The Spirit of Mardi Gras contained in an Art Doll

I have long been enchanted by the Art of the Venetian Carnival, Mardi Gras, Mask Making, the Colors, the Clothing, and the Culture. This love inspired a new Art Doll...aptly named "The Spirit of Mardi Gras". I wanted the art doll to portray that feel in a sophisticated yet subtle way. 

The Spirit of Mardi Gras - a Cloth and Clay Art Doll by Jeanne Fry

Close View of The Spirit of Mardi Gras Art Doll

The Spirit of Mardi Gras - Wisdom Keeper Art Doll by Jeanne Fry

She is listed in my Indiemade Shop here

The Spirit of Mardi Gras Art Doll

Maia of the Seven Sisters a Celestial Wisdom Keeper Art Doll

Maia came to me in a dream, not just once... but many times. She had lots of stories to tell me, stories of her world and stories of her life. 

Maia is the eldest of the Seven Sisters, or the Pleiades. The Pleiades are an open cluster in the constellation of Taurus, comprised of approximately 500 stars and measures 12 light years in diameter. The Nine brightest starts of the Pleiades are named after the Seven Sisters and their parents, Atlas and Pleione. 

Maia spoke softly, like I would imagine how an angel would speak, and told me about her parents.. Her father's name was Atlas, a Titan, who's job was to hold up the Sky. Her mother was an Oceanid lovingly called Pleione. She was the Protectress of Sailing. One day Pleione and her daughters had a chance meeting with the well known hunter, Orion. Orion became obsessed, and soon the Seven Sisters and Pleione became the object of his pursuit. 

Day in and Day out, Orion pursued them all over the Earth. He pursued them until Zeus intervened. Zeus transformed the sisters and Pleione into doves and placed them in the heavens and it is here that they remain. 

Maia, being the oldest of the sisters, is the most nurturing. She loves to be a guide, shining as brightly as possible for all to see. She encourages travelers to have courage on their journey and to trust their instincts.  She whispers "Follow your own Star" softly, asking you to trust your star...the one that resides inside your heart. 

The next time you are looking up at the stars, see if you can find Maia. You will know when you see her, her star shine will let you know. 

I created Maia, as one of my Wisdom Keeper Art Dolls. She is a cloth and clay Folk Art Doll, bringing the stories from the sky to life. 

Maia is listed in my Etsy shop here
Maia Seven Sisters Art Doll on Etsy

Considering my Art Dolls as members of my Wisdom Keeper Family

Over the years I've been asked many times if I keep any of my Wisdom Keeper Art Doll creations, and if it is hard putting them up for sale because of a sense of attachment. 

To the first part of the question...I keep very few of my creations. I could probably count on one hand the number of Wisdom Keepers I have kept in my realm. The ones that I have kept marked a significance for me, symbolic of growth as an artist or growth as a woman. Do I have favorites? Yes, but they change over time like my own sense of being. 

One Wisdom Keeper that I have kept holds a special place in my heart, although I have to say I don't even quite remember the name I titled her with. To me she represented Magic, the magic and beauty  of being a woman, being able to manifest, and a sense of whimsy. While many of my art dolls could reflect that same thing, this one was different....she had Toes ! 10 glorious toes !As an amputee, this was special to me because as I created each toe and painted the nails, it was as if I was doing so for myself. 

Clay Sculpted Art Doll by Jeanne Fry

While I love each of the art dolls for their own special attributes and what their symbolism means to me, I don't feel a great sense of attachment for I feel that their being is meant for someone else to begin with. 

Another Wisdom Keeper that was special to me was my first commissioned piece. I have to say that creating a commissioned art doll is far more gratifying and special, because during that creative process I feel that I am connecting energetically with the recipient, and the Wisdom Keeper itself holds something far more amazing. 

Crow Goddess - Wisdom Keeper Art Doll by Jeanne Fry

I was in love with the Crow Goddess, as she just embodied a sense of peace, wisdom, and mystique. 

When I began creating the Art Dolls with Gourd and Clay, my creativity went wild. I love working with those mediums and found that the ways I could "play" were endless. My senses evolved, feeling like the Cloth and Clay art dolls were symbolic of inward processes and soul work, and the Gourd and Clay art dolls were more reflective of our outward projections of being a woman. In a sense they reflected the symbolism of the new moon and the full moon; the contrasts of the vibrant dancing singing woman of the full moon vs. the quiet reflective poetic woman of the new moon. 

