Wisdom Keeper Art Dolls

Folk Art Doll Miniatures carry Bundles of Inspiration

2012-01-01T06:52:00.000-08:00

For the past seven years I have created Folk Art Dolls that were created in a variety of themes from whimsical to cultural to spiritual. They have allowed me to explore endless possibilities in mediums, sometimes evolving from Gourd and Paper clay, all Clay sculpts, or Beaded Cloth and Clay. But one of my greatest joys in the creating, is expressing myself through my Art Doll Miniatures.

Beads, Cloth, and Clay to create an Art Doll Miniature

Folk Art Doll Miniatures are known as Art Doll Ornaments, Ornies, Mini's, and Poppets. I call mine Wisdom Keeper Poppets, because they carry bundles of inspiration in each little Art Doll.

Mermaid Folk Art Dolls by Jeanne Fry

Each of these Art Dolls are based from cloth and clay. I hand stitch each of them from batik, cotton, one of the many fabrics I have collected over time. Their faces are crafted from Art Doll Clay, and then hand painted with layers of acrylics and sealed with a satin or gloss finish.

Once I have stitched the body and attached the face, the possibilities are endless in how they evolve. I add hair using fleece, fibers, and silk mohair from alpaca or sheep that has been hand dyed, or knitting yarns. Sometimes I even just bead their hair using seed beads.

Folk Art Doll Miniatures with hand dyed fleece locks for hair

Once she has formed, I begin embellishing with lots of different seed beads, glass beads, clay beads, and beaded trim. I attached small metal charms, ribbon, organza, paper flowers, dried botanical.....the list is endless. (This would account for the countless boxes, bins, and jars of embellishments that fill my studio)

For those that will be Ornaments, I sew a small leather loop on their back. Some have pin-backs so that they can be worn on a coat lapel, attached to a tote bag, or even to a curtain. Some of my Art Doll miniatures are designed to be Wall Hangers, with a loop on their back to hang on a picture hanger on a wall. This alleviates the need for shelf space that many of us have a shortage of.

Many of my collectors carry them in or attached to their purse of tote bag, others hand them in their car or on their office wall.

I tend to create my Art Dolls in themes...Inspirational, Empowering, and Whimsical. I make separate lines of Gnomes Dolls, Mermaid Dolls , and even Rabbit Art Dolls for Easter.

Gnome Folk Art Doll Miniatures

Rabbit Folk Art Doll Ornament

Trinity Goddess Folk Art Doll Wall Hanger

And of course I create Frida Kahlo Folk Art Dolls too, one of my favorite inspirations.

Frida Kahlo Folk Art Doll Ornament

Creating Folk Art Doll Miniatures or Ornies, are such a joy...to create a small piece of Art with large meaningful impact.

To see more of my Folk Art Dolls,you can visit my website.

http://www.consciousartstudios.com/ArtDollOrniesMinis.html

Thanks for visiting. You can follow me on Facebook as well, there is a link on my website.

http://www.consciousartstudios.com/index.html

Jeanne Fry

Art Dolls and Painting as Expressive Modalities

2011-12-12T11:02:00.000-08:00

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 at Artfire or on our website

Artfire Studio

Conscious Art Studios

Thanks for visiting.

Honoring the Celtic Trees Beth is the Birch Tree Art Doll

2011-12-06T04:20:00.000-08:00

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.

Beth can be found in my Artfire Studio

http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/4129859

You can see some of my other work on my regular website at

http://www.consciousartstudios.com/

Jillian Frost the Winter Elf Art Doll

2011-12-06T04:00:00.000-08:00

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.

Jillian Frost a Winter Elf Art Doll by Jeanne Fry

Jillian Frost, a Winter Elf has arrived to town for the Holidays. Jillian is a mild mannered Elf, tender and caring, and watches over the woodland animals during the cold long days of Winter. She helps the wee ones find warm homes to shelter them and directs them as to where they can hunt for their meals. She knows what old Jack Frost is up to and when he will be bringing harsh frigid temperatures and frost, and will quickly alert the nearby animals to seek warm shelter.

Jillian Frost Gourd Art Doll

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, as Jillian will spin a story and share with them a snack of gathered nuts fresh baked bread she has made.

Jillian Frost, a Winter Elf Art Doll is created by Jeanne Fry. This piece is designed from Gourd and Clay. Jillian is hand painted in layers of vintage whites, and then sealed with a satin finish. Her hair is natural fleece locks that have been hand dyed a vintage white color. She wears a cream colored quilted hat that is adorned with a white fluffy fleece border. She wears a scarf of the same white fluffy fleece. In her hands she is holding a peridot colored twig of leaves. At her base is snow covered moss. A beautiful gold and white bird sits atop her hat. Jillian is attached to a wooden base for display that is signed and dated on the bottom by me.
A Story card accompanies the doll that tells about her.

She stands 9 inches tall and has a diameter of 5 inches.

If you are interested in collecting Jillian you can find her on my Artfire Studio

Jillian Frost Winter Elf on Artfire

You can see my other work at our regular website

http://www.consciousartstudios.com/

Indian Summer Art Doll by Jeanne Fry

2011-09-25T07:33:00.000-07:00

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.

http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/3859269

Melody and the Songbird Art Doll inspired by Domestice Violence Survivors

2011-09-25T06:50:00.000-07:00

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.

http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/3859251

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

2011-09-18T05:48:00.000-07:00

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.

http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/ConsciousArtStudios/3828457

Creating in the Solitude

2011-09-02T13:54:00.000-07:00

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

http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/ConsciousArtStudios/0/0/112321

http://www.consciousartstudios.com/

Lissa the Turtle Keeper Art Doll

2011-09-02T13:29:00.000-07:00

Turtle Medicine has been on my mind as of late. The past few weeks have been spent sketching turtles, painting turtles, and studying the ways of the Turtle.

