Studio Stories: "I Remember Kindergarten"
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Studio Stories: "I Remember Kindergarten"
Little Cindy hasn't forgotten you from so long ago...
Creepy antique dolls are a favourite for ghost hunters and filmmakers looking for an easy cash grab come February when the horror movies that weren’t good enough for the Halloween season get dumped and swiftly forgotten. The Web is full of allegedly true stories of dolls that brought misfortune to a household, or were “possessed” by demons that threatened entire families. Rather than admit that this is part of the uncanny valley phenomenon and an aversion to old, decaying toys bearing a human likeness, I’m going to just assume that every doll is filled to the brim with unmitigated evil. It’s much easier that way.
That brings me to this:
While visiting the Brimfield Antique Flea Market in the late summer of 2010, I came across this delightful display of old dolls, scooters, and other toys and couldn’t resist taking a snap! I must have become overwhelmed by the spirit of Annabelle, as I just had to add a few modifications to this scene of forlorn playthings. I added a colour layer over the scooter doll’s eyes and made them a nice, greedy green colour. She was already pointing towards the camera, and now we know it’s souls she’s after! Particularly, your soul!
The raggedy doll in the red dress sitting in the high chair was given a few new colourations to her face, resembling decay or a particularly bad burn from the fires shooting out of the devil’s rear end. She looks as though she has surrendered to her fate as the scooter doll demands a sacrifice. The photo and the layers of edits were then merged and I played with the overall saturation levels until it took on a more sinister appearance.
Do you remember little Cindy as she points to you? Do you remember all those nights holding her close as thunderstorms raged outside? What happened when you grew up? Where did that love go? Cindy wants to see you again— in your dreams. Sleep tight, everyone!
Like this photograph? You can purchase a copy here!