Jeanine Henderson—Halloween Memory

Anyone who knows me knows that Halloween is my absolute favorite holiday, though it wasn't actually until art school when I got really into it—I think because I started to hand-make elaborate costumes that I'd plan months in advance. Then, once I got to NYC I kind of took it all to a new level...

There were a few years I lived in a huge, old, creepy Brooklyn brownstone that was pretty much made for Halloween parties—so, of course I threw some huge bashes! I'd choose a theme & hand-make decorations to cover the house top to bottom, fully transforming it into another world. We'd pack a full house, and even created theme-related "photo sets" for guests to have their pictures taken upon arrival. I have to admit, they were pretty kick ass parties!

So, needless to say, I have countless "favorite" Halloween memories—but thought of my Voodoo Halloween party of 2008 for today's image. The house was transformed into a swampy, creepy, fog-filled land of dancing and debauchery. I dressed as a Voodoo Queen: I pinned dreadlocks to my head (bought at my Brooklyn corner store!), strung chicken bones around my neck (real ones I'd bleached), and hung tiny shrunken heads (carved & dried apples!) from my waist. And, we built a life-sized coffin for a creepy, fun photo op. Definitely one my my best Halloweens ever!

Happy Halloween, all! And Thanks, Kristina for putting together and inviting me to participate in this group. It's been a fun month!