Sculpture - Work in progress - sneak peak

I thought I would share with you a sneak peak of a piece that I am working on.  I have got the structure, with the armature  and the first layer of clay.  I have pre-molded the faces so these were added on at this point.  

I wasn't really sure where I wanted to take it initially, and what story the figures were telling.  One figure I guess is being rescued, I am not sure that it is the obvious choice though, and I think that the story has a twist.

Sculpture - to rescue or be rescued?

I really enjoy working on this piece and have a few others that I want to get finished, they are all at different stages.  I enjoy working on more than one piece at a time as it fits with the way I like to work.  

I find when you have to wait for pieces to dry, it enables you to go on to another piece and do what needs to be done.

Sculpture - work in progress

If all goes well with the time I should have some sculptures complete by next week, so will be sharing here, so do check back.  Why not subscribe or join the mailing list and you will be updated with any new posts.

If you get a chance, hop on over to my Inspirational quotes blog to get this weeks encouragement and see if the art work inspires you.

Bearing gifts - Danielle New sculpture

Danielle, is my latest sculpture, made from clay and fabric and in her hands are a tray of what look like pebbles or stones but among them is a diamond.

As I was making this piece I wanted to express how we can be totally oblivious to the treasures that we have within.  We look at others comparing ourselves without realizing that we are comparing our beginning to someones middle or end.

We are all on a journey and along the way we have the opportunity to uncover more treasures that will take us to the next level, it could be that we learn a new skill, uncover a talent or ability and that takes us in a different direction.

These treasures won't often be glaringly obvious, we have to dig around, take our time and many a time 'step out' feeling vulnerable, scared and often out of our comfort zone.

What treasures are locked up within you that are waiting to present themselves and take you on a different journey, perhaps an adventure or two!

 Danielle is part of a series of sculptures/figurines that I have been making, she is currently making her way to the sunny shores of Barbados.  If you would like to commission a piece or buy one that you have seen on either one of my blogs you can email me at amanda(at)realityarts(dot)co(dot)uk

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

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!