Monday, December 12, 2011

Art Dolls and Painting as Expressive Modalities

My artistic passions are split between creating Art Dolls, Painting, and Writing. Because of that you will notice that there tends to be a lag between posts here on the Wisdom Keepers Art Doll blog, since I post when I have completed one of the dolls. Although it doesn't necessarily mean there is a lag in the creativity. Both modalities allow me the freedom to express the stages and processes of being a woman, self empowerment, and inspiration.

I have spent a great deal more time painting this year than in the past. Partly because there has been more of a demand for it, and partly because I have found it to be very beneficial in my expression recently.

Thought I would give you a glimpse at where my creativity has taken me...

The Divine Feminine Original Painting by Jeanne Fry

Perseverance Mare and Maiden Original Painting by Jeanne Fry
Day of the Dead Madame Dragonfly Original Painting by Jeanne Fry
For Those that Walked Before Us Original Painting by Jeanne Fry
The Source Tree of Life Original Painting by Jeanne Fry
Owl Butterfly Original Painting by Jeanne Fry
Luna's Heart Original Painting by Jeanne Fry

She Flies with the Owls Original Painting by Jeanne Fry
She Let's Go of the Weight of the World
My love of both the Painting and creating Art Dolls is equal. Both afford me great expression, and I go back and forth between the two often depending on where the inspiration takes me.

You can see my work on our online gallery on Indiemade
http://jeannefryart.indiemade.com

Or on Etsy at
https://www.etsy.com/shop/JeanneFryArt

Thanks for visiting.


Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Honoring the Celtic Trees Beth is the Birch Tree Art Doll

I was inspired to create an Art Doll symbolic of the Celtic Trees and their meanings. I chose to focus on the Birch Tree, that represents the dates from December 24th through January 20th. The Celtic name is Beth (pronounced beh), also known as Beithe, Lady of the Woods, and Paper Tree.

Celtic Tree Art Doll Birch named Beth

The Birch is considered to be the Goddess Tree. It's symbolic meaning is Growth, Renewal, and Stability. It is known for the honoring of long traditions.

Beth Birch Celtic Tree Art Doll
The Birch Tree is sacred to Thor, and to the Goddesses Diana and Cerridwen.

Beth Birch Celtic Tree Art Doll
Beth, the Celtic Birch Tree, is created from Gourd and Clay and stands approximately 12.5 inches tall and 9.5 inches wide. She is hand painted with several layers of acrylics to give her a wood sheen look, and then Birch Tree silhouettes are painted around her body. Her arms are branches and she is adorned with Moss around her neck and shoulders and again around her waist. Her hair is natural hand dyed fleece which is adorned with moss and a leaf.
She is attached to a wooden base for display that is signed and dated by me. A story card accompanies her to tell about her meaning.
SOLD

Jillian Frost an OOAK Winter Elf Art Doll of Gourd and Clay

I had taken a break for a few weeks from creating Art Dolls so that I could paint, but delved back in for the holidays. Of course my creations don't focus on Santa Claus or Snowmen, but rather on olde stories, lore, and tall tales. Most of them revolve around the woodlands, my favorite part of nature.
Coming back to the studio first produced Jillian Frost. Jillian Frost is a Winter Elf, a gourd and clay art doll.This OOAK figurative sculpture is filled with Woodland elements.

The Story of Jillian Frost
Jillian Frost, a Winter Elf, has arrived in town for the Holidays. Jillian is a mild mannered Elf, tender and caring, and watches over the woodland animals during the long cold days of Winter. She helps the wee ones find warm homes to shelter them and directs them to where they can find food. The birds especially will flock to Jillian, for they can sense her authentic compassion. She allows the winged ones to come into her home and perch on the holiday tree. They build small nests and string popcorn garland on the tall spruce tree, while she bakes cookies in the oven.

Jillian knows what old Jack Frost is up to and when he will be bringing the Frost and frigid temperatures. She is always one step ahead of him, hurrying the woodland animals to their safe havens. Grandma Jillian is most loved in the Woodlands.
Every evening the woodland animals (squirrels, birds, chipmunks, and other wee ones) will gather around Jillian as she tells them stories. They love this time of day when Jillian will spin a story and share with them a snack of gathered nuts and fresh baked bread.

(When Jillian hadn't been adopted after her holiday creation she was packed away, and in a sense had gotten lost in the archives. Now upon her reappearance, she has gotten a makeover and is ready once again to find a new home.)

SOLD





Sunday, September 25, 2011

Indian Summer Art Doll by Jeanne Fry

Indian Summer was inspired by the beautiful time when summer is leaving and Fall is arriving, that gorgeous burst of color that begins to emerge, a warm and passion filled pallete.
This is my favorite time of year, that reminds me of childhood memories of candy apples and apple cider, chilly mornings and light jackets, long winding roads lined with colorful leaves, and the coming of family holidays.

