If Dolly Parton were a Mermaid

Don't we all envision what it would be like to be a Mermaid? MerFolk? How magical it would be to live in this whole other world that seems so far away yet it's right at our fingertips. I often imagine all of the people that I love and admire as MerFolk.... and Dolly Parton would HAVE to be a Mermaid! 

Recently, I allowed my imagination to run and CREATED Dolly as MerFolk.  Loving so many of her styles, I remembered a red jeweled dress that she had worn in the past. I recreated my version of it with red and gold swirled fabric. I adorned it with light gold and red beading. Of course Folly is known for being voluptuous,  so I designed her breasts with gold and clear beads in a spiral fashioned bralette. 

Her face took the most time, an original sculpt of clay, as I looked at photo after photo of her. It was important to get Dolly's smile right.  I used a spun bamboo fiber to create her hair, and pulled it back away from her face a bit. 

I'm sure she would be loved just as much in thr MerWorld as right here within our own. 

You can find Dolly here on my website to see more https://jeannefryart.indiemade.com/product/dolly-parton-mermaid-ooak-art-doll

Goddess Flidais - OOAK Spirit Doll with Deer Antler Flower Crown

After such a stressful two years dealing with a pandemic, our politics ripping us apart, and the toxicity of social media, I decided to welcome the upcoming winter season immersing back into my sorely missed blogs. And what a perfect time to do so with my most recent creation, the Goddess Flidais,  who is filled to the brim with gentle protective energy.  I wanted to create work who's presence would be a reminder of a strong, yet kind and gracious personality, especially in our current world that can seem so aggressive.  

I was called to create this OOAK Spirit Doll,  to bring forth the gentle energy of the Deer spirit.  Doing so through the Goddess Flidais seemed the perfect fit. 

Flidais is known as the Lady of the Forest, and while protecting its inhabitants,  the deer are especially sacred to her. She is a Healing Goddess who is nurturing and protective while bringing balance and growth.  

Flidais watches over the vulnerable and is often called upon when people need safe harbor. 

In this creation,  Flidais is a cloth and clay Art Doll. Her face and her deer antlers are original sculpts of clay and definitely speak to her gentle loving energy. 

She was designed as a Wall Hanging Spirit Doll, bringing her sweet and loving kindness to those who honor her. 

Our world definitely needs more gentle energy and Flidais is working on just that. 

You can see more of her on my website at

OOAK Spirit Doll - Goddess Flidais

Art in Honor of Ruth Bader Ginsburg - the Notorious RBG

As an Artist, I think when we are overwhelmed with feelings it is often easier to express them through our art. This was definitely the case for me when we lost Ruth Bader Ginsburg.  I was working in my Studio that day while the TV was softly playing in the corner. Breaking News had cut in to announce it and almost simultaneously it felt like my heaft sunk to the floor.  It just couldn't be....it just COULDN'T. Even now I struggle to be able to describe the flood of emotions. The only reaction that I could express was to grab my clay. 

I often sculpt my Art Dolls in a combination of Gourd and Clay,  and I quickly remembered that I had a gourd mounted on a wood base that would be perfect. I always keep the natural form of the gourd in my sculptures and this one would be great in expressing her posture.  

I'm not certain how long I immersed into her creation, just know that it was days. Each day I thought about the incredible, dedicated work that she did, her thoughtful dissents, and her work ethic. I thought about her blessed and loving marriage, how her husband encouraged her to be herself and follow her dreams, and how he was ber biggest cheerleader.  I thought about her love of the opera and how she knew the value of feeding your soul with the arts. 

As I slowly, mindfully, painted each brushstroke I imagined she used the same process when writing her dissents.  And my hope was that the completed sculpture would reflect the amazing spirit of my hero, the Notorious RBG.  

Rest in Power, dear Ruth. 

