Le Fresne's Castle with Rowan DeVoe

Transformations in the New Year

2012-01-21T12:21:00.000-08:00

Again, it has been a long time since I have done any posting. So, I will add some new images of recent self-portrait photographs. I have done a few new series exploring transformations. Not just with hair and makeup, but with how I show my emotions. It is amazing how much a small change in an emotion caught on film(well, digital disk these days) can effect the whole feeling of a photograph. This is so intriquing to me-yes, I should have thought of this a long time ago! I think more and more about this as I take these photographs and folks don't think any of them are self-portraits. I am more aware of how I perceive people and am perceived myself as I walk around every day too. More on that later! I am wishing you all a Wonderful New Year!

"Albina" merle, 2011 december

"The Girl with Flames for Hair" merle, 2011 december

"Light and Love" merle, 2011 december

"Gold and Amber" merle 2011 december

Bye for now!

A New Blog Post!

2011-11-24T15:33:00.000-08:00

"Tess and her Dear Friendly" merle 2011

Finally! I have realized that I am just not the kind of person who can write about the art they create. I can't write about it before, my process, the story, or what it means when I am done. So, I am not going to ever be a great blogger. It is all a private and quiet thing for me. I am my own worse critic as well. Someone else will have to get excited and promote my art. I feel that if I could do that, I couldn't creat my visual art. When I am done with it, I am really done. Then it is off to all of you-you take from it and see in it what you want. Here is another one of my recent paintings, "Tess with her Dear One"-A lovely lady who loves emerald green, Pre-Raphealites, has long dark hair, and who is missing her little cat who died recently. I do love painting these portraits for people. I like that they can help in a small way.

I make most of my gifts. It would be easier to buy something, but I just dare myself to make something out of whatever is in my studio. Both of my nephews had Harry Potter Birthday Parties this year. I made them both gifts like the ones in this photo-a photograph I took at Glastonbury Abbey and edited to look "magical" like it was Hogwarts, a vintage glass bottle with white glass glitter in it, stopped with a cork sealed with white wax with a little note saying, "Phoenix Ashes", a large Peacock Feather dyed orange in a chiffon bag, and a little leather eye kind of patch thing that I made(on of the characters had something like it?). I didn't know what I was doing, I was just happy that they both liked their gifts.

Progress? I do many sketches at one time and then paint 2 or 3 paintings at a time. I wear moccasins all the time. This all makes sense to me!

My home is one huge stack of art, books, altars, textiles, vintage clothing, very old pieces for props in my photos-too much antique furniture for my little place, but furniture I use in my photographs, tons of different kinds of lights, things that glitter, things that are shiney, things that are turquoise or robins egg blue, did I say books? I also have Dorothy's Ruby Red slippers under a glass closque(among other things-the bones of saints, relics from ancient Sumaria, I also have plans for building a Cemetary for Mermaids in here-still working that one out)-I can't get any of this organized and I need to have most of it out so I can see what I am doing and what I can do next. This is just one little corner where not much is going on. There are many more areas just like this one with framed art ready to be hung without a wall for it, stacks of books and boxes of this and that, more antique shelves or dressers with all of my treasures-this is the stuff that can't be cleaned up-I have tried! The large piece is a 3 plate colour reduction monotype I made on my printing press of my Dear Donkey Rosebud(we grew up together and she died when we were both 27). This piece is a shrine to her.

"Selkie"merle 2011

Finally, I have been working on 2 new series of self-portait photographs-one series is about female creatures of myth and legend(for that series, I built a "beach" in my house-no big thing). The other is exploring different themes about what makes a women look like a "Lady"-see! I am talking to myself in my head again!

"Wearing Pearls" merle 2011

Passing on lots of Love and Light!

Finally! New Paintings!

2011-10-25T08:09:00.000-07:00

SHEESH!

(a fantastic expletive my Grandmother Gingie used that I say myself now)

It has been so long since I have been able to paint. My art has been stuck for a while(a long while), but I am happy that it is going again and I plan on keeping it that way. Here are a few portraits I have finished for some extremely patient and Saintly folks! Thank you all! Now that I have my momentum back, I am taking on new commissions. Please let me know if you are interested.

"Gizmo"

Mixed Media on Cotton Rag Paper

Finally! My portrait of Gizmo! He is a beautiful black cat with regal features and yellow/gold eyes. His lady thought he must certainly being wearing gold Gothic Style Crown-But of course! She also loves orchids and gardening so I added a bit of both in the foreground. She left the rest up to me. I created a boarder at the top with Medieval style floral designs and then wrote out one of my favourite quotes about cats by Leonardo Di Vinci. I finished the piece by stamping a seal on hot red wax to give it a feel of the time period. And, most important, everyone was happy with the finished piece! Yay! What a sweet little cat face to look at for the whole of process. Dearest Gizmo, now I love you too!