Indian Summer Gourd Art Doll by Jeanne Fry




Fall probably became my favorite season when I was a child in the Northeast. I remember going to the "Cider Mill" every year. This was such a magical place, to me. You could go and watch them making Apple Cider and Donuts through the window lined hallway. The front was dotted with large barrels that were filled with every kind of candy apple you could imagine. Jams, Jellies, Scarecrows, and Fall crafts lined the shelves. At the back of the building was a playhouse, so that during your visit you could take your goodies to the back, have a seat,  and watch a live play in the playhouse.
I loved walking the long country roads that were decorated with Mother Nature's splash of colors and the cool air that made you feel alive.


The smells peremeated the air with women baking...zucchini breads, banana breads, nut breads, and oatmeal cookies. And it was the time of the crockpot, where the food would slowly cook all day, making you wait and savor the meal you were going to receive.
These are just a few reasons why, Fall is my absolute favorite season.



My hope is that "Indian Summer" reminds you of some of these things.

SOLD

Melody and the Songbird Art Doll inspired by Domestice Violence Survivors

You see, long long ago, Melody's Voice was stolen. Since that time, she had spent years saddened by that fact that she couldn't communicate with her friends, couldn't enjoy lovely chats, couldn't speak her mind....


One day the Songbird came to her as she was sitting on her porch. The songbird chirped and sang, chirped and sang. This delighted Melody at how close the songbird came to her, no fear, and yet sang away. The Songbird came to her everyday, singing and chirping. They began to expect one another. One morning while the songbird was visiting, Melody, while in pure delight, opened her mouth and a song emerged...HER song. Her voice was beautiful and pure, unbridled. The Songbird had lured her voice back.


It was a new voice for sure, wise and strong. The two were inseparable and the best of friends. From then on, they sang together, spreading their songs of beauty and strength.


Melody was inspired by every woman that has survived Domestic Violence.

SOLD

Sunday, September 18, 2011

I Will...a Woman's Promise to Herself

Day in and Day out..we make our Lists. Lists of things we need to accomplish each day, the errands,the phone calls, the tasks, and responsibilities. When I flip back through the notebook of Lists, I begin to notice that I don't include things on the list that are for ME. They are all tasks that are related to making a living or the duties of living, but they are not necessarily the acts related to caring for myself and my spirit.



Maybe I assume that those things are to be done in my Spare time?? And I realize what a disservice I am doing to myself. It is now that I determine to ensure that I am put on my own list. Nurturing my own body and soul is as important as caring for my home, taking care of the family, and making a living.

As an artist I create, but not necessarily for myself. Yes, it is what resides deep inside of me, but not really for ME. Lost is my time for journaling, or doing a painting that is intended for my home. My works are intended to be empowering for others, yet who is empowering me?

This weekend I pulled a painting out of my inventory to keep for my own, to hang in my bedroom, and felt....what a gift for myself.

And now I promise myself that I will include Me on my to do list each day, and hope that my other women friends include themselves on their own lists.

This past week I created a new art doll, named "I Will"



"I Will...release my Inner Child....


I Will nurture my mind and soul...




I Will attend to my own needs...


I Will take time for ME each day."


"I Will" is a reminder to every woman to regard her own needs as important as everything else on her list.

SOLD



Friday, September 2, 2011

Creating in the Solitude

The past week has been a more quiet and focused week by my choosing. With lots of things on my plate between Life and my Art, I needed to have some quiet time to straighten things out.

In those quiet moments, while contemplating Life on Life's terms...I spent time creating.
Some of the smaller works that were completed were some small Art Doll Ornaments and Wall Hangers.

Anita of the Oak Grove ~ Art Doll Wall Hanger

Anita was inspired by a sketch after spending time in the nearby woods. Imagining what kind of wee Fae you would find there, came the sketch of Anita. She's very shy and inhabits a patch of wild flowers sitting under a large Oak tree.


Jenny Blue Mermaid Art Doll Hanger by Jeanne Fry




Folk Art Guardian Angel Art Doll Ornament
She Loved Flowers so much...she BECAME one

Dragonfly Wisp Art Doll Pin
Clarissa Mermaid of the Nova Scotia Waters
SOLD

Friday, August 19, 2011

Atalya Mermaid Keeper of the Seahorses by Jeanne Fry

Atalya Mermaid ~ Keeper of the Seahorses by Jeanne Fry

Atalya Mermaid lives in a quiet cove of pristine blue waters. She is regarded as royalty, respected for her wisdom and compassion for life around her.
Atalya Mermaid Keeper of the Seahorses OOAK Art Doll by Jeanne Fry




When she was young she befriended the Seahorses, and learned quickly they needed help protecting themselves for they are so delicate and small in their vast ocean home.
Later she became known as the Keeper of the Seahorses, for her constant caring of these beautiful creatures.
Mermaid Gourd Art Doll by Jeanne Fry



Whenever you see her swimming (if she lets you spot her that is), you will find a whole gaggle of little Seahorses following after her, listening to her stories and playing games.

