The Art of Healing Dolls

Wisdom Dolls and the Empowerment Work of Beverley Danusis

2011-12-26T11:50:00.000-08:00

Athena Wisdom Doll

I believe that a doll can serve as a symbol and a reminder of personal power, empowerment and wisdom gained. My personal work, and the work I teach involves teaching women how to make their own healing wisdom dolls. Sometimes I bump into women who do not want to make their dolls and would prefer to find their personal symbols created by others. Beverley has created a company all about women and girls' empowerment and her goddess dolls are available for purchase.

Read more about Beverley and her company below.

- Barb Kobe

AboutWisdom™ is an empowerment company that encourages women and girls to live from their heart's wisdom, beauty and power. Every product is created with the intention to inspire women and girls to understand that they have enough "power and wisdom" within, to live an empowered life; a life of abundance, fulfillment, harmony and happiness. The company’s philosophy and mantra is… “You’ve Got It, Too!” We sincerely believe that every person is born with divine wisdom and she must learn to use it before finding true happiness.

Beverley Danusis created a program called AboutWisdom™ goal is to promote empowerment of self, not power over others, we introduce the WisdomDolls™ to you. We use ancient mythology and its wisdom, coupled with dolls of different body types and physical features as visual triggers, to serve as teaching tools for self-awareness, self-acceptance and empowerment.

To familiarize you with these famous Greek mythological stories, we have included the myths relating to the first of our WisdomDolls™ Collections: Athena, Demeter, and Persephone. Relax and let your imagination run wild as you read these incredibly entertaining stories and participate in a grand adventure of discovery!

Read more about her company her goddess dolls at www.aboutwisdom.com

Mary Magdelene

We are taught, from an early age, by the media and the cosmetic-fashion industry that we are not enough. Then we live our lives, buying into this illusion, trying to become the “ideal beauty” that has been defined for us. AboutWisdom’s™ founder, Beverley Danusis, experienced the lack of feeling beautiful early on in life. A single mom in her early twenties, with no income or formal education, Beverley began selling cosmetics, seeking beauty, acceptance, and success.

Demeter

Twenty-three years later Beverley looked in the mirror and saw a tired, aging woman collapsing under the pressure to be beautiful and young every day. She quit her prestigious position that day, leaving behind an existence, an identity, and a self-image. That exact day, Beverley began her life's work of empowering herself and other women to break free of the cultural traps of the ideal beauty, perfection, unattainable expectations,
powerlessness and inadequateness.

Beverley began conducting seminars for women on self-empowerment using Greek mythology and Goddesses as teaching tools to help bring awareness of the wisdom gifts that lay dormant within every woman. Notable psychiatrists and therapist, such as Carl Jung, Jean Shinoda Bolin, and Clarissa Pinkola Estes used these same concepts and gifted the world by furthering this essential work. Beverley used their work, along with other resources and her own research to create a knowledge base to empower women and girls from the inside out.

During one of Beverley’s presentations, a woman mentioned that Barbie type dolls influenced women on how they feel about their bodies. This emotional moment prompted Bev’s concept and vision for a new image of beauty using dolls.

Several studies and documentaries have shown Barbie, along with similar dolls, have negatively affected young girls in accepting their bodies. Even Beverley’s own daughter was victim to the beauty trap. These experiences brought about the inspiration for WisdomDolls™. It was past time to create a new definition of beauty and image for women and girls. The entire WisdomDoll™ concept came to Bev in a flash as the woman spoke of her pain of comparing her body as a young girl to the ideal beauty. Bev was to create dolls with morerealistic body proportions and to model them after ancient Greek Goddesses. And to tie each doll to a personality pattern or goddess archetype, along with a unique wisdom gift that could be recognized and developed by every woman and girl. This is exactly what Bev did. Today Beverley lives her vision of inspiring and empowering woman and girls along their journey of self-acceptance of whom and what they are.

The Figurative Art of Fidelma Massey

2011-10-14T07:03:00.000-07:00

Singing Bird

Irish sculptor, Fidelma Massey, likes to work alone and in silence but her work is anything but silent. When I discovered her while surfing the Internet I was drawn in like a magnet. Almost everyone of her images look like healing, transformative and spiritual dolls to me.

Her artwork invites the viewer to enter a world of alchemical transformation. Her sculptural pieces are personal in the sense of them being very much the product of an individual vision, yet also universal in that they explore mythical themes and draw images from deep in the unconscious. “I want my viewers to be uplifted, to have their imagination stirred and to be surprised into a sense of wonder,” she says. “I want them to open doors and turn the sculptures over to examine and explore them.”

Massey’s work draws not only on western sculpture but eastern and classical mythology and through the fusion of these she leads her viewer to a world beyond the confines of any tradition. You can more of powerful images at http://irishsculpture.com/

Flowerhead

The sun and moon – and their astrological symbolism – provide equally powerful sources of inspiration. “In astrology the moon represents femaleness, receptivity, earth and water while the sun represents qualities of maleness, initiation, air and fire,” explains Massey. “The balancing of these paradoxical qualities results in a wholeness and harmony. “

Attaching the sun and the moon to a body of sculptures is one her Massey’s signature styles, as are arresting female forms which provide a lively – and often humorous addition – to her body of work.

“My female goddess images relate to Sheela-na-gigs, but are not intended to be frightening or repulsive the way Sheelas are,” she explains. “They very obviously deal with sexuality but are an expression of joy and the physical feeling of lightness and expansion which joy brings. “ Another recurrent theme in Massey’s latest body of work is what she describes as “the divinity of the natural world”. She says: “I don’t feel that there is any separation on conflict between the divine and the concrete world. The spectrum flows from spirit through matter and does not exclude humans.”

Mother of Them All

2011-09-15T18:07:00.000-07:00

Lisa, artist, doll maker , art therapist, nature lover, Buddhist mediator and sister to all living things, AND a member of my Medicine Doll year long course created this. You can visit her blog at http://thelittleyellowbirdsings.wordpress.com/

You can find out more about the Medicine Doll course at www.barbkobe.com and www.healingandtransformativedolls.com.

Carmilla's Healing Dolls

2011-07-13T12:41:00.000-07:00

Carmilla had hysterectomy surgery in January 2011. She created dolls before and after her surgery. This is her story.

"This shaman doll surprised me up to the very last moment of her creation. I saw a photo in an anatomy book of a female pelvis complete with reproductive organs. I bought the book and cut out the pelvis knowing that it would be just the right size for a doll related to my upcoming hysterectomy. I spent the evening painting, glittering, and placing jewels onto the tiny cardboard pelvis while making sure that I left the lines of the initial diagram intact. It reminds me of a butterfly...

I spent another two days working nonstop on the figure of the doll. It was a birthing process which is how I feel about the preparations for my surgery. I used friendship bracelets for her colorful hair...She has jewels of the sea and fish swimming throughout...I kept placing the anatomical drawing on her pelvis as her construction progressed. For some reason, it never felt quite right.

At the very end, I hesitantly placed the mask over her face just to see what might transpire...That was the moment that the spark ignited the flame of my creation. She took on a tribal quality that embodied strength, wisdom, beauty, protection, healing and joy! These are the qualities that I will move forward with into this new courageous phase of my life..."


Moon Butterfly She is both a chrysalis and a butterfly at the same time. She flows like the bride of the sea.

After the surgery she created mermaid dolls.

"I am exploring many alternative options to speed my surgery recovery. Medically induced menopause has proved to be a far greater challenge than I ever imagined. I am striving to balance my hormones, brain chemistry, emotions, and physical healing. The art pieces that have been flowing through me over the past few weeks. I am happy to say that I am finally beginning to feel like myself again following my surgery. It feels as if my soul has returned to my body. My life force is becoming strong once again.

I am involved in a time of deep healing. These dolls represent quite accurately the transformational process I am experiencing as I return to my life in what feels like a new way. I feel changed on a cellular level and devoted to emerging even stronger than before. My vision regarding the future of my art process and my healing art doll classes is coming forth with crystal clarity.

Red Celestial Mermaid

Red Celestial Mermaid. She is actively involved in a process of cellular transformation...I realized that the driftwood on this mermaid's head looks like a vision that I had of my own healing...A trunk of a beautiful tree growing many new branches...

It feels as if my soul has returned to my body. My life force is becoming strong once again.

I am involved in a time of deep healing. These dolls represent quite accurately the transformational process I am experiencing as I return to my life in what feels like a new way. I feel changed on a cellular level and devoted to emerging even stronger than before. My vision regarding the future of my art process and my healing art doll classes is coming forth with crystal clarity. I will share more with you as my plans evolve...

You can see more of Camilla La Mer's dolls and blog at http://soulshamans.blogspot.com/

Elissa Farrow-Savos's Sculptures

2011-05-18T09:39:00.000-07:00

The Slow and Careful Earning of Trust

Elissa Farrow-Savos uses polymer clay and found objects to tell stories, explaining that each sculpture is a narrative of “some woman somewhere, and every woman everywhere.”

Every piece I make is about storytelling, each a narrative of some woman somewhere, and every woman everywhere. She says, "My head is full of the reasons and meanings behind each piece – usually a convoluted combination of a very specific experience with a myriad of emotions and thoughts and opinions that could be many, many words, but instead is this one piece, or maybe two."
These women stories represented by the "dolls" are proud, humble, heroic, deeply sensitive, scarred, determined, and full of life.

There are common themes, such as physical, emotional, and spiritual burdens, connections lost and found, love and anger, dignity and strength. Meanwhile, they keep company with rusty chains, weathered wood, decaying bones, abandoned objects, and scraps of fabric – the debris of life, lived. "My women are the same, they show their scars and wear them proudly because after all, they make a good story, if nothing else."

Elissa has a small gallery space at the front of her beautiful home and a tiny studio across the foyer from the gallery, this busy mother of three juggles her passions and responsibilities with grace and ease.

