The Things I Learned from a Seahorse...

Last night I sat down to try and organize the massive chaos in my tote bags and on my desk. Piles of post-its, jotted down notes, business cards, and notebooks with the "all so important" lists that I live by surrounded me.
 I began putting things together and writing things in my calender, then adding more and more things to those lists. Art ideas, gallery opportunities, doctor appointments, supplies I need to buy, studios for rent, damn I forgot to pick up glass cleaner at the grocery store, and planning.......planning....planning. I could feel myself getting overwhelmed thinking of all the things I need to be doing while the world is moving so fast. It seems like everybody wants things...Yesterday...and I am constantly trying to keep up. A big deep sigh escapes from my lips when I know that all I really want to do is Paint and Breathe. Another even deeper sigh comes when I look at what's in front of me and realize that I am spending more time "planning" than I am "living".

I thought of the Seahorse, floating around in that big beautiful ocean. The current rushes through pushing and pulling everything about, taking control of whatever isn't strong enough to hold their own. I could see the Seahorse grabbing onto some nearby sea grass and wrapping his tail around it, catching his breath in the process. He knows he needs to slow down and take care of himself, careful not to get swept up into something bigger than he can handle. He knows how to enjoy each moment and how to create the life that makes him feel most comfortable.  Seahorses are known as the Buddhas of the Ocean.

And this inspired my creation of a new Poetry Pillow Art Doll....

"She at long last found herself in a space of Contentment. Here she is able to Breathe and savor every single moment. She doesn't need to hurry through them any longer...for she now exists for each delicious minute of her Journey."

She has SOLD.

While she is an Original creation, please contact me if you would like me to make you one similar.

Does anyone hear my wishes? Celeste Starburst the Wish Keeper does..

It has been so so very long since I have posted here on my Wisdom Keeper blog, and I must change that, for certainly I have been creating them continually. This week as I was sitting and doing a little prayer, I wondered....are my wishes being heard?

And, then came the creation of "Celeste Starburst", an itty bitty Wish Keeper.

Celeste was created to be your wish keeper. Tell her all of your wishes, big and small, and she will deliver them to the Universe. She reminds you that you deserve the best in life and to never give up on your dreams, for they are just a moment away.

We so often think of our goals and wishes within certain parameters of what we “think” would be possible. When we do that, we begin to put restrictions on our dreams. Our possibilities in life are bountiful, if we allow them to be.

Celeste is available in my Indiemade shop here, where you can see more photos of her in her quest to find her forever home.

http://jeannefryart.indiemade.com/product/celeste-starburst-handmade-beaded-art-doll-pin-or-brooch-wearable-art-jeanne-fry 

The Chrysalis of a Woman - Symbolic Growth of a Woman and a Butterfly

Women, strong yet delicate, are much life the Butterfly. Our spirits are constantly evolving through the different stages of being, like the metamorphosis of a monarch. The ability of being "nurturers"  allow us to embrace our changes and immerse into every complicated and beautiful moment of them. This process of personal growth inspired my new sculpted creation, titled "The Chrysalis of a Woman". The symbolism was written as a letter from "Mother Butterfly" to the woman as she emerges from her cocoon.

Welcome dear one,
Welcome to You. I've been watching over your metamorphosis for a long long while. I've stood by your side when you have lost your way, and motivated you when you became discouraged. And here you Are !
Underneath that cocoon, seemingly a security blanket but truly an illusion, is the beautiful brilliant authentic You. Shedding each of those layers that protected you while you were transforming was not always easy, I know.
As you open your eyes for the first time it may appear that you are in the same place, but trust me dearest, you are not. This is Your World and you can now Fly. Now your eyes see what is truly important, your heart feels with surety the directions in which you will travel, and most importantly your wings know no bounds. 
Fly sweetest, and enjoy every breathtaking and magical moment.
In Divine Love,
Mother Butterfly

"Chrysalis of a Woman" is an OOAK Gourd and Clay Sculpted Art Doll, a part of my Wisdom Keeper Art Doll collection. She is listed in my Etsy shop where you can learn more about her creation and adopt her if she resonates with your soul.

