Gratitude's and Celebration - New Sculpture - Elouise

For a long time as an artist I have been searching for that medium that would help me feel as if I fitted in.  I went on a journey exploring different mediums and styles, and it took a lot of pushing, and prodding, getting out of my comfort zone and sometimes just trying again.

After a while I became happier with what I was producing, understanding that we all have those moments of feeling as if we are not good enough and that critical voice can stop you in your tracks if you let it.

You can hide that gift, or talent and never embark on that thing that would change how you looked at yourself and your art.

Today I celebrate and I am grateful to all those supportive voices that cheer me on, who encourage and who are leading the way themselves on their own beautiful journey.

This sculpture I have called Elouise, as I was making her I was reminded about the ties that bind us - the ones that are external and the ones which we bind ourselves with.  She is in the process of breaking free and finding her joy and passion which is to dance.

I hope as you step out of your comfort zone you are surrounded by those who are your cheerleaders and supporters and you take that brave step to silence your critics despite the shape or form they make take.

Stay blessed and be a blessing!

Camille - Sculpture

Camille - Mixed Media Sculpture

My latest sculpture is called 'Camille' and this sculpture really speaks to me about holding your piece, being confident and assured in how you carry yourself.

You are a light in the darkness, do not be afraid of your gifts and talents - as a message that we all need to hear.  

I experimented with different materials that brought together her clothing. I had also crocheted some flowers and combined them with a product called 'Powertex' that hardens them and used this within the piece.  She measures in at 22cm and weighs 2.2kg.

I have managed to complete quite a few sculptures that I am looking forward to sharing here over the next few days.  I have been experimenting with sizes and styles as well, and I think I am beginning to find my flow.  I have promised to place them on my Etsy Store - which is still in the development stage, and because we are moving might have to take a slightly back stage.

Camille, Mixed Media Art Sculpture

I hope you like her as much as I enjoyed creating her. Blessings!

Mixed Media Art Dolls - 'Red'

As part of Material Mondays I am continuing to share my mixed media art dolls and I completed a couple more dolls that add to the collection of mini dolls in the series.  I am beginning to find my feet in terms of the design and how I want them to look.  I find that there are so many different techniques I want to do, It is just to find the time necessary to get them to the point where I am ready to let go and see it as complete.

I decided that I didn't want to create art dolls that looked 'perfect' but ones that reflected our imperfections and differences, and who as in our own lives need to be proud of who we are, making the best of our lives.

Red comes in a full length red and gold coat with white and gold buttons down the front.  Her blue floor length dress is finished off with a jeweled broach.

The way that I have been approaching making the dolls is in the same way that I would do a painting, and thinking about the layers, and the stories that I want to come out, and as you look into the eyes you can relate to some part of her story.

Red - Mixed media Art Doll

Hope you like her, 

Repurpose and recycle - Time to create!

Creating sculptures with recycled materials 

Having got the bug for creating figures I am experimenting a bit more with materials to enable me to use more recycled materials.

The basis for these figures is clay and once I have got the posture I set about working on dressing the figure.

It is great when you can find materials and a style that you enjoy working with, and unlike drawing a character you get a better sense of the story that comes with the completed figure.

I found a gentleness and calmness about this particular figure, but also a strength.  

She is finished with bronze effect paint and sequins for decoration.  I hope you are inspired to experiment as well, and see where it takes you!  Blessings

Material Mondays - Sculpture Figures 1

Allowing myself loose on working with clay has led me to try some more complex pieces, and experimenting with other materials such as powertex which is a fabric hardener.  I have been able to use several different mediums to create this sculpture.  I really love the way the fabric gathers and holds its shape.

I have also incorporated jewelry, gems, and flowers which helps with the overall effect.

Using the different materials gives you different textures, which then show through when you apply paint

I am really pleased with how she turned out, she stands around 12 inches tall.

She comes bearing flowers and is looking for a good home so if you are interested in purchasing I will be putting her up in my Etsy store

Hello Dolly! - Clay Art Dolls

After making Grace the Art doll inspired by Mystele and her class on Soul Food, I have been spending my time dabbling with ideas and have come up with a couple of dolls.  

They are made using recycled materials, clay and then painted.  I was introduced to a product called powertex - a fabric hardener at a craft show and have used this on their hair and clothes.

Ione - Art Doll

They seem to have developed a character of their own, and at the moment I am just playing but hope over the next few weeks to try a few variations and experiment further - I have so many ideas!.

Ione - Art Doll

I like the way she turned out, with her shawl and flowers, lace on her skirt.

Each doll measures aprox 7 inches tall and have been decked out in their finest shawl and some bling

Delores - Art Doll

This doll felt like a Delores for some reason - not sure I will part with these Art Dolls, but will be making some more to put on my Etsy store and website

places to go, people to see!