You can see much more of her figures at http://efarrowsavos.com/home.html

Keri Joy Colestock's Wall Dancers

2011-02-21T07:38:00.000-08:00

Livin' Life Mermaid

"I began the "Wall Dancers" in February 2003. After 15 years of a being Senior Designer,I lost my passion for my art. I said,"No Mas!" Just when I thought I knew where my life was going - I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease in February 2002 and that kept me literally bed-bound where the first 300 “Wall Dancers”were made in bed.

Since I have sold over 1400 dolls. Now after doing the hubcap for Landfill Art I am truly loving playing with the found object art. I truly am having a riot! I believe everything happens for a reason and I accept I am EXACTLY where I am supposed to be today. You can make lemonade with the cards you are dealt. You live your life like anyone else. I am blessed with a beautiful family & friends. I have met great people & I cannot change the Lyme Disease but I can choose how I want to live my life & I do! To all of you that have gone through this with me over the years I love you all & am forever grateful for your beautiful friendships.

You can see more of Keri's dolls at
www.walldancers.com

or email her at kerijoy@mac.com

Domestic Violence Shelter Me Doll Exhibit

2011-01-20T18:45:00.000-08:00

"Freedom" by Anonymous survivor.
"Take care and love yourself! Don’t stop your journey--it’s not
where it takes you, it’s what you learn along the way."

This “Me Doll” exhibit was created by the women at the Dawson County Domestic Violence Shelter in Glendive, Montana. The “Me Doll” workshop gives voice to survivors of domestic violence. The project, created at AWBW, not only allows victims to share their artwork with the community, it provides an avenue for releasing fears, anger, hopes, and dreams of all those who suffer in silence.

All of the artists were survivors of domestic violence and/or sexual assault. Each doll resembled its maker, both in physique and personality, and the participants were pleased with the outcome of their work. They created dream dolls, dolls to help recognize and remember the dreams of each survivor. It was through this project that many women experienced a sense of peace.

You can see more pictures of the dolls from this project at

Me Doll Gallery

Pinkey
Out of the Fire
Into the Light

Miss Understood
Why didn't I just leave?

Insecurity Wears a Black Shroud

2011-01-08T12:20:00.000-08:00

Insecurity Wears a Black Shroud

Insecurity Wears a Black Shroud was inspired by a wide-ranging conversation I had with a close friend. Somewhere within the conversation we started discussing activities we did as kids, such as going to summer camp or other activities away from home.

Later, as I thought about this conversation, an image for this piece emerged so strongly that I had to stop what I was doing at that moment and sketch out my vision. The emotions that rose to the surface after that conversation still felt very raw and very real. What I realized is that I did not participate in many activities as a kid due to insecurity. I was afraid to be away from home. I was afraid of failing. I lacked confidence in many areas. Sadly, those feelings carried over into my adult life in other ways: going along with people, pleasing others instead of my self, fear and self-doubt.

Insecurity’s face is slightly distorted, hiding the pain and anguish she feels. Her long black wings represent the shroud we wear to hide our insecurities. Below her wings are the faces and words that tie us to our feelings of insecurity. However, under the feathers around Insecurity’s neck, is the word Hope. In the center of her body rests a ruby charm embedded in words of loving-kindness.

This piece was 3 years and 15 days in the making, from conception to completion. Often I would look at her, in her state of incompletion, and wonder when and if I’d have the nerve to finish her. I was afraid to finish her. Completing this piece meant I was closing the door on my own insecurities; those shadow effects I’d grown up with that easily became a crutch and a source of lack. However, in her completion, Insecurity reminds me to never give up. She represents a true sense of accomplishment. In her I know that I can take a leap and the net will appear.

Materials: Polymer clay, gold leaf, beads, ruby gemstone, feathers, acrylic wash, wood, acrylic paint, molding paste.

You can see more of Amy's healing and transformation dolls on her website:

www.amyacrawley.com

Amy Crawley's Emergence

2011-01-08T12:16:00.000-08:00

EMERGENCE

Emergence is the third piece from a body of work titled Dwellings. This body of work was inspired by a series of dreams involving homes, apartments, and other buildings. As I wrote in my journal about these dreams, I realized that these images are often representative of our inner self. With this knowledge, I began to contemplate the meaning behind the various dwellings that appeared in my dreams: their physical condition, the colors, and size. I sat down and wrote in my sketchbook a list of free-flowing word-associations. I asked my self several questions: “What does my dwelling mean to me? What do our dwellings mean to us? Are we boxed in? Constricted? Hemmed In? Secure? Do we dwell on things?”

Emergence is personally important for her symbolism. The green and yellow/gold surface design means healing and balancing, wisdom, communication, and light of the sun. The copper beads symbolize transformation, the pearls infinite compassion, protection, and spiritual attunement. The turquoise stone is for healing and balance. It wasn’t until after Emergence was completed that I realized she represented my emergence as an artist; an artist seeking meaning in her work and my desire to move away from production level artwork. Emergence represents my new direction and a birth of new ideas.

Materials: Polymer clay over a foil armature, copper beads, pearls, turquoise, wire, acrylic wash, wood, 24kt gold leaf.

You can see more of Amy's healing and transformation dolls on her website

http://www.amyacrawley.com

On the Edge

2010-10-30T09:37:00.000-07:00

On the Edge

Lois is a Native American woman who grew up in a middle-class neighborhood. Although she loved middle-class life, she was always intrigued by her Native heritage. Lois is well-educated and has had many good jobs, but alcohol kept getting in the way and she ended up living on the streets off and on for many years.

The rough blue denim of the left side of this doll and the vodka bottle represent the part of Lois that likes walking in danger. The right side is soft pink satin. The right arm extends her heart to the world, expressing her love for her children and family. There is plenty of humor and playfulness on both sides—for example, the knobby elbows, knees and “boobies.”

Balanced on Lois’s head is an apple, because she has often been accused of being an apple by her Native friends—red on the outside and white on the inside. She admits that she does not identify very much with her Native connection, but still is drawn to it and to something deeper and more dangerous than middle-class respectability and comfort.

Lois lives balanced on the edge of a razor. She likes the excitement, but fears she will be destroyed if she falls off.

Lois created her healing doll at I Love a Parade in Minneapolis, MN

Tonya's Phoenix

2010-10-30T09:33:00.000-07:00

Phoenix

In this work, LaTonya rises in neon splendor above the gang graffiti, violence and poverty that have tried so hard to defeat her. Until she was 11, she had a fairly good life. Her mother had separated from her father, because he drank a lot and was abusive, but LaTonya felt loved and secure living with her mother and grandmother.

Then one day her father shot through the door six times, trying to kill her entire family. Although he failed, he was sent to prison for 10 years. A week later, her mother died of an aneurysm at age 37. At age 12, LaTonya started using marijuana and alcohol. In her teens, she ran away from home and “kept meeting up with the wrong men.” After a while, “cocaine became my best friend,” she recalls.

After ten years of horrific experiences, LaTonya was finally ready for a change. She checked herself into a chemical-dependency treatment program and began working hard to rise like a phoenix over all the negative things symbolized by the graffiti on the city she is rising above. After three years of effort, she has a job at I Love a Parade and her first apartment.

Tonya created her healing doll at I Love a Parade in Minneapolis, MN

Organization in Minneapolis helps women with dollmaking

2010-10-30T09:20:00.000-07:00

I Love a Parade is a unique arts organization that teaches women who are -- or have been chronically homeless to create high-quality art. Director Sandra Haff helps them find housing and solve other personal problems and practical problems--the emphasis is not on needs but rather on what the artists can learn about art, what they can find out about themselves, and what they can express and achieve. Art, specifically, dolls, doll pins, and puppets, has proven to be a powerful tool for the artists to find their own identities-to define themselves rather than accepting negative social definitions. www.iloveaparade.org

2010-07-12T05:47:00.000-07:00

MEme Story

On a tour of Barb Kobe's home studio I was awed by the amazing array of healing and medicine dolls she has created. I wanted to make a healing doll for myself. I asked if she would consider teaching the class as a weekly series since it would be difficult for me to attend her 3-day healing doll retreat. She did just that.

This photo shows MEme with her Burden Bag on her back and a her Native American hand drum sitting on her perch on top of a high bookcase in my family room/ studio area.

The first class set the stage for the doll that ultimately developed. As we discussed our responses to Barb's healing-related questionnaire we three congenial participants each kneaded and manipulated a lump of air dry clay product in our hands. My lump developed into a misshaped face with its nose out of joint, pouting lips, and a generally grumpy demeanor. It is exactly the way I feel on the inside as I deal with the pain of rheumatoid arthritis. From there I moved into construction of a body. Initially I only knew I wanted a large doll; Barb helped me to make an armature for the body. As I wrapped the armature with cotton batting and tee-shirt knit, I thought about how to express my healing needs visually.

My first intuition was to weave a backpack replicating the Finnish birch bark backpacks of my heritage. I called it my Burden Bag and began placing representative things into it, things that were burdens to me. The healing doll could symbolically carry my burdens, lifting them from me. My next inclination was to make clay feet. I wanted them to be bare and blue; my feet are cold especially at night. Embedded gemstones and seed beads indicate pain points, black toenails represent neuropathy.

As I sewed and stuffed the hands I thought about how I'd represent the pain I feel there. I started sewing fuchsia-colored seed beads in a circular manner onto the joint of the right hand index finger where I often experience intense arthritic pain. A floral design grew from that point. Ultimately floral-like beaded designs covered most of both hands.

As the doll developed she became an amalgam of my life's experiences. I gave her the name MEme. Every part of MEme is significant to me. The costume, the symbols, and the beading all represent something special to me; all look joyful. I realized, among other things, that I was expressing thankfulness for being able to create art when not long ago, that was physically challenging to do.

The healing doll class was a wonderful opportunity to learn while being surrounded and nurtured by Barb's strong creative energy and that of the other of two participants. Everything I've involved myself in over the past few years relates to healing energy. I know I'm being directed in this way for a reason.

