"What an Expression!"

Where have I been?

2010-09-03T17:48:00.005-04:00

It seems I have neglected my blog.Why? I am not sure. some day, aw that ever desirable someday, I will be organized and do all the things my mind desires; such as writing often on my blog, keeping my web-site updated.......

It has been a creative time while I have been gone. I have created some work that really makes me smile. Some were created for my part of the Central New York Doll IS Art Guild's gallery show at The Rome Art and Community Center, Rome, NY, in June. It was an enchanting show with amazing dolls of all varieties.

With the encouragement of fellow members of the guild, I entered work into the competition of The New York State Fair. I entered 7 pieces, fully expecting some to be declined for exhibition. I was pleasantly surprised when they were all accepted. A bigger surprise came when I was notified that 6 out of the 7 won accolades! In the Arts and Crafts Division the needle felted Santa shown before on this blog won a 2nd place for felting; Gossamer Willowsham took a 1st place in fiber techniques; R.T. and the Cadigbra took 1st place in modern doll making, and an ornament made from an artificial gourd got honorable mention. In the Senior Division Gourdie tied for 4th in hobby crafts and Ali Cariamden, Head of the Island** got honorable mention. In Fine Arts division The 35mm Dinosaur was accepted for exhibition.

I have also been involved with a local Victorian Leisure Fair (like a renaissance fair with a theme a few hundred years later.) My puppet friends and I have attended on Sundays. The organizers, actors and volunteers have put so much blood, sweat and tears into this event. I do hope it will become an annual event here in central New York.

** The head for Ali Cariamden, Head of the Island, was created from instructions given for the online class by Kathy Hays: Noggins.

Alice The Thankful

2010-01-25T06:41:00.003-05:00

I have not created much lately. I have many excuses, most of them some sort of complaints. "I don't have enough time", "I am so tired", "I don't have a proper studio", " yada ,yada, yada". Along with these complaints came a negative attitude of dissatisfaction and bitterness.
Then this morning a devotional I read made me stop to think. "When am I happiest and most productive?' I beleive it is when I am thankful for what I have, for my circumstances, and the people in my life. I even lose weight easily when I am thankful.
So today I am adding to my name. I am not sure where I will put the addition. Will it be at the end (Alice C. W. Dennis , The Thankful) or somewhere in the middle (Alice The Thankful C. W. Dennis) or should it come first ( The Thankful Alice C. W. Dennis) ? I guess the placement doesn't matter. What matters is that it is there in my consciousness and that I always remember to live up to my new name.
From this day forward I will again look for that to be thankful for in every situation. That used to be second nature for me, but somehow it has been pushed aside. Today I thankfully re-embrace an attitude of thanks and hope to make it a key ingredient of my life.
Know what? I feel happier already!
Perhaps I will make a doll to portray thankfulness.

100% needle felted Santa

2009-11-29T19:31:00.008-05:00

I recently finished a Santa. It is 100% needle felted--a technique wherein one uses un-spun fibers and a barbed needle to create fabric and/or sculptures.

I used wool fibers and angora fibers. I used good old fashioned pipe cleaners to make a wire armature and then needle-felted his body and head forms. Once the head and body were sculpted, I needle felted the wool to create the fabric to make his suit. The pieces of his costume were needle felted together, not sewn and then attached to his body using the felting needles. Even the tints in his face and the color of his eyes were done by needle felting.Here are photos.

working --too late

2009-10-21T18:22:00.003-04:00

Seems like I always think I have more time than I do. then all of the sudden reality hits when I look at the calendar and realize I have only two weeks to get what I should have worked on for months. That is where I am today.
I am taking a break from sculpting faces using DAS clay. I really like what I am creating little gourds with gnome-like, or are they country Santa, faces. The small ones, which are actually artificial gourds, will be just faces and become ornaments. A little larger, are real dried gourds. I have given them a base of huge feet, crafted from the DAS as well as the faces. I most likely will add clay arms and hands as well.
While the clay dries, I will use Bendi dolls and create holiday fairies. While the dolls paint dries I will create beautiful bows from glittering Holiday ribbon.
All this will be done after work and perhaps also before work. And--YIKES!--it needs to be finished tagged and ready to drop off to the Rome Art and Community Center for the annual Holiday House sale by Nov. 1.
I will post photos of my creations here after all is done.But for now the clay is calling me. There are gourds that need faces!

