An Original Figurative Sculpt of the Venus of Willendorf - Goddess Statuary

My most recent artwork is an original Gourd and Clay sculpture , fashioned after the Venus of Willendorf, which makes a meaningful and stately Goddess statue or symbolic addition to an altar.

Venus figurines are found artifacts of the human female which often had exaggerated body features, created during the Upper Paleolithic era. The Venus of Willendorf is thought to have been created 30,000 BCE.  

In the past and especially in other cultures, voluptuous women were often thought to be more vibrant, attractive and fertile. Sadly though, for many years here in the United States our main stream media has inundated us with a concept that beauty is staggeringly thin with features that are difficult to attain. For decades women have stressed on this concept and many have punished their bodies attempting to reach this corporate ideal.

Today Willendorf is still admired and loved by many, symbolic of Womanhood, the Mother, the Divine Feminine, Fertility,  the Sacred Female, and Abundant Life.

This piece is an Original Sculpt of Gourd and Clay that measures approximately 15 inches in height x 7 inches in width. She is permanently mounted on a wooden base that is painted black, signed and titled underneath. She was painted with Acrylics and sealed with a soft satin finish.

You can see more of this Willendorf statue on my website here 

Original Sculpt of Willendorf

The Thoughts and Symbolism behind this Gourd and Clay Sculpted Spirit Doll titled "No Apologies"

I wanted to talk for a few moments about the symbolism and intention behind my new Figurative Sculpt titled "No Apologies". 

No Apologies for Being my Authentic Self - Spirit Doll

Over the past two weeks I created a concept through 3 separate art modalities - Watercolor Painting, Sculpture, and Writing. The concept that I was portraying was "No Apologies for Being my Authentic Self".
In the Sculpture modality I used Gourd and Clay as the base of a Spirit Doll, a part of my Wisdom Keeper Art Doll collection, honoring the many layers of being a woman. The compilation of mixed media in this piece brings together Gourd, Clay, Handmade Paper, Wood, and Acrylics.

Her story reads as follows:

No Apologies will be made when she is speaking her truth, for she will no longer water it down or deliver it in small palatable pieces. Her Truth is not spoken in malice. Her Truth is spoken with strength and with grace. 

No Apologies will be made in honoring her own truth, for she will respect the needs of her own Spirit, just as she respects and listens to the needs of others. 

No Apologies will be made when she is drawing her line. Her boundaries are healthy and honor her Soul. 

No Apologies will be made when she is defending her line. Her boundaries are transparent and let you know where she stands. 

No Apologies will be made if it appears that she has changed, and no apologies will be made on how long those changes may have taken. She will celebrate her conscious evolving, always respecting what feels right in her heart. 

No Apologies will be made when she reveals her Authentic Self. She may have been afraid to show herself in the past, or she may have been afraid to defend herself in the past, but she is not afraid Today. 

Today, she lives, loves, and breathes from her deepest sense of Truth, 

and she does so with No Apologies." 

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I'm Still Dancing - through it all - I'm Still Dancing

A Letter to the Big C, 

"I'm still Dancing. Through it all, I'm still Dancing. 

You may take my strong threshold for pain, and you may take my ability to keep food down. Through it all, I learned to honor my pain and find ways to gently nurture and comfort my body

You may attack my immune warriors and make me feel as though I am waking roughly on a battle field. Through it all, I learned to be a guardian of my energy. retaining and spending it wisely. 

You may force me to spend too many days getting poked and prodded by doctors instead of enjoying the beautiful things in my life.Through it all, I learned the importance of surrounding myself with healthy relationships and enjoying each moment with them. 

Through it all, Big C, I made sure to level the playing field. I made sure you didn't take more than I was willing to lose. Through it all, for each thing that you took, I created a space for something special to reside. And while I now take back any power that I think you may have had....

I give myself permission to color my life a new kind of beautiful.

I'm still Living. I'm still Loving. And I'm still Dancing. 

Through it all."

This mixed media Figurative Sculpture is probably my most diverse piece of Art, and at the same time is one of the most meaningful. She is #1 in my new "BraveHearts" series. Her symbolism focuses on Breast Cancer Survival and her Mastectomy Tattoo. 

Her "neutral" state (in regards to her color palette of Beige and White) should not distract you from her mosaic of textures. 

"I'm Still Dancing" was created from Burlap, Clay, and Linen, along with supportive mediums. 

She stands 19 inches in height, spans 11 inches in width, and is 9 inches in depth. 

Her head, face, and torso are an Original Sculpt from Clay. Her hair was sculpted into an up-do, and is a rich honey blonde shade. Using Acrylics, her torso and face were painted a pale skin tone in the softest of a Cream shade. 

One breast was sculpted on her torso, the other is absent (reflective of a mastectomy)and now replaced with a mastectomy "tattoo". The tattoo was painted in white, yellow, grey-lavender, and cream. 

Her arms were hand stitched from muslin, stuffed with polyester filling, and attached to the torso in an outstretched form. 

From her hips downward a metal armature was created in a long skirt shape. Strips of burlap and glittered organza were draped around the armature and coated with a special medium that when dried, transformed the burlap just as hard and stiff as the clay. A thick sheet of felt encloses the bottom of the sculpture. 

Her arms were hand stitched from muslin, stuffed with polyester filling, and attached to the torso in an outstretched form. 

The above "Letter to the Big C" comes with the Art Doll, printed on card stock, signed and dated. 