Constance Makela
Minneapolis, MN

Art Doll show in CA

2010-07-11T09:28:00.000-07:00

The Art of the Doll
Protection, Healing, Power and Play
Trunk Shows, Lectures & Events
July 16-September 19, 2010

Cassandra Light, author of Way of the Doll is one of presenters, also
Vicky Bailey, Wendy Bailey, Barbara Redemer, Christy Silacci, Sha Sha Higby, Truth Marie Almon, Barbara Willis, Andrew Tabbot, Jan Sofie and Geri Olson

Other dollmakers invited, see website

http://www.petalumaartscouncil.org/doll.html

The Wounded Healer video

2010-06-04T08:28:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orxEawi9qro

Julie Mitchell's Spirit Figures

2010-05-16T17:18:00.000-07:00

I discovered Julie Mitchell in the 1000 Artisan Textiles book.
(Doll title is "Together in Dreamtime")

Julie says here http://www.ebsqart.com/Artists/cmd_juliemitchell_Profile.htm

When I contacted her she said: "You have been one of my inspirations since I first saw your Healing Dolls. When I start this journey of creating my Spirit Figures I knew it was about more than making dolls. And then I came upon your work and it solidified the path I wanted to take."

Of all the possible mediums, dolls bring together my love for drama, story telling and ritual. Contemporary dollmaking is exciting because I'm working with so many materials, creating constant challenges in every piece I create.

Dolls bring us back to our ancient tribal roots and have been found in every indigenous culture. My figures are goddesses, angels, shaman, fairies....strong, soft, magical and mystical. I like to think they carry something more important than just form...SPIRIT! I've been fortunate to experiences some wonderful moments when someone views one of my figures and there is that "connection".

I gather pieces, old and new, create a clay face, hand-painted and dyed fabric, paper mache', feathers, beads, leather, bark and all manner of found objects in their construction. I work with color, texture, shape and emotion. At some point the spirit of the piece emerges and takes over...that's when I'm filled with joy, it is like an outer body experience.

I love sharing something I've brought to life that comes from my imagination......enjoy...julie

juliemitchell_art@sti.net

Dancing to Mother's Rhythms

Healing Doll Interview

2010-05-05T19:57:00.000-07:00

LISTEN TO MY
Healing Art Dolls Interview
with Collage Diva,
Kathryn Antyr
from True North Arts
http://collagediva.typepad.com/truenorth/

Art of the Doll Gallery Show

2010-01-28T19:59:00.001-08:00

Copy and paste this link to see video of show Art of the Doll
Showing January 5 thru 30, 2010
Robbin Gallery Robbinsdale, MN
http://www.twelve.tv/news/newsitem.aspx?newsid=1087&newsitemid=11478

Therapeutic Dollmaking Work of Christine Harris

2009-10-22T19:01:00.000-07:00

The Therapeutic Dollmaking Work of Christine Harris
http://art-insight.ning.com
www.art-insight.com
www.christinekharris.com

I recently signed up for Barb Kobe's “Medicine Dolls: How to Make Healing Dolls for Yourself.” teleclass and I am going to document my experiences in this blog. I have admired Barb's dolls and her class for years. I have looked at Barb's site and her dolls longing to experience her teachings, but would never give myself permission to take them because I felt I had to stay focused on creating workshops for kids. I see that it has been silly to wait so long and realize the value me having this experience will have on teaching the kids in my workshops. So, at the beginning of this month, having sold some artwork, I finally have allowed myself to do this. I am excited for the experience and look forward to it enhancing my abilities as a teacher and art therapist.

When I signed up for the class, and emailed Barb, she in turn looked at my website and said she would like me to share my experience with leading the Medicine Man/Woman workshop, so I am sharing that here. The image is an an example I created for this workshop. Here is a link to the local news article about the workshop: http://hamptonroads.com/2008/07/healing-power-medicine-dolls.

The spiritual and therapeutic value of doll making lead to me to create the “Medicine Man/Woman” workshop. Designed for children who are dealing with trauma and loss, the idea is to make an embodiment of healing. I teach the kids about the shamans of different cultures, the symbolism used by different cultures, and then encourage them to create their own Medicine Man/Woman. We talk about creating our own personal symbolism and express it by creating talismans that we attach to our Medicine Man/Woman. Kids learn how to build a 14” tall wire armature and they create a face, hands, feet and talismans with polymer clay. For clothes, they use a yarn wrapping technique that I developed for the project.

The Medicine Man/Woman workshops are nonprofit, and grant funded, thus required to run for only 6 – 8 weeks and meeting for only 2 hours a week. I had to come up with a way to reach out to people struggling with overwhelmingly difficult situations in a short span of time and wanted to leave them with something substantial while not opening them up too much, leaving them vulnerable and raw. I knew I would have kids from all walks of life, many who had negative perceptions of counseling and social services. I had to create something meaningful, fun and nonthreatening and I was nervous. I felt very insecure the first time I ran the Medicine Man/Woman workshop, especially about how the males would respond to creating what was essentially a doll.

Surprisingly, even the boys are responsive to creating a Medicine Man/Woman and take the project to heart—these kids haven't responded to other therapies and engage in many self destructive behaviors. At first I expected a cold reception, but I find as they make their Medicine Men/Women, the kids talk about their difficulties with coping. For many, it is the first time they have discussed what happened to them and it is an important opportunity for them to share with others who have experienced the same things.

My Medicine Man/Woman workshop has been many places, including a hospitals, day programs, support groups and school settings. Dolls from children in my workshop in Newark Hospital in New Jersey have not only been shown in the hospital gallery, but were also part of a touring exhibit. Since my move to Chesapeake, VA , I have run the workshops in Portlock Galleries, who gave the kid's a show. This press was very validating for the kids and I was happy to see how proud they were of their creations.

I am always surprised that the kids respond to the workshops because they have been through so much and are often so jaded. I can share what some of the kids had to say and have included them here. I have also included what they are doing now, not because I can claim all the credit, but because their stories seem so hopeless but had hopeful endings.

To respect privacy and safety, I am using initials:

J “Alpha” (10 years old, terminal lymphoma): “I am dying. My mother and father will not talk about it and I can't let them know that I know. Alfy (medicine man) is someone I can tell anything. Someone who is ok to hear that I am afraid, but I am ready.” J passed away a month after the workshop, but created another medicine man for his parents before his passing. His mother told me it was called “Eternal” as says that it gives both her and J's father comfort.

L “Evergreen” (9 years old, recovering from leukemia): “Evergreens are always green. That means they are always healthy and growing. He will help me to never be sick again. I will be evergreen.” L is 14 years old and says he is writing a graphic novel about his experience.

M “Damien” (14 years old, recovering from leukemia) “That's a dark name, I know it is. But he has been in a dark place and he is the only one who has been in the same dark place that I have been. My parents were going to name me Damien, but I guess they changed their minds”. M has a recurrence of leukemia, but is now recovering. His mother said that he is back and school and “chasing girls”.

C “Grandma” (12 years old): “My Medicine Woman is my grandmother. She died two years ago and I miss her. I could talk to her. My parents died in a car accident before Christmas and I can talk to her about it. Other people don't like to hear about it or they want to hear more that I want to say.” C is in now in foster care and says he is doing well.

A “Destiny” (10 years old; father murdered her mother, now in foster care): “Her name is Destiny. Just like Destiny (pop singer) she is talented and she makes me want to sing. I used to love to sing, but I haven't in a long time. It is time for me to start to sing. She is waiting with open arm for me to sing again.” A was hospitalized when she was in my workshop, but is living with her grandparents and singing in her church choir.

S “Lost Love” (13 years old; father and mother murdered in car jacking 2 months previous to workshop): “She is a lost soul too, but she has a direction to go in. Maybe she can show me.”
S found out she was pregnant when she was in my workshop. She is now living with her grand parents with her baby, has reinvested herself in her education, and plans to become a nurse.

M “Unknown” (12 years old, sister of S) “He is mysterious. I don't know if he can help me, but he might try. Its nice for him to try.” M is also living with her grandparents and says she has her sad days, but is doing better in school and has joined the school art club.

A “Beatrice” (12 years old, mother abandoned, now if foster care). “She loves me no matter what I do. Her arms open only for me. I have a place with her”. A is still in foster care, but likes the home he is living in. His foster parents are in the process of adopting him.

L “Tagged” (16 years old, in juvenile detention). “I used to tag everything. But that's not why I got busted. He is my ultimate tag. He is me in 20 years, back from the future to guide me. I want to do better things and he stands for the better things I can do.” L got his GED and says he loves his job working in a grocery store.

T “Only Friend” (17 years old, executed both grandmother and grandfather-both suspected pedophiles-, in juvenile detention awaiting adult sentencing). “I am never getting out of here. Everyone here is afraid of me, but they don't know what happened to me. I didn't want to do what I did. I have no friends here. Nowhere anywhere. I can't keep myself safe and I can't keep other people safe from me”. T graduated from high school,is attending community college and says he is making friends.

I learned a lot running the workshops, especially from the strength that the children have—strength I am not sure that I would be able to muster. I am lucky to be a witness to their striving and in turn try to strive harder to be better in my life. It has been a gift for these kids to show me their true selves and have appreciated them allowing me into their lives.

I am getting ready to run a workshop for military children and their families in December, and hope that I can provide them with a healing experience. I can't wait to share my experiences and dolls from Barb's workshop and look forward to the learning and growth that will enable me to be a better teacher and art therapist.

Angie's Healing Doll

2009-06-27T08:50:00.000-07:00

In 2007 I made a healing doll for my friend Angie Cabrera (Minneapolis) She answered the ten questions that I ask anyone wanting me to make a healing doll to answer. Angie was diagnosed with Stage 4 ovarian cancer in 2006. She passed on on Thursday, June 25, 2009. You can see and read about Angie's story at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/angiecabrera/journal

Her passing has takes me to my ever-questing questions - What is healing? Can making a healing doll for someone heal them?

