Exploring Stories Through VHSC Tapes and Witchy Inspiration

I’ve always been drawn to stories—hidden ones, forgotten ones, and those tucked away in the corners of history and memory. Recently, my passion for unearthing these tales led me to a thrilling new haul: 32 VHSC tapes from the 90s and early 2000s. Adding these tapes to my growing collection of vintage camcorder footage feels like opening a time capsule. Every tape holds glimpses into strangers’ lives, moments frozen in time, waiting to be rediscovered.

The very first tape I screened was something special—it had fireworks! This is the first time I’ve encountered such a vibrant display in my collection. Watching these old home movies is a voyeuristic journey, but not in a nosy way. It’s a way of connecting to the past, understanding different lives, and finding inspiration for my art. There’s something thrilling about seeing what people valued enough to capture on their bulky, handheld camcorders.

These tapes are more than nostalgia—they’re fuel for my creativity. They spark ideas for new pieces, stories, and characters that come to life in my art. Speaking of which, I’ve been diving deep into a new project.

On my easel right now is a witchy piece inspired by an incredible 1911 photo taken by Lewis Hine. The photograph, currently on display at the Peabody Museum in Salem, MA, depicts young women working at a shoe company. There’s a haunting energy in the image—a mix of resilience, hard work, and a sense of untold stories. It’s these emotions I’m channeling into my work.

I love merging historical context with my surrealist, folklore-inspired style. These women from over a century ago remind me of the countless hidden narratives that deserve to be reimagined and brought to life through art. The combination of these tapes and this historic photograph feels like a creative alignment, where past and present collide to fuel new ideas.

A work in progress inspired from a photo taken by Lewis Hine that is currently displayed at the Peabody Museum

Stay tuned for more updates as I dig into these tapes and complete my latest piece. Who knows what other treasures I’ll uncover?