Making the dolls is a very satisfying activity, one that I didn't realize I would enjoy quite so much, so do come back and see what else I make

Ione and Delores take time out waiting for the finishing touches

Clay Dolls - Grace

I wanted to share with you something that I started last year, but only just got around to finishing. I have been busy in my studio and also just reassessing a lot of things and so posting kind of got put to the side.  Anyway there are a lot of things I want to share over the next few weeks.

Having taken Soul Food 2014 it was in one of Mysteles classes where we made a clay doll.  Working with clay was newish to me, I had made a bowl and a few other things, but never really considered making a doll in anything other than fabric.

Grace - Clay doll

Well, I have grown realize as I have been making her how much I enjoyed working with clay, and this only came as I pressed in with trying to finish her.  When I got over half way to completing her, I saw that like my paintings she had a story.  I feel that each character has a story to tell, and a message meant for someone somewhere in the world and I am so pleased to have been able to let her bring her message of hope, love, peace and joy.

Her name is Grace, and she has been dressed in ribbed tights, a pinkish lace rimmed top and goldish/black shawl, head dress and a flower brooch, the head dress, shawl and top are made of fabric.  She has a clutch bag with her for the most important things she might need to carry
.

Accessorized with jewelry with beads and a mini key which unlocks hopes and dreams.  She and a chain at the back which allows you to hang her in a most prominent place.  I am hoping to find Grace a good home and will be putting her up in my Etsy store over the next few days.  

Grace has a story to tell!

She will be joined by some more clay art dolls that I will be making, as I explore this lovely way of expressing creativity. Watch this space!

Material Mondays - Fabric Dolls Part 2

It always amazes me how quickly time flies - they say especially when your having fun, but it has been quite a busy week that saw most of my posts fall by the wayside, but not to be deterred and getting back on track again, finds me with the second doll.

In Last week's Material Monday I shared with you a doll that we had been shown how to make by Susana Tavares on the Soul Food course.

Well I made another one, in exactly the same way, but for a different use.  

Crochet flower and button detail

It was a very simple pattern, which you decorate with your choice of paints before hand and then put the pattern together and sew.

Once this has been done you can decorate however you choose, or leave it as is.

I really enjoyed making the doll and I kept her face fairly simple.  I added a crochet flower and band for her hair, which is wool.  I attached the hair in the same way that you would create a rug - by attaching to her head a simple crocheted hat I then hooked the wool around the spaces on the hat.

I got the bangle from the charity shop and it made a lovely choker, and I crochet a few rows together and made her a belt.

She wasn't happy until I made a bag for her to carry around with her, and this was made from scraps of material sewn together to create a bag journal

Handbag that doubles as mini mini Journal - for quotes!

It is usable and I thought that I would create a booklet type bag that I can use to write down inspiring quotes

Journal Bag

With an additional slot to hold some mini tags!

Mixed media Art Doll

Here she is ready for action.  I would love to see what you can come up with, they are so easy to make and can be given as gifts.  I have an idea of making some smaller ones, she currently stands at 14 inches and is 7 inches wide.  I hope that you've been inspired, come back for Material Mondays to see what I make next week!

Material Mondays - Fabric Dolls

I have always loved looking at the many designs and varieties of fabric dolls.  As part of the Soul Food course over at Community Thrive.  I am still making my way through some of the lessons, and savoring the inspiring teaching.  Artist Susana Tavares showed us how she makes her dolls, and I gave it a go and came up with a couple of designs, one of which I will share today.

Mixed media art doll

It has been great making this one, which I first painted then cut out the pattern and sewed together.  I have made a few additions and she decided that she would be and ideas doll.  Her purpose is to hang around with a note pad and pens and be there when an idea strikes me so that I can take out the pad and write it down. 

Pocket created in the back to carry notebook and pens

To her back I put a couple of pockets that could hold a mini journal and some pens.  The pocket was recycled and painted from one of my sons old school uniform trousers.

Jeweled out with accessories

Her hair and head dress was made from wool and crocheted flower headband - it kind of reminds me of the 80's style

I made some simple earrings using beads and jewelry findings, and picked up a necklace and broach at the charity shop.

Weighed down with stones

I used small stones to weigh down the doll so that she would stand up, though you can use rice or other grain.

She likes going everywhere, and I thought that I would spend some time in the garden getting some inspiration, I might have to make another one to keep her company, and a few smaller ones with encouraging words.  Come back next week for Material Mondays to see what I make out of fabric  Check out Susana's site, she has lots of other things that will be a feast for the eyes and may be inspire you to create.