These were her answers to the ten questions. See if you can find ways I incorporated her responses into images on the doll....

1.What colors are you drawn to? Do you wear often? Are your favorites? Blue and brown with a splash of red

2. What will this doll stand as a symbol for you? What will it remind you to think, feel, and or do when you see it? I am healthy and strong. I am loved and supported. Positive energy from the universe is pouring into my body.

3. What elements describe you? Earth, air, water, fire? Air and earth I breathe in positive energy and find hope and courage in the plants sprouting from the earth in the springtime. There is life after the winter.

4. What symbols do you like? You collect these, spend time around them, are drawn to them like a magnet?

family photos, flowers and plants, cross, mugs (for quiet tea drinking times with friends), smooth rocks, yin and yang, chinese symbols, angels, colored glass, mosaics

5. What part of your body do you feel needs healing?

Spirit - to continue to be strong and courageous

Lymph Nodes - to be full of healing energy

Feminine side - to be restored to life

6. Describe the symptoms and location of the pain, illness, condition.

Stage IV ovarian cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes. I have scars on my abdomen neck, and chest. The discomfort I have at this time is the pain around the port in my chest. It is a constant reminder that I get chemo (even more so than the hair loss!) and I have not been able to feel comfortable with it. It still bothers me when I touch it and I hate it when they stick my IV in.

7. If an animnal with special posers were to enter your life to give you power, what would that animal be?

It would be a small, white, furry animal that curls up with me and gives me comfort and warmth and would able to enter my cells and keep my body healthy. It would be a wise animal - an old soul who could help me on this journey. I don't get a picture of any real animal so you'll have to invent a new one. I certainly don't want a small rodent or a cat to enter my life! Maybe it would be a Narnia lion who is wise and protective.

8. When do you feel the powerful?

When I concentrate on breathing.

When coincidences happen

When I get hugs and notes and surprise visits

When the wind blows on my face

When I hear birds and water running

SPRING!

9. What brings you the greatest joy? Makes your heart sing? What does your heart yearn for?

Family and friends and traveling and getting to know other peoples and cultures brings me joy and energy.

However the thing that brings me my greatest joy is being with Douglas, Marielos, and JonCarlo. My heart yearns to be with them for many, many more years. The only thing that has made me cry during these 5 months is the thought that I might not be able to do that.

10. What is your favorite fairy tale? Explain how this fairy tale is a metaphor for your Life?

Stone Soup is the story that keeps coming to mind throughout these months. When everyone is concerned only for themselves, there is nothing extra and everyone feels poor. When people begin to share and work together, there is an abundance. I have felt this abundance during my illness. There has never been a lack of anything because the community has shared with me and my family. I know if I'm not here to help my children through some challenge in their lives, there will be many other loving people who they can lean on. One thing that was clear from the beginning of this journey was that it had to be a WE. It might be physically happening to me, but it was also happening to everyone around me too.

By taking away my illusion of living forever (or at least until I'm 80), cancer has given me the present.

On Thursday, June 11, 2009 7:49 AM, CDT Angie wrote in her Caring Bridge journal:

Here are my most recent thoughts on faith and God. I have read many books about near death experiences, Tibetian philosophies, psychics, forensic pathologists views on death, the book of Mormon, and the bible. This is what I believe today.

My God is a God of love.

Only good comes from my God. (All of the people who shared their near death experiences spoke of the incredible love they felt as they transitioned into their next lives. No one spoke of judgement or fear.)

In the garden of Eden, Adam and Eve ate of the tree of knowledge.

To me, the knowledge they gained was an awareness of the past and the future. They now missed the days that had gone by and worried about the future. They lost the gift of the present.

When I was diagnosed with cancer, I wished that I was an animal, unaware of the future and only focused on the present. I fought hard to live in the present and enjoy the moment. I had to battle with the curse of Adam and Eve.

When God realized that humans focused on the future, overlooked the present, and worried about dying, he sent his son as an example. He showed us that there is a better life after life on earth and that we will be part of that. We didn’t need to worry about dying.

My God didn't need Jesus to die for our sins - to balance the spreadsheet. A parent wouldn't say to their child, for example, "Marielos lied 4 times yesterday so JonCarlo, I'm going to cut out your tongue. That way I can forgive her." NO! A loving parent wouldn't do that and wouldn't keep a list of everything we did wrong and expect to be compensated for those sins. The father of the prodigal son took him back without question. If my God is a loving God, then why did Jesus have to die?

At this moment in my life I would give anything to have my mom return from heaven and chat with me for even one minute and tell me that everything will be all right as I transition on to my next life. She hasn't appeared yet. So, I can think on the example of Jesus and know that God already sent his son to show us not to worry about the future. Our life after this life on earth will be even better. I will be ok and my family will too. Jesus died so that we might release our fears of the future and live in the present. God, my loving God, sent his son as an example for all of us.

I believe that I was a spirit before coming to earth. I chose an experience that would help me grow and I'm living that experience now. When I have learned all I need to learn, I will shed my physical body and return to live with my God. When I think that I chose this experience, then there is a paradigm shift in my mind. This cancer didn't just happen to me. I chose this experience to become a better spirit. I have a choice on how I react to my situation and God is here to help me through this experience that I chose for myself. God did not make me sick. God is not ignoring my prayers for healing. God is not judging me. God is beside me, helping me through this so that I may return to his side.

My God is a God of love.

Rage Doll and The Raven

2009-05-20T07:45:00.000-07:00

RAGE DOLL and The RAVEN
Doll Artist: Camilla La Mer
http://soulshamans.blogspot.com/

Three weeks following my hysterectomy surgery I am experiencing tremendous bouts of uncontainable rage. It is quite unsettling and quite unlike me. I am trying to befriend this new emotion or, at least, to sit with it in acceptance for the moment. This Rage Doll poured through me this weekend. She may have saved many innocent bystanders from experiencing my wrath had I dared to go out in public rather than stay inside my womb-like studio and express through my creation.

The beads pouring out of her mouth beautifully express the rage pouring forth from me related to a combination of issues from my past, recovering from surgery, and hormonal attempts at rebalancing. After I finished making her, I noticed that she has a regal mermaid-like quality. She appears beautiful, centered, and powerful even in her ragefullness.

She is holding a sea shell in her triumphant raised hand that symbolizes once again my ovary...the one that was taken and the one that remains...I am so grateful for my ability to create through process! This journey contains both extreme challenges and a deep richness...I probably would have it no other way...

P.S. I found this fabulous Folkmanis Raven puppet by chance today. She embodies so much of how I am feeling as well as the mystery behind all of this turmoil. She gets along well with my Rage Doll self. In one of my favorite books, Animal Speak, her characteristics are Magic, Shapeshifting, and Creation. Raven "teaches how to go into the dark and bring forth the light...This is creation." I relate to her disheveled feathers, slight air of irritability, sense of humor, and great access to deep wisdom...I am taking her to school with me tonight!

Be sure to check out the other dolls on her blog. Her email is camillaumi@yahoo.com

Owl Doll

2009-05-20T06:36:00.000-07:00

OWL DOLL
Doll Artist: Kandra Niagra
www.weepeeple.com

The Woman Who Became an Owl

In the end, every time I looked at her, I saw the Owl.

Here I was, selling dolls at a Woman's Conference.

Feeling kind of laid back, feeling good- very in the moment…

And I've got my dolls out on display-

It's pretty routine… it's all good

and it's getting on towards evening.

The women are arriving for the conference

People are dressed up in gowns strolling around the hotel-

It's obvious that there are other conferences going on in the hotel -
a flock of ladies in wheelchairs one real darling-
real little girl in a miniature wheelchair wearing an adorable frilly dress and a tiara-

I mean DARLing!

Another group- uniformed men who looked like they were

assigned to escort the ladies in the wheelchairs-

It was all fancy and grandiose and clean and

you know it's the Peabody Hotel

and the Peabody Ducks are doing their walk

down their own little red carpet and there is a

Duck Master and he's got a red tuxedo on and a cane and a hat

and I am flying up and down in the glass elevators trying to film
the famous Peabody Duck Walk and I've got a great film.

And so I am so happy while I am fussing with

the finishing touches in the doll display,

and I'm selling dolls and it's all pretty efficient and fine-

going better than usual, really,

and I am standing out in front of my skirted table

when I felt her before I saw her…

like a shadow comes before a silent presence

I felt the mass of her.

She was like an Easter Island statue.

She was there, slowly, but thoroughly…

a spiritually massive crone with a cane,

and a scarf pinned stylishly around her neck,

a crone with eyes that seemed to taper into stripes,

the way bird's eyes and cat's eyes

lead right into their markings...

her creamy hair feathered around her face.

I had an Owl Doll on the upper shelf of my display

and she was staring at it.

She leaned on her cane and we talked,

and I offered her a chair

and we talked some more

and she put a down payment on the Owl Doll,

and shuffled away

down the hallway toward the other vendors

and was lost to view

as hundreds of ladies greeted one another

and chatted in groups.

I slept well that night.

Better than I ever had at any hotel - ever.

I dreamed, which I never do,

and was satisfied with the outcome of my dream.

The next morning, the crone returned.

She was still using the cane heavily but

she was more animated this time

and she hustled me over to

where we could sit down in chairs behind the table,

And she said that she wanted to show me

the Owl Dance,

if I wanted to see it,

and she was going to do it sitting down.

I had no preparation for this, other than the ability to

give another person my undivided attention…

what happened next I would not have wanted to miss.

She shape shifted into an Owl before my eyes.

I saw a woman become an Owl

and go back to being a woman again,

all in about 30-45 seconds.

I still see her face in my mind

how she tilted her head

and her eyes became something else and

she looked at me, then looked inwardly, upwardly,

and at that moment she was an owl.

After I got my jaw back off the floor,

I thanked her profusely, tears in my eyes,

for sharing with me the Owl Dance.

I read in the program later that she was a guest speaker

at the Women's Conference.

I have her phone number and address.

