There has been lots of discussion about the frustrating aspects of building a successful art career in cyberspace lately. I almost wonder if there isn’t something in the air, or is it a viral infection much like Rage in the movie 28 Days Later?
A couple of days ago, I made a scheduled stop to one of my favorite artist’s blogs, Jafabrit, and became enamored of a voodoo doll that she and a friend had made for another friend whose husband walked out on her. It was a way to cheer their friend up and for her to vent a little bit. I decided that’s just what I needed! I need my own doll and I decided to set about making one, partly out of clay of course, so that it can serve as a reminder that I’m really okay.
The doll that Jafabrit made is not pretty - it’s rather raw and fitting for the occasion for which it was made. Normally, I make pretty things. I’ll admit it. But, in the case of my effigy doll, I want to craft a crude incarnation - to encase those ugly feelings such as frustration, fear, etc. that I occasionally experience.
The image above is my original sketch, not quite Odilon Redon or Goya, but my own version of how I imagine I look inside when I’ve got those ugly feelings bottled up. I still need to make some hands and feet and will add a cloth body to the head - hence the holes in the neck.
Guess what? I feel better already! If anyone else feels like making one, go right ahead. Just make sure you send us a link.
In other news, our house was chosen to be on the 2008 West Washington Park House Tour this fall. Boy, oh boy, do we have a lot of work to do! We live in a popular area of Denver where older homes pre-dominate and when we remodeled, we kept our house small instead of scraping it off as is the style now a days. I guess I’ll finally finish painting, make curtains & slip covers etc. I’m honored and excited to have our home featured this year.
Have a good weekend everyone!
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It’s hard for me to imagine you to look like that Effigy doll. Congratulations on your house being chosen for the 2008 West Washington Park House Tour! I love home tours and wish I can attend yours.
oh LOL! I can’t wait to see it finished. This is so cool. I hope others join in. It would be fun to do a slide show with links to each artist that participates in a doll meme of sorts
Well, peppa, I don’t physically look like this, but rather feel like I look like this when I start to get those evil thoughts in my head!
I could wrap my arms around a doll meme, Jafabrit - so much better than the regular ones floating around!
I think when you are letting out fear and emotions. It is always wonderful to create your own version of what you are feeling at the time. Your use of jafabrit’s idea was wonderfully outstanding. I love it! YOU GOOO GIRL!
*HUGS*
What a cool concept!!
Boy, you don’t look like that at all, Cynthia! But as an effigy for bad feelings, it is fantastic. I think that would be a great thing for me to bead in fact. My own effigy doll of bad feelings. I love the concept!
Yea! for you and oh my gosh, terror about your house on the tour. At least you have forewarning! Whew!
I felt 100% better after starting the doll, Angela and Diana! I think it will be fun. I’m keeping my eyes peeled for interesting tidbits to add to her.
I’m beginning to wonder if we were smart to say yes, Mary! Although, the thought of finishing some projects sounds mighty nice. Well, now we have now choice it’s done.
Congrats on being on the tour! Condolences on having to keep it ready for public viewing!
That is a really good idea to make an efigy doll (going back to look at J.B.’s) I think it helps to have an outlet and I guess I do it through my paintings. I have a kind of dark one going right now. I would give anything in the world to be able to make a living at my art and just quit my part-time job which is turning into an almost full-time job except without the benefits, grrr!
LOVE the doll…funny I started one this week too after reading Jafa’s blog! Isn’t that weird we are all thinking/doing/creating at the same time…very cool that we as a group can inspire each other so much. *sigh* I feel like I’m home. *grins* I’ll show mine later when I have a little more done. Mine is a doll about creating y own magic. So I guess its a effigy for the healing process of the act of creation. Congrat’s on the house thingy…I guess it was great timming on your in-laws stopping by huh?
Well, I hadn’t thought as far ahead as a doll meme, but I’m currently making a cloth doll.My Bernina is “down” so can’t do machining so I thought I’d “rough it up” with chunky hand stitches and call it a “damn it!” doll.
And, sure, I’ll post a pic and send you a link when I’m done. Christmas be OK!!!
Hi Cynthia, your doll looks very interesting a little spooky to be sure. It remindes me of a sculpture I’ve just finished called ‘chicken fox’. Which is also a self portrait.
Awesome - I am interested to see where it goes from here.
Thanks Janet - I hesitated when the selection committee asked, and now wonder why I thought it was a good idea???
I think to a certain extent, I do the same thing Lynette, except that this thing that I’m feeling won’t go away so I have to make a container for it.
I can’t wait to see everyone’s dolls, Heather! It’s interesting how we’re interpreting them differently. I just took a peek at the head of mine yesterday and he is pretty cute - he’s definitely growing on me.
Hehe Dina - I haven’t pulled out my sewing machine in awhile and am unsure if I’m going to hand assemble his body or machine stitch. I kind of think that he needs a tux or something.
I enjoyed seeing your blog Noonan! You’re quite the multi media artist…
Thanks Phillip, are you participating??
I wish - I wouldn’t know where to start!!