"Katinka and Her Toto"

Another commissioned piece, "Katinka and Her Toto" was a painting I did for the multi-talented artist Katinka Pinka. Toto was her sweet baby and had died several years before. She wanted a portrait of both of them wearing fancy crowns and left the rest up to me. Because I know and love Katinka, the end result is what comes from a person saying, "you do your thing". On her face, I painted tribal face markings which have become my own and which I have been doing in all forms of my art for over 20 years. They are the result of my love of cultures all over the world how lucky I have been to travel all over to. I threw in a rainbow of colours as well since Katinka is so colourful inside and out-how fun!
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The black dots high on her cheek bones are really special to me. They show up on almost every painting, photograph, self portrait photograph, art doll or any other art piece I do.

The black dots high on her cheek bones are really special to me. They show up on almost every painting, photograph, self portrait photograph, art doll or any other art piece I do. If I need some extra "POW" to get through my day, I draw them on with black liquid eye liner and have for years. Katinka surprised me by getting these marks tattooed on her face! Wow! They look amazing on her! I am for sure and for certain flattered. Perhaps I should do the same?
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I also added a poem I wrote as I was finishing her piece-just as I went to sign it. I couldn't help it. Sometimes these things happen in just a few minutes because I am not a poet or a writer so it has to be an easy thing. So, she got a poem and has to take it. I didn't expect to hear anything but, "YES MAM!" from her. Here is that poem-nothing fancy, I love you Katinka!

of toto and katinka,

the love and joy they share is such

that the angels sing and all matter of beings bless bliss

surround and entreat them to follow,

never once without the other

before or ever after,

they swell and grow knowing that

the 2 sustain eternally,

from the starry skies

where their souls reside

and back to the rich, black earth

of their bodies birth

More paintings to share! Now that I that I back to my drawings and paintings, I am happy to take on more commissions-Please contact me if you are interested.

A Collaboration With Ivy Long of Edera Jewelry

2011-09-22T11:32:00.000-07:00

Bohemian Gypsy Bride

Edera Jewelry Monarch necklace

Self Portrait photograph, Merle Pace

Wardrobe and Styling, Merle Pace

Monarch Necklace~Private Collection

Recently, I had the wonderful opportunity to take some self-portrait photographs as well as photograph my friend and model, Lorissa Byely, wearing Ivy Long's of Edera Jewelry sublime pieces. She mailed me several pieces and I created several different looks for each one keeping in mind that Ivy's jewelry has a big focus on Bridal. Each of the pieces included colour which I incorporated into each Bridal Story. I am happy that Ivy liked the results! I hope the photographs illustrate how colour can be incorporated into a wedding through your jewelry and other details to make the day truly unique.

Edera Jewelry Demerter Necklace, For Sale in Edera Etsy Store

Photograph,Merle Pace

Model, Lorissa Byely

Wardrobe, Merle Pace

Styling, Merle Pace

Each piece of Ivy's jewelry(ranging from headpieces, brooches, necklaces, earrings) is one of a kind and meticulously made from traditions of the past including lace making and embroidery of her own designs. To these designs, she adds gorgeous semi precious gemstones, vintage beads and fine real gold and silver threads. As fine heirloom jewelry, all the detail and patience she puts into each piece is overwhelming. Here is the Link to her Blog Post where she has written about our Collaboration how she used my photographs with her pieces.

One Version of Ivy's Violaine Necklace-A more "Medieval" Style Photograph

Description Below

Photograph, Wardrobe, Styling-Merle Pace

Model, Lorissa Byley

This is the link to Edera Jewelry's Etsy Shop which includes some of my photographs with her new Fall and Winter 2011 "Neoclassical" Collection. Please check out more of the "drool-worthy" pieces here. I have added 3 examples of my photographs below.

{1}

SELENE EARRINGS

Long Black Onyx Earrings, Garnet Post Studs, Handmade Gold Lace. Dramatic Grecian/Neoclassical Design. Fall/Winter 2011-From Edera Jewelry

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{2}

VIOLAINE NECKLACE

Gold Lace Necklace~Medieval. Purple Amethysts, Freshwater Pearls, Gold-filled Chain

From Edera Jewelry

{3}

DEMETER NECKLACE

Autumn Beaded Necklace~ Pumpkin Orange Teardrop Textile Pendant~ Gold Lace, Quartz Crystal, Citrine~From Edera Jewerly

I look froward to photographing more Edera Jewelry and creating more little "environments" and "stories" for each piece. I am really enjoying doing this for other Jewelry Artists as well. Ivy is on the East Coast and I am in the Midwest, so Ivy FedX'd me her pieces, I photographed them in a few days and sent them back. I have done this for other artists from as far away as Finland. They trust me to create a unique look that is specific with their vision and their creations. If you are interested in having me photograph your Jewelry or other pieces, please contact me here or at merle@merleart.com

Wishing you all the best!