I will be contacting her again…

maybe I will learn more

about what she did and how she did it.

I hope so.

February 8-9^th, 2008

Grief Doll

2009-04-07T11:54:00.000-07:00

One of my Open Studio students made this grief doll recently. She is formed by lumps of clay beads that were fired in my kiln. Then she painted the clay with acrylic paint, then sewed the doll together with leather strips. She holds a tear job in her lap. In the center of her chest is a small blue, clay heart. She sits on a piece of wood. She is quite stunning and everyone who sees her is drawn to her. The student's father is in hospice and has lived with cancer for many years.
This student's father passed April 25, 2009.

Comfort Dolls Project

2009-02-20T15:45:00.001-08:00

Why a Comfort Doll Project?

From Pat Winter of Indiana
One simple idea, one piece of Art,this is where my idea was born.....I saw a beautiful crazy quilted art doll on an online group and couldn't get her out of my head so I ordered one . Linda Feuge was the creator of this beauty. My pure joy I felt upon receiving her led me to realize the power this beautiful cloth creation could have on a woman. If I felt so happy owning this piece of art,I could imagine what a woman who may never even know such things exist would feel owning one of her own.

There are many charity groups that Artists of any medium can join, many of which I donate crazy quilt blocks or items to. However, I haven't seen art donations going toward battered women.

They may be out there, I just haven't been aware of any. When Crazy Quilting International, an online group asked about charity causes, I raised my hand to collect cloth "Healing", "Spirit", "Comfort" dolls to be gathered by the dozen and sent to Women's shelter's.
Jo Newsham is a dear friend from New Zealand. She is collecting dolls for those who want to donate across the pond. Please email her for address if sending dolls there.
Please know that anyone who donates a doll can submit a name of a shelter in their town/state/country, to receive a dozen Comfort Dolls when available.

Unlike Jo, I had a short confrontation with physical abuse in my late teens. Thank goodness I had a supportive family to guide me home without further harm. It was the most frightening time in my life, and as the taxi made it's way to the airport and the miles between fear and freedom widened, I felt myself getting stronger and saw a bright future. I knew I had seen the bottom and the only way to go was up. I thought I was the only one who experienced this trauma. Embarrassment kept me from revealing my horrid mistake. Unknowingly, just like myself, many women are taken down this path daily. This experience can leave you with low self esteem and the feeling of failure. Fortunately I have found my Prince Charming and life is good.
Unfortunately, many women aren't so lucky.
I know some may think making dolls to give to a woman who has just been beaten, raped, or abused in some way is like putting a band-aid on an amputation. Well, I see it as sending a message of hope, love,and encouragement. A gentle hug, a smile, a nudge to go forward and see there is sunshine ahead.

Imagine a woman being handed a beautiful handmade doll with a message of hope attached. This doll, from a stranger whom she will never meet, yet makes this connection of love and caring from one heart to another. A stranger who can imagine, if not know firsthand where she has been and hoping she will have brighter days ahead. The woman carries this doll in her purse, pocket, or perhaps pinned to her lapel, knowing someone cared enough to think of her. When she needs strength, she strokes it or admires it and her lips turn up with a smile and her heart warms. Yes, I am a dreamer but I do think this will happen. Actually I KNOW this will happen. Won't you join me?

If anyone wants to create a "Comfort doll", please email me or send them to the address at the top of blog. I will collect them within the US, and hopefully find someone in each country to collect them because this is a worldwide cause. I won't dwell on details, but in the US, every 15 seconds a woman is abused.

Comfort doll specifications: 6" max size (smaller preferred) doll of any medium. It may have a face or be plain, any color, any shape, embellishing such as beading, sequins, and charms need to be sewn on very securely please. Crazy quilting, Fimo faces, painted, cross stitch, felted, etc. is all wonderful and welcome. You may choose any pattern you desire or make your own. I add a message to each doll, but feel free to add a sentiment of your own. There are many free cloth doll patterns online. Look under "goddess "too, they have wonderful simple shapes to embellish easily.

See more comfort dolls at http://www.comfortdolls.blogspot.com/

Thank you for spreading a bit of comfort to those in need. This will be an ongoing project.

You may send dolls to: Pat Winter 1010N 350E Chesterton,IN 46304

Being an artist and a mother

2009-02-09T10:15:00.000-08:00

http://www.whodoesshethinksheis.net/janis_sculpting.jpg

A movie about Being a mother and artist is such a balancing act, but I can't imagine living without either one.

http://www.whodoesshethinksheis.net/

slideshow

2009-02-02T08:29:00.001-08:00

Here's a slide show of some of my dolls from the past.

2009-01-13T19:20:00.000-08:00

Sinead Humphries (MAHA)

REMOVING THE MASKS
http://removingthemasks.com

We are moving into a time where healing is needed more than ever as we realize that career, materialism, religion, routine and structure are not fulfilling. We get the house, car and perfect job, only to feel hollow inside. We consume and buy without feeling satisfied. We search for more, for something that they can’t quite put their finger on. Perhaps what we are searching for is ourselves!

We realize that we need healing that looks at the whole person. Healing that is gentle, effective and which honors both ourselves and the environment that we live in. Healing where there are no harmful side effects or illness. We realize we want to be heard without judgment, without criticism, without blame.

Sinead Humphries (MAHA) is a fully registered and experienced Classical Homeopath.
Her web site focuses on discussing homeopathy and healing, and she runs the Bentleigh East Homeopathic Health Centre in Melbourne, Australia.

I was impressed by her writing about healing and thought the following articles might inspire a healing doll or two.

http://removingthemasks.com/articles/spiritual-healing/illness-as-a-gift

http://removingthemasks.com/articles/spiritual-healing/how-to-talk-to-your-illness

There are other articles on her website that are worth the time to read.

Unraveling Fear - Releasing Love

2008-12-15T09:27:00.000-08:00

Unraveling Fear Releasing Love
Healing Doll by Barb Kobe

This started with me playing with wrapping cording in colors I normally do not use on my dolls. After wrapping some of the cording I starting to sew a form together. I knew I wanted it to be abstract with holes that I could fill with other embellished pieces of fabric and beads. As I played with the colors, shapes and spaces I allowed myself to be lead my my intuitive voice. Half way through with the construction I felt drawn to open the shape up some more, to allow more air into it. I began to see a meaning taking form and stepped away from the form and started to make a doll that would be emerging.

I've been dealing with anxiety attacks and fear for almost 3 years. Most of the art I created to explore these feelings was dark, confined, and fearful. I had decided that it was time to move toward the light and begin living my life embracing all my feelings. As I look at what I was creating I realized that this doll was encouraging me to do just that. This is a point of awareness or consciousness that I reach with most of my deep healing dolls. In the middle of the creating there is a shift and with that shift there is a change in my internal energy and I then feel like I am be lead to complete the doll in record time. It is as if the form begins to birth itself and I am the midwife.

I painted and embellished a small doll and placed her within the unravelings. She represents my inner child starting to see the light and be released from the bindings of fear. There are several other small dolls that are incorporated within the wrapped cording that represent old beliefs embedded in the fear. I'm almost near the end of her creation and it is at this point that I feel as if I merge with the image, honor the feeling, and release the energy that was binding me. This doll now stands as a symbol of my bounded up fear and the unraveling and unwinding involved in the healing process. After all it's all a process, and I trust this one.

Joy A. MacLeod

2008-11-29T08:32:00.001-08:00

Joy's Nymph
Honor the Source, Trust the Process, Delight in the Results

Each doll I make is a personification of a feeling, thought, dream or belief and not a realistic facsimile of a human . They are my form of storytelling and often closely tied to an encounter with nature. These enigmatic forms are artifacts from the world within, the intangible made real. In the intuitive process it is vital not to over think what my hands wish to make. My intent is to fuse the dreamlike quality of my creative experiences with my skills as an artist to enchant both the child and adult facets of my self and others. Through the process of intuitive doll making I have discovered a freedom for exploration and a wealth of possibilities that few other art forms can match.

Joy's influences include her interest in natural science, anthropological artifacts and visual art as a form of storytelling. Joy's research led her to design the "Personal Journey Doll Workshop". Since first designing her PJD workshops in 1996, Joy has presented her unique methods of creating art both privately and at any educational, therapeutic and spiritual centers and conventions throughout Western Canada.

Currently Joy also teaches Expressive Art classes at Wellspring Calgary, an innovative cancer support centre.

To view Joy's art dolls visit:
www.artsonatlantic or www.artswideopen.com

dollwork@shaw.ca

YOU ARE WORTH THE TIME

2008-11-15T08:38:00.000-08:00

Christopher Malone

2008-11-08T07:32:00.000-08:00

CHRISTOPHER MALONE

Kwele, one who keeps in a tribe when called upon.

Chris Malone is a self-taught artist who wants to go beyond seeing dolls as just play things for children, but spiritual objects of thought that are in balance with our imagination. He believes that how far you take it is up to you.

His advice to beginning artists is that they need to realize that they're not alone. "All the things you're going through, all the doubts you're having about yourself, every other artist has done the same thing. Anybody else tells you different, they're not being truthful." He believes that there is so much more to dolls than just their structure and embellishment. He says, "They are about a spirit, about something we as a people need to fill our soul."

"There's so much more to dollmaking that what is there. There's something more spiritual, and I think our spiritual side is picking up on it. As a tribe, we need these things; we need the healers and the dreamers and those who can interpret dreams. And we need the doll makers."

You can learn more about Chris and see more of his dolls at http://cmaloneyart.com

Healing Spirits

2008-10-25T08:35:00.000-07:00

HEALING SPIRIT

This ~ Healing Spirits ~ Wall Art Doll, is made by Oregon artist Marge Bielefeld It is a one-of-a-kind, mixed media art piece that can be hung on your wall or altar. The face is hand sculpted from polymer clay by the artist and finished with several washes of acrylic paint. Marge does not hame or create stories for her dolls, preferring to let those who give them a home to interpret their story.

