Still Kickin'

The last two weeks were difficult and I'm glad they're in the history books.  Things got better over the weekend and I started creating again. Got the doll together for the children's theater production and today I will paint the face and add hair. I don't have to dress it because it will have an outfit identical to one of the actresses. I also pulled dolls I had made for an independent film that hasn't left the shelf. The person who is directing the children's stage production is the one who's film is on the shelf. So we have some history and it's the only reason I'm doing this.

The doll is like 23 and a bit in inches. She's got a bottom so she can sit a bit. They wanted her to have fingers. And they want a special hairdo for her and she's got to be able to fit into a backpack. Now I know why I don't do big dolls. They take for-ev-er to stuff. It wasn't until I got her head on when I realized she was kind of cute.

I would say about 90% of the dolls on this table were made for the film. They will be used on the set of the play. I have to wait for the okay of what to send. This morning, after coffee, I will take better pics for the producer and he can choose what he wants. During my move last year, the dolls were tucked away. When I went to look for them, I decided to go ahead and catalog them. I did a lot of work and that I am proud of. My creative mojo hasn't gone anywhere, I just forgot that I had it. Once these babies are in the mail this week, I can go on to other projects and BOY do I have a bunch of projects.

Everyone have a great day.

It's My Birthday!

50 years ago, on a Thursday, I was born. I was going to sleep in this morning but got up early for my birthday. I didn't know how I felt. I said my thanks and that I was grateful for being here, right now. Grateful for all that I've accomplished, for all that I've yet to do, see, and people to meet.

I got in the shower and cried. I don't know if they were tears of joy or sadness. Joy because I've made it this far? Sadness because... I didn't know. I told myself that I would only think of what I have, not what I don't have. So the sadness of anything negative I would have mentioned turned into one of 'goodbye' to the past 50 years. With all of the hurts, slights, disappointments, lost love, and missed opportunities. It's time to say goodbye. I have to let you go.

I have my memories of extreme happy and frightening times. Memories of loved ones who encouraged me 100%. Ancestors who lived, loved, and died so that I could be here. Today. I will not let them down. Nor will I let myself down.

I have accomplished a lot in 50 years. I have touched many lives, more than I can remember, in positive ways or even with just a smile, a pat on the back, a hug, or words of encouragement. My artwork has graced many homes and publications. Pieces are in shops and galleries and I've even had a one woman show. A first of many more to come. I'm certain of it. I have earned two degrees. A Bachelor of Fine Arts, in art, specializing in watercolor painting. A Master of Arts in theater, specializing in costume design. Yes, there are things I've wanted to do and didn't get to. But one thing I've held on to was that I've always wanted to be involved in movies and have just touched the tip of that iceberg. 100 of my dolls and parts of dolls are the main focus of an independent film in pre-production. I guess that's what holding on to a dream means.

When I was a kid, way before I really knew that there was a real world out there, I never thought I would move away from home. That I would always stay in my birth city. My grandma would take me out west to visit relatives on Ye Olde Greyhound. My first adventures. I have traveled to several other states since then. On my bucket list - see some National Parks. I now live in the south.

Things changed when I got my passport. I am so grateful that my first time out was a wonderful one. New Zealand. If I could have found out how to stay, I would have.  Probably would've worked on those Hobbit movies. I'm going back. Next up, England for some Shakespeare, followed by Canada. Some people may not think of Canada as another country. But it is. And growing up in Michigan, I felt it as a sister country. I could see it across the river. Buildings even. New Brunswick made it to my list. After that, Japan. I'm going back there too. The first place I felt culture shock, for a brief moment.

It was summer time, festival season was in full form. I just love a country that celebrates just about everything. I was in Tokyo, they had closed the main thoroughfare, and there was a sea of light skinned, dark haired people. At that moment, I was the Connecticut Yankee. I was literally the chocolate chip in the rice pudding. With all of those people about it got quiet, the air stilled, and things moved in slow motion. Then this energy wave came and passed through me. A slight breeze touched my face. Maybe angel wings? The sound came back and I was at peace. I was in another homeland. Every place I've been to so far, I've felt that it was home or that I'd been there before. Past lives or accumulated memories?

There are people who will never leave their neighborhood. People who will never have the feeling of wonder, joy, awe, and satisfaction of being a traveler. Smiles are the same all over. I want to see more. I'm so grateful that I've been able to jump a couple of ponds. To see what I can see.

Friends have become family. Being my mom's only child, I grew up with lots of cousins, aunts, and uncles. Many of them are gone now but I continue to get new family. They listen to me, laugh with me, share with me. They have encouraged me and pushed me out of several boxes. They've come in all shapes, sizes, sexes, and colors. Some have touched me briefly. A few have been there since I was a little kid. Some I've only met recently and they assure me they are in it for the long haul. I love you all.