This has evolved into my latest creation of

Lissa the Turtle Keeper

Lissa the Turtle Keeper Art Doll

Lissa has had an extreme love for, and befriended all Turtles since she was a child. She watched over them, protected them, and made sure they were always happy and safe.
She spent many days and evenings watching over turtle eggs, keeping them out of harm's way until they were ready to emerge.

Clay Created Turtle Shell Hand Painted

Every turtle knows that when they need help or just a friend to lean on, Lissa is the person to seek out. Throughout Nature, all creatures understand that Lissa it the Turtle Keeper and honor her.

Symbolic Meaning of the Turtle:

Turtle is symbolic of Motherhood, not only on a creature/human level, but also Motherhood of the Earth. It is a reminder to nurture the Earth and to keep your connection with nature, which is healing to all creatures, animals, and humans.

http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/ConsciousArtStudios/3783353/Lissa_the_Turtle_Keeper_Art_Doll_by_Jeanne_Fry/Dolls_Miniatures/Art_Doll/Ooak

Atalya Mermaid Keeper of the Seahorses by Jeanne Fry

2011-08-19T06:14:00.000-07:00

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.

You can find her listed in my Artfire Studio

http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/3727710

Frida Kahlo and her Importance to me as an Artist

2011-08-08T10:25:00.000-07:00

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

You can find my Frida Kahlo Art Doll in my Artfire Studio ~

http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/consciousartstudios/3673892/frida_kahlo_art_doll_by_jeanne_fry/Dolls_%26_Miniatures/Art_Doll/Cloth_Doll

Or you can visit my website

http://www.consciousartstudios.com/WisdomKeepersArtDolls.html

Naomi the Blue Ridge Mountain Gnome

2011-07-15T14:10:00.000-07:00

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.

You can visit Naomi and adopt her on our website at

http://www.consciousartstudios.com/WisdomKeepersArtDolls.html

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.

Earth Meets Sky ~ Gourd Art Doll Exhibit

2011-05-04T12:58:00.000-07:00

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.

Danu the Bellydancing Mermaid ~ OOAK Art Doll by Jeanne Fry

2011-02-17T15:02:00.000-08:00

Being enchanted by Mermaids and their Lore, inspired my lastest creation of the Bellydancing Mermaid ~ Danu.

Danu is the first Bellydancer Mermaid..a crusader in the Seas. She is so attuned to the Rhthyms of the Ocean, the Beat of the Current, that she can not contain herself from the Dance. The flow of her movements

coincide with the movement of the currents, and her Dance delights all of her neighbor Ocean Dwellers.

Danu is approximately 11 inches tall. She is an OOAK, Original One of a Kind Art Doll. Her body is designed from Batik fabric that is hand stitched. Her face is sculpted of Prosculpt Clay and them handpainted with layers of Acrylics to give it depth. She is adorned with a Metal Bauble Waistlet, and she holds a Seahorse in one hand and a Shell in the other. A light Beaded and Metal Pendant necklace graces her neck. Her shawl has small bells that jingle when she does her dance, with one attached to the tip of her tail as well. She is attached to a wooden base for display that is signed and dated by me, and has sea shells attached to it. A http://www.consciousartstudios.com/WisdomKeepersArtDolls.htmlStorycard accompanies her.
http://www.consciousartstudios.com/WisdomKeepersArtDolls.html

Or you can view her at

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2906383

The Divine Feminine and Creative Inspiration

2011-01-29T21:16:00.000-08:00

Where do you go to when you are connecting with your Inspiration? When you need that fresh flow of ideas that results in a burning desire to put everything else aside and grab your brush or put the clay on the table, what was your spark?

I can get those little energetic pulses from all of the usual places; nature, reading poetry, listening to music, but my main source that it always comes down to is the Divine Feminine. Those women that came before us, the ancestors and deities, that's what lies at the heart of most of the work I create.

(Statue from Brookgreen Gardens)

I connect with their stories, their history, their strength, and their passion. They are reminders to me of perseverance, creation, compassion, strength, and to embrace our own abilities to make a difference in the world.

(Statue from Brookgreen Gardens)

Beyond the historical women, it breaks down in simplicity ~ The Divine Feminine. This is what creates the intricate fabric of our being, the complexities that make us complete, and the balance of strong yet gentle.

Different cultures and different religions, have a name for this presence ~ Gaia, Kuan Yin, Our Lady of Guadeloupe, Diana the Huntress,Saraswati, Mother Mary, Mother Earth, Venus of Willendorf, or Isis...the list is long.

(Statue from Brookgreen Gardens)

It is within this deep connection that I draw my inspiration and use that energy to help empower others through my artwork.

http://www.consciousartstudios.com/

(The Statues mentioned above are just a very very few of the beautiful statues at Brookgreen Gardens. To get more information about the Gardens you can visit their site )

http://www.brookgreen.org/

Silkie ~ Mother Rabbit of the Warren ~ Art Doll by Jeanne Fry

2011-01-23T18:43:00.000-08:00

Silkie is the most loved and most compassionate of all Mother Rabbits that have ever resided over the Warren. She spends every minute of her days making sure that her Warren is protected while visitng with each and every baby and bringing their mothers flowers and vegetables from the gardens nearby. She has created a strong Sister bond in the Warren, nurturing and thriving.

Silkie stands approximately 10 inches tall.

She is and Original One of a Kind Art Doll, no molds used, and entirely hand-stitched.