The body is covered in supple buckskin leather and wrapped with Pendleton blanket fabric in a Native pattern called Desert Sand. She used carved shell birds, vintage trade and shell beads and brass swirl beads for the necklace nd earrings. The grey braids are wrapped with leather, shell buttons, glass beads and feathers. Rink Neck Pheasant feathers are on the side of the head. The leather medicine bag is filled with healing herbals and semi-precious gemstones and is adorned with beads and feathers. Hanging from the Pendleton robe is hand cut leather with glass beads and brass cones filled with feathers.

In her belly she have placed a variety of fragrant, healing herbals; white and grey sage, sweet grass, mugwort, eucalyptus, incense cedar, balsam and redwood. Also she holds in her belly a wide assortment of semi-precious gemstones, including amber, amethyst, black onyx, carnelian, crystal, garnet, hematite, jade, lapis lazuli, leopardskin jasper, malachite, peridot, rose quartz, snowflake obsidian, tiger eye, tourmaline and turquoise.

Marge has been a doll maker creating mixed media figurative sculptures for over 14 years. She offers handmade, one-of-a-kind art dolls with extreme attention given to every detail of the theme of the doll, the materials used and its embellishments. Her dolls are truly original, no commercial molds or patterns are used guaranteeing no two dolls will ever be the same. She tries to reveal the expression of the mind and heart and their interaction together. She thinks of the art doll body as a canvas, transforming the form with layers of fabric, found objects and embellishments to emphasize the form, and to create a dimensional collage.

You can see more of her dolls at www.ancientones.com

SEEDS OF GROWTH

2008-10-08T17:19:00.000-07:00

BLESSINGS THE SEEDS OF GROWTH

I was at one of favorite places in the world...Maureen Carlson's Creativity Center in Jordan, MN (www.weefolk.com).. at one of her Friday night open studios. I planned to stay the night in one of her wonderful retreat rooms, have a massage that night and make dolls all day on Saturday.

The inspiration for this doll came from bodywork that Friday. As my feet were being massaged I began to have the sensation that I was beginning labor. The feeling intensified to the point that I had to change positions and did not really subside until an hour later after I got dressed and headed back to Maureen's Center. That night I thought about the sensations. I started to form a body from wire, wrapping it with quilt batting. I attached hands and a head and then went to bed. After breakfast the next day I went for a walk along Sand Creek next to the center. As I sat next to the creek in mild meditation I looked to my right and found a broken open gourd filled with seeds...as if it were giving birth. This seemed the perfect symbol to rest in the dolls lap.

The embellishment of the doll included writing affirmations and sewing them onto her sacrum.
- Life is unfolding as I desire.
- I honor my body and feel good about my sexuality.
- I am moving toward a time when I am totally happy and fulfilled. Life offers me everything I need for the journey.
- I embrace change.
- I express my desires to myself and others.
- I accept my male and female sides.
- Who I am is good enough.

Putting her "skin" on took several months as I twisted fabric and wrapped and stitched it onto her body. This took time, time I need to be with the messages and nurture the wisdom of my body that she represented. Once completed I covered a stone with hand dyed felt and sat her upon it, trusting that the earth symbol would keep her grounded.

I placed the "seed pod" resting in her arms near her power center. To me her face expresses a bit of suffering as the birth process often begins with pain, and yet there is compassion there as she looks up to connect with a power greater than herself, as if she is asking grace and the strength to be with the growth process.

2008-10-03T17:46:00.001-07:00

Geralyn, who has posted on here before, wanted to send a get well
greeting to a friend who just had surgery. She took a picture of
herself (as a doll with a mask)with her dolls, attached into the
email, and then sent this message.

God Danced the day you were born, the angels did the bump to
Gabriel's horn. God danced, the day you were born, so grateful for
the gift of you !!

What a great idea!

God Danced was written by Andrew Lawrence.  © 2000

Healing Doll by Patty Carmody Smith

2008-08-22T09:22:00.000-07:00

I made this healing doll for a woman who requested it for both healing and strength for a life transition. She had viewed my work on my website and was comfortable letting me make the creative decisions.

I started tuning into the woman’s energy and was reminded to not take anything into my body, just to let the healing energy from the universe flow through me-and for the wholeness that was within my client to be visible to her when she viewed the piece.

One evening when the piece was sitting with it’s first coat of paint on my worktable, I came into the room and saw something glowing in my peripheral vision, I looked and it was the doll reflecting the rays of the setting sun coming in the window. At that moment I felt that I was really on the right track with this piece.

During the week that I was working on the piece, my client was diagnosed with something that required surgery and a hospital stay of several days. Her husband picked up the healing doll and brought it to the hospital the day after her surgery. She called me a few days later and said that it had saved her life. The details given to me made me think that the doll was something that helped her to view the wholeness within her and to focus while having a difficult reaction to medications.

Her husband sent me this message (slightly edited):

“Just a note to sincerely thank you for the kindness and beauty of your creation for my wife. She watched over her and helped her on her way to healing. When you see her smile you will know how magical she (the healing doll) was…how magical you are. Art is presence in one’s life and lives in us. Today and into the realm of her future, your art will live in my wife.”

It was truly an honor to be able to help this woman to see her own inner beauty and wholeness.

You can see more of Patty Smith's dolls at www.carmodyart.com

Taliah

2008-08-11T19:50:00.000-07:00

Taliah

As your face emerged I tried to decide “Are you Asian or Native American?”. When I found your wool, black hair, you were surely Native. I was drawn to Mayan symbols. After sewing your body and stuffing it with batting, we were innovative in clothing you. Your tunic is the front of a pillow case. Your pantaloons are the back. Your cummerbund, a beautiful piece of beaded silk. Your blouse, a silk one with Mayan symbols on it, which was cut and sized down. I embellished it with jeweled trim. Your medicine bag also has a Mayan design and contains shells, stones and secret healing items. You remained barefoot with extra large feet to ground you. Your arms reach up to Spirit with strength and power. You sit on a drum and also have several of your own smaller drums. Your earrings came from the Amazon and in buying them, money went to plant a new tree. You wear strong feathers in your headdress, black and white, many shades of brown, and blue/black/green. You carry the colors of the earth.

Research says your name is of Hebrew and Aramaic origin. It means heaven’s dew, lamb, and birthday of Christ (if Talia is derived from Natalie). As I pondered these meanings the one that seemed strongest was ‘birthday”. In your strength you give birth to power and clarity. Being a Libra, I find myself often struggling with making decisions. When I look at you, Taliah, and ask a question, I find the answer quickly. Is it your piercing eyes? Your strong mouth? Your posture of power? Your grounding, warm colors?

You bring me strength, clarity,and power. When I take you to Womansong, you allow me to hold you with your drum and let you play and dance with the other wise women. We honor you as you honor us.

7-28-08

Geralyn Sorensen - Minneapolis

Shekinah

2008-07-29T08:10:00.001-07:00

Shekinah
She Who Gathers

Shekinah- why did you come to me? You with small head and big voluptuous body? You with secret words and items embedded within your body-(”flexible” at your knee, “compassion” at your heart and others). You have a knotted spine and rocks to ground you in your sitting place. Why are you mint green and rose? Why do I call you Shekinah--she who gathers. Is it because you remind me so much of my mother? Your colors, your look of compassion., your nurturing spirit? Perhaps. One hand reaches out to others..one hovers over your heart and honors you. I struggle with why your head is so much smaller than your body. I try to compensate with more yarn hair and a crown of beautiful stones. Still, without your shawl, your body would be huge in comparison. I wrestle with it all and search for understanding. Barb gently encourages me to go deeper. What do we discover?

I need to think less and feel more. Yes,. Yes. Yes. That is it. And I need to balance my connections with others with my connection to myself.

Why did your name come to me when I asked you for it? Yes, I remember a wonderful song about Shekinah- meaning feminine aspect of God. In doing further research I discover she is mentioned both in Jewish and Christian literature. Some of the interpretations mean : resting place, presence of God, glory of God, indwelling of the Spirit of the Lord (Holy Spirit), divine presence, to dwell, to live with, to pitch one’s tent, God-Who-Dwells-Within, dove. I also read “Call upon her for comfort, for advise, for blessing, and for guidance. She will only respond in love and radiant light.”(http://shekinah.elysiumgates.com/).

Now when I look upon you I do see a nurturing, compassionate, full bodied woman who blesses and gathers others to her. She encourages others to pitch their tent, rest with her, to be blessed, acknowledged and nurtured. She reaches out but also reaches within. In doing so, she nurtures herself and me.

We are blessed.

Geralyn Sorensen - Minneapolis

7-27-08

Community Healing Doll

2008-04-30T06:46:00.000-07:00

The Pink Artist Doll: THE REVEAL

Her name is "Love Squared."

She wears 180 two inch art squares.

182 artists total created her.

She is just under 40" tall

and weighs 6 pounds and 2 ounces.

She smiles because already she knows love

and is able to give love unconditionally.

To many, she is a symbol of hope.

She stands for COURAGE and was built

by a community of givers.

girl gone thread wild: The Pink Artist Doll: THE REVEAL

Monica L. Magness
Textile & Doll Artist
Girl gone thread wild blog
My online Art Portfolio

2008-03-23T12:40:00.000-07:00

Debbie Ryan lives in Atlanta, Georgia. Her Spirit Dolls are in galleries in Atlanta and Washington, D.C. She is not sure what led her to start making them, although she says it might have been her ADHD. She loves sewing, painting, beading and sculpting and her dolls led the way for her to incorporate all of these things. She lived overseas and collected textiles and old kimono fabrics and likes to use them for costuming and adornments. She says making her dolls is alot like giving birth, but with less pain.

She says she loves all things a little haunting and ethnic looking. She does not name her spirit dolls or create stories for them. She believes is that person who purchases one will connect with their own creative spirit and allow the doll's name and story to come to them. She believes she is merely the vessel through which they are brought to life.

