but what I do love about horror is the imagery. The artwork associated with horror films is what truly inspires me. For me its the idea of "horror", the mood it creates, the ideas it brings to mind. If I had to list a favorite horror movie I'd have to say Dead Alive....it makes me laugh every time and the gore is just over the top.

There’s also a hell of a lot of tattoos in your pictures - are you a heavily tattooed person and, if so, do you design them yourself (or design them for other people)?
I'm on the lighter side of being heavily tattooed. I have quite a few and am always adding to them. Its something I've been into for a long time now. I guess the only thing holding me back from having more than I do is money. I haven't designed anything for myself yet. I have this phobia of getting my own work on myself. weird huh? I have designed quite a few pieces for other people though.

Is this rockabilly / horror thing just an image thing for your artwork, or do you live the lifestyle as well?
See that's one question I hate. I always think of it like what exactly constitutes "living" the lifestyle? Do I dress up everyday? Hell no, I have to work! Do I have a vintage car? Can't say that I do. Would I own one if I could? Sure but I'm a terrible driver and I think it would be safer for everyone if I just stayed the hell off the road. I go to the occasional concert but, would rather stay home and paint. So I guess in some peoples eyes the answer to the question would be no. But for me it just more important to like what I like and do what I do. I love the music always have and always will. I grew up with a beatnik for a dad so I was pretty exposed to weird art and hot rods from a young age. So I guess more than living a lifestyle I appreciate a culture and all it has to offer.

Any cool artists out there that you think we should check out?
Yeah there are tons. I love Coop, but anyone who doesn't know who he is is pretty lost. But for listing sake in no particular order: Johnny Ace and Kali Verra, Johnny Crap, Nik Scarlett, Sol Rac, The Pizz, Ed Roth, Mitch O'Connel, Paul Garner, Gil Evgren, Joyce Ballntyne, Peter Driben, Art Framh, Slick Willy, Uncle Allen and two very good friends of mine MyLeftFive and MonkeyDeathCult (both with galleries on www.deviantart.com) Now I feel like I'm leaving too many great people out.

Do you ever censor your own work in any way?
Never, I always paint just exactly what I want. I don't think my style really ever calls for censoring. Its pretty light hearted and full of fun.

Why should the lazy general public make the effort to check you out, and what have you got planned for the immediate future?
Because I say so and if you don't you'll miss out on some great paintings with loads of attitude and personality. I'm not over the top but I have that kind of image that just makes you want smile and say hell yeah!

And finally..... what does the word 'Voltcase' mean to you?
I'm pretty sure its that little chest piece on a Micronaut... those little guys have to get around somehow! (that answer is so dedicated to my boyfriend) Gotta love vintage action figures!