SOLD

The Seeker - Gazelle Woman Cloth and Clay Figurative Sculpture Art Doll

The Seeker is a young Gazelle woman, carrying both the Inspiration of the Feminine, and the gift of Gazelle Wisdom. She has come of age, a young woman, who is now ready to embark upon her life. She has the freedom to explore and the strength and swiftness to follow her path. The choices available to her are limitless, and it is up to her and her alone to create what her life will now be.
While there is a part of her that wants to find contentment in creating a family and staying in her childhood community, there is a greater part of her that wants to travel and see everything that the world has to offer.

Grandmother Gazelle had known of the young woman's adventurous spirit since she was a small child, and had imparted her with Gazelle wisdom so that when she grew older she would have the ability to release her free spirit  and run with speed and confidence toward her dreams. 
And so she did, with a shoulder bag of maps and a scroll marked with a wish list of destinations.

"The Seeker" is Number One in a collaborative series of artwork being created by myself Jeanne Fry, and by Tarah Singh. This collaboration titled "The Journey of a Woman" is a 2D and 3D project created to explore the many phases of a Woman's Spiritual Journey through Life. Archetypes and Symbolism are fluent throughout each piece representing her evolution. The series is comprised of 2D paintings by Tarah Singh, and 3D Figurative Sculpture Art Dolls by Jeanne Fry.

Figurative Sculpture by Jeanne Fry ~ Original Painting by Tarah Singh

 The Seeker (Original One of A Kind) Cloth and Clay Figurative Sculpture

SOLD

Blue Dragonfly Art Doll Ornament with Painted Dragonfly Keepsake Box

This past week I wanted to create some small Goddess Art Doll Ornaments that could hang from the window latches of my living room windows that overlook the flower garden. I ended up loving them so much that I created another little collection to offer online.  

Each of them are made of doll making clay and some of them are designed as Dragonfly Goddesses with wings. What I originally thought was going to be a simple project, with no faces or embellishments, quickly became an in depth project. I decided they needed faces, wings, beads, ribbons. The more I added, the more I wanted to add.

One of the actually became a 2 part piece....A small Dragonfly Goddess Ornament in a Painted Dragonfly Keepsake Box.

The wooden box was painted and embellished with organza ribbon and a ceramic dragonfly charm on the lid. A small Art Print of one of my older dragonfly paintings is attached in the bottom of the box. I decided to include the "Smile" Blue Dragonfly Art Doll Ornament with the box. They just seemed meant to be together.

SOLD

Wise Woman Rising - a Gourd Art Sculpture for Empowering the Feminine

Generations have passed, those years anxiously waiting for the Shift of energy, the energy of the Feminine to re-emerge. Not only our individual souls, but the soul of Mother Earth, have been anticipating the space in time when we as women Rise and reclaim our power. 

Mother Earth has waited, and not so patiently, for us to come and Stand with her. The Strength that we as women possess, to watch over, nurture, and make decisions for the highest good is being called to step in and save her from the corruption and greed that ravages her spirit. She also knows that we have had our own inner and outer battles, the battles of claiming and sustaining our own personal power within this "man's world". But, the struggle of working through those lessons has now brought us to that point of readiness. Our perpetual learning over the years about ourselves and our abilities has given birth to our  Wise Woman Warrior, who awaits at the ready to "Stand". 

The Wise Woman has arrived, residing deep in our belly. She carries  a staff of Strength, a strength that keeps us going even in the darkest of days, because we are resilient beings. She holds a balance of the Sun and the Moon, blending an ultimate positive love along with the heart and belief of the mystic. Her Faith in herself and that of the Divine Feminine reassures her that her noble path of inspiring, guiding, and protecting is what she is meant to do. 

The Wise Woman Warrior is here to Stand, as strong as the Oak tree, flexible but unwavering. She stands with you, your family, the friend who needs a shoulder, the stranger who needs kindness, and Mother Earth who needs  repair. 

The Wise Woman Rises, placing one hand in yours while the other hand beckons another "sister". She cries out, the calling to unite us once again.

The Wise Woman Protects, continually letting you know that everything will work out, because the Universe wouldn't treat your authentic spirit in any other way.