Debbie's email is debrakryan@comcast.net

2008-03-08T07:51:00.001-08:00

Another doll by Patty Camody Smith

After I finished "Reconnection" I just had to make something fresh and light and
growing with smooth surfaces, I think it was a sign that the new energy is
coming in. I have donea few more in this series.
Now I'm reading "A New Earth" by Eckhart Tolle and things are really shifting.

2008-03-08T07:47:00.001-08:00

RECONNECTION
Patty Camody Smith - Minneapolis
patty@carmodyart.com

Reconnection" was coming into being when I was reading a book called "The 
Reconnection" by Eric Pearl which is about all of our abilities to allow new
powerful energy into our lives. Allow has been the key to every message I have gotten from life for the
last few years-letting go of the struggle and facing those insecurities I have
been dragging around for so long by connecting to source.

Hope's Wish

2008-03-04T20:57:00.001-08:00

HOPE'S WISH by Leanne E. Minneapolis, MN

When I first saw needle felting at Barb's Tues night art studio I was fascinated. Must make a felted doll! So I started to make one, and Barb challenged me to make a doll reflecting the colors in a picture she had found in a magazine. Yellow is a favorite color of mine and the optimism of it felt good. As I was making the doll the name Hope came to me. I am a positive person and positioned her head to look up. When Barb supplied the "whangdoodle" on a stem it finished the theme.

I've decided to expand the purpose of this blog and that is to share my thoughts, feelings, and pictures about dollmaking and healing. I'll continue to post pictures and healing stories of as well. Hope's Wish was created by Leanne E. from my Tuesday night class. She used needlefelting, beads and a face made with Model Magic.

2008-02-02T10:22:00.001-08:00

The Medicine woman came up out of me so fast. She had to be born! She is one of my favorites and first in trying to do dolls beyond cloth. She is filled with healing crystals and talismans. Her hair is horse hair, her head and hands are self hardening clay and her body is paper mache.

Lore Caldwell
See more of Lore's dolls

http://www.picturetrail.com/photos/createtolive

Befriending My Shadow

2008-01-22T21:32:00.000-08:00

Several years ago I did an online healing doll class with Barb Kobe. While I never did complete the class (life got in the way and when you make art for your living, making art for yourself sometimes takes the back seat). I did get my shadow doll done, and she has sat in my studio this whole time. I thought I would hate her, but I found myself having compassion for this constantly needy side of myself, with her constant screaming for more, her pig nose, her blobby body. Everything I felt was bad about myself.

Yesterday, while working in the studio, a car went by, and I heard a rattle begin. When I looked, it was the doll, sitting on top of my printers drawers. I moved her to next to my sewing machine, and the rattle stopped. But as I looked at her, I realized she was no longer complete. At the time I made her, she expressed all my rage and anger at my bad qualities, but now I found I am ready to love all of myself, even those parts that may not be pleasant. It is time to love my shadow.

http://andibeads.blogspot.com

A Child's Healing Doll?

2008-01-22T21:24:00.000-08:00

This story comes from Barbara S. who lives in Ludlow, Massachusetts.I just wanted to share with all of you my day with my godchild, Jasmine. I picked her up from her pre-school outing at a skating rink. Jasmine is 4 years old and a very active child. When we arrived at my home, she immediately noticed the healing doll that I was working on. She asked if she could have it, and I told her it was a healing doll for someone else, but that if she would like, we could make one for her.

She was especially enamored by the beads that were on the doll. We worked together on the doll. I drew the pattern and cut it out. Jasmine chose the material and helped me pin the edges together so that I could sew it. She patiently waited as I sewed the doll. I invited her to sew and she did do some sewing, but not much. She played with the pins, placing them into the pin cushion as I took them out of the doll's edges as I sewed. Jasmine also stuffed the doll in larger areas, leaving the legs and arms to me, as she could not fill the smaller spaces and was becoming frustrated. She drew a face on the doll with crayon and then chose buttons for the eyes, nose and hands, and belly button! She also chose the color purple (her favorite color) for the hair of the doll (variegated embroidery thread). She really wanted the beaded look and settled for gold netting around the doll like an overblouse that had sparkles throughout. She had me wrap it like a present to herself and took it home with her at the end of the day.

The next day, her mother called me to tell me this: When she was administering an asthma inhaler to Jasmine the night before, Jasmine said that she did not want to take it anymore and that she did not need it. When Erin (mom) told her that she had to take her medication, Jasmine said that she had a healing doll and didn't need her medicine any more. Erin explained to her that the doll was a healing doll for love and that I had made it with her to remind her of being loved, and that it was not a cure for anything. Jasmine became very upset, and said it was all a lie. She told her mom that it wasn't filled with love, that it is filled with stuffing. She did not want any part of her healing doll.

Well, Erin let her cry for a while, leaving her be. Shortly after, Jasmine asked for her healing doll and took it to bed with her.

I felt very bad that my godchild misunderstood the intention of the doll. I never in a hundred years thought that she could bridge the gap of a healing doll being something that would actually heal in the way she understood that it would heal (be a cure) or I would have surely spoken more at length about it with her. So, this goes to show me that children certainly have intelligence beyond what is thought. When I see her again, even though her mom explained it to her, I will be sure to process this with her.

I was and still am astounded by her understanding on her own of what "healing" is to her.
Out of the mouth of babes.

barb_saint@hotmail.com

Metamorphosis

2008-01-07T16:24:00.000-08:00

My first doll, Metamorphosis. She was supposed to represent an artist coming out of her cocoon. She doesn't have a face. I wasn't sure what my artist looked like yet.

Joyce C in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

"If you work with your hands, you’re a laborer.
If you work with your hands and your head, you’re a technician.
If you work with your hands, your head and your heart, you’re an artist.", unknown

"The purpose of art is to heal. I believe that every person is a special kind of artist, rather than the common belief that artists are special kinds of people." Samuel Avital, Mime

"Give Light and the darkness will disappear of itself." Erasmus

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams" -- Eleanor Roosevelt

Emerson said, "The quality of the imagination is to flow, and not to freeze."

http://dooflinkydolls.blogspot.com

2008-01-06T20:15:00.001-08:00

I played with dolls until I was 14, and kept the ones I could save from my Mom and her garage sales. I started making dolls with crochet first, and did not have a digital camera at the time, and I felt so accomplished! Next I got into altered dolls, art dolls and totems through swaps in several groups on Yahoo. I decided I needed a healing type program after I had the worst health year in my history. I am in psychotherapy, but thought that something along the lines of the Medicine Doll course, along with turning to alternative medicine, and a more veggie friendly diet would be a good course to pursue. Just reading Medicine Doll curriculum has been uplifting for me, and in fact, I made a doll form the day I got it in my email!

To the migraines that plague me, headaches, ulcers, sickness, sprains and other maladies that haunt my existence, I say "watch out! here come the dolls!"

Jodie

Sea Hag

2007-10-20T08:16:00.001-07:00



THE LEDGEND OF THE SEA HAG

Some folks find the Sea Hag to be ugly and that is their misfortune. LOOK AGAIN!  Do you find her to be beautiful?
If so, then you are a CHOSEN ONE and are spared her wrath. For only a very few are chosen to see her true beauty.
With these people she will reside and protect them from harm. Residing inside or out, this beautiful Sea Hag with
her piercingly blue eyes, shrieking and ship eating habits lies in wait in wait for those who would enter by sea and
do her Chosen Ones harm.

The Sea Hag is created with clay and fossil shell rock collected by the artist from Plio-pleistocene caloosahatchee
formation dating 5.18 million years before present time.

DJ Lorentz - Southwest Florida

http://www.picturetrail.com/djlorentz

2007-10-03T18:10:00.001-07:00

MARLA'S HEALING DOLL - Guardian
Guardian is one of the doll from the MEDICINE DOLL CLASS
I finally completed my Guardian doll and had a wonderful time with the process. From the very beginning I kept thinking I wanted the main body to be a root because I thought it was important that my guardian be strongly "rooted" in truth and wisdom. However I kept fighting with this idea because I feel part of my problem is that I'm so well rooted in my own life that I have a hard time being uninhibited, spontaneous and free to risk. I decided to go for a walk in the woods and if I found something that seemed right I'd use it, if not I would take that as a sign that I should create something less anchored. Within about 10-15 minutes I found this root (from a bush honeysuckle) that looked like two bending knees which seemed like exactly what I was looking for. So, the foundation became a root.

I happen to have a box of Sculpey clay in my craft things that I had never used so I decided to try to sculpt a face, arms, & hands. It took a long time to get something at least close to what I wanted. I wanted someone a little older looking with big eyes (to symbolize wonderment and the ability to see the world clearly). I added a little color to make her a little more life like. The clay ended up cracking a couple places on the arms and fingers.

I wanted the whole thing dressed & accessorized with green (to symbolize growth) but found this blue netting at the store that attracted me so I bought it and wrapped it around the body. It ended up looking like a tutu. Not exactly what I thought I wanted, but it made since when I thought about it later, that my spontaneous, uninhibited, expressions of celebration & joy are there beneath the surface waiting to be exposed.

I wanted one of the arms pushing out, to help push me forward and encourage me. I used a branch from the honeysuckle for the armature under the arm and used the small branches as some of the fingers. The leaves quickly dried up and fell off so I was going to make paper
leaves to replace them then at the last second I decided to use beads for the leaves, I don't know exactly why it just seemed right. The little branches are really fragile, maybe because my attempts at growth often make me feel vulnerable and fragile.

The additional symbols I used (she is holding them in her left hand) are a light bulb (light & truth) & map (to assure me there is a direction & plan). She is also wearing a key around her neck to unlock the doors of opportunity. I'm still waiting for insight on her name.

You all might see other things as you look at her. Please feel free to share those thoughts they may help me with some additional insights.

2007-09-17T18:32:00.001-07:00

Carmel's Scapegoat
Carmel from Australia participated in previous Medicine Doll online class. This is her story about her Scapegoat Doll.