Edera Jewelry Hylas Necklace

Self Portrait Photograph, Merle Pace
Wardrobe, Merle Pace
Styling, Merle Pace
Hylas Necklace, Private Collection
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All Jewelry and Photographs property of Edera Jewelry and Merle Pace/Rowan DeVoe Arts
Copy Write Edera Jewelry and Merle Pace/Rowan Devoe Arts
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More Info about Ivy and her techniques:

Ivy Long is a jewelry designer and and self-taught lace maker based in beautiful Vermont. The daughter of a milliner, Ivy began honing her interest in fiber arts and jewelry at an early age. By high school she had apprenticed with several jewelry designers. In her early twenties she discovered an affinity for crochet and lace making and by combining her love of jewelry with her love of lace, Edera Jewelry was born.

Edera Jewelry (named after the Italian word for ivy) is a collection of designs that feature Ivy's distinctive handcrafted lace. Creating her own patterns, she meticulously crafts each piece of jewelry from scratch, forming intricate lace designs with just a spool of thread and a tiny crochet hook. Her designs feature rare real metal threads imported from Europe that are nearly identical to those used in the opulent embroideries of the Renaissance. Interwoven with colorful silk threads, vintage beads, and luscious semi-precious stones, the jewelry celebrates the eternal feminine with designs that are beautiful, complex, delicate yet strong, and distinctive.

How We Got Through The Summer Heat-In Images

2011-07-11T16:37:00.000-07:00

"Ophelia" Monotype done by my Printmaking Prof and friend Barbara Elam

(it is pretty cool to see how other artists see you)

Lucky days spent exploring the watery caves off of Lindos, Rhodos, Greece. This surely was a dream I had.

Hanging out down at our creek-Fishback Creek-with my sisters and boy cousins. We spent endless hours down here swiming, creek hiking, making up games and more. We were always covered in mud so we wouldn't get bitten by horseflies too!

Dancing with Pixies in the Shady Woods

Having THE BEST time ever living in a little house we made at the lake where our best friend lived. Ah, that little house was THE BEST! The 3 of us are still sisters.

Having a Mom who grew up fishing and taking creek hikes as a little girl! My mom is the little girl with braids in the center with the big smile and hat. My grandfather is the man in the way back wearing a hat and with a pipe!

Spending a lot of your freetime in boats!

Doing some art inside

Going someplace COOL if you can

Trying to remember that some(like my 4 little cats here on this super warm sun porch) like it hot!

Pascal's feet and my Moccasins

2011-06-12T15:53:00.000-07:00

For this evening, Here is a photograph of my eldest cat Pascal's little feet on top of my moccasins. We often walk around like this-His little feet on top of mine while I hold his little paws on top. I guess it is a bit like a little girl "dancing" on top of her Dad's shoes. Pascal has the most beautiful blue-black fur which feels like velvet. He is very cooperative about being groomed-mani/pedis, brushing, and baths as well so I am super lucky. I got these moccasins a few years back at a local Pow Wow. It is about time for some new ones as the bottoms a getting a little thin. A good evening to all!

A Sneak Peak-Photographs of The Divine Jewelry of Edera Jewelry

2011-06-10T11:45:00.000-07:00

It sure has been a long time since I have posted in my poor little blog. Finally, I have a few recent Self Portrait Photographs. I have had the recent opportunity to shoot photographs wearing the sublime Fine Jewelry by Ivy Long of Edera Jewelry. Ivy creates her all her jewelry by hand and from real gold and silver lace that she makes herself. I am amazed by anyone who keeps the old world arts alive such as making lace. Each piece she makes is one of a kind with a theme and special name that reflects this theme. Her pieces also feature semi precious gemstones.

You will be amazed and taken back to another era when women chose to wear beautiful jewelry that would last a lifetime and then be passed on to the next generations. Buy a heirloom piece for your wedding or a special piece that you will treasure. You will be will be investing in a tradition of past times. Thank you for bringing these traditions back Ivy! Here are a few photographs I took of myself wearing her "Sidonia"earrings. I have to admit that wearing them made me feel like a I was royalty. I stood up a little straighter and held my head a little higher. Please visit her blog and her Etsy shop through the link above.

A New Series of Photographs-FORTUNY!

