Sponsored by Manic Panic, Leanashe, Arkivestry, Azrael’s Accomplice, Atrocities, Dark Reflections, The House Of St. Eve and Gypsy Moon.

The question was “what is beauty in darkness?”, as we sought out others’ ideals of beauty and alternatives to the typical/mainstream concepts.

These are some of the gems we received (contest, January 2000).

I’d like to thank all the participants for the wonderful entries! It was really tough narrowing the choices down! Many thanks to our judges: Tara and Mike of Lycia, Lisa and Sam of Black Tape For A Blue Girl, and Mike Ventarola, our beloved staff writer.

The winning entry that defined beauty in darkness came from Danielle Bedics. Thank you for sharing your vision with us! Danielle will be receiving a goody pack provided by our sponsors. You can see more of her work at White Rabbit Photography.

Our other favorites are displayed below (no particular order). These folks will also be receiving some yummy goodies!

Heather Upchurch-Manley/Mistress Syn
This piece, an honorable mention, is titled .:Cybernetic Sovereign:. It is a self portrait that portrays the human body as a machine, a juxtaposition of the organic and inorganic. It is part of Heather’s series of twenty-three pieces based on biomechanical, cybernetic beings called “Cybersynthetics”.

To view more of her digital work, paintings, and design visit SYN=thesis:A Realm of Melancholy Delights at syn_thesis.tripod.com/synweb/frames.html.

Kimberlee Traub
The second honorable mention here is titled “gothics” and was originally drawn for an 11" x 17" poster design. Kim says it represents some of the romanticized aspects of a somewhat tortured subculture including its campiness and its style.

“There are so many incredible ways for the gothically inclined to express themselves, yet it all revolves around the same mysterious, melancholic aesthetic... a lot of my art this year was influenced by the music of Faith and the Muse and This Ascension!”

Her website includes more yummy art at eeek.4t.com

Kit McAllister
Our next honorable mention is titled “Kizu-ato”, Japanese for “scar” (note the right eye on our heroine!). The medium is a Digital-sketch, scanned in and rendered using Illustrator and Photoshop.

Kit says, “I basically drew on my own experiences in the subculture/club scene, as well as a generous dash of any romantic notions pertinent. Oh yes, there was a song by Luxuria called ‘Ticket’ that was also somewhat influential, especially the following line: When there’s no justice in matters of beauty it‘s stupid to even look.

“Draw your own conclusions there (enigmatic grin)! Though I will say this: She is in no way a victim. She is scarred, but resolute in continuing to live life to the fullest. She will not allow herself to be diminished.”

Aaron Rintoul
The next piece utilizes photography and acrylic paint on canvas. Aaron’s website includes more art at www.sugarcube.net/solution

James MoodyKre8r
The Moody Kre8r has actually contributed to Morbid Outlook previously with A Plague Of Dreams. Thanks for participating!