The Wise Woman Warrior is You.

Thank you for your Arrival,

Namaste

SOLD

Lupus Awareness Art Doll with Butterfly Wings - Keeping the Spirit Strong

"Lupa" is a very special butterfly spirit. As in this world all lovely butterflies have predators, the most important one that Lupa is concerned with is the one that resides inside her body, in fact IS her body. This one is invisible and sneaky, lurking about  in search of her vulnerabilities. Without a moment's notice it can attack her, making her frail.

Unlike our responses to other predators, when we are educated on how to protect ourselves, this one remains a mystery. 

Lupa has been living with this predator named Lupus for quite some time. It has robbed her of many things. She can't flutter about the way she used to with her Butterfly community. She has a lot of pain and tires easily, forcing her to find safe places to rest often. She has to be very careful about what she eats and where she plays, especially in the Sun...which wears her out quickly. 

Many of her friends don't understand the changes in her, for she looks "normal", and so her circle of friends has grown smaller. 

But, Lupa has a Spirit made of steel. She unfolds her wings every morning and begins again, living her life in the best way that she can. Her spirit shines through, for she is adamant that her Soul remain protected from this predator. Her best defense is Love....the love that she gives her self, which is the most important  medicine in the Universe.

So, even though Lupa seems a "frail" butterfly, she is in reality... the Strongest.

(c) Copyright Jeanne Fry

Lupa is a handmade Cloth and Clay Art Doll by Jeanne Fry. She was created to bring understanding and Lupus Awareness. 

She is available for adoption and is listed in our Etsy shop here:
Lupus Awareness Art Doll with Butterfly Wings

An Earth Angel to Watch Over Me - Art Doll Pillow Accent

This is a new and different design for my Wisdom Keeper Art Doll Collection. I created this particular "Earth Angel" art doll to be an accent for one's bed pillows. She can be propped against the front of the bed pillows, as if watching over...protecting...and bringing about a peaceful love and guardianship.

I believe in Earth Angels. Recently during some difficult events in my own life, I was shown again the presence of Earth Angels and was inspired in this creation.

The Earth Angel wants you to know:

"You are Divinely Guided in all that you do.

During your darkest days Keep Your Faith.

You are Watched Over and Protected always.

May you always feel the presence of your Guardians."

SOLD

Solstice Earth Mama Cloth and Clay Art Doll

I realized a few years ago how much my body and spirit needed and relied on the Sun. I had moved to the Northwest for a short time. It was one of the best experiences of my life. I met fabulous people, loved the land, and am grateful that I had the chance to experience its loveliness, but I yearned for the Sun during those rainy winter months. 

 I realized that the Sun changes my outlook on life and inspires me every day. Even if I spend the entire day indoors, it's very presence shining softly through the window is enough to cheer my soul. 

 I created "Solstice" to honor the Sun and what it brings to Mother Earth and to  my life.

This Earth Mama Cloth and Clay art doll is simply a bundle of sunshine and positive love. She wears a small button pin that says "she most heartily enjoyed pursuing life", which does a perfect job at summing up her symbolism. The small gold dragonflies in her hair just whisper a magical smile. 

SOLD

Her Heart of Wings, a Spirit Doll for Women's Empowerment

Her Heart of Wings - Spirit Doll for Women's Empowerment

There are days, we all have them, when you just feel stuck in the world. It can seem as if there are no open doors in the long hallway that we pace. This feeling of  stagnancy can nag at our spirit, making us question our journey and its purpose. If we stay in that space for too long we can begin to feel trapped, bound, and yearning for freedom.

This is the moment when we can envision her Heart of Wings. 

She reminds us that our heart has no bounds, but is as limitless as the Universe itself. All one need do is to close their eyes and "see" the heart wings open and gracefully take flight into the world of Possibility and Hope. Slowly, as the wings begin to smoothly glide, your heart reaches back and whispers to your mind...who you are, why you are here, and pulls away the veil of fear. The flight of freedom now fills the spirit with confidence, a knowing, and optimism. 

It slowly comes back to delicately land in the hallway, and when the eyes are opened.....the doors of opportunity appear.