You can see more of her on my website here RBG Ruth Bader Ginsburg OOAK Art Doll

#ruthbaderginsburg #rbg #rbgart #thenotoriousrbg #restinpower #ooak #artdoll #contemporaryfolkart #originalsculpt #gourdandclay #originalartforsale  #jeannefryart

An Original Figurative Sculpt of the Venus of Willendorf - Goddess Statuary

My most recent artwork is an original Gourd and Clay sculpture , fashioned after the Venus of Willendorf, which makes a meaningful and stately Goddess statue or symbolic addition to an altar.

Venus figurines are found artifacts of the human female which often had exaggerated body features, created during the Upper Paleolithic era. The Venus of Willendorf is thought to have been created 30,000 BCE.  

In the past and especially in other cultures, voluptuous women were often thought to be more vibrant, attractive and fertile. Sadly though, for many years here in the United States our main stream media has inundated us with a concept that beauty is staggeringly thin with features that are difficult to attain. For decades women have stressed on this concept and many have punished their bodies attempting to reach this corporate ideal.

Today Willendorf is still admired and loved by many, symbolic of Womanhood, the Mother, the Divine Feminine, Fertility,  the Sacred Female, and Abundant Life.

This piece is an Original Sculpt of Gourd and Clay that measures approximately 15 inches in height x 7 inches in width. She is permanently mounted on a wooden base that is painted black, signed and titled underneath. She was painted with Acrylics and sealed with a soft satin finish.

You can see more of this Willendorf statue on my website here 

Original Sculpt of Willendorf

The Light Carrier - A Dragonfly Shapeshifter Spirit Doll

In these Winter months and darker days, we often yearn for the Light. This week I created "The Light Carrier" an OOAK (original one of a kind) Spirit Doll. She is a shapeshifter - being part Wise Woman and part Dragonfly. She powerfully carries the Light with her and is a wonderful ally especially
during the Winter. Not only does she contain the light at all times, she is able to bend it to her needs. She assists in shining a light on the illusions around us, helping us to pull back the veils on hidden truths. Her Light is transforming, aiding in making a negative into a positive.








The "Light Carrier" is an OOAK (original one of a kind) Spirit Doll, designed as one of my Wise Woman Goddess Wands. The Goddess Wands can be utilized in variious ways such as : (1) Using the Ribbon Loop sewn at the back of her head, she can be displayed as Spiritual Wall Art, being a daily reminder of her symbolism. (2) As a Goddess Wand she can be used in Women's Groups or Gatherings, passed around the room and held by participants as they are Active Listening or Active Speaking, or ((3) As a Goddess Wand she can be a focal point during Visual Meditations. 

The Light Carrier is a part of my Wisdom Keeper Art Doll Collection, Contemporary Folk Art for adult collectors and Not for children. She is an Original Sculpt of Cloth and Clay. 

https://jeannefryart.indiemade.com/product/light-carrier-dragonfly-totem-wise-woman-goddess-wand

Dance like no one is Watching - OOAK Cloth and Clay Art Doll with Ribbon Skirt

Dance like no one is Watching

To be Free....to Shake it off...to Let if all go

To transform your feelings...and Elevate your spirit

There is no right or wrong when you are dancing your Heart's dance

It's such a beautiful way to practice Self Love and Self Care. 

This OOAK Art Doll was created as Wall Art, a looped ribbon hanger on the back, allowing her to become an inspirational statement where ever you need a little Goddess love. She measures 22 inches in height and 15 inches across. 

The headpiece is beaded with two rows of Ruby Zoisite along the top edge. (Meaning of Ruby Zoisite - Happiness, Spirit Filled, Energetic, Abundance, Letting go of Sadness or Anger, Healing, Balance of Male and Female energies, and Being open to Divine Love).  Along the center of the headpiece are 4 square Sodalite gemstone beads (Meaning of Sodalite - Soothing, Retaining calm during stressful moments, Confidence, Self Esteem, Self Care, Healthy Communication, and Releasing fears).  Along the bottom edge of the headpiece are 4 clusters of Pink Puffy Rice Pearls (Meaning of Pink Pearls - Success, Good fortune, Integrity, Wisdom gained through experience).  

