History with Hilary - January 31

On January 31, 1997, Waiting for Guffman was released in the US.

It is one of my all-time favorite movies. And if I have all the roles of any single actress, I'd pick Parker Posey. In this film she played Libby Mae Brown.

"I been workin' here at the D.Q. for about, um... eight months? Seven? I don't know, somethin' like that, it's fun. Just do the cones... make sundaes, make Blizzards, 'n... put stuff on 'em, 'n... see a lot of people come in, a lot of people come to the D.Q... burgers... ice cream... anything, you know? Cokes... just drive in and get a Coke, if you're thirsty. "



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What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History with Hilary - January 29

On January 29, 1964, Children of the Damned (directed by Anton Leader) was released in the US. Here I am as Nina...from Russia...

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History with Hilary - January 28

On January 28, 1912, Jackson Pollock was born.

Rick and I started our own Jackson Pollock painting today. It's not so hard. ;)

I learned that, with the seats down, you can fit a 9' roll of paper into a Ford Focus.



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History with Hilary - January 27

On January 27, 1832, Charles Lutwidge Dodgson was born. You probably know him as Lewis Carroll!

This photo is mostly Mad Hatter, but several characters managed to sneak in...

I got the hat and the ascot at Ozzie Dots on Hollywood Blvd. I love that store. And the woman who helped me was super nice. I added the ribbon to make it less leprechaun-y and made the sign. The pocket watch belonged to Rick's grandfather. The mug and plate are from Pier 1 Imports.

This was a super-fun costume to put together!

I WON! Thank you to everyone who voted!!

Okay, I've been bursting at the seams since Friday, when I got the phone call, but was asked to wait until an official announcement went out to tell the world!

Thank you to Rick and all of my friends and family and contacts on Flickr & Twitter & Facebook who voted for my portfolio (every single day!) in the current Artists Wanted competition! (The Power of SELF: an image competition. artistswanted.org)

Your votes helped me win the People's Choice Award, which I share with the beautiful Rebekka Guðleifsdóttir! We were told on Friday that the two of us were way out in front in terms of votes, but extremely close to each other.

That wouldn't have been possible for me without all of you... so THANK YOU!

My Artists Wanted portfolio can be viewed here:
www.artistswanted.org/BrooklynHilary

Rebekka's can bee seen here:
www.artistswanted.org/rebekkagudleifsdottir

As one recipient of the People's Choice, I will receive a $1000 grant (very useful for my History with Hilary project!!), a publicity push, AND a show!! I will give you details on the show when I have them - it will be in NYC! I love excuses to go back there now that I'm living on the west coast!

Thank you again!!

About the competition, as stated on the Artists Wanted website:
"The Power of Self" is an international competition celebrating the vitality of self portraiture. A panel of judges including actor Steve Buscemi, director Chris Weitz, Guggenheim curator Helen Hsu and Flavorpill founder Sascha Lewis will award one artist a package of incredible prizes including six months of free living at The Edge in New York City or $7007 in cash. The most popular portfolio as voted by the public will also receive $1,000 cash. Your images have power. Now is your moment to reveal them to the world.

History with Hilary - January 24

On January 24, 1908, the first Boy Scout troop was founded at Brownsea Island, England by Lord Robert Baden-Powell.

As a young girl, I would have joined the boy scouts in a second. I had no interest whatsoever, however, in joining the Girl Scouts. That didn't stop me from eating the cookies, though.



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History with Hilary - January 23

On January 23, 1849, Elizabeth Blackwell became the first woman in America to receive a medical degree! She graduated from the Medical Institution of Geneva, N.Y.

I don't want to be a doctor, but I sure am glad lots of women do. :)



Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History with Hilary - January 22

On January 22, 1953, the Arthur Miller drama "The Crucible" opened on Broadway.

And on this day in 2010, I learned to tie a noose.



Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History with Hilary - January 21

On January 21, 1942, Count Basie recorded "One O'Clock Jump".