The Creation of her Heart of Wings

This Spirit Art Doll is made from Cloth and Clay and each piece of it was hand stitched. The fabric used was a beautiful deep blend of gold, copper, and burnt sienna. She has long legs and shapely hips. A blue and green batik skirt wrap around her with the edges beaded with silver and gold seed beads. A pink and yellow taffeta shoulder wrap grace her shoulders. A red paper butterfly with twine antennae sits upon her chest, symbolic for the "Heart of Wings". A red and bronze colored glass charm with a bird adorns her skirt, representing "flight". Strands of fibers and ribbons are wrapped and tied around her waist and flow gracefully down her side. 

Her face is created from clay and painted with acrylics. Her beautiful blue eyes light up her face which is surrounded by a thick mane of hair made of black fibers with red and yellow strands. An orange ribbon ties her wild hair away from her face. 

This creation is part of the Wisdom Keeper Art Doll Collection by Jeanne Fry, spirit dolls created for women's empowerment.

SOLD

Violet the Flower Garden Keeper Folk Art Doll

Violet has a very special and much needed garden. Here her family of violets grow, lush and full, delicate yet strong. The Violets have a very important quest, to help the two legged beings.

 You see, they befriend those that "feel" fragile. They help to boost one's self esteem and encourage one to "be" and share of themselves. They know all about the fears of not being accepted, yet they know the importance of allowing one's authentic self to shine is greater. 

The Violets want you to think of them every time your light goes dim with worries, and allow their beauty to remind you of the beauty of your own spirit ... and let it bloom. 

Violet Flower Garden Keeper Art Doll Ornament by Jeanne Fry

The creation of Violet the Flower Garden Keeper is a Contemporary Folk Art Doll Ornament by Jeanne Fry. She body is hand stitched from fabric while her face is sculpted of clay. You can see more photos and learn more about her in her listing in my Etsy shop here
Violet the Flower Keeper Art Doll on Etsy

Goddess of the Ancient Wisdom and the Alcehmist's Metals

The Goddess of Ancient Wisdom presides over the Alchemist Metals and their symbolism. This Spirit Art Doll was created with each piece of the figurative sculpture being symbolic of the metals and elements. In early Babylonian time, certain metals were associated with planets. 

The Symbolism of Gold and Silver Metals

Gold was known as the metal of Sun. Gold wire trim adorns the Goddess's hair, is within the print on her fabric, and a metal and glass sun embellishment is held in her hands. The Gold is symbolic for Achievement.

Silver was knows as the metal of the Moon. Silver charms and chain adorn this Goddess, along with silver being within the design on her fabric. The Silver is symbolic for the Feminine and Intuition. 

The Elements of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water

My intention was to bring in these 4 elements into her creation. I used a wooden base to secure her on to symbolize Earth, to represent balance, grounding, and a firm foundation. I crafted the silk ribbon and wire trim in her hair in a flowing fashion to represent Air, to stand for flowing, movement, and the ability to adapt to change. The bronze toned sun rays represent Fire, for creativity, inspiration, and activity. The swirls in her fabric and metal charms is representative for Water, for emotions and matters of the heart.

She reminds of the quest for the elixir of life.

Sold

Time To Fly - A Women's Empowerment Cloth and Clay Spirit Doll

Darling, It's Time To Fly. You have been waiting for so long to do things for yourself. Years have gone by while you have put everyone else's needs before your own. The lists of things you do each day and the endless responsibilities have left you with no time for you to explore your dreams.

Your inner child desires to come out and play. The painter, the dreamer, the dancer, the poet, the gardener, the artist, the singer...they are waiting to be expressed. If you wait too long, you will forget them and they will be lost. 

Do you remember those moments when you were a little girl? When you would run outside and dance wildly in the rain? When you would take a paintbrush and paint flowers on the walls because it made you smile? When you would sit under a tree and write poetry that came straight from your heart? When eating dinner could wait because you were deep in play?

Darling, It's Time To Fly. It's time to spread your wings and live your life for you. It's time to be whole again. It's time for You.

"Time to Fly" is a Cloth and Clay Contemporary Folk Art Spirit Doll by Jeanne Fry. 

