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A dead sea swirls with life. In this underwater Dream, tiny eyes (human, feline and canine) attach themselves to a coral reef, which serves as Buddha's throne. Santa Lucia's "milagro of the eyes" (from a dead spirit) watch as a mermaid hangs out and a fish swims by. A shimmering skull lines the back wall, while a fishhook dangles with a charm of a man's image (Captain Nemo, perhaps?) and brass milagro. Search for the sunbather, Asian fishing boat, frog, sea turtle, and monstrous-looking fish elsewhere in the milieu.
Headdress Pieces (removable): Glistening "floats" (like the glass balls of Japanese fishermen's nets) rest atop two bamboo poles, shimmering with fishing tackle filaments and jiggly tackle tubes. An iridescent family of sea monsters swirls between them. On back of the sea monster piece, some poor child is getting an eye treatment (removing or inserting?). A rope of gold braid suggests a tangle of aquatic plants, or a naval admiral's insignia, and can be draped as desired around the skull's crown and rear light socket.
Outer Skull: A glistening octopus hovers over the "third eye chakra" while a seahorse and sea human flank the sides of the skull. Aquatic plants, fish, snails, fossils, and sea creatures surround the skull.
Materials: The skull is cast from sugar and drilled out, the outer reliefs are made of sugarpaste. Images are airbrushed with food-coloring or handpainted with mica. An acrylic sealant preserves the skull and its color.
Light: An LED nightlight bulb on a 6 foot cord. Bulb lasts thousands of hours and is replaceable.
Interesting note: Scientist Edith Widder at a TedTALKS convention demonstrated that most underwater sea life, even at the deepest depths, bears some form of bioluminescence. Usually as a form of sexual attraction, defense, or bait. The dark is full of life—and light. And so is this skull.
NOT INTENDED FOR EATING. The use of sugar pays homage to Mexico's Days of the Dead sugar skulls, but my skulls are preserved with a non-edible UV-resistant and humidity-preventive coating. For best results, avoid direct sunlight and moist conditions (no bathrooms or greenhouses), and this skull should last indefinitely.
To see all the different skulls on one page, click on GALLERY in the menu at the top or bottom of the page.
For questions or comments, or to inquire about purchase, email
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This page modified August 2010