Her head is sculpted of Prosculpt Clay. Her body and ears are cloth.She has beading and trim hand stitched on to her little dress.

In her arms she can eiter hold a bouquet of flowers or a wee miniature bunny from the Warren.

The miniature bunny is made of felt and has a clay face and is adorned with trim. He also has a little loop on his back so that he could be hung as an ornament.

Spring flowers and leaves are attached to the wooden base which is signed and dated on the bottom.

A story card accompanies Silkie.

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2789287

Mother Rabbit of the Warren

2011-01-21T11:41:00.000-08:00

One of my all time favorite books when I was young was Watership Down. I loved the intricate personalities that were written for each of the Rabbits. As we all wait for Spring to arrive after this cold and snowy winter, my thoughts revert back to those memories I hold.

I'm in progress at this moment of creating "Mother Rabbit of the Warren".

Oh her story will be grand...

http://www.consciousartstudios.com/WisdomKeepersArtDolls.html

The Wisdom of Zella the Lizard Gypsy Goddess

2011-01-05T07:03:00.000-08:00

Zella comes from a very traditional Gypsy Clan and spends most of her time

with her grandmother learning all the old ways. Even though she is fairly young, in her early twenties, she is wise beyond her years.

Everyone comes to her for advice, and she always gives it freely with the most tender eyes.When she was a wee one, about 5 or so, she befriended a little lizard on their journey. She scooped him up and put

him in her pocket and they told each other story after story as the Vardo traveled from town to town.

The lizard inspired her during her dreamtime, bringing her many messages as she

slept. They spent so much time together that as Zella grew older, she took on more and more Lizard characteristics.

Zella walks in both worlds, bringing the wisdom of the Roma Gypsy and of the Lizard Clan, making her a very wise and intuitive Gypsy.

http://www.consciousartstudios.com/WisdomKeepersArtDolls.html

Zella is approximately 10 inches tall. She is a

cloth based art doll with clay face.
Zella's face is handpainted with a lizard silhouette
on her forehead. She wears little brass earrings
with lizards on them. Her hair is Black Wave with
beading adornments throughout.
Zella's tail wraps around her on the base and
miniature tarot cards around her tail. She has a
metal tarot hand charm at her waist, and her left
hand holds a gold colored metal sun charm.
A gold wrap is around her shoulders and ties at
her waist. Her beading around her neck are seed
beads and a turquoise pendant.

Mermaids from the Deep Sea ~ Lore

2010-12-28T11:03:00.000-08:00

After exploring the deepest seas and swimming through the widest oceans, I returned with three very special friends; Shelltina, Calliope, and Penelope. They are some of the wisest Mermaids in all of the Water World.

Now Shelltina was the first Mermaid I met as I swam amidst the cold waters of Nova Scotia.

She is what some of you may call from the Steampunk era, but in her world she is known to hold the antiquities of the Deep Sea. She embraces the knowledge of the Water World history from the very beginning, the wisest of Sea Maidens. She has the ability to be in both worlds of Land and Sea, and understands the emotions that ebb and flow from both. Shelltina is one you would call on when seeking to understand matters of the Heart, and make the wisest decisions in Love and Friendship. She is an enlightened Mermaid.

Calliope is one of her closest friends.

She presents herself when situations of misunderstanding arise. She is extremely diplomatic and knows the perfect ways to create Peace between those that are in dispute. She is a resolution finder. Calliope has an extremely strenuous job.

And last but certainly not least is Penelope. Penelope is a friend to all of the small sea creatures. She protects them, and takes them to safety when larger aquatic animals are nearby. She swiftly sweeps them up and takes them to secret hiding places to keep them safe until they can emerge again.

Penelope is a member of the Sea Urchin Clan. Her best friend and navigator is her Seahorse, Herbert, who can always be found riding on her tail.

These girls have kept me awake for countless hours with their stories since we came home.

http://www.consciousartstudios.com/WisdomKeepersArtDolls.html

Wings of a Whisper ~ Butterfly Faerie Art Doll

2010-12-12T18:29:00.000-08:00

Shhhh...her Wings are magical. They allow her to take an adventure, wherever and whenever she desires, with no one knowing when she comes and when she goes. She blends with the sunrise and when you feel as if something has just brushed your hair, it is her secretly floating by on her Wings of a Whisper.

http://www.consciousartstudios.com/WisdomKeepersArtDolls.html

Amethyst Meadowskies ~ The Making of Memories

2010-12-10T00:21:00.000-08:00

Amethyst Meadowskies only appears on those days when the skyline is the color I call "SkyBluePink". You know when she appears because all of a sudden, out of the blue, you start singing to yourself (usually songs from long ago) as a complete happiness washes over you. Old happy memories flood through your heart reminding of you of your happiest times. She brings the sweetest of memories and happy hearts.

Sitting she is approximately 6 inches tall. She is a cloth art doll with clay face. Her hair is fantastic dyed wool that is twisted like dreds. Small little seed beads adorn her hair. A hand crocheted scarf is wrapped around her shoulders or wool and angora. She holds purple silk flowers in her lap. Her necklace is created from an amethyst porcelain bead and smaller seed beads. She has two bracelets that go around her left wrist. A purple suede mini skirt goes perfectly with the fabric she is made from. She has little purple flowers on her feet, with purple braiding tied up her calves.

