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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Flor de Muerto a Cloth and Clay Art Doll for Day of the Dead

This year my creation for Day of the Dead (Dia de Muertos), is a Contemporary Folk Art Doll/Figure named Flor de Muerto. 

Flor de Muerto (Flower of the Dead) are thought to attract the souls to the offerings that are made on the alters during the Day of Dead celebrations. The Art Doll was created to represent the Flower of the Dead, and honor the ancestors.

Flor de Muerto, a Cloth and Clay Art Doll for Day of the Dead

She is a Cloth and Clay Art Doll, hand stitched from a beautiful Dia de Muertos themed fabric. She was sewn into a relaxed seated position, and has a black fabric flower sewn at her waist. Her face was created from clay and painted in shades of white to resemble the skull theme, and then detailed with a flower design. Thick black fibers create her dreadlocks hairstyle. 

She is a wonderful addition to  Day of the Dead Alter, symbolic of calling the souls to the offerings and love that is extended during the holiday.

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You Are Loved a Contemporary Folk Art Doll with Big Eyes and Big Love

We all have those moments of feeling a little lost and alone, don't we? No matter how strong and empowered as women we can be, there are just some days when we feel a bit vulnerable. Even when we are surrounded my lots of people and life is busy busy busy, we can still feel alone in this big fast-paced world.

For this very reason, I created "You Are Loved".

You Are Loved, Contemporary Folk Art Doll by Jeanne Fry

I wanted her to be a reminder that we are never truly alone, no matter what the circumstances. We are all going through similar struggles. We all have a journey that we are traveling. And we all are here to help one another on this path.

"You Are Loved" is a Cloth and Clay Contemporary Folk Art Doll. Her body was hand stitched from a beautiful blue batik fabric that is rich and soothing, and then filled with a polyfil. I created her face from clay and painted it with layers of shades of blue and white. Her big sweet brown eyes command your attention, just sending one armfuls of compassion and love. A charm is attached, resembling poetry script, memories of love notes and dreams. Fibers and ribbons are sewn on to her dress, giving her a flowing and feminine allure.

She is meant to travel with you, keep in your purse or tote bag, hang in your car, set her on your work desk, hang her in your creative space, or even on your nightstand. Let her remind you whenever you look at her, that you are not alone and You Are Loved.

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Goddess of the Milky Way Spirit Doll

This weekend I was inspired to create the "Goddess of the Milky Way". I had spent the week before thinking about how we can often think that our problems are so big and overwhelming that we become paralyzed in discouragement. Sometimes all we need is a little change in perception to remove the road block and move forward.

One evening while sitting on my porch gazing at the stars, I started to think about how very small each of us humans are in this vast universe...how we are all just a very tiny part of the bigger picture...and how each of us has the same moon, the same stars, and the same sky shine over us.

Very quickly those things that we all worry about seemed to not matter quite so much. Each new day brings new thought. Each new day brings another stretch of our journey. And each new day we need to remind ourselves not to be distracted away from the Beauty of Life by every day stresses.

The Goddess of Milky Way was created to be that reminder.

If you would like to see more of the Goddess of the Milky Way, you can find her listing here in our Etsy shop here
Goddess of the Milky Way Altered Art Doll on Etsy

Jade the Crystal Healer a Contemporary Gourd and Sculpted Art Doll

Jade the Crystal Healer comes from a special little town in Virginia, exactly half way between Fairy Stone Park and Shenandoah Caverns.

Jade the Crystal Healer, a Gourd and Clay Folk Art Doll by Jeanne Fry

 She lived in the same home as her mother and grandmothers before her, and carried on their tradition of crystal healing. She was taught how to dig for crystals, cut them, polish them, and about the healing properties of every stone that exists. She has dedicated her life to helping others, educating them about their uses and helping each person find just the ones they want and need.

You can see more of Jade listed in our Etsy Shop here
Jade the Crystal Healer Gourd and Clay Art Doll

"Believe" a Gourd and Clay contemporary folk art sculpted Art Doll

We all have those moments when we think that the fulfillment of our dreams is so far away. We try so hard to reach for those stars. Sometimes we make some gain, and then there are moments when we feel like we took ten steps backward. 

"Believe" is hear to remind you that you must visualize your dream, keep it at the forefront of your mind, and "believe" it will come to fruition. 

"Believe" a contemporary folk art gourd and clay sculpture by Jeanne Fry

Negative thoughts and feelings of despair will hold you back even longer, but when you take a moment and close your eyes and see your dream coming true....the Universe hears your request and soon you will have some assistance. She reminds you to stay aware, for answers may be right under your nose. 

There is always a way.

The Universe is abundant and able to provide for all of your wants and needs. One needs only to be open and believe.

"Believe" is a gourd and clay contemporary folk art sculpture.

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Sea Turtle Spirit

Sometimes we have those moments when our emotions consume us. They can be at the forefront of our mind and direct the words that come out of our mouths as if we were an actor on a set being instructed by the cue cards.. And while sometimes it can work out, more often than not those are the moments that we wish we could undo.

We humans are passionate beings, always striving to find that balance between the heart and the mind. It's a practice, a lesson that we are continually tested on.

Finding that balance is what inspired one of my new little Wisdom Keepers.

Shelley the Sea Turtle Spirit, a Wisdom Keeper Art Doll by Jeanne Fry

Her name is Shelley, and she is a Sea Turtle Spirit. The sea turtle totem focuses on mastering the balance of emotions. It reminds us of the importance of flowing with the ebb, like the waves in the ocean. It knows how the passion of our feelings is part of the human experience and a beautiful part of our soul, and while we can't just shut them down....we can acknowledge them, accept them, and then release them. We can use them as a tool in our life's path, factoring them into the equation, but not allowing them to take full control. It teaches us patience...to wait...and make our decisions with a clear head and heart.

Close View of Sea Turtle Spirit by Jeanne Fry

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