autumn colors

2009-10-11T22:36:00.005-04:00

This time of year in central New York state nature exclaims it's beauty in vibrant and rich colors. Before moving here I never knew that the leaves on trees could turn so many colors. Where I grew up fall leaves would turn basically two, three colors at the most: yellow and brown and a little orange here and there. Still I thought of it as very pretty. I honestly thought that all the colors I saw in fall decorations were probably done with artistic license and the leaves really did not turn those colors.
As I lived in new locations I saw more colors in autumn but nothing as beautiful as the colors here. They are breath-taking. I do believe that the hillsides full of a variety of trees, each with leaves of it's own hue, must be the inspiration for the calico prints. This time of year each bend of the road gives view to a new and wonderful patchwork of vibrant and earthy tones,
I have joined a postcard exchange in one of my favorite online groups. We are each to make one postcard for all the other members of the group that signed up for the exchange. The theme is autumn colors. I have worked on mine a few hours here and there for the past week or so. tonight I have them almost finished. I still need to tweak them a little but for the most part they are done.
I had them drying on the table a few minutes ago. How surprised I was when I realized that I have not used the vibrant hues that I see here every day. Instead, the colors on my card are of the autumns I knew as a child. I find that so odd. I have lived in central New York longer than I have lived anywhere in my life, yet it is through what I knew in my growing years that has come through my creations.

An afterthought--It is now the next morning. After writing this post, I wondered if I should go back and add some vibrant colors. This morning I studied the cards. Although they are darker, hues, I like them. I will not change the colors. They are colors I know and love.

Sept 20, 2009

2009-09-20T18:59:00.002-04:00

I don't have a theme today. It has just been so long since I have posted that I thought I should post something.
I started my blog with every intention of posting a few times a week, with thoughts, insights or new work. It seeems I get busy with work, and just don't feel like posting. Sometimes I wonder if I have anything of interest anyway. Sometimes I write a "wonderful essay" in my mind. "OH", I think, "This would be great on my blog." But it never makes it out of my mind to my blog.
It seems I have been on a roller coaster of feelings about my "artwork." Is it relevant? Should I continue or should I just clear everything out and sit and watch TV? Then I see a new product or get an idea for a new project and I get that "creative high."
I know I have to create. When I go too long without creating I get very moody and unhappy. It is a drive, a need, to create something. I can't say I am expressing or trying to convey anything. I am just creating because I "have to" and because it gives me joy.
I have a few unfinished pieces right now. No pictures to add to this page, nothing of substance to share. But again I renew my intention to create a blog with current posts, posts that perhaps will be of interest to someone.

My first ever canvas

2009-06-20T07:53:00.003-04:00

For some strange reason I had the urge to try "my hand " at painting a face on canvas. Using a brush I base-coated the canvas with some exterior latex paint I had left over from the flower pot I created (picture a few posts down). Then I picked up a brush and using more of the leftover exterior paint I began to paint the face. but then I found I just could not get the effect I wanted. I set down the brush and stuck my finger in the paint. Presto! I was creating the face I saw in my mind. I continued to finger-paint the rest of the face. I did use a brush for the hair, eyebrows and to line the eyes. Everything else was finger-painted. (That is why I put the my hand in quotations in the first line of this post.) So what do you think?

My interview

2009-06-19T22:34:00.005-04:00

I recently joined in an interview game that was posted by Carol McKenna from www.artmusedog.blogspot.com
I would love to have you join in the game. The rules and instructions for the interview game are below my interview.
Here are the questions Carol asked me and my replies.

1. When did you begin to make Art Dolls?
When I quit doing craft shows and got a "regular" job, I promised myself I would make items to express myself and challenge me to grow creatively.. I beleive that is when I began to create art dolls. When" the winter of 2002-2003.

2. What material(s) do you use to make your doll faces and how do these faces evolve?
The materials vary from doll to doll. I began doing needle-sculpture, then branched out to polymer clay, next paper clays and papier mache. Most recently I have created needle-felted faces. Oh and this last week I painted a face on canvas (first painting ever!) But I guess because of my sculpting, I did not like what a brush did so i ended up painting with my fingers!. Yep! I finger-painted on canvas. I did use a brush for the hair, eyebrows and to line the eyes.

This was a double question. How do the faces evolve. I always start with the nose. Then the mouth and then the eyes. The fun begins when I get to add all the wrinkles. That is when the character becomes "alive" to me!