She wears two layers of skirt. The first layer is of lavender tulle. The second layer is a Ribbon Skirt made from turquoise and rose colored Sari Ribbons and assorted purple fibers ribbons. Each piece of Sari is adorned with a small bell.

Her face is an Original Sculpt of Clay, painted with acrylics, and sealed with a matte finish. 

"Dance like no one is Watching" is a part of my Wisdom Keeper Art Doll Collection. You can learn more about her on my website here

Dance Like No One is Watching - OOAK Art Doll

Cho Ku Rei - Reiki Prayers Spirit Doll

As a Reiki Master and Energy Worker, sacred space is so very important to me. I find it essential to create spaces in my home that are comfortable, feel safe, feel nurturing, even healing. (Comfort bypasses proper Interior Design every time. ) I always chuckle when family and friends visit because they will navigate directly to every one of my personal spaces...in the living room, kitchen, even my studio/office. Yes, I do Space Clear and practice Feng Shui, so I suppose at the end of the day it's all about the Energy to me.

I utilize colors and symbols throughout my home - everything that is placed has an Intention.  I also have Prayer Altars, yes multiple.I have a formal one in the living room, but my more personal ones are in my Art Studio, Kitchen, and Bedroom - these being important energy centers for me. 

Over the last few weeks I have been creating some small Gourd and Clay Sculptures and Spirit Dolls, each with a focused theme, that can be placed on one's prayer altar. The newest one that I am sharing today is named "Cho Ku Rei", representative of one of the Reiki healing symbols. 

Cho Ku Rei in Reiki is symbolic for Power, Energy, and as an Amplifier. Often when it is described, it is defined as 

"Place the power of the Universe here". 

This OOAK (original one of a kind) Spirit Doll is an original sculpt of natural Gourd and Clay. I later used Acrylics and painted this petite dark haired beauty wearing a sage green dress with her arms held in front of her in prayer. There are subtle spirals throughout her dress, grooved in the clay. The Cho Ku Rei symbol is painted in purple, as a design on her dress. She is wearing a purple and green head wrap. Her eyes are closed in sacred thought. The sculpture sits on clay base that is painted purple with the words Cho Ku Rei on the front. 

She would be a perfect addition to a Healing Prayer Altar in one's home, but also welcomed in a Yoga space, a Massage Therapist's office, or at Reiki circles. 

The Five Reiki Principles

Just for Today...I will not worry
Just for Today...I will not be angry
Just for Today...I will do my work honestly
Just for Today...I will give thanks for my many blessings
Just for Today...I will be kind to my neighbors and every living thing.


***SOLD***

Triple Moon Goddess Spirit Doll Sculpture for Prayer Altar

There are times when we are seeking guidance when we know specifically that we are seeking wisdom from the Maiden, or the Mother, or from the Crone. There are other times when we have more difficult challenges to work through and we look to the Triple Moon Goddess in her entirety for sage support. In either case, I wanted to create a small sculpture to keep on a prayer altar that could reflect the embodiment of the Triple Moon Goddess AND  that could do so in a way that many Goddess  beliefs could connect spiritually. 

This OOAK (Original One of a Kind) Spirit Doll is a Gourd and Clay Sculpture that measures 5 inches in height and 3 inches in width. It makes her perfect not only for the sacred space in your home, but is also small enough to take along while traveling or to spiritual gatherings. 

Often during prayer, I will look tot the Maiden when I begin new ventures, projects, or times of new growth. I will look to the Mother when I am focused on protection, fairness, relationships, abundance and health matters. And I look to the Crone for spiritual support, bigger picture views, wisdom,  transitions, and healing. 

You can see ore of her on my website here

Triple Moon Goddess Spirit Doll Sculpture

Crone Matters - a Spirit Doll celebrating the Season of the Crone

For many years I have honored the Triple Goddess, the "Maiden Mother and Crone". My focus has always been to authentically live through the stages, consciously aware of the experiences and the growth afforded to me. Over the past 16 years I have gratefully been able to merge my Art and my Spirituality to acknowledge the diversity we hold as women and the many layers we each have. 