2011-05-10T06:08:00.000-07:00

I have taken a few self-portrait photographs wearing an amazing find of vintage dress from Etsy. To me, it looks like a gown that the amazing multi-media Venitian Artist, Mariano Fortuny, would have made(or something close to it, I can dream!). I wish I could have taken photographs in Venice, but I am stuck her in the U.S.A. There are gorgeous canals near where I live and you can take little rides down them. I usually decide to take my photographs in the middle of the night(when I finally can't take the nagging from my art to 'do it now!' anymore). "Cross of Saint Cecelia" necklace by Parrish Relics

"Fortuny on the Stage"

The Lady in Blue and Orange-A New Series of Self Portraits

2011-04-25T19:41:00.000-07:00

Here I am, running and jumping around the building I live in which was built in the early 1900s. It is full of amazing details-Arches, Stained Glass Windows, Gothic Revival Trims, Old Coal Shoots, Chandeliers, Tile Floors, Fountains in the Courtyard and more and more. My neighbors are used to me doing these things. The best part is that there is a photograph of the building just after it was finished in the entry hall with cars from the 1920s-priceless!

I hope all is well with all the folks in Blogland!

J.W. Waterhouse's "Hylas and the Nymphs"

2011-04-13T14:24:00.000-07:00

A few new Pre-Raphaelite inspired Self Portrait Photographs

The Original Painting by J.W. Waterhouse "Hylas and The Nymphs

Meet One of My Favourite Models

2011-03-15T18:43:00.000-07:00

I am trying to get back to Blog-Land. i am also fiddling around with a new look on my blog-will see how things end up. Here are a few of my photograhs that show one of my favourite models-my younger sister-The gorgeous, blonde haired and blue-eyed Fox! I love taking photographs of her. I just cannot take a bad photograph of her. And, since she is my sister, I don't feel so bad being the bossy photographer that I am! I hope all is well with all of You! I have missed you!

My timeless Beauty Fox in "Tall Grasses"

Her features are out of control! Look at those cheekbones! Here hands are just divine. And, no, I did not get these genes.

"Roses and Gold"

Disgusting! I simply messed up her hair with some mouse, brushed some gold glitter over her face, applied some lip gloss, popped a few roses in her hair and took this photograph in my backyard. Yeah, if she wasn't so sweet and funny, I would have a huge problem with her!

"Tall Grasses Part II"

I love how she has such a timeless look-she can be many different characters for my photographs and loves to play along with my crazy ideas.

I think this is the only photograph of me(I don't know who took this!) "behind the scenes". Don't be blinded by my fancy photography set-up and equipment-hehe. I have always been a "Camera and make it up as you go..." kind of girl.

My Own Lizzie Siddal

2010-11-17T05:30:00.000-08:00

It has been forever since I have posted to my blog! I have been distracted from my routine and trying to get other projects done and then overwhelmed at how to begin with my blog. So, I decided to do a short post about someone I love and who has been inspiring me for about 20 years! This dear sister-friend of mine is my very own "Lizzie Siddal".

I used to live in NE and she was a fabulous model for my photography, paintings and monotypes. She is also a photographer, painter and printmaker so we both took turns being each others model. We also just had a wonderful time being together.

There were fun trips to vintage clothing stores all over to find costumes for our photographs and unique(and cheap!) pieces of furniture to make our little ancient apartments into jewel box castles.

( Look at what she did to my apartment when I was away for a weekend! She made the outside of it as well as the stairs up to it(all 3 whirling and twirling teeny previously servant quarters stairs of an very old mansion)into an overgrown, enchanted Castle right out of Sleeping Beauty! This is after I got into her apartment and covered everything with "pixie dust" and posted blown up photographs of her from one Pre-Raphaelite shoot all over our wee village! Ha! It was really sad, I kept these up until I moved. It was extremely hard to take them down.)
There were also many trips to hear concerts from artists like Loreena McKennitt and the Medieval Baebes. We climbled lots of mountains and picked blueberries from low growing bushes which we made jams and pies. We swam in fabulous secret swimming holes where there were beautiful waterfalls .

We were always cooking, making art, dressing up, taking fun little trips, going to our favourite restaurants and poetry readings, getting ready for art shows, weaving on our bead looms together to get through the long winters and we just really liked to be in each others company.

Hay Jumps in Western MA!

Photographs in Enchanted Forests~

The Gorgeous Skies of Fall in NE

There are always hilarious sides to these "very serious" photographs! Love this one! Moving around in this gown when it was wet was crazy, but she wouldn't get out until we had the perfect photo!

( An amazing "Garden" of old trucks circa 1940-gorgeous with Victorian finery!)
I am not sure what I would be doing now or if I would be doing art now if this sister hadn't kept pushing me and telling me to keep going! So, I have to thank her a million times over and am always sending her my love still though I am back in the midwest.

We still send each other our art, letters, and keep in touch with phone calls. She will always be my favourite model and muse! I miss her and all the fun we had together!

Grow, Braid, Cut, Repeat...I still have this set of braids-there are quite a few!

Miss You! Love you! Ooh, I always loved that coat and I still have that cobalt blue scarf that I wove!

The Painting That Started it All and Came Full Circle

2010-10-24T06:33:00.000-07:00

The Pre-Raphealite Painting by Millias that I saw and wanted to try and do my ow photographic portrait of.

