The Gypsy Mermaid

Photo by Kris Boose

Photo by Kris Boose

Of course I immediately looked up this travelling lady and emailed her to find out more. I admit I have been slightly untimely in posting my penetrating questions and her illuminating answers, but I think it’s clear that you, I and the Gypsy Mermaid herself all live beyond the boundaries of regular time, which is for suckers.

Here are some more photos for you:

Imagine driving down the highway doing something boring like picking up your dry cleaning and having that vision cross your path!

Our slightly delayed yet deeply scintillating Q and A follows:

So tell me about yourself and this mermaid-covered gypsy caravan of yours! How did you become the Gypsy Mermaid? Have you always been a mermaid/been interested in mermaids?
I have always been a mermaid. When I was invited to the waters to learn how to swim I of course automatically swam as a mermaid. I seek out the sparkly, glittery, magical, and special romance with humans. The gypsy half of me grew as a passion to travel, explore the world and dance under the moonlight and fireside, and thus became my gypsy “land legs.” The two halves came together as I discovered who I was as a young woman, and the name “Gypsy Mermaid” was formed as far back as the 80’s. My Gypsy Caravan is a continuation of one of my previous art cars, “the Mermaid Mobile,” which also traveled the highways and byways in search of adventure. She was originally a Canadian postal truck (aluminum body). When I was introduced to her she was the picture vehicle for the movie Saving Silverman, had a picture of a cowboy lassoing a raccoon on the side, and was called the Cowboy Wayne Pest Control truck. Now of course she is a fantastical colorful creation whose soul purpose on the road is to inspire smiles and giggles while providing me with a cozy home on wheels.

What draws you to mermaids? Why are they so alluring, do you think?
Mermaids have always had a magical appeal to me—the freedom and adventure of the open waters, the quiet moments on solitary rocks either sunbathing or enjoying the moonlight. Thinking about life and the abundance it provides in life lessons and blissful moments while on this plane of existence, being one with and part of nature. Mermaids have a natural beauty that ebbs and flows like the water, the wind, even the firelight as it flickers. They live in the water but they encompass all the earth elements in colors, personalities, personal tastes. I myself have always had both the fire and water elements with me, in my art, my artcars, my personality. It flows smoothly and with a rhythmic pulse, a smoldering passion for life.

How do people respond to your mermaids? Can you tell me about how you designed them, etc?
Everyone I have come across in my many adventures knows of mermaids, and they always smile at the whimsy of each one they discover on and around the Gypsy Caravan. I have created many mermaids over the years. One of my favorites and of most people is my “cutlery mermaid” made of recycled cutlery, poppies, beads and other bits and pieces. I have taken to painting smaller canvases of mermaids recently, usually representing parts of the Gypsy Caravan… the mermaid weather vain or the mermaid wishing well for instance. I call the smaller canvases my “postcard” series. I create mermaids as the ideas come to me. I am inspired by all that I see in life around me. The imagination is truly a gift and blessing.

What services do you offer as The Gypsy Mermaid? Where can people find you? Is there anywhere you appear regularly?
I offer mermaid oracle card readings, gypsy charm bags, original artwork (of course there are mermaids!). And because I sing as well, I have a CD available, A Little Giggle. It’s sexy, silky, soothing yet stimulating, old standards/jazz/blues. You never know what I will be bringing out. I also have whimsical “funky hair fascinators” that I create. I’m all over North America but usually post on my Facebook page where I will be at any given time. You can find many videos of my adventures on my Youtube channel, and I’ve started a Vimeo channel, too.

Do you have any advice for aspiring mermaids?
My lovelies you must: Follow your passion. Never let anyone or anything talk you out of your dreams in life. It’s your life. Live it fully every day and seek the happy always.