LA troupe member Mike Biggie will be sporting an unusual and jaw-dropping Krampus that could have been inspired by a certain painting by Edward Munch.
Veteran Krampus Joins Up
Photo: Scare LA
We’re delighted to welcome artist Bill Rude as member of our Krampus LA Troupe.
Bill is a veteran Krampus performer, having made previous switch-swinging appearances at Meltdown Comic’s (see poster below) as well as Dark Delicacies book and giftstore as well as the Scare LA Halloween convention.
Indigenous Krampus Meetup 2
While inevitably different from traditional groups in Europe, LA Krampus nonetheless attempts to absorb what we can of the genuine tradition by meeting and talking with those who practice it in its original form and setting. Visiting the Alpine Town of Bad Gastein, to witness very traditional Krampus activities in 2012, LA Krampus Co-founder Al Ridenour upon return began correspondening with Bruno Leiminger, a member of a Bad Gastein Krampus troupe who lately performs as, a St. Nicholas.
A Bad Gastein Krampus Troupe
When Bruno planned a visited to study trip to UC Berkley and visit down to Southern California, LA Krampus set up a meeting. Bruno had been completely unaware of America’s growing fascination with Krampus, and marveled at our enthusiasm and sometimes peculiar understanding and adaptation of the traditions. Before evening’s end, we were planning a future visit to Los Angeles by Bruno’s Bad Gastein troupe. 20014, 20015? Fingers crossed.
Greetings to Bruno (in center, white T-shirt) and our other horned friends back in the Alps!
Perchta in Progress
Tamara Rettino will be joining the LA Krampus Troupe as Frau Perchta, witchy South German goddess and leader of the Wild Hunt, an otherworldy mob of lost souls or supernatural beings called Perchten, named after their mistress. Frau Perchta, is depicted in different forms, sometimes benevolent, sometimes evil, and often with two faces to represent both aspects. The Perchten who follow her also can be either good or evil. Krampus is thought to have evolved from the evil variety or Shiachperchten.
Work begins with a simple Mexican mask bearing a family resemblance to Krampus.
Details are carved or molded with epoxy putty.
Painting in some witchy features.
With paint and kerchief and hair.
LA’s Spring-jaw Krampus
Garage dentistry! Jason grinds some points on those pointy teeth
Awaiting a bouncy jaw to be attached on springs.
Painted and ready for fur. (Horns temporarily removed from horn-stumps).