3. Explain how living in different states and countries has influenced your creative life.
When I began making items for craft shows here in central New York State, a rural-state-of-mind area, I was oft advised to tone it down. I love glitz and glitter (could it be from growing up in Las Vegas?). I am not crazy about pastels. Instead I love warm to hot earth tones and jewel tones (California's influence?) Greens in all shades except light and pastel greens, are one of my most favorite colors (perhaps influenced by the thick, vigorous vegetation in Okinawa, the Oregon and Virginian coasts?)
I have always loved studying faces. the ones that interest me the most have weathered skin with lots of lines. I find myself studying peoples faces wherever I am. The different ethnic characteristics of the faces of people wherever I have lived turns up in my work. I do not create from photos or models but from the faces of my eyes' memories.
Some of the costumes I create for my dolls and the combinations of colors and prints are influenced by what I have seen where I have lived.

4. "Going Green" ~ is that something new to you? And how has recycling effected your creativity?
I have always used what I had on hand whenever possible. I never thought of it as recycling,I was just finding a way to create without having to buy anything. People have often shook their heads and grinned when learning the components of what I have made. I think it stems from having little (if any) funds for crafting. My Mom would always say "Find something you can use instead."
It has however created a problem of not knowing what to throw away. After all I might be able to use almost anything for something someday. My poor walls now are ready to burst at the seams due to my saving what might be useful someday."

5. What do you most want people to know about your chosen methods of creativity?
That they can do it too! I beleive that everyone is creative. Sometimes people just have not given themselves permission to try something new to themselves. I do not feel I necessarily have a chsen method of creativity. I just have a lack of fear to try. One should just go for it. Perhaps because I have not taken formal art training and do not know "art rules" I have more freedom. I do what I like and what makes me happy. I use what I can find to use. If I do not have a certain product or medium on hand I try to figure out how to acheive what I want with what I have. sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. But I have tried--and through the process have learned and grown.

interview game for bloggers

2009-06-19T22:30:00.001-04:00

"THE INTERVIEW RULES

* leave me a comment with your email address saying: “interview me”
* I will e-mail you five questions of my choice
* you can then answer the questions on your blog {with a link back to
my blog}
* you should also post these rules, along with an offer to interview
anyone else who emails you, wanting to be interviewed
* anyone who asks to be interviewed should be sent 5 questions to
answer on their blog
* it would be nice if the questions were individualized for each
blogger"

3 Potted Ladies

2009-06-09T21:15:00.002-04:00

I created 3 Potted Ladies for the Rome Main Street Alliance( Rome, NY). 12 artists were selected to create a work of art upon a resin 18 inch planter. The pots will be offered through a silent auction during the summer of 2009.
There are 3 separated and distinct faces on the pot. The above cllage shows them from many different angles.

Triara Protecting the Present

2009-05-27T22:24:00.003-04:00

Triara protecting the Present was created for the Rome Art and Community Center's Recycled Art Exhibit. Her base was made of coffee canisters. Her head and hands are air dry clay.

2009-05-27T22:23:00.000-04:00

Labeling my work

2009-05-26T16:56:00.002-04:00

On the doll-makers discussion groups I belong to, the question of whether or not to call our work dolls is brought up again and again.
I think of my work as dolls. Why? I am not sure, Perhaps that word has been a step in my journey. I started out making dolls and stuffed animals for my daughters. Then I made baby puppets to sell. Then one of my customers at a craft show asked me to join a doll guild. So I guessed I was a doll-maker. I have joined an art association and have been told by many members that I sculpt and that they do not consider my work dolls.
Oh my how we struggle with labels from crafter to doll-maker to artist or sculptor!
You know what? The pieces I make do not care about a label. Yet sometimes it seems that the viewers want work to be labeled. Does it make a work have different values in their view if I tell them it is art, or sculpture or a doll?
Even the New York State Fair has issues with it. If the item that is submitted does not have arms and legs, a traditional doll form, it cannot be put in the doll category.
So should I conform? Should I change what I call my work? Will it be taken more seriously if I do? (But then look , if you will, at my work. I do not think it is made to be viewed in a serious tone.)
Is the change in terms another step in my creative journey?