I feel like a Phoenix. I'm ready to take off and fly. I'm ready for the second part of my life. What will the next decade bring? I don't know. But I'm ready to make things happen. Create new things. Travel to new places and not-so-new places. Make more friends. Live, laugh, and love more. Especially love more. Love me more and cut myself some slack. This has been a good life. I'm ready to script the next 50 years. Whether it unfolds that way or not, it's all good. The morning tears were for saying goodbye to the past. Hello to the future.

50 years ago on a Thursday morning I was born.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

Six Years!

Six years ago this month, I moved from Michigan to North Carolina. My life had been in a holding pattern and it didn't look like it was going to get any better. For several years there was a massive migration of Michiganians to other places. I knew I wanted to get back to my artwork and I knew that it wouldn't happen in my home state. So I packed up my truck and headed south. That year, 51,000 people left the state.

I knew one person when I got to North Carolina. My friend Jon had been bugging me to come visit him. We met in Japan. I decided not to just visit but to move. He helped me get a place and my new adventure began. I had to learn my way around. I started hanging out in the Arts District, meeting people so they would remember me for any job that may come up. Finding places to show my work or sell it. Whatever free even I could find, I went to. I was a little afraid but very hopeful.

The first friend I made was Marta. She also moved to NC from Arkansas that same year. We met at a writer's meeting. My second friend I made was Maya, who saw something in me that I hadn't yet seen in myself. They are still my friends. I have made a few more friends and many more acquaintances. I've learned new things and a lot more things about myself. That I am brave, determined, resilient, bold, talented. I can say that I've worked my butt off in the past six years. I've done doll shows, made dolls for an independent film, have my dolls in several shops and galleries, and almost have my kid's book edited.

I have traveled a bit of the state. I've been to the coast, the foothills, and the mountains. I've even been to my first National Park. There are many more places to visit, like Asheville.

The foundation has been laid. I'm so proud of myself. All my hard work is paying off and I'm ready for the next part of my creative journey. I do hope you hang around to see what happens next in my world.

Commission Complete!

Okay. I had a commission to do 12 voodoo doll pins but looking like a school mascot. Kind of. Mostly the colors of the school and these were a little easy to do because of their mascot. A brother and sister saw me wearing my witch voodoo doll pin and said they liked it. I told them I made it and they asked if I could make some simulating their favorite mascot. I said I'd give it a try. At first he ordered eight but then the number went up to twelve. That seems to happen more than not. Remember the dolls for the movie? I was suppose to do three and ended up doing close to 100.

Anyway, I finished them and the new owners fell in love with them.  The brother said that they were more than he expected and that I made his day.  His sister said that I made her year. So here we go...

These are the boys. Aren't they handsome?

The top hats for the guys. Some tall, some not.

The boys before the hats.

They each are sporting a pair of spats with bead buttons.

Delbert, Drake, Dustin, and Davis.

Delroy, Dalton, Dilmont, and Devon.

Drew, Dillard, Duncan, and Driscoll. The Demon Voodoo Doll Pins. Also can be hung as ornaments. The scarves were hand crocheted by moi. Some of you may know the school these guys represent. I think they turned out quite well and I'm glad I didn't have time to bond with them because they are so cute.

I hope you enjoyed them too. Now off to catch up on my word count. Toodles!

All Things Halloween

The reception for my first one woman show was a success. My friends helped me out by supplying the food and there was wine too. The set up of my work at the gallery was just wonderful. Thank you Hampton House Art & Framing for a beautiful display.

It was so wonderful to see my work set up like this. Very moving and exciting. A different feel than if I did a doll show where I would have to sit for a day or two to sell my work. I feel as if my work have been elevated to the next level. It was a great feeling. I can't wait for the next exhibit.

I never would have thought to put the Goth Girls in a row like this and one shock of color with a Wandi Witch. They look like a chorus line.

I love the idea of my Voodoo Doll Pins and Witch Pins hanging by their necks. A bit creepy but fitting, don't you think? I was wondering how they were going to display the bunch.

Me and my art rep Lee Mecum.  We're both wearing doll pins.

Me and Nathan Ross Freeman. He's the director of the independent film I made all those dolls for. He really liked my dolls and how I named them and said he was honored that I had done the dolls for his film.

Meredith and her fiance Josh. I haven't seen them in almost a year. They made the reception exceptional. I cried when I saw them. Meredith is one of my biggest cheerleaders.

Benita Van Winkle is a wonderful artist and photographer. I was surprised and happy that she took time out of her busy schedule to come to my show.

Evelyn Crews is another creative kindred spirit. Now that my show is up, we're going to do some beading workshops.

