However, a few months later, in April, a small inheritance left to Giger by an uncle of his allowed the couple to buy a house in the suburbs (specifically, in Oerlikon) and settle together again.

Eventually, he received a phone call from Tobler, three days later, who informed him that she had to make a trip of extreme urgency (probably with another boyfriend of hers, as remarked by Giger years later).

Physically and mentally exhausted after 130 performances of the play, weary after the hectic schedule that required extensive touring around the country, Tobler decided to take a leave of absence from the acting profession, as well as from her relationship with Giger.

However, 30 days later, she returned to Zürich, claiming to be disappointed in the United States (as well as incapable of adapting to the American lifestyle, according to Giger) and resuming her relationship with the painter.

In sharp contrast to Giger, who was undergoing one of his most energetic artistic periods, Tobler was gradually dissolving in depression and apathy.

Despite Tobler's initial enthusiasm for her new project, after a short period of creative stir, she fell into a lethargic state and took her own life at the age of 27, on Whit Monday 1975 by shooting herself while in bed.

[3] Giger was accused by some people of negatively influencing Tobler (who was regularly dealing with depression) with the bleakness and morbidity of his work.

[4] Nevertheless, Giger was devastated by Tobler's death and felt an emptiness in his life, which was reflected by the even darker tone his work assumed from that point onwards.

Nevill Drury, who interviewed Giger in 1985 (Shadowzone # 5), said:[1] Li is the prototype for the many ethereal women in his paintings who peer forth from the torment of snakes, needles and stifling bone prisons – to a world beyond.

Giger painted Li's body several times with an airbrush and there are several photographs of her posing naked – like a woman of mystery struggling to emerge from the nightmare that has possessed her soul.Drury concludes his article by remarking: It may be too simplistic to say that Tobler haunts Giger still, for his life is full of beautiful and exotic women who are fascinated by his art and by his bohemian lifestyle.