My finished photograph of my version.

Another painted version of Ophelia which inspired me.

And, two of the photographs that I took in my own verision of it.

This inspired me to dress up as this Ophelia for Halloween one year with one of my art students who wanted to dress up like one of my art dolls. I think she did a really good job!

The doll she was trying to dress as was the first art doll I ever made. Her name? Ophelia!

Recently, I have started doing digital self-portrait photographs. I took these two photograph of myself as

The more photographs I took, the more I studied the Pre-Raphealites. The self portrait photograph below is part of my "Prosperine" series which was inspired by Dante Gabriel Rossit's painting above also called "Proserpine"

His imagine and my photograph inspired me to make another one of my art dolls(at this time I had made hundreds of them and learned a lot). She was to be a gift for a once dear friend, but ended up in show instead.

(She is in just the beginning phase of getting her costume and hair together in this photo, but now she is done-more photographs to come!)

Then, after many years of being inspired and making pieces of my own, I was given the opportunity to curate an Art show in which I asked all the artists to do their own take on the Pre-Raphealites. It was so exciting to see what each artist came up with in their own style!

Above is a large painting that a local artist Justin Cooper did called "Jane Burden Recyled". I love how he mixed the old with his own unique style!

Then, years and years later, my original photograph of my first film version version of Ophelia was blown up very large and put in this same show. No one had ever really seen her and especially this large and it had never been in one of my shows. What a thrill to come full circle!

A New Post Finally!

2010-10-22T17:14:00.000-07:00

It has been forever since I have posted anything. I have been busy putting together a show at a local gallery and turned out to be a lot more work than I realized, but ultimately, I think the show was beautiful. I am also so happy with the amazing artists who were so gracious to be a part of the show. I will write more about the local and national/international artists who put their amazing art in the show and share some images in my next post-I promise! The title of the show was "Useful and Beautiful: A Return to Myth and Romance in Art" and my thought was to have several different artist make their own art with the theme of the "Pre-Raphaelite" Art Movement in their own different styles. How fun and exciting it was to see the outcomes! I will share Dante Gabriel Rossiti's painting "Prosperine" which inspired a large part of the show. More to come!

New Photographs Inspired by the Pre-Raphaelites-Art and Letters

2010-08-02T12:47:00.000-07:00

I haven't been up for art much lately, but I am trying! This new set of photographs was inspired by the Pre-Raphaelites(yes again!) and my love of my glass pen and sepia ink brought back to me from Italy by my dear friend and former printmaking professor. She knows me too well! I was inspired by this JohnWilliam Waterhouse Painting.

My series is more "Writing Letters"(with one of my light up Art dolls and one of my framed Paintings in the background) than the Sorceress in this Painting, but what a beautiful inspiration! I was also inspired by the arrival of a lovely Relic piece of Jewelry by Jen Parrish of Parrish Relics Jewelry which I love! They always inspire a new series of photograhs so thank you Jen! Here are the other photographs from the series as well as Jen's Relic.

Thank you Jen! This piece is "Margarita of Florence" and I adore it! http://www.parrishrelics.com/ you will find her pieces on Etsy now.

As always, that was a lot of set up, wardrobe and monkey business for just a few photos, but that is me! And yes, it all went down in my crazy house which is very old and full of unique archs and other magickal details.

This is also why my whole life my clothes are more a collection of costumes and vintage pieces than anything else. This is also why I have collected this and that from antique stores and places all over the world with the thought, "OOh, this doo-dah will look cool in a photograph!". Just don't expect me to wear anything but a black t-shirt, jeans and black boots in "real life" but, do come on over and for tea and I can tell you some stories about all the "doo-dahs" as they fill every nook and cranny. Hope you are all well!

It's Been Forever-Photographs I Have Been Working On-Swan Dancers!

2010-07-14T02:21:00.000-07:00

"Swan Brothers"

I took several photographs of my two nephews as the male Swan Dancers from the all male version of Swan Lake. They like this version of the Ballet very much-the dances, the costumes and the magic of it all. Then, they put their own twist on it by wanting me to paint their faces and their arms-well, everywhere. They wanted to look like my paintings with Tribal body and face painting. The 4 year old(teeny tiny Swan) had to be dragged away or he would have never stopped with my face paints. This may be my favourite photograph from the shoot. This is a pose that the "big Swan Dancers" do in the Ballet. My boys did such a good job!

What they were making me try to live up to!

Their version became very "Wild Child Lost in a Forest" too as they can't take a photograph without a stick looking like they are going to use it as a weapon of course. They also wanted to look "like an ancient tribe of Swan Boys" so there is a little of this and a little of that.

Magic Acorn from Delila of Robin and Sage!

