Art Doll inspiring Art Doll
As I am working today in the Hillsborough Gallery of Arts, it seemed a nice opportunity it to revisit some of my art dolls displayed around the space. Many of my sculptures take their inspiration from their predecessors. I often find myself thinking of how I would execute a piece differently the minute I finish it. Most of the sketches I have been making for the work for my next feature show have been falling into this category. Though I am not quite ready to start sharing some of the works in progress with you, I thought I’d share a few that might pop up in a new form sometime in the near future.
Fairytales Reimagined
…And the Pea
Fairytales, folktales, and children’s literature provide a wealth of raw material for my figures. Little Red Riding Hood and Alice in Wonderland are two that spring to mind immediately. “…And The Pea” is my nod to the the Princess and the Pea tale. My version is shown here reclining on several of her cushioned mattresses, and holding the source of her discomfort in her hand for the viewer to pay witness to. I believe my next fairytale inspired piece will involve some sort of poison fruit.
Mixing Media
“Media” at HGA
“Media is one of my artist’s favorite pieces. She is currently the image I have on my gallery bio cards. Media is a great representation of my love of playing with all sorts of materials. The puzzle presented creating a sculpture like Media is the type of challenge I love working on.
Snowy Day
“Snow Day”
Snow Day, was created on a day that felt a little too cold to hammer metal in the outdoor studio, and was my first use of polymer clay in one of my art doll sculptures. I used one of the design choices from my very first art doll “No Rag Doll” by creating a face plate that is sewn on to a stuffed fabric head. This sculpture is a bit larger and free standing, both ideas that I’d like to incorporate in future art dolls.
Delicate Landing in Window Sunshine
Delicate Landing in the window
“Delicate Landing” is a very recent sculpture created for our January show titled “Flow.” We worked with several local poets to honor conservation efforts along the Eno River. I decided to go all in on our nature theme, and use biodegradable materials as much as possible in her construction. The wings of this wood sprite art doll feature text from Thoreau, Emerson and Aldo Leopold on nature and conservation. I like the extra point of connection provided by incorporation of text that might have played in the inspiration of a sculpture. I first explored this with my “Paper Alice” art doll.
I look forward to sharing where these and other past sculptures lead me next.