She is absolutely sweet as can be, my little hippie girl, Amethyst Meadowskies.

http://www.consciousartstudios.com/

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2616874

Being an Artist with a Disability

2010-12-08T06:50:00.000-08:00

Being an Artist with a Disability is not a subject that I share often, if ever. I have lived with disability since I was a young child, so it is as normal to me as the sky is blue. It is not a badge I wear as though I am wounded, but just a simple part that has lended it's hand in the creation of me. Being an amputee, I have looked for the positive things it has brought to my life. It has made me a compassionate person, a person who always looks for the light in others because I know that outward appearances sometimes mask the Divine that resides in each of us.

As I have grown older, other physical impairments resulting in much pain have become prevelant, forcing me to face my limitations and accept them. They have forced me to go deeper into myself to find ways to create beauty in life. I have learned to cherish the moments when pain does not control me, and to seize those moments, creating pieces of me that will leave my mark in this world. And when those moments happen, life is supreme.

I sculpt, with these hands that challenge me, to bring to life the things that reside in my heart.

The sharing of my story is not meant to be sad, but to be a reminder to appreciate each moment, to grasp it to its fullest, and to not allow our challenges to change who we are deep in our hearts.

Namaste ~ The Spirit in Me honors the Spirit in You

Magical Beings in the Mountain Mist

2010-11-03T16:44:00.000-07:00

Today it has been cold and dreary on the mountain. As the mist floats over the curves of the mountain, I stay warm inside prepared to work a little magic. With my dog at my feet and warm cup of tea, I oull up Netflix and find a beautiful little movie to work along with. "Ondine", a movie about an Irish fisherman who finds a Selkie in his fishing net, captures my attention and while it's Celtic tunes play softly under the actors, I work on a Mermaid Poppet that's a gift for Steve's wife.

At midday I finished another custom order for a Raven Goddess doll, that I have completely fallen in love with.

The magic and grace just seems to exude from her.

So pleased to have gotten my orders done, now I will see what I can create for this weekend's show.

http://www.consciousartstudios.com/

Mother Snow Owl

2010-09-21T17:42:00.000-07:00

Inspired by the cool crisp air that is starting to move in with the Fall, is Mother Snow Owl.

She watches over all of the Snowy Owls, guiding them to the areas where food is plentiful, and keeps a watchful eye on them.

Although he is the Keeper of the Snowy, all of the owl clans look up to her for she extends a kind hand and warm heart to them all.

Mother Snow Owl is the Keeper of the Snowy Owl, as her Mother and Grandmother were before her. She carries the Keeper staff and shall pass it down to her own daughter when the time comes.

Ebay Auction

"'Charmed" by my Mother's Creations

2010-09-21T10:03:00.000-07:00

I'm lucky to have a mother who loves to create. She used to make art dolls, but has become an avid stamper. She makes tote bags and charms and art cards. Every few months she sends me goodies she has made from her art swaps.

Last year she had made me a Frida Tote bag. Since then whenever she sends me a charm, I add some of them to the front of the tote. It has become one of my most treasured pieces of art.

It's so great to have a mother and daughter relationship where you both inspire each other.

Elizabeth the Folk Artist from Black Mountain, NC

2010-09-16T22:11:00.000-07:00

New to the Wisdom Keeper Art Doll clan is Elizabeth.

Elizabeth is a Folk Artist from Black Mountain, North Carolina. Her mother and her grandmother

were Appalachian Granny Women - herbalists and midwives in the North Carolina Mountains. Now that the mountains are more populated and modern ways have come, doctors exist in those towns and the Granny Women aren't needed as they once were.

So Elizabeth adapted her knowledge of herbs and plants into creating Folk Craft. Every morning she walks the mountain paths behind her cabin to gather nature's beauty. From these she created Lavender Bundles, Flower Wreaths, Carved Gourd Bowls, Soaps and Perfumes.

Her daughters are learning from her to carry on the knowledge of these wise women.

Elizabeth is a Gourd Art Doll. She is approximately 16 inches tall and 8 inches in diameter.Her hat, over coat, and skirt are hand sewn of tweed with fiber embellishements for trim. She is holding a dried pod which is holding two small pumpkins and mini gourd. In her pockets are dried naturals and peacock feather.
Her scarf is closed with a shell bead. Her hair is braided with leather ties. She is attached to wooden base for display.

http://www.consciousartstudios.com/WisdomKeepersArtDolls.html

Understanding the Art Doll and the Artist

2010-09-14T12:44:00.000-07:00

Art Dolls have become highly collectible and are an art form in themselves. With the amount of diversity that exists in their creation, many have found it difficult to define their type of art. Fine Art? Fine Craft? Folk Art? Fiber Art? Outsider Art? Assemblage Art?

They can fall into so many categories because of the wide range of mediums that are used. Art Dolls can be created from Gourd, Clay, Cloth, Porcelain, Wood, or Found Objects. Their possibilities in theme and embellishments are even more diverse. With all that said, the commonality that brings them all together and connects the artist and the collector is the Face.

It creates the "voice" for the piece. Some will be serene and peaceful, while others can be mischievous and spunky. They help to tell the story of the Art Doll, of which every one of them has.

Art Dolls are crafted for the adult collector. So as an adult, what makes us fall in love with them?

They can be reminders, reminders of a time past, of ancestors and cultures. They can reflect our interests in magical and fanstasy worlds. They can represent the diffferent stages of being a woman and the journeys that we move through. Or simply, they bring us stories.

Whatever the theme or medium used, Art Dolls become a cherished piece of art, both to the artist and to the collector.

http://www.consciousartstudios.com/

Art Dolls Touching the Spirit this week...

2010-09-03T23:27:00.000-07:00

This week my Art Doll creating focused on some custom orders and gifts, along with adding to my inventory. Twice the amount of time was taken with them, an almost meditative process of complete serenity as I worked. I always enjoy creating them, but something was a bit different this week.