Hee! They crack me up because they are so good! We watched the Ballet a few times and they still want to watch it more. People have asked me 1)Where is this amazing place I took the photos and 2)How do I work with kids and "get them" to do these things in photographs. Well, this is just their back yard with the sun setting and, I didn't make them do anything. They thought of all the poses themselves. I just had to keep reigning them in or they would have flown away. They had way better ideas for photographs then I could have thought of so I let them do their own thing!

And, it was the oldest's Swan's Birthday last week and when I asked him what he wanted he said, "Duh! I want a Swan Photo!". So, I gave him the one of him "flying". Everyone in our family got Swan photographs-that's all I have to give!

Photographic Inspiration:Pre-Raphaelite, Botticelli and Others

2010-06-26T06:50:00.000-07:00

So, for now I am working on dolls(the same ones still!) and taking more self portrait photographs. I still feel the need to tell a story and keep being inspired by the Pre-Raphaelites and recently by Botticelli's "Primavera"

Sometimes, I feel really stupid taking these photos of myself, but I can tell when I am ready to take more when I start to go back and edit one set over and over again. I get all antsy for new photographs and I never know when that will strike so it is just easier if I take them of myself-especially since recently my old enemy insomnia has come back to visit me. Anyway, finally have to set up everything, figure out a scene and costumes and just do it.

They are by no means masterpieces but they are something to me-Something I feel I must keep doing(Probably something people would like to see less of but what can you do).

The ones above were inspired by a gorgeous bouquet of green and white flowers that I made into a headpiece. This was good because the flowers were on their way out so I had to make myself get going and do the photos.

You have seen one from this set before when I did my Divine Diptych of an "Allegorical Painting" and chose Botticelli's "Primavera. I went on to take a few more(It took me forever to get this outfit together and all that so why not?).

A lot of silly stuff went into getting these photographs together, but I'm not telling! I finally finished a new set that I will share later. And, I am really excited about 2 new vintage dresses I found for super cheap prices that will work for so many ideas. I also have a grand project I am working with 2 amazing models. I will give you one hint: it involves lots of white feathers!

New Old Photographs

2010-06-23T00:58:00.000-07:00

"Ghost of Me"

"Looking Forward to the Ancestors"

"For Dear Rosebud"

I have always been so in awe of the photographer Julie Margaret Cameron. How she learned to take photographs later in her life and so following her own vision and her heart though she often got so much criticizm. She purposely made them blurry, dressed people up like characters from Authurian Legends, Shakespeare's Plays and Mythology. Many at the time thought this was just "silly".

Alice in Wonderland Grows Up

One of many of Julia Margaret Cameron's Photographs

But for me, this is magic. I have always been the most interested in taking portraits of people-everyone has their thing. I had to try taking landscapes and other photographs in college and they were horrible and I knew they would be because I just didn't love them. I warned my Professors that they would be horrible and expected my grade on these pieces to reflect this and they did and my Professors laughed with me. I didn't care and they didn't really care. The main thing that was important they said is that I had figured out what my passion was and my style. So, if I don't have a person, I will take a photograph of myself because I can do whatever I want and I don't have to explain myself to anyone. Some folks may find these photographs "silly", but hopefully I will stay strong like Julia Margaret and just do my thing and not worry where they end up.

A New Diptych-Week 11

2010-06-16T08:39:00.000-07:00

Our Week 11 Diptych with Me on the Left and Susan

on the right.

For Week 11 of the The Divine Diptych Project

Susan and I had the theme of "Allegory". We both chose visual Allergories. She chose to do her own photographic version of the Tragedy/Comedy Masks that were first used by the ancient Greeks in their plays where they wore masks to mimic life at their time. These masks now symbolize Theatre all over the world.

I chose an Allegorical Painting done by Sandro Botticelli: his classic "Primavera" which depicts many Roman God and Goddess representative of spring. Overtime, this painting has become a symbol of springtime. I tried to turn myself into my version of his "Venus" pictured above. Whew!

Please visit the Divine Diptych Blog for more Diptychs!

Things That I am Thinking About Now

2010-06-08T10:13:00.000-07:00

That my sweet Little Mo 1 is has grown up to be a gorgeous and smart LADY! Here she is modeling on the catwalk which kind of freaks me out because I don't see a trace of little girl-I see amazing woman(in a wicked cool gown made out of car seat belts!). Wow! where did the time go? She was a wee baby yesterday. She is such a stunner and so clever and funny! We always said "YES!" to black lipstick even when we disagreed about everything else so it just too ironic that she is wearing it for this show.

A newly painted portrait of me by DJ Berger of Red-Handed Blogspot

(yes, I shamelessly just stole this image-I can't help it! He makes me look like how I feel and how I wished I looked! It's a very deep thing-hard to explain...He does have the family pout down perfectly too.)

I recently got the go ahead from one the Galleries where I work to curate a new art show that I have had on my mind about "New Pre-Raphaelites". More details soon! So excited!