The Storyteller Gourd Wisdom Keeper Art Doll by Jeanne Fry

The "Storyteller" was one of the first Gourd creations, her meaning so special to me, of the importance of passing on the stories and history. 

Ecstasy in Motion - Gourd Art Doll by Jeanne Fry

I then began to explore working with the fluidity of motion within the art dolls. This truly changed something in me as an artist, bringing a sense of deeper connection. 

But no matter the medium or style of creative process, each Wisdom Keeper carries a sense of reverence of being a woman and it is that feeling that I ultimately wish to share with others. 

Someone asked, if one of the Wisdom Keepers were "you', which one would it be?

As an artist I am sure that there is a piece of me within every art doll, but I suppose the one that most reflects how I feel inside......

Peace and Love,

Jeanne

Traditions in Her Americana Kitchen - Folk Art Doll

She was taught that the heart of a home is it's kitchen, and has spent her life nurturing her kitchen as her creative space...her community space...her family space...and her traditions space. She grew up in a town in upstate New York that many years ago had been a beacon for immigrants because there was work available. There was a cigar factory and a shoe factory. As more and more people came, more companies came to make their home there. GE and IBM later became the standard of sustenance for most of those families, and the men would work there until they retired.

The town was a rich blend of culture: German, Italian, Czechoslovakian, Polish, and Irish families made this community. They appreciated their neighbors and learned from each other while continuing to carry their family traditions with pride in this wonderful new country. 

She remembered as a young girl passing neighbors homes that had hand written signs in the windows, letting people know that had certain traditional foods for sale from their kitchens; pierogies, baklava, sausages, sauces, breads, and desserts. It was plentiful handmade and local foods.  

She learned to cook from her mother and the neighborhood mothers, and by the time she graduated school she had quite an impressive recipe collection and every kitchen utensil she would need.

Those memories have been kept alive in her Americana kitchen, filled with food, laughter, love and pride. 

SOLD

Mermaid Wisdom from Cher, the Diva of the Ocean

"Listen darlings, if you want to Live an amazing life...you have to Believe in that amazing life" explained Cher. As she leaned against the coral ridge sipping wine from a lovely weathered conch, more and more young mermaids quickly swam up to join the circle and listen. Cher was their idol and news had traveled quickly through the cove that she was spending time at a meet and greet before her performance. The girls were giddy with excitement, for not only was Cher the most beautiful mermaid in the sea, her spirit was even more gorgeous. 

Her soul sparkled, colorful and vivacious, filled with edgy humor and goddess wisdom.When she entertained, the ocean seemed to stand still, mesmerized by the beauty and power that escaped her lips. 

"Now, I don't ever want to see you looking down and feeling defeated, that doesn't become your pretty faces. You can achieve whatever it is that's in your heart. If you can dream it, you can live it !" continued Cher. "Understand, darlings?" 

Oh yes, they all exclaimed. They would remember, forever. 

Cher loved those moments, for she was taught when she was young, the power of words. She vowed many years ago to always pass the power on, lifting and strengthening the circle of women.

This mermaid is listed in my Etsy shop here
Cher Diva of the Ocean Mermaid Art Doll on Etsy 

Grace on a Sacred Morning - A Folk Art Doll that Holds the Serenity

I have always been very particular about how I begin my mornings, knowing that for me it sets the tone for my day. I need them to be filled with ease. I am definitely not one of those people who are filled with energy, shower, exercise, and quickly begin on projects or run out the door into the world. I start me day slowly, almost pampering my every movement. I hate harsh overhead lights and avoid their offensiveness at all costs. I open my blinds at a slant and let the natural light spill its glow while I fix some tea and wind a wrap around my shoulders. I use this time to Listen, to sit on the porch and hear the breeze and the birds, to cuddle with fur-babies, and let my intuition guide me to where I will focus my energy. My mornings are slow, thoughtful, and sacred. 

While I can't always begin all of my mornings like this, I sure try to have the majority of them in this way. It's complete kindness to my body and soul.

I created "Grace" to be the expression of what a Sacred Morning feels like.

She is listed in my Etsy shop here

 Sacred Morning Folk Art Doll on Etsy

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.

Breathe, when you don't know what else to do, Breathe

Breathe..

when you have tried everything and you don't know what else to do...