R.T. and the Cadigbra

2009-05-25T18:56:00.002-04:00

The 2009 Central New York Doll Is Art Guild challenge was to make a doll using recycled items. I made R. T. and the Cadigbra to meet the challenge.
R.T.'s head and hands are needle-felted. His clothes are fashioned from brown packaging paper (used to fill empty space in a box for shipping.) His boots are from paper clay.
The Cadigbra was constructed with papier Mache'.I had originally planned to make a horse , but decided instead to make a fantasy creature, a mix on a Cat (Ca), dog (d), pig(ig), and zebra (bra).

R.T. and the Cadigbra

2009-05-05T23:56:00.000-04:00

R.T.and the Cadigbra

2009-05-05T23:53:00.000-04:00

March 16,2009

2009-03-16T23:08:00.003-04:00

Well it has been awhile since my last post. I have been busy creating new characters. Why? Because a wonderful thing has happened. I am being asked to exhibit my "art".

The past two weeks I had 11 pieces at the Rome Community Theatre. This is the second year I have been asked to have my work there.They ask various artists to have a solo exhibit in the lobby of the theatre during the run of their performances. This is really a great arrangement. It gives the artist another venue to show their work and it decorates the lobby of the theatre.

From that exhibit I have been asked to participate in another one. these are little mini-shows, but little by little my working is getting out there. and one can lead to another. and that one can lead to another , and....

A few years ago I was so afraid to call what I do art. I was also afraid to enter "art exhibits". I did juried fine art and craft shows, but that is a different area all together. Once I stepped out, ignoring the fear, it became an amazing journey.

One of the best things I did was to join the local art association. I love the meetings. I am the different one there, but I am learning so very much. And oh! the networking is fantastic. If you do not belong to such a group, I urge you to find one in your area. You will be glad you did!

CPSIA

2009-01-18T18:42:00.006-05:00

A new act is to be enforced in February. This law was made to protect American consumers from harmful products targeted at children. The creation of this act was due to the imported items containing lead that have been found on store shelves.
That is an important issue and it is imperative that we protect our children from uncaring manufacturers.

The act calls for all items marketed to children 12 and under be tested for lead and other safety issues by accredited third party.

The problem with this act is that it makes no provisions for the cottage industry.
For decades I made and sold delightful little puppets at craft shows. I researched all the materials I used, making sure they were non-toxic, hypo-allergenic items, When I assembled the puppet I used carpet and button thread which is extremely strong. I sewed the parts on at least three times each and then tugged and tugged to make sure the pieces were secure. I used no small embellishments. Then when selling the item, I told the buyer that since the puppet was made of cloth that I did not recommend it for anyone under three or that would chew, bite or suck on the puppet because if they should put whole in the cloth they might get the fiber-fil in their mouth which could be a choking hazard.

I loved making selling the puppets. I always thought that somewhere in the future I would again sell them. But if there are no provisions made in the CPSIA to waive the 3rd party testing for the cottage industry, I will no longer be able to make and sell the puppet.There will be no way I can afford to pay for the testing.

Not only will I not be able to sell those puppets, but my art dolls might be at risk as well. I use the term doll. That word alone can cause the CPSIA inspectors to require that they be tested too.

The intent of the act is admirable, but there definitely needs to be some amendments made to protect the conscious, caring "little guys" caught in the rhetoric of restrictions aimed at over-seas manufacturers.

To read more about how this act will affect many, many Americans please go to this link http://www.handmadetoyalliance.org

And please join me in writing to your congressman, senator, local newspaper editor, television station............ about the changes that are needed to this act.

My Gypsy Doll

2009-01-18T18:24:00.002-05:00

Well my Gypsy returned home to me. She did not win any prizes, but I was happy to have taken part in THE TREASURES OF THE GYPSY CHALLENGE. I enjoy challenges because they cause me to use themes, materials, etc. that I might not ordinarily use. Such fun!
I named my Gypsy THE TRAVEL PLANNER. I wanted her to convey a since of shock as she is finished consulting the crystal ball that she holds in her lap. She has a cloth body (over a wire armature. Her face is paper-clay over cloth.