New Dolls that are FINALLY getting done! New paintings are finally getting done as well. And, a big THANK YOU to all the wonderful folks who have been so patient with me through this new illness and are waiting extra long for the commissioned pieces they have requested from me. This HUGE as I figure out how all of this is going to work out. I think that I will figure out how to do my art and work and deal with "the sick". I'm not there yet, but like with most new things, it takes some time.

New and Amazing Jewelry from Jen of Parrish Relics Jewelry(http://www.parrishrelics.com/). She made Rapunzel(left) for my dear sister/friend Gretchie and Snow white(right) for me. Both are illustrations by my favourite Children's Book illustrator Trina Schuart Hymen who passed away just a few years ago(she was so close to me when I lived in New England! I am so stupid for not just knocking on her door!). All her books are magic for me. Having a piece with her Snow White is more magic thanks to Jen. Watch this space for more magic!

An AMAZING AND SURPRISE gift of flowers showed up from dear sisters that have really made my week, month, year. Their abundance of Unconditional Love and support is beyond words. I am so grateful. I love this movie as well(who doesn't? this is where I got yet another nickname at University-"Wild Irish Rose"-hehe...and yes, I did have to fall down drunk a few too many times into a trash can or wherever and then yell, 'I'm alright!, I'm alright!' I find that so funny now.)

Turning those Flowers into head wreath and taking a new series of self portrait photographs to say "thank you" to these dear sisters was a gift to them and to myself. For a few hours I was lost in a magical land and long past era or painting. Pay it forward!

Finally a New Post and Maybe a New Look

2010-05-30T15:52:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been run down again but I have managed to do a few things. I went back to the 1980s with my gorgeous friend Anna and we put this photographic diptych together for the Divine Diptych Project. Rock On! I was lucky that I kept my first prom dress(and that it still fits 25 years later!) and my aqua blue Fluevog boots! I can't believe how gorgeous Anna looks in a time where fashion is looked back on as a big "I can't believe what I wore!".

Next, I was a Sci-Fi Mutant on the bottom of this diptych(very creepy which I love). Unfortunately, the brave and beautiful Sarah above me came in contact with me and is now in a Decontamination Shower. I loved doing this photograph with Sarah as it made me realize that I really do like Sci-Fi and I like to make myself a wee bit creepy. It must come from all those years that my twin sister and I referred to ourselves as "Mutants from the Mother Ship".

Stand and Deliver!

Those Freaky Mutants!

I have also been beading, drawing, practicing with my paints and pigments, and getting some final costuming and accessories done on long overdue dolls. I have had many dreams of swimming, doing pilates and running again. I so hopes this means that I will be able to do these things again soon and that I will get a handle on my illnesses and feeling so old. I want to dance and swim with my nephews this summer and take many photographs in my favourite places that are out of the way and haven't been visited in so long. First, I need to finish several overdue paintings(thank you sweet people for being so patient) and clean my house!

Finally, I am sending my absolute love and thanks to my Divine Sisters and the support I receive from my online and off line friends. Love you!

A New Auction of Gorgeous Jewels to Help the Faerie Queen!

2010-05-13T06:44:00.000-07:00

Money is still being raised for Lisa Stock's Film Trilogy about the Faerie Queen "Titania" which I mentioned in my last post. Now, you can go to Ebay and bid on a set of gorgeous pieces made by Jen Parrish of PARRISH RELICS

This Set includes an amazing head Piece and a gorgeous necklace both handmade by Jen without molds out of a special clay that she fires and then applies layers or gold finishes on. She also uses semi precious stones as well as crystal beads in these pieces. She has made one set for the Ebay Auction and one for the lead character of Titania to be worn in the movie. You can check out the pieces at the ebay auction HERE

Here is your chance to own a pieces of Titania's own Faerie Jewelry! Fit for a Queen!

Calling All Lovers of the Fae and Fairy Tales! Please Support Lisa Stock's Amazing Indie Film Project!

2010-05-09T11:31:00.000-07:00

Lisa Stock is an amazing film maker and story teller. She is desperately trying raise funds for her Titania Film Trilogy and she needs your support NOW! There are only a few days left for folks to donate to her Kicktstarter Project which you can find out more about donating HERE.

Here is some information about Lisa and her projects:

Lisa Stock is a writer and filmmaker working in the mythic arts. She pulls her stories from a varied background in theater, film, and anthropology. Her films include:

THE MEDISAGA TRILOGY (Titania, Purgatory, Neptune)
THE SILENT NICK AND NORA (screened in London - Rotoreliefs Series, Cannes - Short Film Corner, New York - Big Apple Film Festival)
BROTHER AND SISTER (featured in numerous online and print media)
DAPHNE & THE WILD HUNT (online series premiering in May 2010)
Lisa is also the author of the novella “The Sun”, and the popular online Victorian/Steampunk allegory "Through the Cobweb Forest”. She lives online at www.InByTheEye.com, and lives offline in New York City.