You can find her listed in my Etsy here

I'm Still Dancing Figurative Sculpture

Her Sacred Heart a Woman in Prayer -Gourd and Clay Spirit Doll Figurative Sculpture

When she is happy, she stands in prayer.

When in sadness, she stands in prayer. 

When she is worried, she stands in prayer. 

And when she is afraid, she stands in prayer. 

Her prayer is a part of her, like a deep breath, 

it is natural and complete. 

It keeps her focused, reassures her heart, and 

allows her to keep Standing. 

Each word that she speaks, each step that she takes,

are in alliance with her Sacred Heart. 

You can see more of "Her Sacred Heart" in my Etsy here

Her Sacred Heart Original Sculpted Art Doll

The Seeker - Gazelle Woman Cloth and Clay Figurative Sculpture Art Doll

The Seeker is a young Gazelle woman, carrying both the Inspiration of the Feminine, and the gift of Gazelle Wisdom. She has come of age, a young woman, who is now ready to embark upon her life. She has the freedom to explore and the strength and swiftness to follow her path. The choices available to her are limitless, and it is up to her and her alone to create what her life will now be.
While there is a part of her that wants to find contentment in creating a family and staying in her childhood community, there is a greater part of her that wants to travel and see everything that the world has to offer.

Grandmother Gazelle had known of the young woman's adventurous spirit since she was a small child, and had imparted her with Gazelle wisdom so that when she grew older she would have the ability to release her free spirit  and run with speed and confidence toward her dreams. 
And so she did, with a shoulder bag of maps and a scroll marked with a wish list of destinations.

"The Seeker" is Number One in a collaborative series of artwork being created by myself Jeanne Fry, and by Tarah Singh. This collaboration titled "The Journey of a Woman" is a 2D and 3D project created to explore the many phases of a Woman's Spiritual Journey through Life. Archetypes and Symbolism are fluent throughout each piece representing her evolution. The series is comprised of 2D paintings by Tarah Singh, and 3D Figurative Sculpture Art Dolls by Jeanne Fry.

Figurative Sculpture by Jeanne Fry ~ Original Painting by Tarah Singh

 The Seeker (Original One of A Kind) Cloth and Clay Figurative Sculpture

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Wise Woman Rising - a Gourd Art Sculpture for Empowering the Feminine

Generations have passed, those years anxiously waiting for the Shift of energy, the energy of the Feminine to re-emerge. Not only our individual souls, but the soul of Mother Earth, have been anticipating the space in time when we as women Rise and reclaim our power. 

Mother Earth has waited, and not so patiently, for us to come and Stand with her. The Strength that we as women possess, to watch over, nurture, and make decisions for the highest good is being called to step in and save her from the corruption and greed that ravages her spirit. She also knows that we have had our own inner and outer battles, the battles of claiming and sustaining our own personal power within this "man's world". But, the struggle of working through those lessons has now brought us to that point of readiness. Our perpetual learning over the years about ourselves and our abilities has given birth to our  Wise Woman Warrior, who awaits at the ready to "Stand". 

The Wise Woman has arrived, residing deep in our belly. She carries  a staff of Strength, a strength that keeps us going even in the darkest of days, because we are resilient beings. She holds a balance of the Sun and the Moon, blending an ultimate positive love along with the heart and belief of the mystic. Her Faith in herself and that of the Divine Feminine reassures her that her noble path of inspiring, guiding, and protecting is what she is meant to do. 

The Wise Woman Warrior is here to Stand, as strong as the Oak tree, flexible but unwavering. She stands with you, your family, the friend who needs a shoulder, the stranger who needs kindness, and Mother Earth who needs  repair. 

The Wise Woman Rises, placing one hand in yours while the other hand beckons another "sister". She cries out, the calling to unite us once again.

The Wise Woman Protects, continually letting you know that everything will work out, because the Universe wouldn't treat your authentic spirit in any other way.

The Wise Woman Warrior is You.

Thank you for your Arrival,

Namaste

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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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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

Jillian Frost an OOAK Winter Elf Art Doll of Gourd and Clay

I had taken a break for a few weeks from creating Art Dolls so that I could paint, but delved back in for the holidays. Of course my creations don't focus on Santa Claus or Snowmen, but rather on olde stories, lore, and tall tales. Most of them revolve around the woodlands, my favorite part of nature.

Coming back to the studio first produced Jillian Frost. Jillian Frost is a Winter Elf, a gourd and clay art doll.This OOAK figurative sculpture is filled with Woodland elements.

The Story of Jillian Frost

Jillian Frost, a Winter Elf, has arrived in town for the Holidays. Jillian is a mild mannered Elf, tender and caring, and watches over the woodland animals during the long cold days of Winter. She helps the wee ones find warm homes to shelter them and directs them to where they can find food. The birds especially will flock to Jillian, for they can sense her authentic compassion. She allows the winged ones to come into her home and perch on the holiday tree. They build small nests and string popcorn garland on the tall spruce tree, while she bakes cookies in the oven.

Jillian knows what old Jack Frost is up to and when he will be bringing the Frost and frigid temperatures. She is always one step ahead of him, hurrying the woodland animals to their safe havens. Grandma Jillian is most loved in the Woodlands.

Every evening the woodland animals (squirrels, birds, chipmunks, and other wee ones) will gather around Jillian as she tells them stories. They love this time of day when Jillian will spin a story and share with them a snack of gathered nuts and fresh baked bread.

(When Jillian hadn't been adopted after her holiday creation she was packed away, and in a sense had gotten lost in the archives. Now upon her reappearance, she has gotten a makeover and is ready once again to find a new home.)

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