A long time between posts

2009-01-18T18:15:00.002-05:00

In a whirl, like the snowflakes dancing in the wind outside, the days from Thanksgiving to now have swiftly pasted. If you have been looking now and then for a post, thank you. Now that the busy-ness of December has gone, I hope to be more deligent here and post much more often. I have written many many posts in my head but have never taken the time to record them here. I have many thoughts I want to share. I will post each topic under its' own heading.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-26T18:17:00.003-05:00

Wow! Thanksgiving already. Where does the time go?
It looks a little more like Christmas outside today. This morning I drove to work through a winter wonderland filled with snow frosted pines. I did not have my camera with me. There were so many beautiful trees Of which I would have liked to have had a photo.
I can be thankful that in this winter weather I have a dependable car and warm home. I am also grateful that tomorrow I will feast with all my children and grandchildren. I will miss my family that is on the other side of the country, but I will be able to call them.
I do wish everyone everywhere a day of blessings and joy.

October update

2008-10-07T20:11:00.005-04:00

I have been so busy this last month, that I have taken very little time to be on-line. So what have I been doing?
Glad I asked :)

First I was working on my entry for the Treasures of the Gypsy Challenge. It is the first time I have entered this challenge. I really enjoyed making this doll and hope those who view will be pleased.

Next I had two speaking engagements last week. I spent considerable time preparing for the first -- the Wednesday Morning Club's annual opening luncheon. My program discussed my belief that we all are creative. I took along my dolls and puppets. I had a wonderful time. An article about the meeting , along with a photo (which I am in) may be found at http://romesentinel.com/news?newsid=20081007-141607.
I was asked about a month ago if I would be the speaker for the October meeting of the Rome Art Association. Since I already had a program set for the Wednesday Morning Club, I said yes. I tweaked the program a little to fit the audience.
I really enjoyed both of the meetings. I would love to be able to do more speaking engagements. And perhaps seminars.
Ah--- to have dreams become goals and become reality!

I also sent off a doll, December Bride, to the Wiltwyck Quilt Guild's Hello Dolly challenge/exhibit.
Wiltwyck Quilt Guild Cloth Doll Exhibit
2008 Wiltwyck Quilt Show October 18 & October 19Ulster County Community College491 Cottekill RoadStone Ridge, New York 12484Hours: 10-5 Sat. & 10-4 Sun.
http://www.wiltwyckquiltersguild.org/

So now I am all caught up with obligations! Yeah!!! What a wonderful feeling!

Oh one last thing, My ROBIN HAS PLANS FOR HER EMPTY NEST was chosen as runner-up for craft of the month by the Rome Art Association and will be on exhibit at the Rome Art and Community Center during the month of October.

Two winners

2008-09-16T07:24:00.001-04:00

WEll I did win two ribbons. Sally took a third place ribbon in Crafts and Marg Ana Gram was awarded a second place ribbon in sculpture!

Being Different

2008-09-05T07:16:00.003-04:00

My work is different. When I entered the pieces in the show, one of the members at the registration table said, "Alice I am so glad you have joined the association. You bring something different to our group."
I laughed.
Yes that has been said often about my work. Different. That is often what I say about something that I really don't know what to say about it. Usually I cannot think of anything positive to say, so I say it is different---- But then again I remeber that usually when I choose to buy something I usually say,"I really like this. It is different!" I was drawn to the item because it was differemt.

Different is now the term being used in reference to my work. And you know I am beginning to embrace that word different. At least by being different, my work stands apart from the others and that isn't bad at all.
My favorite song (from Sesame' street) One of these things is not like the others, one of these things just doesn't belong"
I used to think not belonging meant inferior. I am learning that it doesn't. It means of a different quality, media, or presentation-. Not belonging to the main stream is okay . I can be a little brook going through a beautiful meadow all of my own!
Also when I think of artists I have and do admire--know what? They are all different---e.e.cummings, Elinor Peace Bailey,--how different can you get?

AW! DIFFERENT!

Another Opening Another Show

2008-09-04T22:21:00.005-04:00

I have entered four pieces in the Rome Art Associations Annual Member's Show. It is held at the Rome Art and Community Center, Bloomfield Street, Rome NY. It is a non-juried show , but it is judged.
I got a call last night that I have won an award. The opening reception and award ceremony are tomorrow night. I am very curious to see what piece won an award and what t. We are limited to 4 entries, and only 2 in one category. I entered 2 in sculpture, one in mixed media and one in fine crafts. When called I was told I had won ribbons. I wonder if the plural form was a mistake? Can't wait to find out.