It felt similar to a time a few years ago when I sat for hours creating hundereds of prayer bundles for a sweat lodge. When you create prayer bundles, your mind is to be focused on prayers and positive thoughts, and while I always am happy when I create my dolls...this week seemed to be a pure meditation. It was wonderful.

Healing Comfort ~ Chelsea

Embrace

Dreaming Angel

Green Tea

Cherry Blossom

8x10

Necessity..the Mother of Invention

Acrylic on Hardboard ~ Mixed Media

http://www.consciousartstudios.com/WisdomKeepersArtDolls.html

Displaying Art Dolls for Shows

2010-09-02T07:45:00.000-07:00

Of all the various types of Art that my husand and I create and set up in our art show booths, displaying the Art Dolls is my most time consuming. My Art Dolls use about 1/3 of our booth. I am constantly changing the type of display stands, risers, and shelving and now I'm at it again, sketching different ideas for them.

My full size Wisdom Keeper Art Dolls come in various sizes ranging from 6 inches to 14 inches tall. Using shelving makes them less visible, so I have found that using the risers gives them the height and individuality that they need.

My smaller versions, the Wisdom Keeper Poppet, need to be able to be picked up easily in order to see their fine details.

Fall is coming...time for Halloween Art Dolls

2010-08-21T19:31:00.000-07:00

My most favorite season is nearly upon us...Fall. I absolutely love Autumn. Growing up in Upstate New York introduced me to this glorious time and since then I have lived in some of the most beautiful places that nurture my love for this color rich time period.

As a child I would go to the Cider Mill in Endicott NY. I would watch them make the old fashioned cake donuts and would peak into all of the barrels of candy apples and apple cider. I waited all year for them to open. In the back of the Cider Mill you would find the Cider Mill Playhouse, where you could watch a play. It was exciting every time.

The crisp air, the changing of the leaves, and the brilliant colors all enhance my anticipation for the season and the things to do...one of them being Halloween. And so, it wouldn't be complete if I didn't create some Art Dolls for this season, now would it?

This week Ophelia's Pumpkin Patch joined our clan of Wisdom Keepers....

Ophelia waits all year for this time..her favorite and most important time...the harvesting of her Pumpkin Patch. The pumpkins may not be the largest...and they may be slightly odd shaped, but everybody and I do mean everybody knows that Ophelia grows the most magical and delightful pumpkins around.

http://www.consciousartstudios.com/

Kachina Gourd

2010-08-13T20:52:00.000-07:00

The newest creation in my collection is my Kachina Gourd. Contemplating for about two months what exactly I would do with this particular gourd, I finally had the spark of inspiration.

http://www.consciousartstudios.com/GourdStoneCanvas.html

Sunday's New Paintings

2010-07-26T12:02:00.000-07:00

Sundays are always a quieter day for me, contemplative and peaceful, and so these are the days when I choose to work on paintings. This past Sunday was no different, except for the fact that it was so incredibly hot outside. So, staying indoors with the paints was best thing to do.

"Surround Yourself with what is in Your Heart"

8x10

Acrylic on Backboard

(There are those times when you are so in tune with nature that it seems nothing else exists, the sounds of traffic, the daily worries, the "lists" of things you need to do....there are those times when all that's in your heart and mind is the flowers that you smell, and those are the most divine of times)

"Angel of Self Love"

8x10

Acrylic on Backboard

(A little reminder of the Angel that sits on your shoulder, reminding you to love yourself no matter what, and to nurture yourself first before taking care of everyone else)

http://www.consciousartstudios.com/GourdStoneCanvas.html

The Ancient Genie and Her Lamp..

2010-07-19T17:45:00.000-07:00

~The Ancient Genie and Her Lamp~

What would you do if you were granted your deepest desires?

Are you brave enough to live your dreams?

This is what the Old One asks....Are you ready for your wishes to come true?

http://www.consciousartstudios.com/WisdomKeepersArtDolls.html

Marley and Max ~ Mermaid and Seahorse Soulmates

2010-07-07T21:25:00.000-07:00

The Ocean is a beautiful place, another world within our own of great mystery...but in it's vastness it can also be a very lonely place. Sometimes the Like-minds need to stick together in order to survive.

Did you know that for every Mermaid there is a Seahorse? They are both so strong and yet so

delicate. They are connected as soulmates.

When Marley was a young Sea Maiden, her curiousness used to make her vulnerable to the Humans who tried to catch her. She met Max while in fast retreat in the coral

reef , hiding from the humans on her trail.

Catching her breath and peaking through the seaweed, she saw Max with his tail wrapped around a neighboring plant.

Max helped her hide until the humans were gone and they became the best of friends, inseperable to this day.

When you see one of them, you always know the other is near by...but most times is you DO see them you'll only see their tails swimming away in unison as they laugh and tell stories to one another.

http://www.consciousartstudios.com/WisdomKeepersArtDolls.html

Jenny JuneBug ~ Mountain Faerie

2010-06-30T07:46:00.000-07:00

Jenny JuneBug is a Mountain Faerie that can be usually can be found, if you are looking very closely, in the early eve. Her colors help her to hide within the forest glen, but as the sun sets a little lower and the air gets a might cooler, she ventures out to explore.

Jenny is a wee fae who's a bit on the tomboy side. She bores easily picking flowers and playing in gardens. Her passion is playing at dusk with the firefly tribe. They love to gather near the edges of human gatherings ( especially when they are eating their dinners out on the lawns). Many times you will see her playing with the fireflies during their evening games. She watches over these friends, making sure they don't get caught up in a mason jar by a wandering human child.