Steven Dunn is a fantastic painter and was the second friend I made when I moved here. He used to work at Hampton House and encouraged me to do my art. He asked me to bring in my dolls five years ago and he put them in the gallery that day. Now I've my own show there. I'm tearing up as I type this. He said he was very proud of me and my creations. He mentioned that even now, when he has his own shows, he still gets a chill seeing a body of his work in a gallery setting. We stood and looked at my show. He said he got a chill and that he was very excited for me. Many more friends showed up and we talked and laughed. This is only the beginning for me. I hope you enjoyed the pics of my show. Hold onto your hats, the ride continues.

The Teaser Trailer

Okay, I'm still not savvy with the whole techno computer link stuff but if you click on the title of the previous post, it will take you directly to the You Tube video. Sorry about that. Still some learning to do. That's what life is, a journey of always learning. I hope you like it. Every time I see it, I can't believe that's my work. So exciting!

Clean Studio

Finally! After three days of trying to post, I can now post. Hi peeps! When I had things to post, I just wasn't able to but now I'm back. After finishing the dolls for the film, and the teaser trailer is done, my studio was a mess. I was even afraid to go in it. So I blitzed it. Took everything out, dusted, cleaned baseboards, and mopped. Rearranged things back, got fabric collected in numerous bins, flowers are together as well as ribbons and other trims. I even cleared off the art table. It's so pretty, I don't want to go in there, again. LOL But I must. New creative pieces are waiting to be birthed.

So let's take a look see of the neat area before it gets trashed again.

I can see the table. It's so exciting.

And a clean floor.

Fabric is all nice and neatly put away. One container has fabric for dolls I want to do in the near future. I still have to go through a bag of scraps but at least I know where they are too.

Oh, I will work on getting the trailer link up soon.

Toodles!

Main Movie Dolls

Finally, finally, finally, I can say the dolls for the film are done. They are now on the set and the director, Nathan Ross Freeman, loves them. Woo hoo! What a wonderful experience and two year ride. Any other dolls I make for the set will be icing on the cake. I can't believe I did it.  I'm so proud of myself and I've learned so much about me, my doll making process, designing new dolls.  I can mark this project off my list.

I feel fantastic! I'm giddy with joy and I'm ready for the next big project and 50 thousand little ones. I have amazed myself. Of all the times I could have given up and I didn't because I made a promise to Nathan but also to myself. What was I made of? Well, let me tell you, I'm made of pretty good stuff. I can do anything now.

This is a doll for one of the main characters. She has a choice to make, the armed forces or higher education.

This character has the choice of staying a waitress or becoming a doctor.

I haven't made actual doll clothes in years, at least 15.

This character has issues about childhood and adulthood.

 
Here is the main characters doll that will help her do some not-so-nice things.

This is a pincushion the main character uses. An experiment gone awry. It's pretty gruesome but the character has some issues. Don't you love that word? Issues. I can now move on to other projects. I have a brand new slate to scribble on. First, I'll have to clean up my studio. It think I'll take a nap first.

They Keep Coming

I would rather be out in the sun but dolls keep popping into my head. I guess in a way it's a good thing because the trailer to the film I've been working on will be shot at the end of the week. At least the beginning of the shoot. I'm excited to have been a part of the initial process, excited that it's almost over, excited to start new projects.

Here are the beginnings of three pillow type dolls. The polka dot one is screaming circus. There's a frilly lady and a sunbather who will most definitely be sporting boobs.

These will be totem dolls. I will continue to wrap them with fancy yarns, other trims, and beads.

Voodoo Movie Doll III

Maybe the last of the voodoo dolls for the film. I've been having a blast making these beauties. This little lady has suffered head trauma but it doesn't mean that karma isn't on her side. She's also had a run in with a vampire. I think it was love. Or something.

She is also sporting a medicine bag filled with mustard seeds. All dolls are stump dolls. They started out as empty dish soap bottles and then covered with fabric for the body and head, dressed and embellished with acrylic paint, flowers, beads, fancy yarns.
 

Here she is with her sister and mom is in the background. The matriarch of the family.

Can you imagine being in the kitchen or around the dinner table with these three? Ha, ha, ha!

Voodoo Movie Doll II

Here's the second voodoo lady. Now they're both waiting for their sister. I'll get her done tomorrow. It was a good creative day today. We'll see what happens tomorrow.

Yes, that is a scar above one brow. She's been rolling around in something.

I'd like to welcome Trudy at www.trucreations.blogspot.com. Hope you like the ride!

Voodoo Movie Doll I

Guess what I did?

I finally finished another doll for the movie. Pic isn't the greatest. Batteries are failing. But I wanted to get her picture up.  I did it. Something finished. She is the largest covered bottle doll that I showed in a previous post.

She was fun to do. I don't know why it took me so long to get her done. Maybe it was because she was screaming at me. Her two sisters are on their way. Now it's time for Script Frenzy.