Fine Arts Exhibit

2008-07-13T22:43:00.004-04:00

The Rome Art and Community hosts an annual Fine Arts Exhibit. It is a juried show. This year I entered 5 pieces. Two were accepted for the exhibit. There were 165 entries, 65 were chosen to be in the exhibit, so creating two of those 65 is not too bad. Which of my works were chosen? Elderly Fairy, The Naked Truth ( shown in an earlier post) and the Swamp Thang. There were only 4 sculptures in the show.
The Elderly Fairy is sculpted from paper clay and Pronto DAS clay.
The Swamp Thang has a gourd body, Paperclay face and paper mache feet.

CRAFTS and ART

2008-07-13T20:02:00.002-04:00

I reread my last post. I thought perhaps the term "barbed word "craft" might be misunderstood. I am proud of being a crafter and find no dishonor in having any of my work called a craft. I have worked hard and have become skilled at techniques I use.
It has only been in the last few years that people have referred to my work as art. The term started showing up in reference to my work when I started making one-of-a-kind items. Not thinking of marketability, I was making items just to express thoughts or for the sheer joy of creating.

The words art and craft are sometimes a mystery. What determines which one is used in reference to one's work? I read a quote somewhere -- and I know I am not quoting it word for word--but am at least expressing the main thought. "The crafter creates to please people, the artist creates to please himself" Is that true?

I think everyone, artist and crafter alike, hope others will appreciate their work. If not why would there be art shows and exhibitions? Perhaps, having people appreciate work, and pleasing them are also two different things.

I guess all in all it doesn't matter what it is called. I enjoy what I do. I hope others like it, but whether they do or not I will continue to create because doing so pleases me.

Another critique

2008-07-12T23:00:00.010-04:00

My last critique was a little different than the others. When I walked in the artist glanced at my work. If I read body language well, she was not pleased. My work was put with the others waiting for critiques. She picked up a beautiful painting , glanced over at And Sunny Holds the Rainbow with a look I was not sure about. My insecurities led me to believe she thought my work was quite inferior . However I was wrong. When she finaly gave in, heaving a sigh, she said " This is the first time I have ever been asked to critique a CRAFT. I smiled and nodded my head. "I came here to hear what people think, I will listen and use what I can."She had some
great suggestions. Had I let the little barbed word "craft" bother me, I would have most likely blocked out her wonderful suggestions. I really think I can use what she suggested to really create a better "craft" and a more pleasing art doll

belonging to a group

2008-06-24T22:52:00.003-04:00

I have found a very important tool in increasing my creativity. I am sure many already have been using this tool for ages. I have as well. But lately I have been reviwing my creative growth and notice that it is expotentially increased when I have been active in a group of other creative individuals.
When I did craft shows I was in the midst of creative people every week, We shared and comiserated with one another. I was encouraged by them to strive for greater sucess in selling my work.
Then I worked in a craft store. Talk about being exposed to creative people! I learned about products and their usage daily.
Joining on-line groups broadened my crative horizons. I made cyber-friends that shared tips and sucesses. I learned so mucch from them. I was given links to sites of suppliers, artists and tutorials. When sharing photos of my work the "atta-girls" flowed. and constructine suggestions were made.
Being a member of local grous has helped me grow artistically. Ond clue is that I am using the word "artistically". It took me forever to consider my work art. The word still sometimes gets stuck in my throat.
Through membership in the Central New York Doll is Art Guild (www.cnydag.com) my dolls have been featured in galleries and have graced the pages of magazines and local news papers. What a thrill to see that others --professionals think my work is good enough for publication!
I have also joined a local art association (Rome Art Association) Often at the meetings a visiting professional artist will offer critiques of our work.Never having taken formall art classes, these critiques have taught me so much!
I can see in my wrok the influence all these groups have played. Looking at my work from only a few years ago I can see growth in skill and style. I owe much of that to what I have learned from all the people from all the groups that have and are creatively touching my life.

Taking on a new role

2008-06-20T08:17:00.001-04:00

I have been asked to take over the reins of the Central New York Doll is Art Guild. The founder has just become too busy to give it the attention she feels it needs. The activity has really ebbed this last year. No one's fault just the natural rhythm of a group I guess. Now I need to feed energy back into the group. It is a challenge I am hoping I can meet. It will take a lot of effort on my part. It will also push me creatively as I want to encourage others to create and exhibit. I can't very well do that if I am not creating and trying to enter exhibits myself.