She measures 16 inches in length and has a loop sewn on the back of her shoulders so that she can be displayed as a Wall Hanger.

Sold

Gnome for the Holidays - Folk Art for the Woodland Lover

Oh, there's no place like Gnome for the Holidays....

I have loved Gnomes since I was a child. I remember when I received my first copy of the Gnomes book by Poortvliet and Huygen. I loved flipping through the pages and learning all there was to know about these sweet wee ones. The intricate details about their life, how they dressed, what they ate, and who they were delighted me. This was my first exploration into fantasy art and I was enchanted.

Now as an Art Doll maker I created my own wee Gnomes. They may be my favorites, created from felt and clay, each having their own short story that goes with them. 

Gnome Felt and Clay Art Doll Ornaments by Jeanne Fry

I suppose part of the reason that I love them so has to do with their affiliation with the woodlands, as I am a mountain girl. Maybe it's their bold colors. Maybe it's the magic they carry. Or, maybe it's just the smile they can bring to your face. 

I make several of them near the holidays, but truly I have my own personal collection that I display throughout the entire year. I hang them on curtain ties, fan pulls, set them on bookshelves and near my potted plants. They seem to be tucked away in many little corners of my home, scattered about, enchanting the house. And oh yes....they decorate their very own little woodland Christmas tree every year. They find their place amongst the grapevine, birds, nests, and pine cones, bringing the lore of the forest into the living room. 

This year I have a few up for adoption.

This is Cinnamon Twirl.

You will only see Cinnamon Twirl during Autumn. She scampers about the pumpkin farms, tasting the apple cider, baking pumpkins, and cinnamon candies. Her little gnome home always smells of banana bread, welcoming her visitors with cinnamon kisses.

 This is Flower Power Grandma. 

Spending her life looking through rose colored glasses, makes her a Grandma who teaches her children's children to look for the positive in every situation...to see the glass as half full...and to find a rainbow every day.

 This is Violet. 

Violet is a busy busy little gnome. She spends most of her time in the gardens, tending to the many flowers...pruning...weeding..and watering. She sells them to Monica's Flowers Shop once a week.
Everywhere she walks, flower petals fall from her pockets. She leaves a trail behind her.
Once evening falls, her petal trail leads to a spot under the old oak tree where she sits and delights in a bowl of black raspberry ice cream and a cup of hot mint tea. 

 This is Peanut.

"Peanut" dreams of the carnival, and hopes that one day she can join their caravan. She loves being a gnome and her gnome family, but her desire grows stronger and stronger each day to join the carnival crew and take care of the elephants.
She has been fond of elephants since she was very young. Their majestic size and loving character has always made her heart sing. Her gnome friends try and discourage her from her dream, telling her that it is unrealistic. Her family tells her that she needs to carry on tradition and be a baker as her mother and grandmothers were. But....Peanut knows that some day she WILL join the carnival and live out her dreams.

This is Om Gnome.

Peace and Tranquility surround her. She sits with her friends and leads them in meditation, spreading the joy of peaceful living.

This is Love Button.

Whether the skies are blue or grey...whether you are spending your day alone or with others...sometimes our hearts can feel a little blue. "Love Button" is here to remind you that you are LOVED always and watched over.

This is Martha the Flower Shop Keeper.

Martha Gnome and her husband built their flower shop 50 years ago in their busy little town of Mars Hill, NC. They tended their shop with loving care while raising their 7 children (who all were taught their great wisdom of gardening). Today, Martha's shop has been passed down to her granddaughter Marla, so that she could finally spend time traveling the Appalachian mountains and enjoying her retirement. Yes, she does still call and pop in to make sure that everything is running smoothly, but more out of a sense of habit. She is quite confidant that Marla can take the reigns and will help the shop blossom more beautiful than ever.

This is Radella the Listener

Radella Gnome resides in Colwyn Bay, which is in Conwy, North Wales. Her personality is much like her town, filled with beauty. Radella, since a child, was always an excellent listener, and anyone speaking to her knew that she was as captivated with their words as they were with her raving red hair and sweet eyes. When she grew older it was of course a natural choice that she became a counselor so that she could truly help those that came to share their story with her. She emits serenity, healing, and love to those around her and she is admired by all that meet her. She is often found on the seaside and is always ready to share a story.