Breathe

when you are exasperated and your Spirit is weary...

Breathe

when every ounce of your body is filled with fear....

Breathe

when anger is rushing through you

Breathe

when sadness overcomes you and the tears seem like they will never stop

Breathe

when you are anxious for movement within the stagnant

Breathe

when you are indecisive

when you are contemplative

when you question yourself

Breathe

For this moment shall pass

And the next moment will be different

Allow things to be simple

In that the only thing that matters

Is our Hearbeat and the Breath.

One day, one hour, one minute, one moment at a time

Until you are breathing in

Happiness.

"Breathe", a Handmade Cloth and Clay Folk Art Doll was created to accompany my poem. She serves as a reminder to honor each moment.

She is listed in my Indiemade Shop here

"Breathe" Folk Art Doll

A Miniature Beaded Folk Art Doll named Aster - a perfect Wedding Gift for a New Bride

June is known for weddings, and while my artwork does not necessarily focus on weddings, I definitely create symbolic art that often focuses on Love and creating the world we wish to live in. Recently while I was in the process of creating some miniature folk art dolls, my Wisdom Keepers, the word "Aster" popped into my head. When researching the Aster flower, I learned that it is symbolic for luck in love. I knew then that this particular little Wisdom Keeper would be a perfect wedding gift for a new bride, symbolic for luck in love. 

She carries a sweet energy, optimistic and happy, and also can reflect the giving of something "blue", as those colors run throughout her beadwork and fabric. 

She comes with a small art doll tag that tells of her symbolism and is placed inside a white and silver organza gift bag before she is wrapped.

Aster, the Miniature Beaded Folk Art Doll, is listed in my Etsy shop here

Aster a Miniature Beaded Folk Art Doll by Jeanne Fry

A Secret Friend on a Woman's Spiritual Journey - Empowering Folk Art Doll

When we make a decision to change things in our lives, it requires us to change the rules....one of those rules usually focuses on what we will and won't accept from the people around us. These rules are for our own highest good, not meant to hurt others, but are to respect ourselves enough to surround our spirit with healthy relationships. 

I will promise you one thing.....this will make some of those people angry. People don't like it when you change the rules. Some will accept the changes with grace, respecting you for respecting yourself. Others will resist and be confrontational, upset  that you have changed things. While they once knew what they could expect from you, now they will feel like you've thrown them a curve ball. Those unhealthy relationships will dissipate, for now they can't manipulate you. 

If we had a lot of unhealthy relationships, this period of change can sometimes feel a little lonely. 

While those unhealthy relationships get weeded out, waiting to be filled with new healthy supportive friends, we may even second guess our new rules. But I have found that when we are prepared for this moment in time, knowing that we are in the midst of recreating the life we desire, my patience will smooth those emotional waters and calm my soul. 

I created this wee little Wisdom Keeper, "A Secret Friend", to be a comforting reminder during transitions. Her presence meant to be a reassurance that the changes you make in your life, changes for your highest good, are as valuable as gold.

She has SOLD.

While she was an original creation, please contact me if you would like me to make a similar one for you.

The Story of Khloe the Seahorse Keeper - a Beaded Mermaid Folk Art Doll

When Khloe was born she was appointed a very special job by the Mermaid Council. She was chosen to be a Seahorse Keeper, which is a very esteemed and sacred duty. The seahorses are regarded highly by the Mer People, as magical beings of peace and love. Because of their small and delicate nature, a group of Mermaids are assigned to watch over them, as Keepers, a nanny of sorts. The Seahorse Keepers form a loving bond, watching over the seahorses throughout their life, protecting and keeping them out of harm's way. 

Khloe is one of the favorite Keepers, loved by ALL of the seahorses, for she has such a sweet and compassionate soul. When she speaks her voice sounds like a bird song, and she carries a sense of light with her wherever she goes. You will never see Khloe without a few of the seahorses holding on to her tail, traveling along with her throughout the day like little hitchhikers. 

Khloe takes her job seriously, and those who know her know that the Seahorse clan comes first in her life. And all the young Mer Men she dates are quickly told that if they are going to fall in love with her that they must love and respect the Seahorse family as well.

The Khloe Mermaid Art Doll is listed in my Indiemade shop here

Khloe Mermaid the Seahorse Keeper on Indiemade