All my life, I’ve wanted something more! I’ve been unable to get this because all my past baggage is in my way AND I’ve taken on the baggage of others (this shows up frequently in my dreams).

My scapegoat doll must carry all my baggage for me. But the scapegoat itself is innocent. I always felt sorry for that goat in the bible, driven out into the desert, carrying the sins of the people. Of course, Jesus is the ultimate scapegoat—cruciﬁed for the sins of the world (I never really saw the sense of that, especially as humans continue to suffer for their sins).
Don’t we do this all the time—blame someone else and make them suffer for our sins/shortcomings?

Although, consciously, I’ve accepted for many many years that we are responsible for our own lives, nevertheless I’ve continued to feel shackled by past conditioning and probably never really forgiven those who foisted their beliefs and limitations onto me.

The scapegoat doll is a symbol—a way of unburdening myself onto something ‘safe’ that I cannot hurt. It will carry away all the things that have been blocking me and causing distress in my body. But because IT is innocent (like the goat and like Jesus) I will feel sorry for it. I will not want it to be ugly as well as burdened. I will want to love it for what it is doing for me.
I went for a walk in the bush a month ago—at the time I thought we were supposed to be starting the scapegoat doll instead of the guardian. I asked for clues to inspire me with the scapegoat. I took a number of photos, but nothing relevant seemed to jump out at me at ﬁrst. Or so it seemed at the time. I found myself admiring the lantana, which came in many colours.
Then it occurred to me that we Australians have made a scapegoat of things like lantana. We introduced lantana to this country as a garden ﬂower, set it free to take over the bush. Then we called it a noxious weed and set about eradicating it (with little success).
We blame the lantana for our sin of bringing it here in the ﬁrst place.
Similarly ... rabbits and cats.

Making the doll
A fairly clear idea began to emerge of what I wanted my doll to be like. The image in my mind was of a lumpy doll, with crying face, carrying a bag full of my ‘sins’ (blocks, ﬂaws, negative emotions etc.), with a number of these written over her clothing. My original intention was to have a cross around her neck (to represent Scapegoat Jesus), and a bunch of lantana in her hands.
In the end these didn’t seem to ﬁt. I wanted her to be huggable, but not ‘beautiful’ — at least not in the conventional sense.
I used a simple pattern from ‘Cloth, Paper, Scissors’ for the doll. A crying face from my ‘ugly doll’ experiment became the face (printed onto an iron-on transfer then put onto fabric).
Because of all that had happened in the interim, it was essential to attach a heart (this has now become a personal symbol ... I guess all my healing dolls will need to show a heart). The heart, cut from felt, is pierced with pins, which attach it to the body. Instead of the intended cruciﬁx around the neck, she is attached to a crude cross made of sticks.

I’ve named her ‘Resistance’ ... inspired by comments from Barb. All those things I put in the bag are what I use as resistance to doing my creative work.

Contents of the Resistance bag
not enough time; no inspiration; not good enough; too many choices; too many things to do; people interrupting me and distracting me; unsuitable workspace; not enough room; not sure what I want to do; need to make money; hardly anyone makes money from art; too many options; other priorities; sudoku addiction; health issues; computer stuff; need more info; need more skills; need to read books; I’m too old; I’m too tired; don’t like promoting myself; nobody will buy at the price I need to sell; don’t know where to sell; too many materials to choose from; too many techniques to try; too much thinking; no passion; no motivation; no energy; too much clutter; past conditioning; the good girl; the nice girl.
I also put into the bag people I’ve used as my Scapegoat in the past —Sr Rosary (a particularly cruel nun at primary school); members of my family, particularly my father; various bosses; artists who are particularly skilled (ie “I can’t be as good as them”)
---

I’m not sure what to do with the doll now. I don’t want it in a position where I can see it all the time ... it needs to be sent ‘out into the wilderness’ like the biblical scapegoat. I considered hanging it out amongst the trees, but interestingly my husband didn’t want it to be destroyed by the elements. Perhaps I could make a weatherproof shrine or something so that it’s outside, but not ‘suffering’ too much.
I have come to love it you see.
For the moment, until I decide on its fate, I’ll hang it on a little front verandah. Thus it will be nearby, but rarely seen.

Of course, the Scapegoat doll is really ‘me’—the me I’ve weighed down with an impossible burden, and then criticised because I’ve been unable to ‘perform’.
The Talisman doll, I daresay, will have to be the ‘me’ which has shed the load.

thanks Carmel

RUAH

2007-09-17T15:53:00.000-07:00

Ruah was created in my Tuesday night open studio by Val C. Another women in the class helped to name her.

Ruah, the feminine Hebrew word means breath, wind, or spirit. The first image of God in scripture is that of the moving, dancing creative Spirit hovering over the chaos bringing forth life.

RUAH by poem by Colleen Fulmer

RUAH, RUAH, BREATH OF GOD WITHIN US

RUAH, RUAH, SPIRIT OF OUR GOD.

1. The Spirit of God within us,
crumbles the ancient walls,
building a new creation
the city of our God.

2. Have no fear within you
for I will be your strength
the barren will be fruitful
the lame shall dance and leap.

3. Your power will come to fullness
in the weak and humble child
from the roots of the smallest flower
to the hearts of the old and wise.

4. Old men will see their visions
Young men will dream their dreams
Women will be our prophets
with children in the lead.

5. A wisdom enfleshed in Jesus
grace that moves anew
enkindled in a people
the many and the few.

6. The Dance of all creation,
Singer of a living song
beauty from days eternal
the praise of a loving God.

7. Root of the stem of Jesse,
tree with arms so strong
live that grows through dying
revealing a tender God

8. The Blessed are strong wise women
like Esther, Sarah, Ruth
Bonding for generations
In Spirit and in truth.

9. The call goes out to nations
For women to rise and stand
Birthing themselves in power
The meek shall possess the land.

10. We struggle as one for freedom
Our heartbeat the Spirit’s song
Sisters in pain and gladness
ancient our dance and strong.

Isabella U.R. Wella

2007-09-09T08:48:00.000-07:00

Breast Guardian and Healing Spirit Doll
Laughter and color are both used in healing.
She carries a crystal to receive and impart good energies and a rainbow ribbon to remind you of God's promise. Her blue suit brings a sense of calm. Blue is used for healing skin, bones, and connective tissues. Her yellow hair give you laughter, that's great for mental health. Her pink skin and flamingo heal emotional wound, while her red lips cleanse negative energies and promote courage, the touch of gold calls down the angelic energies.

Created with love and blessing by DJ Lorentz
outtamyhands@embarqmail.com

DJ has just opened the KOI & KRANE Gallery of the Arts & Creative Learning Studio in Fort Myers Florida. You can see pictures at http://www.picturetrail.com/djlorentz

KITE HERSELF DOLL

2007-09-08T13:12:00.000-07:00

Doll and Story by Linda Martus
St. Louis, Missouri

Ready to redefine myself, I pulled out The Artist's Way....again. At the same time, my 21 year old son decided to ride his bicycle cross country in honor an astounding friend, Becky Wilson, who passed away a few years ago from cancer.

I am making a series of "If I were a kite dolls" The first is Kite, herself..."If I were a kite, I would hover over you and delight in your smile." I will donate it to The American Cancer Society in support of "the guys". I am "finding" my artist self and am committed to this new nurturing and wellness journey.

A kite is an ancient symbol of hope. As far back as 549 AD a paper kite was used as a message for a rescue mission. A kite measures distance. A kite is used as a military signal. It communicates the wind velocity and direction and tells us if travel is safe. A kite promises someone is near. A kite is a tool and a toy. Simple, diamond kites start with a cross made out of wood...it's hard to miss that symbolism. I believe in Christ. He is love.

A kite is beautiful like a butterfly or bird, but has no hidden agenda. It is inanimate. It can be imbued with the qualities I want to give it. That is powerful. I stuff my dolls with affirmations. I don't believe I need to tell everyone what is written inside the doll...I just want them to be "touched" and for me to be a vehicle.

Kite has the inscription written on her that I quoted earlier "If I were a kite, I would hover over you and delight in your smile." It is a reminder it is a message to Becky of how much she is missed. Kite has a bodice that is made of a star-stamped, rainbow colored material to remind us of branches and leaves...in a fashion of Akira Blount's dolls--and I've tied strips of material (like the kites' tail) through the woven mesh. That is to remind us of the earth and how important it is to steer in the direction that keeps us grounded.

Linda can be reached at lmartus@hotmail.com

The Art of Healing Dolls

Wisdom Dolls and the Empowerment Work of Beverley Danusis

The Figurative Art of Fidelma Massey

Carmilla's Healing Dolls

Elissa Farrow-Savos's Sculptures

Keri Joy Colestock's Wall Dancers

Domestic Violence Shelter Me Doll Exhibit

Insecurity Wears a Black Shroud

Amy Crawley's Emergence

On the Edge

Tonya's Phoenix

Organization in Minneapolis helps women with dollmaking

Art Doll show in CA

The Wounded Healer video

Julie Mitchell's Spirit Figures

Healing Doll Interview

Art of the Doll Gallery Show

Therapeutic Dollmaking Work of Christine Harris

Angie's Healing Doll

Rage Doll and The Raven

Owl Doll

Grief Doll

Comfort Dolls Project

Why a Comfort Doll Project?

Being an artist and a mother

slideshow

REMOVING THE MASKShttp://removingthemasks.com

Unraveling Fear - Releasing Love

Joy A. MacLeod

YOU ARE WORTH THE TIME

Christopher Malone

Healing Spirits

SEEDS OF GROWTH

Healing Doll by Patty Carmody Smith

Taliah

Shekinah

Community Healing Doll

The Pink Artist Doll: THE REVEAL

Hope's Wish

Befriending My Shadow

A Child's Healing Doll?

Metamorphosis

Sea Hag

RUAH

Isabella U.R. Wella

KITE HERSELF DOLL

REMOVING THE MASKS
http://removingthemasks.com