NIADA: National Institute of American Doll Artists

More good new, I have been notified that my work has been accepted into the NIADA (National Institute of American Doll Artists). I have a few things to put together and the final decision is made next year at their annual conference. If you aren't familiar the NIADA is a prestigious organization for the Doll Art. I have to say I never really considered my work dolls, but a lot of people call them dolls so I thought why not join.

If you're not familiar with the organization visit their website and check out some of the art. It's the best of the best. Beautiful works of art and I am truly honored to have my toe in the door with them.

Here's a definition I found on Wikipedia:
 A doll is a model of a human being, often used as a toy for children. Dolls have traditionally been used in magic and religious rituals throughout the world, and traditional dolls made of materials like clay and wood are found in the Americas, Asia, Africa and Europe. 

I have to confess I like the latter point: used in magic and religious rituals. Mine are meant to magically transfer people into a happier state of mind and are made with good intentions and blessings.



 

Ricë and upcoming articles

It's been a busy few weeks here. My interview with the amazing Ricë Freeman Zachary who is just the easiest person to talk to. Honestly, I am so relaxed talking to her even though we've never met face to face I feel like I've known her forever. Thanks to Ricë I am going to be posting how to market yourself as an artist on Create Mixed Media. If you're an artist and not sure how to get your name out there please check them out. They'll be appearing in November so watch for those.

I've also had several galleries picking up work, some new prospects like Meeka Gallery in Boise, Idaho. So if you're near Boise, please visit the new gallery. Visit my kids, make sure they're not too lonely without me. My pieces at the Clay Studio in Philadelphia sold out so I have to ship 5 more. 

And I've just restocked Clay Glass Metal Stone Gallery in Lake Worth. It was looking a bit sparse, my apologies. But you'll find a lot more goodies on the shelf. Florida Craftsmen Gallery, you're next.

The piece accompanying this entry can be seen in the display case at Clay Glass Metal Stone. So if you're in the neighborhood please stop by and check out the new work. Happy Friday to all!!

The Clay Studio, Philadelphia PA

It's been a crazy busy week, I had a new gallery contact me (Bamboo Beach Gallery) and he picked up a lot of work. You may have noticed a bunch of work vanished from my Etsy shop this week for that reason. Also, getting ready to ship off two sets of salt and pepper shakers tomorrow for a show in Philadelphia, PA at The Clay Studio.

I was so honored when they asked if I would participate in the show Dip, Dash, Pour & Spread. (it has to do with table setting items and eating)The image of the salt and pepper that accompany this entry are "The King and I". The Clay Studio has an amazing online shop, please visit.  And it goes without saying, if you're in the Philadelphia area please pop by the gallery and visit my kids.

All Things Are Connected

What is man without the beasts? If all the beasts were gone, men would die from great loneliness of spirit, for whatever happens to the beasts also happens to man. All things are connected. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the children of the earth.
Chief Seattle - Suqwamish & Duwamish

Cat on a Bird

I unloaded a kiln this morning, thank God I have my dear friend Betty at the Craft Gallery. She's been doing my firings since we moved. Reason: I haven't been able to open the prehistoric garage door and we need a new one. Replacing it is on my long list of things to do. I refuse to fire the kiln without the garage door being open. I supposed I could roll the kiln out doors beside the house, but that would mean keeping a door another door open with a cord running through it. Then I'd have to wait for the kiln to cool before wheeling it in and I am not cool leaving a kiln full of work outside my house.

Can you imagine waking up in the morning to find an empty kiln? Me neither. Probably wouldn't happen but... I am glad to have Betty at the Craft Gallery.

There's No Place Like Home

This past weekend I went home to Alexandria Bay in Northern New York.  Maybe it's getting older, maybe it's a need to feel grounded but I needed to go. While there we celebrated my sister Virginia's birthday and she gifted me with 4 sets of deer antlers. (me doing the happy dance) Oh, get ready to see more deer women in my work people. The weather was perfect, and my sister took us out into the deep woods to her camp on her Polaris Ranger (Four Wheeler). We saw deer (of course), dug around for arrow heads, and I could feel my soul drinking it all in. The photos accompanying this entry are Boldt Castle and the village dock in the Bay. If you've never been up that way it's a beautiful part of the country.

A Netsilik Song

Have you ever seen or read something and you feel like it was written just for you? I came across this quote and it spoke to my soul. Within its words there is everything I feel and why I make the art that I make. It's from an Netsilik (Eskimo) song.

In the very earliest time,
when both people and animals lived on earth,
a person could become an animal if he wanted to
and an animal could become a human being.
Sometimes they were people
and sometimes animals
and there was no difference.
All spoke the same language.