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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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/

Selu the Corn Mother - Gourd and Clay Art Doll Sculpture

This week I was inspired to create Selu, in honor of our upcoming show this weekend, The Selugadu Festival. Each year the Hagood Mill Historic Site and Folklife Center  holds this festival in November for Native American month.

Selu is known as the Corn Mother, or First Woman of the Cherokee. In legend, she was the First Woman who came to be when emerging from a corn stalk.

She represents the Feminine, Agriculture, Sustenance, the Ability to provide for oneself, and Preserving the ways of the People.

I sculpted her from Gourd and Clay which is attached to a wooden base. The trunk of her body is painted like multi colored corn. When sculpting her face, I wanted to bring a sense of balance between Strength, Wisdom, and that of a Mother. She is emerging from dried corn husks.

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Butterfly of Happiness an Asian Themed Cloth Art Doll with Pink Wings

She floats through the sky on the back of a Crane, fluttering with a smile and singing with the songbirds. When she arrives for a visit she brings a bounty of happiness. Her glittery wings wiggle when she laughs, and her smile is infectious. 

She knows all about the negative impacts of worry and stress. She chooses to immerse herself in Happiness. The Laws of Attraction are on her side. Even on the darkest of days, everything she touches turns to gold.

I was inspired to create this little beauty, by the fabric. I love the bamboo leaves and origami cranes printed on the fabric,and from there she became who she is. The butterfly wings were an afterthought....they came into the creating near the end. I re-purposed them from an old Christmas ornament.  I felt she needed more, you know, that one more thing. They give her the uniqueness that she is deserving of. 

Butterfly Happiness a Cloth and Clay Art Doll by Jeanne Fry

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Inspirations of an Art Doll

As an artist, I delve into many forms of art and technique, depending on where the source of my inspiration comes from. 

Wisdom Keeper Art Doll by Jeanne Fry

My paintings are often inspired by Nature, Animal Totems, my own Personal Growth, and Color. When the creative fire is lit, and my hand feels the urge to pick up the paintbrush, I can already envision what will come to life on the canvas - the sketch appears in my mind and quickly wants to be be transferred to the canvas. 

My Mixed Media work, creating Shrines, taps a different part of my creativity that is inspired by quotes, phrases, and the written word. This creative fire lives within my more "poetic" self, and seems to happen more during the Winter season for me. This is my contemplative time when I spend more time writing, reviewing where I have been and where I want to be.

But the creation of my Art Dolls - this is most freeing form of art. The inspirations can come from anywhere; they can come from history, ancient culture, a found object, a skein of fabric, a glimpse of a woman and our phases of life. Wherever the inspiration comes from, there is no predestined thought in mind. That raw fire is left to its own devices to become whatever it is meant to become. Sometimes they go in a much different direction than I would have thought. Art Dolls are diverse and allow the artist to use one or many forms of art in their making, whether it be sculpting with clay, bead work, fiber art, wood carving, assemblage, felting, or using natural materials. The more diverse they are in the creation, the more complex their artistic value. Each art form allows for yet another aspect of the inspiration. 

Work in Progress - Gourd and Clay

Hand stitching cloth body

Clay Sculpted Faces

I have always felt that being an art doll artist deserves more value and understanding in the art world. No matter the materials or techniques used, this creative form is depicting figurative sculptures of our human identity, and can be a part of our history and culture as they have for centuries.

My art dolls are called "Wisdom Keeper Art Dolls", and are created as an empowering form of art for women. They come with short stories that focus on reminding us who we are and being supportive in our personal growth. They are meant to bond us as women and celebrate our diversity.

This week I acquired some beautiful fabric and some wonderful vintage assemblage pieces that are calling me to the work table where my creative spirit can run wild.

If you are an art doll artist, I would love to know what inspires you. If you are an art doll collector, I would love to know what attracted you to this art form.

You can learn more about me and upcoming art doll workshops on my website here

https://www.jeannefryart.com

You can also see my current artworks in our online Etsy Shop here
Jeanne Fry Art on Etsy

Koi - Love and Good Fortune Art Doll

"Koi" is symbolic for love and relationships. (Koi fish are very auspicious- good fortune in Feng Shui. There are many types of coloring on Koi, each representing something different. The coloring on the fish on this particular doll are symbolic for good fortune and love. The Yin Yang symbol is said to portray two Koi fish meeting - a balance- a union.)
Koi fish used to be all black and later the colorings changed. Legend says that they would swim upstream in a river, through waterfalls, until they reached the top which was called "Dragon's Gate". Here they were transformed into a dragons - their colors would change - and they were considered good fortune.

Koi the Art Doll ~
Koi has grown into a beautiful woman. She has journeyed through many lessons, swam through her own waterfalls, and has reached the Dragon's Gate in her own life. She has fulfillment in being a woman, comfortable and happy with her own self, not dependent on another person. She has learned that she needs to look inside her self for her happiness for truly only she knows what speaks to her soul.  Her persona is filled with beautiful color. Now she wraps her Koi Shawl around her shoulders, beautifully beaded, as a symbol of her attainment. She stands tall and wise and smiling. While she is in absolute contentment, she knows that  some day her "other" will come to her and she will be able to fall into a healthy and loving relationship, while never giving up "her self".

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