more on critiques

2008-06-19T21:43:00.004-04:00

At first I was quite afraid to put my work up to be critiqued. Would they know I was a fraud, and not an artist at all? Would they ask "Whose work is this? What nerve you have calling this art!
I take my dolls in and to myself sing the sesame street song "One of these things is not like the others, one of these things just doesn't belong"
The first item I took to be critiqued was one of my red-hat ladies. She is on canvas so I felt she would fit in with all the two dimensional work. I fidgeted in my seat,filled with apprehension as I waited for her to comment on my piece. She commented on the face and then said "The main thing wrong with this piece is----"
My stomach tightened, 'Oh why did I do this?'I fretted. then she finished, "is that you cannot see the back of her." Whew! She made some suggestions and then went on to an other's work. I wanted so to ask her more , what else could I do, how can I make the canvas not so bland.....' But there was no time. I was absolutely flabbergasted when a few days later I answered a phone call and she was on the line to talk to me about my work! She gave me some wonderful suggestions which I plan to implement.

At the next meeting there was the Elderly Fairy standing next to oil paintings, watercolors, pen and ink, colored pencil, anime'-style marker art. Oh dear, there is no flow, no triangle! The artist giving the presentations glances at her over and over and again and again chooses a two-dimensional piece to critique. Finally she picks up the Elderly Fairy. The butterflies in my stomach are flying at a feverish pace. "Oh no she knows I know nothing about art" I think. She looks, smiles, Now I am Sally Fields. "She likes it, she actually likes it!" She even suggests an art gallery I should approach! She points out it's strong points, and makes suggestions on how to improve the weak points.

I know not all critiques will be as positive as these two, but I will continue taking in my work. I have learned so very much. I want to learn more!!!!

critique's

2008-06-14T22:27:00.004-04:00

Monday night I went to a new photo club's second meeting. We had a professional photographer that is very well known and highly esteemed in our area give critique's of members photographs. One member objected to having critiques. He said the critiques were quite subjective and no one has the right to criticize anyonoe else's work.
I also belong to our local art association. One of our favorite type of meetings are the ones where critiques are done. I must admit the first one I went to I was quite nervous. After all my work is quite different. I felt that the person giving the critiques was going to say "What the heck is this doing here?" Thankfully so far no one has said that to me. I have been given honest opinions, suggestions, and strong and weak points have been pointed outI have learned so much from the critiques.

Critiques are very subjective, -- but then isn't all view of art? Colors, moods, media, technique----all play into ones likes and dislikes. If I were to see two dolls, each one made with great skill and talent but one was pink, my opinion of the pink doll would be less than that of the other doll, Why? because I do not like pink. I would look for the strengths in the pink doll but would have to study it longer to find it because of the color. But I still would take time to find aspects of the doll that I did like. I beleive that is what the guests at meetings giving critiques do And oh! how I can learn from them! I can probably learn more if they do not like my work than if they did. However that warm "OH you like it!" feeling is a nice on to have now and then. :)

And as was pointed out to me yesterday, many times these guests who do the critiques also judge area art shows. What better way is there to learn what a judge is looking for?

Howe do you feel about critiques? Do you have any memorable ones?

listing my dolls for the first time

2008-06-01T21:43:00.002-04:00

There is a new auction site just for dolls and doll related products, The Shoppes on Magnolia. I have registered there and have listed 7 of my dolls so far. I will be listing more. I do hope that this endeavor is successful. It is scary putting my work out there for all to see and bid on, waiting for someone to make a bid, hoping someone will like it enough to bid. Then I remember----"Hey! I like my work . It makes me smile. So that is what counts. And it is fun to have it where many can see it. Therefore I have succeeded already!"

Since I last wrote I have finished three dolls and worked on two others. I also have come up with my design idea for both the Hoffman Challenge and my Treasures of the Gypsy doll. I really need to get busy on them!

2008-03-29T18:27:00.002-04:00

I thought I would post a pictures of a little "doll" I made in February. I needed a gift and was short on cash, so here Is the little desk pen set I made using Pronto DAS clay and Apoxie Sculpt clay.

Wonderful site to visit!

2008-03-23T19:18:00.002-04:00

As I am trying to acheive goals I have set for myself by entering challenges and calls for entry, here is a wonderful blog to visit. http://fiberartcalls.blogspot.com/ It is too good not to pass along.

Where have I been?

2008-03-23T18:54:00.002-04:00

My goodness! I can't beleive it has been this long since I last posted!!

I have a felted head I am posting a picture of. It was such fun to create! When I get started felting, it is hard to stop. I must get some more fibers and needles.

