Dame Darcy began her career as an actress with parts in local independent
films by directors such as George Kuchar. She began her music career
at the tender age of nine and has since been involved in various
bands,
solo projects, and cabaret. Darcy plays Banjo, singing saw,
electric bass, and also sings. Her albums have been released in the U.S.,
England, Japan, and elsewhere.
Darcy won a scholarship to the
San Francisco Art Institute in 1989 and majored in film, and she studied
animation under Larry Jordan. That same year, Darcy self-published
the first issue of her comic book series, "Meat Cake". In 1991, "Meat Cake" was signed to Fantagraphics Books,
the largest independent comic book publisher in the United States. She also
began her endeavors in freelance illustration and cartoon work for
various Bay Area magazines, newspapers, and underground 'zines.
In 1992 Dame Darcy moved to the East Coast. In June 1999 she toured
in the U.S. opening for Michael Gira's current band, "Angels
of Light." Later that summer, she went on a European tour to
exhibit art and perform.
In May 2000, Darcy toured with "Meat
Cake The Play," which was staged in seven different locations
on the East Coast.
In August 2000, "Dame Darcy and EZ Bake Coven Cabaret"
was hosted by Ladyfest in Olympia, Washington. In October 2000,
Darcy was invited to judge the animation segment of the New York
Film Expo.
In December 2001, a Japanese gallery and record label invited Darcy
to fly to Tokyo and Kyoto to exhibit original comics, paintings,
and dolls. She also performed with her band, "Gem in Eye,"
and Victor Witch Dr. TNT. In April 2002, her solo exhibit premiered
in the Richard Heller Gallery at Bergamot Station in Santa Monica.
In July 2002, she was invited to do a doll crafting workshop, perform
with Gem in Eye, and lecture about Women In Comics for the San Francisco
Ladyfest.
In 2004, a CD compilation entitled "Dame Darcy's Greatest Hits,"
was released. It features murder ballads, sea shanties, and other
experimental folk/death rock. Also, another CD compilation "My
Eyes Have Seen the Glory," features Dame Darcy, and many other
collaborators.
L.A.-based Symphony is soon to release a CD for Dame Darcy's second
band, "Aye Aye Captain." This music will be distributed
by K Records, along with Darcy's other art and products. Most recently,
a Meat Cake compilation was released.
In the meantime, Darcy continues to hand-craft and sell her wares
through various online outlets. In 2004, she premiered a line of
tops, reminiscent of the Japanese Gothic Lolita trend, but wholly
Darcy-esque. Even more stunning is her collection of couture. She
is presently touring with her band "Death By Doll."