SOLD


Monday, August 8, 2011

Frida Kahlo and her Importance to me as an Artist

The popularity of Frida Kahlo, Mexican Artist and Inspiration to many women, has grown leaps and bounds over the years. Her rich history, life as an artist, challenges with her health,zeal for life, and passionate yet stormy marriage to Diego Rivera, all lent to our fascination with her and her importance in the art world.
Each of us that admires her, more than likely has something in common that they can relate with in her.
For me, what is it that lends to my affection for her?
As an artist with a disability, I admire her for her endurance..her endurance to continue to live a full and rich life in spite of the challenges, to create what was in her heart, and her ability to use her voice in so many ways.
I think of Frida often when I am painting or sculpting, especially in those moments when I am living with great pain and feel empty..and I am soon revived in Spirit.
To me, Frida lights the candle in a darkened room.
Frida Kahlo Art Doll by Jeanne Fry


This weekend, I completed an art doll of Frida - a reminder to live a passionate life.

Frida Kahlo Art Doll by Jeanne Fry


SOLD

Friday, July 15, 2011

Naomi the Blue Ridge Mountain Gnome


Naomi the Blue Ridge Mountain Gnome

Naomi

I have always been enchanted by the Wee Ones...gnomes, faeries, elves, brownies...all the wee people that live in the forests. Their stories and their abilities have fascinated me since I was a child.

This is Naomi, who hails from the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Naomi has a very important job in her Gnome community. High up in the mountains of the Blue Ridge, she is a Botanical Gatherer.

Naomi ~ Blue Ridge Mountain Gnome
Early in the mornings you may spot her, walking delicately through the woods and gardens, gathering up dried flowers, herbs, fern sprigs, and twigs for the women's crafts.


If you notice that your gardens look manicured and tidy, it probably means that Naomi was present that morning.



While you are visitng our website, you will also find four other Wisdom Keeper Art Doll that are on sale at half price...So have a look, you may be enchanted. 

SOLD

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Earth Meets Sky ~ Gourd Art Doll Exhibit

My latest collection of work revolves around the theme Earth Meets Sky: The Emergence of Woman. My goal was to show representations of women that are balanced and in tune with Nature and the Elements. Women that have emerged in their own full rite, as strong and compassionate women, who are confident and comfortable in their own skin.
"Sweetgrass Blessings to the Star People"
~ As  sweetgrass is burned in ceremony, blessings are sent to the heavens where the Star People reside~

(She is created from Gourd and Clay, with layers of acrylics to give her a rich look. She holds a bowl in her arms with Sweetgrass, which is used in blessing ceremonies. A sweetgrass braid also surrounds her base. Her hair is braided down the back and adorned with feathers.)



"Earth Meets Sky Kachina Gourd"
The Kachina Gourd was created to express the Spirit of the combination of Sky and Earth elements...using the symbolism of the sun designs and colors along with the symbolism of mountain ranges and earth colors.A balance of Unity.

Diana the Huntress of the Moon

I was inspired to create Diana to represent the woman who is known as a great huntress, adept at capturing what she is seeking. She is affiliated with the Moon, thereby tying in her symbolic representation of connection between and Earth and Sky.
She is created from Gourd and Clay and embellished with wooden bead necklace, beautiful alpaca fleece for hair which is tied back, and she holds her bow made of wood and sinew.

"Gaia"

The all-knowing representation of Mother Earth, who's tree limbs extend to touch the skies in a balance of completing the circle.
Gaia is created from Gourd and Clay, handpainted, and is embellished with leaves and fibers.

Zorya ~ The Three Attendants to the Sun

This piece was inspired from a Slavic legend of Zorya. The three attendants to the sun were known as the Morning Star, the Evening Star, and the Midnight Star. The Morning Star opened the gates to release the Sun Dog. The Evening Star ushered the Sun Dog back in and closed the gates. The Midnight Star held the dying Sun until the next morning when it would be released again.
Created from Gourd and Clay.

Medicine Woman of the Four Directions
She is known to honor the directions in all that she is and does. The symbolism of them is handpainted on the front of her. The East for new beginnings, the South for the Present, The West for Completion, and the North for the unformed.
Created from Gourd and Clay. She sits on a tapestry that matches her head wrap.

 "The Blossoming of New Beginnings"

I love all aspects of gardening and growing beautiful and plentiful things from the soils, and so the collection would not have been complete without a representation of a new blossom. She is created from a Gourd with clay petals. She emerges from the petals, peaking out at her new beginning, enchanted with the new world.
Gourd, Clay and Hand dyed Fleece

"Wings of Transformation"

After spending her time in the cocoon of lessons, she has emerged to greet her new self, and test her wings in flight.
Created from Gourd and Clay, she is clothed in in beautiful folk fabrics, butterfly wings held in her pockets, and two metal discs that read "Wander" and "Inspire", which will help her on her next journey of helping others in their transformation.

"Earth Tapestry"

A handpainted wood carving on base, representing the rich and complex Universe that we all live in.
Embellished with feathers and beaded base.


I loved creating this series, with so many of their stories dear to my heart.





 
These creations have all been SOLD, but you can visit my Etsy and Indiemade shops to see my current Art Dolls
https://www.etsy.com/shop/JeanneFryArt

or
http://jeannefryart.indiemade.com


Featured Post

The Arrival a Women's Empowerment Spirit Doll

The Arrival is one of my most popular spirit dolls, inspired from a poem that I wrote some years ago.  The Arrival "I...