If you come across Jenny Junebug, you musn't try and catch her. Even though she is a sweet little rebel faerie, she is considered royalty in her Fae Clan. She is a princess, of a clan that migrated here from Wales many generations ago, and carries on the traditions of her family as Flower Healers.

http://www.consciousartstudios.com/WisdomKeepersArtDolls.html

Understanding the Mermaid..

2010-06-23T11:04:00.000-07:00

When reading and studying the folklore of the Mermaid, it seems that their concepts vary widely depending on the culture's stories. Some say they were known to sing to sea travellers and the distraction would cause them to run their ships aground, others say that have carried humans off to their kingdoms under the sea. Whatever the lore may be, we have been enchanted by these beautiful creatures for ages. So, what is it that attracts us to the sea maiden?
The mystery of the Mer intrigues us. She holds the beauty of woman herself in an embodiment that has the ability to step into both worlds. Momentarily she can be found sitting upon the rocks of the sea banks, perhaps singing to the seagulls or flirting with a passing human. Primarily she is journeying through the waters, delighting in a world who's beauty is mostly unknown to us.
The Mermaid exudes an unbridled passion and a link to the mystery. By having a presence in both land and sea, she is symbolic of a literal thinking world and a rider of the water's emotional world; a combination that shows she has mastered the head and the heart.

While her world in the waters is beautiful and serene, she misses human contact and the conversation. Perhaps, she is just as intrigued with us, as we are with her.

http://www.consciousartstudios.com/WisdomKeepersArtDolls.html

The Newest Wisdom Keeper Poppets...

2010-06-21T12:24:00.000-07:00

Here's the latest little poppets to introduce themselves...

Esmeralda ~ Young Gypsy poppet..complete with crystal ball, tarot cards, and love potion bottle

Stage Angel...for luck in performing

Trinity ~ Spirit Healling Doll

Trinity is a newer version of my dolls. Smaller than the Wisdom Keeper Art Dolls, but larger than the Poppets. The Spirit Healing Dolls are cloth based and are made to be wall hanging pieces. They range from 8 to 12 inches tall.

You can view all the newest poppets and dolls, yes there are more, on my site at

http://www.consciousartstudios.com/WisdomKeepersArtDolls.html

Maya and the Songbird

2010-06-04T11:23:00.000-07:00

Maya is a gifted writer and poet. The beauty of words she puts to paper are rich and delightful, and over the years she has filled volumes of notebooks that line the shelves in her home. But, Maya is stuck...creatively...and discouraged.You see, she was afraid to share her gift.

Weeks and weeks went by, and she wrote nothing.

As each day passed she found herself more and more saddened by it, until.....

The Songbird arrived.

The Songbird sat outside her study window and sang through the day and night, uplifting Maya's spirits and soon she began to write again. At first she wrote about the songbird, but in short order she began writing about everything in life again.She was so passionate with her gift now that she was not only writing, but reciting to others, sharing with others, and even singing it to others.

(Songbirds are symbolic for creative people, for they spark creativity and spontaneity.)

Maya and the Songbird are constant companions to this day.

Jeanne Fry's Wisdom Keeper Art Dolls ~

http://www.consciousartstudios.com/WisdomKeepersArtDolls.html

Inspirations

2010-05-31T14:38:00.000-07:00

I am simply amazed sometimes at how continual inspiration flows. I carry a small notebook with me every day to jot down ideas of future doll sculpts to create. Just walking through our local growers market and looking at the flowers, or walking with my dog, chatting with a friend, or even looking out the window as we drive down the road...little ideas pop in my mind. Probably the best inspiration though, is when I am interacting with the people that collect my work or those seeing it for the first time at a show. So very grateful for that infinite flow that feeds my passion.

Maidens of the Sea

2010-05-24T12:52:00.000-07:00

These little Sea Maidens swam up near me during one of their adventures.

From left to right:

Miriam ~ a Star of the Sea, demure and light-hearted, but fiercely loyal

Morgana ~ Resides near the edge of the sea, loves to watch the humans and teases them with a glimpse

Annabel ~ Watches over her sisters, the embodiment of Motherhood

Nerissa ~ Rich and Lavish, she loves to entertain

http://www.consciousartstudios.com/WisdomKeepersArtDolls.html

Cordelia the Mermaid Art Doll

2010-05-21T11:35:00.000-07:00

As of late, my thoughts have been immersed in ocean and sea life, most probably due to the recent Oil Spill in the Gulf.

Cordelia was created to honor life that inhabits our waters.
Cordelia, at immediate glance, is truly full of spunk and mischief. She is a little ball of energy and an adventure seeker.

While from a distance she seems to be light-hearted, keep in mind that she is also very wise and thoughtful.The adventures that she leads, while fun, always have underlying motivations to them which are to help her other friends in the waters. She is humble in regards to her good deeds, and while carrying at least one good deed out per day, she never shares it with anyone except for Grandmother Sea Turtle, her oldest friend.

Cordelia is an original sculpt of paper clay and stands approximately 10 inches tall.

http://www.consciousartstudios.com/WisdomKeepersArtDolls.html

Aine ~ Sun Salutations Art Doll

2010-05-21T11:18:00.000-07:00

After a long grey dreary winter, I wanted to create an Art Doll that was full of life and light...and so here is Aine.

Aine in mythology was an Irish Sun Goddess which represented the "spark of life". Here she encompasses the rich warm colors of the sun's glow. Her daily routine begins with her sun salutations, welcoming the new day and all of the opportunities that come along with it. Busy busy at this time of year, preparing for her most favorite festival ~ the Midsummer's Eve.

Aine will continually remind you of the happiness and potential of each new day.