As I began transitioning into the Crone season it became a more quiet time for me. I needed that time to reflect on the lessons learned over time. While my beliefs remained the same, there was a shuffling in how I prioritized them. Those beliefs became my core beliefs and now were held with a level of absoluteness that is almost indescribable. My time and energy were now a valuable commodity not to be trifled with. And a sense of freedom emerged, so much more notable without the layers of  needless worries attached. 

I want to share my journey through the Crone season, not only to connect and relate to other Elders, but to help change the narrative of this time. For far too long Crones have been dishonored. Instead of being referred to as the Sage Woman or the Wise Woman....the Crones became unattractive and unneeded...hags..broads...all in an attempt to dis-empower her.

I have created a series of Spirit Dolls that each focus on a Crone "matter"...pieces and thoughts of the journey. The first in the series is,  in a sense,  the Guide on this journey. She holds all of the subsequent pieces ...and is named "Crone Matters".      

                                                                                              

           
***SOLD***

 You can see more of "Crone Matters" is on my website here
Crone Matters an OOAK Goddess Spirit Doll

Terpsichore the Muse of Dance - OOAK Beaded Full Figure Folk Art Doll

The Muse of Dance 

The Change of Seasons, the eruption of Spring, inspired me to create a series of Wisdom Keepers that reflect the Nine Muses. Terpsichore, the Muse of Dance, was the first that came to mind. She is often depicted seated with a lyre, accompanying the ballerinas with music. But, I don't think a Muse should be sitting on the sidelines.

Here I wanted her inspirational nature to be Dancing at the forefront. Her focused intent and quiet mind fully connected with the ecstasy of the Dance, where the soul is able to shut out all the background noise, this feeling of BEING the Dance is what I want portrayed. 

 

Creating the Muse of Dance

It was important to me when creating, that these nine muses be reflective of vibrant and empowered feminine beings, that they love themselves...their bodies...their talents...

Here, Terpsichore was sewn in a free form full figure body, using a rich burnt orange and magenta batik fabric Her sacred womb was embellished with a beaded spiral of Rhodochrosite gemstone beads. She holds a gorgeous smokey glass faceted bead that is symbolic for Her Sun and Her Moon.

***SOLD***

You can learn more about her here on my website
The Muse of Dance OOAK Folk Art Doll

OOAK Folk Art Doll in honor of Iris Apfel the Fashion Icon

I wanted to take a moment to share one of my recent OOAK Folk Art Dolls  that had sold almost immediately, and I hadn't had time to blog about her. But she definitely deserves some space on the blog, especially as she is one of my favorites. 

She was created to honor Iris Apfel, the beloved fashion icon.

The Creative Process of making Iris Apfel 

 I had such a great time creating her, choosing a multitude of fabrics that would be unique and reflective of Iris and her style. I'm thinking about creating another of her because that creative process was SO entirely fulfilling. 

Choosing gemstones and beads to create her bold statement jewelry pieces was one of the most detail oriented parts, by trying to imagine what Iris would choose. 

***SOLD***

In My World - OOAK Fairy Folk Art Doll with Painted Muslin

Sometimes this big world seems more and more foreign, doesn't it? I mean, yes things always change...people change...communities change...styles change...trends change...feelings change...politics change, but even when all these things change there is usually still a baseline, and that seems to have changed too. 

Other times when I think about it, I think that the world has always been this way, and that the only thing that's different is that the veils are being lifted on the truth. 

Either way, it often encourages me to retreat to another world, a magic world. 

Would you like to meet one of the sweet little spirits from that world? 

She is a little shy, but when she speaks it is in volumes. 

"In my world, Everyone is Kind....We speak with Truth and Love...No one is Hungry...and We ALL care for one another"

I must keep the location of her very special world a secret, so that big greedy ones don't try and conquer it too. 

[ In My World is an OOAK Fairy Folk Art Doll created with vintage style Painted Muslin]

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