I have come up with an idea for my Treasure of the Gypsy doll. I can't wait to get started on her, but alas I have some other commitments to finish first. If only I could figure out how to squeeze a few extra hours into the day.

In response to one of the posts here. I have corrected the link on my web-site. The interview with me can be read at www.wildartdolls.com Sorry for the typo. Thank you for bringing it to my attention.

I want to thank everyone who read the article in Art Doll Quarterly and took the time to make a comment orwrite an e-mail.

I am Published!

2008-02-02T20:06:00.001-05:00

It has been a very busy week since I last posted!
I still haven't finished the felted head, but I have found a photo of the first one I made. I will post it here.

The big exciting news of the week for me is that the article that ART DOLL QUARTERLY asked me to write is finally in print. It is on page 19 of the spring 2008 issue. What a thrill to see it there with by Alice Dennis under the title!

I have also (finally!) have a home page for my very own web-site, www.whatanexpression.com
I worked hard to get pages etc. up. When I went to publish it, I was told the photos were too large, so I had to find a resizing program. Because my computer time this week was limited, I only resized the home page photos. Hopefully, sometime in the next few days I will be able to work on it a little more. But until then, at least the home page is there.

I want to thank all of you who have visited and commented on my blog. It is so nice to make new friends here and connect with older ones.

time flying by

2008-01-25T21:56:00.000-05:00

I can't believe over a week has past since I last posted. I really wanted to keep up with this. Where did the days go?

I have a theme for my Play on Words challenge doll. Her image is forming in my head.

That is how I create. I spend days, weeks, months (sometimes) envisioning a doll. When I can finally see the doll clearly in my mind's eye, then I begin to construct her. Constructing the doll takes much less time than envisioning. I have spent so much time viewing her and how I will make her, that when I start work on the doll it goes fairly quickly. There are very few sketches. I do not draw well. I wish I did so I could put the images in my head down on paper. I envy those that draw. What a gift to have!

I must choose a song lyric for a round robin doll I will be making. I love round robins (a group of people, usually 5 or 6, each make the beginning of a doll. Each person chooses a title for their doll according to a group theme. A mailing list is formed. on a predetermined date, each round robin member mails her dill to the next person on the mailing list. That person then works on the doll and mails it onto the next. The doll makes a full circle journey, each artist adding touches and structure to the doll as the doll is mailed to them.) I have a few lyrics in mind but have not decided which one yet.

I have begun work on the order that was placed for a chef people wreath. I think he will come out well. I am posting a photo of one I have previously done

Well it is time for bed. Good night

Wow There are comments here!

2008-01-15T19:24:00.001-05:00

I was so surprised to see that there are comments here! How cool is that! Thank you so much for taking the time to view my blog and to comment. I am sure you can see my smile shining through cyber-space.

I started felting a little head during my lunch break today. Guess what----I only poked myself once! (I am sure that I leave DNA samples on everyting I make. ) I don't think I will use the felted head for any of the dolls I wil enter into challenges. I have a long way to go in the felting department beefore they will be challenge ready. The repetitve motion of the felting process is a great stress reliever--the perfect activity for breaktime at a new and challenging job.

2008-01-13T22:21:00.000-05:00

The felted face is hiding from me right now so I can't post a photo of it after all. I will as soon as I can find it.

January 13,2008

2008-01-13T22:11:00.000-05:00

Last fall I felted my first face. I really enjoyed the process . The repetitve manipulation of the fibers through the pounciing of the needle was quite relaxing. Today at a craft store I found fibers and needles. Now I can't wait to play with my new treasures.! The image is of the face I sculpted in the fall. .

I am now a blogger!

2008-01-08T17:59:00.000-05:00

Well I am trying this out. So here goes.
I sent out for information on the Treasures of the Gypsy challenge. I have neever joined in on this challenge, but have decided this is the year to join in the fun!
My dollmaking has been pushed to the back -burner for the past couple of months, but it is time to get busy again. I do have an order for a chef wreath that I need to get done.
I have two challenge dolls to get done for the Central New York Doll is Art Guild www.cnydag.com These dolls are due in April. One will be a bride doll, the other a doll made to illustrate a play on words. I have been thinking about the play on words doll for months and have had a few ideas, but now --in fact just this minute--I think I have come up with my doll theme. I have to okay my choice with the challenge giver. Nope I won't give out my secret phrase right now, but I will keep you posted.