Aine ~ Wisdom Keeper Art Doll is based out of Gourd and Original Paper Clay Sculpt. She is painted with acrylics and her auburn wool roving hair is hand beaded to catch the light. She is approximately 11 inches tall and 9 inches wide with her arm stretch.

http://www.consciousartstudios.com/WisdomKeepersArtDolls.html
Here you can find more information about her on my website.

Addie's Steampunk Adventures

2010-05-13T12:34:00.000-07:00

Addie has been a long time in arriving. She is the only one of my Wisdom Keeper Art Dolls to come with her own Diorama to display in.

Addie is wildly creative. She follows her passion with full zest, spending almost every waking moment in her workshop. She greets the sunrise from her workspace sipping lavender tea and mulling over the multitude of ideas that flow through her. This morning she will go out on a scavenger hunt to find bits and pieces, gears and sprockets, treasures that only she can put to use in building yet another fabulous invention that may.....just may....change the world.

http://www.consciousartstudios.com/WisdomKeepersArtDolls.html

Grace

2010-05-13T12:25:00.000-07:00

"Grace"

Cherokee Woman

For those days when you need Strength after lending your

shoulder to dear friends...

For those days when you need Courage to face the World...

For those days when you need someone to listen, when no

one else can hear...

For those days when you need to remember who you are

deep in your soul...

"Grace" is by your side.

Grace is approximately 11 inches tall. She is an OOAK art

doll, original one of a kind. Her clothing is made of light

suede and destressed red sheepskin. At her base is an

abalone shell to hold special gemstones. There is a sterling

silver hanging piece on her waist with turqoise and jasper.

She is signed and dated on the bottom of her base and she

comes with a story card, telling her story.

http://www.consciousartstudios.com/WisdomKeepersArtDolls.html

Frona the Seeker

2010-04-13T16:02:00.000-07:00

Wisdom Keeper Art Doll "The Seeker ~ Frona"

The Seeker is the second character created related to the book I am writing.

"The Seeker, ready for the journey, has mounted her companion camel, Thwertem. Her side bag

is filled with maps, water canteen, her protective stones, and compass. Ima slipped a bit of

fresh baked nut bread wrapped in checkered cloth inside the bag, knowing that Frona would

forget to gather food along the way. "

Frona is approxmately 14 inches tall and 9 inches wide seated on her camel companion.

Frona is an original one of a kind sculpt of paper clay, hand painted and antiqued, sporting henna designs on her face and hands.

Her skirt and top are made of batik, her cloak of soft suede, and her boots of black leather.

Her side bag is leather with batik and fibers, with compass attached and journey supplies inside.

Thwetem the camel is covered with a soft leather.

You can view more picture of Frona on my website

http://www.consciousartstudios.com/WisdomKeepersArtDolls.html

The Rabbit Whisperer ~ Art Doll

2010-03-21T15:15:00.000-07:00

The Rabbit Whisperer walks in both worlds of the Rabbit and of the Human, allowing her to communicate fully with the Rabbit Kingdom and to bring us the lessons they give.

Rabbits move by hopping and leaping, signifying that those who are connected with Rabbit, have the endeavours in their lives move much in the same way. They remind you to stay alert for opportunities... to be able to "hop" on to them quickly. This allows us to be open to the fertility of the universe, which rabbit symbolizes.

Many people see the Rabbit as fearful, which challenges you to face your fears in order to grow, but to do so with "gentleness" , as the Rabbit does.

Rabbits are also friends of the Faerie Realm. Many a human have followed Rabbit straight into the Enchanting Lands of the Fae.

The Rabbit Whisperer comes to be your guide in the Rabbit Kingdom, a gentle loving guide, who brings a sweet and delicate presence.

http://www.consciousartstudios.com/

Wisdom Keepers Art Doll Collection Evolving

2010-03-17T11:16:00.000-07:00

As artists grow and change, undoubtedly so does their work. As I take a look back at even my last year of work I see how life changes are reflected in the creations.

My work now is being formulated into series of collections, instead of seperate stand alone pieces.

Later this week I will be posting "The Seeker", who is number two in a series of characters that are the basis for a book that I am writing. (The first in the Series is "The Wishmaker" who you may remember and can find in an earlier post here on the blog).

Also later this week I will be releasing "The Rabbit Whisperer", the first in a series of Art Dolls that incorporates Animal Totem Wisdom into the creation of the doll.

In the midst of the evolution of the collections, I have added a few more of my little poppets...

You can see all of the new poppets on my website and read their stories at

http://www.consciousartstudios.com/WisdomKeepersArtDolls.html

Just a little glimpse

2010-03-01T11:59:00.000-08:00

Just a little glimpse into some of the Artworks I have done...

Mary the Appalachia Granny Woman

2010-02-25T00:17:00.000-08:00

Historically, Appalachia Granny Women were the midwives and healers in the Appalachia when doctors were few. They combined their own folk remedies with the herbal remedies they learned from the neighboring Cherokee.

Mary has splendid gardens filled with herbs and flowers that she uses in her remedies and teas. There is almost never a time when you see her that she doesn't have at least one gathering bag around her with her botanicals. She is always prepared should someone need a little help, or even just a smile and hug.

Creating

2010-02-21T01:40:00.000-08:00

For me, Creating is like taking a breath. It is life sustaining. I know many artists that create a good deal of their inventory during the winter - slow season. That would be difficult for me because I get much of my inspiration from the people that view my work. The expressions that form, the smiles, the comments about how the piece makes them feel. This is where my seeds of creation begin.

Art should engage you, make you feel, remind you of the good things, and help you ponder life.

