The Viking Mermaid

Over the past year and a half, I dove headfirst into the world of what is called Mermaiding (pun somewhat intended). Swimming around as a mermaid has been a thing of mine since about age 6, yet surprisingly as an adult, it's actually been easier to make it a semi-regular activity. I've had the pleasure of forming new friendships and a connection to a wide community of fellow mermaid hobbyists, artists, performers and environmental conservationists around the globe.

You can find out more about me and my adventures on facebook:
Freyja The Mermaid

and at my blog:
Shimmer From The Deep - The Journey Of Freyja, The Viking Mermaid 


Follow the VikingMermaid On Twitter.

For a growing number of people, Mermaiding is a fun hobby that fuses cosplay with the fun of swimming.
For others it's another form of performance art that can sometimes double as an educational tool, teaching people of all ages about real oceanic wildlife and environmental conservation. Some are even making a living as mermaid performers, and while making an income at this is not what I specifically seek, I'd like to eventually incorporate each of those things that drive this cultural phenomenon along it's course, into a fun and inspiring venture.

My idea for this, is to create a themed set prop and a have a customized realistic mermaid tail built for events between Northern and Southern California, focusing on the Bay Area.
Appearances would be both on land and in-water (when pools, beaches or water tanks are available), at private or corporate parties, fantasy faires and even local fan conventions.

I recently discussed this with a fellow mermaid enthusiast and performer, The Mermaid Atlantis .
We came up with the idea that if we joined forces, my single prop could join with one she has planned to become part of a larger dual installation; a shipwreck cove "attraction", ruled by mermaids.
Kids and adults could visit, snap some photos, enjoy story time with a mermaid and perhaps even be gifted a keepsake from the treasure hoard.
This wouldn't be your average easy-up tent, but a true environment just short of a large windowed mermaid aquarium.
Who knows? That could be a future addition, too.
For the time being, however; I'm keeping things more simple and have a rough sketch as an idea for my portion of the installation. This large prop would resemble the stempost of a broken Viking ship, complete with a classic serpent or dragon head.

Replica of the ancient Viking Ship, Oseberg, in Norway.

This portion of wrecked ship (possibly what is left from being smashed into the rocks by the lure of the siren herself) would act as a large seat for me, and as a setting for photos with guests.
This may not end up as large as an actual portion from an original ship, but could be set up alongside my mermaid cohort's set at events. This could perhaps lead to more scenery, featuring multiple mermaids and mermen. Creating individual sets would allow me to take my Viking ship with me to various events independently, if needed.
This prop set would also provide shade with a framework resembling a tilted mast, a fallen yard and torn sails.
Most importantly; the entire thing would need to break down for transport.

For this to become a reality, I need to begin building my portion of the set from scratch.
Alongside this, would be the creation of a custom detailed and 'realistic' mermaid tail in molded and sculpted silicone by Finfolk Productions .
Currently I have a mermaid fin made from fabric. Although fabric tails have the ability to look amazing and dramatic, the realism that can be created with silicone is beyond compare.
I'll be honest, having a tail made by the talented sisters, Bryn and Abby Roberts of Finfolk, has been a dream of mine for a few years now. I can actually say that I've been yearning for a similar tail for decades. Ever since seeing the film Spash, I never imagined that such tailmakers would begin to create and sell these amazing creations to the public so many years later.

More information, video, perks, and detailed plans for both the viking ship stempost, and mermaid tail, will follow soon.
After saving my pennies for nearly 2 years, I currently have about $2,500 set aside to put toward this project. It's a good start, and as I continue to save and add to that number on my own, I could really use that extra push a crowdfunding campaign could give in helping me reach this goal.
Keep in mind that if we can reach a total over $3,000 with this campaign, in addition to what I have already saved above, it means the fees Gofundme charges will be covered. This also allows more funding for not only my Viking ship prop set, but the creation of this mermaid cove as a whole.
The more we surpass the goal, the more amazing this future mermaid attraction will be!

This idea has the potential to turn into something fun and amazing, and I'd like to make it a reality for others to enjoy.
Thanks so much for your support! XOXO~V