I took, edited, and uploaded this while on the phone with my friend Davey.



Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History with Hilary - January 20

Vote 5 stars! artistswanted.org/BrooklynHilary

Happy birthday to David Lynch, born on January 20, 1946!

I decided to do a tribute to Rabbits (2002), since...you know...we have a rabbit suit in the house. ;) You can see Episode 1 on YouTube!

ENJOY! I did. :D



Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History with Hilary - January 19

REMINDER: I have entered the Artists Wanted self-portrait competition! I would appreciate if you could check it out and rate my portfolio!

Please rate 5 stars here:
www.artistswanted.org/BrooklynHilary
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On January 19, 1954, photographer Cindy Sherman was born.

From 2003-2004, Sherman did a series of clown self-portraits... I have been planning on doing a tribute to those for a long time! You can see one of my favorites here:
designblog.uniandes.edu.co/blogs/dise1314/files/2009/02/s...

Thank you to Rick for the make-up!



What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History with Hilary - January 15

3rd day in a row involving food and tragedy.

The next time you use the phrase "slow as molasses", think about January 15, 1919 - the day of the Boston Molasses disaster!

On that day, a tank of molasses burst in Boston, sending molasses gushing through the streets at 35 mph! 21 people were killed, 150 injured.

I tried putting molasses on my face, but it just looked gross. I tried looking scared of the molasses, but...it just didn't work. But maybe you learned something! ;)

Thanks to my high school friend Karen for suggesting this day!

Now that I have a jar of molasses in my house...do you have any good recipes?



What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History with Hilary - January 14

Ray Kroc took over McDonald's in 1954 and built it into the most successful fast food operation in the world. He was included in Time 100: The Most Important People of the Century.

On January 14, 1984, Kroc died of a heart (Big Mac?) attack at the age of 81.



Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History with Hilary - January 13

Some GOOD advice from President George W. Bush:

"My mother always said when you're eating pretzels, chew before you swallow."

On January 13, 2002, Bush ended up with bruises after choking on a pretzel, fainting, and falling off of a couch.

Dangerous things, those pretzels.

BBC story/photo here: news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/1758848.stm



Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History with Hilary - January 12

On January 12, 2004, the documentary Plagues and Pleasures on the Salton Sea was released in the US. It is narrated by John Waters.

Rick and I visited the Salton Sea AND watched the documentary. It's a crazy place that made for some great photographs!

You can learn more about the Salton Sea here:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salton_Sea



Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History with Hilary - January 11

On January 11, 1967, The Jimi Hendrix Experience recorded "Purple Haze" in London!

It's much easier to be purple than to be Jimi.



What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History with Hilary - January 10

On January 10, 1992, a ship in the North Pacific Ocean lost a whole bunch of cargo containers. Included in the items that went overboard were 7000+ plastic yellow duckies!

Scientists took advantage of the situation, by using the duckies to monitor ocean currents! The first place they showed up was on the Alaskan coast in November of the same year.

My original idea was to fill the mask up halfway with water and have the littlest ducky float in it. But aside from it being extremely uncomfortable to have water in my mask, that duck wasn't actually made to float. It turned up-side down.

Also...even in California it's not easy to find masks and such in January!



Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History with Hilary - January 9

On January 9, 1943, Scott Walker (Noel Scott Engel) was born! This image is based on the cover of his album Scott 3. You can see the image here:
images.uulyrics.com/cover/s/scott-walker/album-scott-3.jpg

I associate Scott Walker with a NY-based singer I know, David Driver (http://daviddriver.com/), who performs the Scott Walker songbook. David was in the original cast of Rent. I met him through Loser's Lounge... When he sings, he makes everyone swoon.

I know this was supposed to be about Scott Walker, but that's where it went. :)

When I first decided to do this photo, I tried taking a photo of my own eye, made up. But I decided to use my husband's eye, with the reflection of me.

Hope you like it!



Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History with Hilary - January 8

On January 8, 1947, David Bowie (David Robert Jones) was born! Happy 63rd birthday!