And lastly, this is Bea.

Every gnome in the forest has a particular job, and Bea spends her time as the chipmunk keeper. She watches over them and helps them build their homes safely in the woods, protected from bigger animals. She visits their homes each day, covering them with leaves and flowers from the woods, creating a camouflage. She loves to play with the little ones, who run and scamper so quickly, and she herself has learned the skill of swiftness in her movements. 

To see my current inventory of Art Dolls and Gnome Dolls, please visit my Etsy shop here

Jeanne Fry Art on Etsy

Exploring Creative Passions with Art Doll Quarterly Magazine

I'm an artist who works in many mediums. From Painting to Assemblage to Gourd Art (each speaking to my creativity in their own ways), I would have to say that creating within the world of Art Dolls is the most freeing. Historically dolls have been made for thousands and thousands of years. Replicating our  human condition brings a sense of awe.

Their focus can be on Expressions, an homage to a historical figure, or maybe to recognize our complex spirits as they go through levels of personal growth. 

When I am creating them, my focus is typically to portray our diversity as women, to inspire, and to empower. I find this form of art "forgiving". Their imperfections become their Perfections...their  uniqueness is their Beauty.

The inspirations can come from anywhere, perhaps a luscious colored piece of silk, a uniquely shaped gourd, a quote, a poem, or a sketch. We also get inspiration from other artists. Gathering together, sharing stories, and new techniques  motivates us to explore and deepen our own artistic talents.

While there are many doll artists in the world, they don't seem as plentiful as other types of artists. Here in my region, having  participated in many art shows over the years, I have only personally met possibly 25 to 30 doll artists. So one of my greatest joys is receiving my Art Doll Quarterly magazine from Stampington and Company.

November/December/January 2014 issue of Art Doll Quarterly

This gorgeous magazine is eye candy, reminding one of possibilities yet to explore. But more than that it features interviews with doll artists, the business of art dolls, a show and tell gallery, listing of events, offers new techniques, and engages the artist with upcoming challenges.
(You can find the new issue of Art Doll Quarterly here)

Winter November/December/January 2014 Art Doll Quarterly

After we got moved into our new home I finally had a chance to sit down with the new November/December/January 2014 issue that was lying on my desk enticing me to come and read.

Heeding its call, I made myself  a latte and got comfy as the winter storm was blowing outside. 

A perfect afternoon with a Latte and Art Doll Quarterly

The first delight for me was the article "Sea Whispers -  Using Plants to Create Natural Dyes". This wonderful piece shared techniques for creating natural dyes and a tutorial for the Sea Whispers Doll from artist Sharon Matthews from Tasmania. The article truly resonated with me because of my love of using earthy materials and the naturalness of the process.

I browsed through the business tips on selling your art dolls, which always has useful information. Halfway through my latte, I then became enchanted with the feature "Felted Nativity" by Briege Connolly. She shared such sweet little felted characters for her Nativity scene, with a detailed tutorial and wonderful close up progression photos.
Cheryl Lommatsch offered an article on assemblage techniques she used in creating her "Chattering Birds and Flying Babies" creations.
"Answering the Call: Song Characters"  and the "Show and Tell" showcased doll artist submissions from near and far.
And as I sat and watched the snowflakes blowing by the windows, I read about Michelle Lynch's "Adventures in First Time Doll Convention Teaching".  I always enjoy hearing about how someones art brings them to travel additional avenues with their craft.
You can get a peak view at the newest issue and subscribe here
http://stampington.com/art-doll-quarterly

The magazine was as usual packed with inspiration and new learning. As I went to rinse my latte cup out, I stopped to place the magazine with the others in my collection. I save them all, for those days when you need to try something new and ignite your creative fire.

Art Doll Quarterly Collection

Now I sit and ponder....do I have enough time to create a piece of magic for the "Mermaid" Challenge that is due on December 15th?
Or maybe I will try the new technique I learned with natural dyes in the creation of this work in progress. It is paper clay sculpted on to an antique bed post topper.

Happy Creating !
http://stampington.com/