I am in love with the Romance of Art and the Dance of Creation. Artists record history in a much different way, and leave their mark in this world in a beautiful manner.

Breathe in, Breathe out, Create....this is my meditation.

Monthly Poppet Give-Away ~ Easter

2010-02-20T01:23:00.001-08:00

Easter is on its way, so this month's Give-Away Contest is for one of my Bunny Poppets.

Post your favorite Easter tradition either here on the blog, or on my Facebook Page. The most inspiring and unique story will be chosen to receive one of my Bunny Poppets.

This will run from Februaru 20th - February 26th. Good luck and share your wonderful Easter Tradition stories.

This photo is an example of my Bunny Poppets...the winner will receive a similar poppet.

Callie The Music Maker

2010-02-20T01:15:00.000-08:00

Callie
The Music Maker
“Callie ’s passion is the beauty of music. She plays her songs night and day for all who will listen and become entranced in happiness. She dances her way through life with the songs in her heart, just waiting to share them and bring smiles of delight. The enchantment that she brings lingers, so that the listener can always here the bliss of her melodies , even when she is resting.”
Callie is a cloth formed Art Doll with a clay face. Her hair is completely hand beaded by me in it own little eclectic style. She has light beading on her body and holds her instrument in her hands. She is approximately 11 inches tall and is secured on a wooden base for display, which is signed and dated by me.

Why I create Art Dolls

2010-02-20T01:14:00.000-08:00

Today I spent some time looking over pictures of all the Art Dolls that I have created since 2004. It is sometimes amazing how our Art changes as we ourselves change, whether it is simply by getting older, or transitions in our life. Creating Art Dolls is one of the most satisfiying things in my life. I become inspired on their themes by so many things. Sometimes its simply a color that generates the idea, sometimes a memory, and other times the story comes before the doll. The possibilities are endless in creating them, but the thing that I love the most is watching the reactions that people have when they see them.
When doing an art market or show, I watch the patrons walking through…some seem as if they are on a definitive mission – not in the mood to browse, but are power walking while scanning the vendors looking for a particular thing. I myself can not imagine exploring like this, how much you may possibly miss ! But then other swill slowly meander through the aisles, curious and examining each and every thing. Now the thing that I love is when women come by my booth…they STOP. Inquisitive. Exploring. They seem to be pulled out of the rat race and completely come into focus. And then….the smile. “Oh, doesn’t that one remind you of Aunt Emma !” or ” Oh, she reminds me of when I used to be a weaver!” “Oh, my sister would love that, it’s just like her.”
I try to represent so many facets of women, whether in reality or in our dream worlds. I want them to remind you of your past, your present, and your future. I want them to make you feel as if you can do anything. And I want them to make you fully embrace life and enjoy every moment of being a woman !

The WishMaker unveiled

2010-02-20T01:12:00.000-08:00

Well, after I teased you with her feet, here she is finished and ready to play in the world.
Creating the WishMaker was a journey backward for me, revisiting the memories of living in the mountains of North Carolina …steeped in folk art. I think that she may be my favorite, or one of my most favorite art dolls that I have created. As I worked on her at my table, the colors were so completely engaging and she has an unexplainable “feel good” presence.
Now you should know that she loves to have beautiful gardens nearby because she tends to befriend the faeries. And she is a wonderful cheerleader to those that are chasing their dreams. So, if you are on a quest to manifest your dreams, you may want to make her an aquaintance of yours. She has been known to grant an occasional wish or two.

And her Story has evolved…Sakura

2010-02-20T01:09:00.000-08:00

“Sakura ~ The Kunoichi”(Sakura: meaning – Cherry Blossoms)(Kunoichi – Female Ninja)Sakura is a Kunoichi – female Ninja. She is highly trained in combat, but is also trained to only use her skills when needed. Kunoichi often disguise themselves as entertainers or geisha in order to get close to those she needs information from.Sakura fully embraces this – her cloth body is designed with a powerful black and silver dragon print cotton, which is then embellished with very delicate feminine beading and beaded“cherry blossoms” in her hair and in her hands.Yellow silk is draped around her waist and flows to the floor, and the yellow and lime green ribbons represent the balanced flow of chi that she posesses.

The Artist’s Muse

2010-02-20T01:00:00.000-08:00

With winter setting in, grey skies and so much rain, this is the time when I work as much I can on my dolls before the spring shows. The Artist’s Muse was an absolute joy to create. The colors are my favorites. The base of the doll is made of batik in deep purples, fuscia, blues and greens. Such healing, warm, and inspring colors…which led to her being the Muse.
In her embellishments, you will notice a second smaller clay face placed on her abdomen. This is to symbolize the birthing of new creative ideas.
You can find more of a description of her on my website http://www.consciousartstudios.com/WisdomKeepersArtDolls.html

The Snow Queen and Flocke the Polar Bear Cub

2010-02-20T00:58:00.001-08:00

Well, two months of planning and work on this piece that was a donation for a fundraising benefit, where all of the proceeds go to mental health organizations in our area.
The gala event wanted an assemblage that was a holiday theme, and here she is…The Snow Queen and Flocke the Polar Bear Cub. The piece is one of a kind, no molds used, sculpture. The Snow Queen has pale blonde wool roving for hair that is upsewpt with pearl strewn throughout. Her face is hand painted and she is wearing cultured pearl earrings. Around her neck and her wrists fur is added to her dress. The skirt is embellished with swarovski crystal.
Flocke, the Polar Bear cub is an original sculpt of paper clay and hand painted. He has a crystal collar and pearl leash. Flocke is in training to be part of the Royal Guard at the Snow Queen’s Palace.