Thank you to Rick for making this photo possible. He had no idea a few months ago that he was a make-up artist! :D



Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History with Hilary - January 7

I learned from Bert the Turtle and now YOU can learn from me!

"Always remember: the flash of an atomic bomb can come at any time, no matter where you may be." If it does, simply...duck and cover!

Duck and Cover was a Civil Defense film that was released on January 7, 1952.

I remember seeing this years ago...the song gets stuck in your head.

You can watch the entire 9 minute film here:
www.archive.org/details/duck_and_cover_ipod



Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History with Hilary - January 6

Okay, I've been waiting for an opportunity to pay tribute to the movie Airplane! So instead of waiting until July, I am using the January 6, 1981 release in NORWAY as an excuse.

When I saw this movie at a drive-in when I was 6 years old, I thought it was HILARIOUS that the nun was reading Boy's Life and the boy was reading Nun's Life. It's my #1 memory from that childhood viewing.

So here ya go.

I used one of my husband's drawings for the cover of this fake issue of Boy's Life. You can see his original drawing here:
www.flickr.com/photos/silav/3304504956

Hallelujah.

P.S. this is the second photo in my History with Hilary series that has used a Christmas tree skirt in a way that was not intended.



Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History with Hilary - January 5

On January 5, 1855, King Camp Gillette was born. He improved the design of the safety razor and invented the disposable blade.

When I decided to do this photo, I asked my bearded husband what kind of razor he uses. He looked at me funny. I went out to buy a Gillette and since they're kinda pricey (for a prop), I decided to get one that *I* would use.



Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History with Hilary - January 4

On January 4, 1785, Jacob Grimm was born. He and his brother (Wilhelm) authored Grimm's Fairy Tales.

This photo is a tribute to one of the many peculiar stories - Clever Gretel. Gretel is a cook who is rather fond of her red high heels and drinks a bit too much wine. She has a very difficult time staying away from the food she cooks. Her logic and imagination get her out of a lot of trouble....but those around her aren't so lucky.

I highly recommend reading the very short story. You can do so here!




Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History with Hilary - January 3

On January 3, 1929, Sergio Leone was born! He is most known for his spaghetti westerns and wrote and directed such films as The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.



I was not feeling well during the making of this photo, so only that bite of spaghetti was eaten.

Rick helped with the props! We got the hat for $3.50 at a thrift store. The poncho was originally a table cloth, which we cut a hole through - $1.50 at the same thrift shop. He went off looking for water guns or something similar, but no one sells guns as toys around here. So he found real BB guns for $5 each at a swap meet.

Coming up with props is always an adventure!

History with Hilary - January 2

I'm in a self-portrait competition! If you have a moment, check out a selection of photos from my History with Hilary project! Voting 5 stars could help me win some dough to help keep it going! Thank you!!
www.artistswanted.org/BrooklynHilary

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Kakizome is a Japanese term that literally means "first writing". It is tradition to write auspicious words and phrases in calligraphy on January 2.

This was my first shot at writing in this way... I used the wrong kind of brush and used paint instead of ink, but...you get the idea. :)

I wrote the Japanese kanji symbol for "laughter" (as far as I know!), which is what I hope to have and give much of throughout 2010.

Happy New Year!



Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History with Hilary - January 1

On January 1, 1935, B. Klban (Bernard "Hap" Kliban) was born.

He was the cartoonist who was well known for his cartoon cats! You'd probably recognize them if you saw them. Check 'em out at www.eatmousies.com/!

Often his cats are drawn doing human things. And often with a splash of red.

Thank you to Rick for the make-up and all his help!!

Happy New Year!



Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History With Hilary - December 31

I do a lot of gender-bending with History with Hilary, but I was First a Girl!

On December 31, 1935, a film called First a Girl, starring Jessie Matthews, was released in the US. It was a re-make of a German film called Victor und Victoria. I guess that story has been around for a long time!



Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.