What are Ka-lowns? They originated from Egypt and acted as musicians and artists to the infamous Pharaoh P.
He was a tyrant from an early age and caused much discomfort to his people. This small group of selected artisians fled and were considered 'runners'. The reward for their capture was large and carried a hefty purse for the fortunate one to bring them back alive.
With constant speed, they soon stumbled upon a small settlement of rabbits and found the land lush for gardening, farming, and homesteading. The rabbits were not happy with this arangement but later consented as the Ka-lowns later proved to be invaluable as hunters and guards.
They were proud of their Egyptian lineage but wanted to express their artistic traits through colorful clothing; they did something unique and decided to entertain others of non nobility and placed high importance on pageants, carnivals and vibrant feasts that stayed in the public view for many weeks.
They replaced the traditional word clown by adding the word 'Ka' to ditinguish their loyalty to the pantheon of gods while pacifying the chambers of their inner soul.
The Ka-lowns also kept the name 'runners' to further antagonize Pharaoh P. This group was very important and helped this Ka-lown Ka-lony become a major contributor to the history of New Beginnings.
Important time of the year was Spring for farming and the annual Feast of Monsters event that comprised of dancing and a contest to see who could make the scariest costume.
The following paintings show the various stages of the life of a Ka-lown. Listed are the mediums and artist if known.
This volume will display new works as they are discovered.
For more detailed information, please click on bottom link for the book.
This Bethan Ka-lown is part of a select group responsible for the funeral services of the Temple Mountain Mortuary.
It is a very high honor to serve under the Mortuary Queen, yet they do not live a life of sadness and solitude; rather, there are playful times away from study or temple duties.
This painting was done on polished wood measuring 8X10. Dragon was a pet named Frank and it seems this Bethan maiden is taking a much needed break in one of the greener cemeteries bordering Temple Green (note the grave marker in the background.)
Artist is unknown at this time.
This is an Elizabethan Ka-lown posing with her daughter, Caroline Tulip.
Ka-lowns love to dress in the latest fashion and take pride in constructing the most crafty (or depending on your view) the most gaudy attire.
Note about this artist;
It is not clear who the artist is but the following plates were done in a likely series because of the posing and color palette. It may have been the art method used at the time to make the figures stiff and informal like the Egyptian style of art they were accustomed to.
Another Bethan Maiden playing hide and seek with her friend, Batty Ears.
Note the red noses the Ka-lowns wear? This began shortly after a dispute they had with a group of rabbits who thought it improper for the first festival to last two annoyingly loud months.
The runners decided after that incident to paint their noses red to make fun of the rabbits and it soon became a trend. This showed power over the rabbits and it made their fortress stronger by way of community involvement.
This is a Carnival Priestess adorned in dyed cloth embedded with colorful painted shells. Her wig is made from dyed wool and fashioned in place with gold ringlets of beveled mirror discs.
The Ka-lowns were also fascinated with death but believed that life did not end but rather it continued. The death bed became another birthplace where you would awaken and continue. Death was only considered a place of temporary rest for the body. The real test was for the soul and whether its deeds were rewarded or punished.
Extravagant tombs were unearthed showing the vtial housing needed for the body to patiently wait for its returning soul to rejoin.
A Bethan Ka-lown in a Tower dungeon holding a miniature guillotine. This could be a memorial due to the covered altar with a small statue of Osiris. Is it possible this person was beheaded or is it symbolic of the death of the old and in with the new by way of her colorful dress? We can only speculate!
This is Princess Cottonball, the daughter of a well noted magician who performed as Head Master at Carnival Green.
Her specialty was sorcery and often used it with disturbing consequences.
Cottonball's accomplice was a bunny puppet that squeaked before her wand did its devilish deed. Try not to stare at this for too long; the bunny is waving to us as if to say goodbye-
This figure was a former Ka-lown but all that remains is her skeletal features hidden under a mop of dyed fox tails. This style was common and displayed in prominent areas of the home; suggesting that the inner self was fragile and in constant need of intellectual repair. The little demon is testing his subject but perplexed that he cannot chip away at her weakness or sense of fear.
Miniature was painted on stretched canvas under a sycamore frame.
This is Sandy who loved her red hood and the dark potions it hid.
Her pet is the drooling gargoyle cat who scared away the crows that spied on them.
Repainted by Lisa Bethan. Original was stolen due to its dark reputation as a mirror into another world.
This is Princess Mattie with her favorite cat Isis Potato.
She was against the Ka-lown Ka-lony formation and wanted to stay in Egypt. She was pardoned by Pharaoh P. many years later but not allowed to return; instead, she formed her own version of painted temples and tried to overthrown the Ka-lowns for complete control. She was defeated and sentenced to live in her doomed palace without servants and died alone. She was still buried with honors and family titles including the gold coffin bed seen in painting.
This is a modern day Ka-lown residing in California. His favorite Holiday in the States is, of course, Halloween, and here he is giving away candy to a little princess on Diana Way.
Painted by permission by Lisa Bethan
Hellish Heather was so named because of her ferocious temper when things did not go her way. Her Pink Palace was filled with pink fur carpet, red carved chairs and a sleigh full of demon cats that flew screeching into the night.
She wears a memorial medal on her gown to her sister who was killed defending the Ka-lown Towers against Princess Mattie.
Heather was head strong in wanting Princess Mattie executed but was voted down by the Council at Circle Square.
Victorian Ka-lown girl
Lettie stands next to an old cemetery recently discovered and is leaving an offering of a fluffy pink bunny.
Painted by unknown artist.
Bethan Girls
They are dressed for a march or parade and carry the rose of their Order.
Pinky
This is a wonderfully expressive piece on the habits of the Ka-lowns on their down time. Pinky is seen here with her jackal pet, Petsy.
The artist is unknown but it is rumored that Pinky may have posed in the palace of Hellish Heather. They may be related but little information is gathered at this time.
Tamara's Kitchen
This is a great view of a modern Ka-lown kitchen. She is busy feeding her cats a giant marmalade tuna.
Artist unknown.
Ka-lown Dancer
A musician for the Feast of Animals parade wearing mummified wrappings
Repainted by permission by Lisa Bethan