"I do think that your work delves into the questions of what fairy tales can tell us as women's tales more deeply than nearly any other contemporary artist that I know about."
-Daniel Fusch, Editor, Dantes Heart Journal of Myth, Fairy Tale, and Fantasy

Even a gift of $5.00 is of great help. Thank you!

Twin Brides by Cat Mallard of Darkling Woods

2010-05-04T06:16:00.001-07:00

(just a peek!)

My twin and I(being twins) were born a month and a bit early. We ended up being born in October and it is our favourite month. We love the weather, how it cools again, and the "Spooky Factor". Not all the gorey stuff(however, we do love Edward Gorery!), but we love old Ghost Stories and have always made our own costumes(thanks to our mom always making ours from the start). We would start thinking about what we wanted to be for Halloween months ahead of time and be so excited for our birthday party which would be held in our family's barn with all our friends. Lots of bobbing for apples, mummy toilet paper wrap rolls, s'mores around the fire and hayrides on the old tractor and wagon-fun!

(I do a lot of Halloween Art too! The Invitation and Gift of a mixed media painting for my twin and her husband for their Halloween Wedding)

Below is Jer is being the Bride of Frankenstein with one very goofy Dr. Frankenstein(She is with her then boyfriend and now husband Doug. This photo was taken over 15 years ago. You can just see my 2nd attempt at one of my dolls in the background and I have made over 100 easily by now) I think her costume is just divine! She somehow got her hair to stand up like that, added some black colour to it and the white streaks, made a collar of ribbon with bolts glued on it and is carring a bouquet of some dying flowers. Her dress is vintage one that has been so long in our family that it is decaying. I love my brother in law because he is always ready to dress up too, be so silly that is scary and loves it.

He now makes all the costumes for his family(he is the stay at home parent) and last year he made each of their two little boys Power Ranger Outfits, as well as one for himself and one for Jer(she has a super stressful job and yelled, 'Make it Work!' as she ran out of the door. Doug is a triathelete, has completed many Iron Mans, and coaches many other atheletes, but his secret wish is to be on Project Runway. He also bakes fabulous pies(makes up his own recipes) and makes the best cosmos ever. I always see him baking in his cycling clothes. He is truly a Rennisance Man!

(Run Doug Run! You have pies to bake and sewing to do at home!)

They even planned a Halloween Masque Ball Wedding in an old 1900s Ballroom Complete with Gilt Mirrors and Chandeliers covered in cobwebs. They had black and white striped candles everywhere, purple and orange twinkle lights, tons of black spiderweb fabric draped everywhere, and Cinderella pumkins(those short and squat cool shaped ones covered in glitter as the centerpieces). Jer wore a purple velvet Regency style coat over a blush pink regency dress that I designed and my mom and I made and Doug wore his family's plaid kilt. Everyone dressed in costume(I dress up as a bridesmaid-ha!) and I made one million hand held masks(ok, so it only felt like that!)

(Wedding Day October 30 1999)

They also both make a wee bit sick as here they are 10 years later dressed in the same wedding clothes with their two little boys(love these boys!) at a fancy Medieval themed Event. My nephews are very serious about trying to find the Holy Grail. May the force be with them. Are they not the cutest kids ever? Both boys asked to take dates to the event and Doug and Jer were thinking little girls but they picked lovely grown women who are in the background. Watch out ladies!

Now we come to the really fabulous part! When I came across the art Cat Mallard of Darkling Woods and LOVED IT ALL-especially her Fairy Tale and spooky Halloween pieces. I contacted her(she really couldn't be any sweeter or more humble about her amazing talent and work)to commission her to do a painting of twin Brides of Frankenstein for my twin Jer as a gift.

(This is Jer's Bride. Look how much her gown looks like Jer's Wedding outfit! And, I never told Cat about it! Cat is amazing!)

One would be wearing purples which are Jer's favourite colours and one would be wearing turquoise and aqua which are my favourite colours. What Cat sent me was beyond what I could ever imagine!

(Jer's Bride!)

She made a 3D piece with amazing layers of paper-divine!

The "chandeliers" are made of lace. Our ballgowns float off the paper which is attached to hard backing. Our gowns are embellished with all kinds of velvet pieces as well as vintage flowers and ribbon.

(My bride. I really want this dress! I mean hanging in my closet to wear to the next fancy event or to wear everyday!)
The end result just made me scream out loud! When I gave it to my sister she did the same thing. And then she just cried and cried and said, "This is one of my most favourite things ever!". I knew it would be!

Now, the big reveal! I wish I could have taken a better photo because it is a thousand times more gorgeous than this.

Thank you dear Cat! You have made us slightly freaky twins who mumble in our own language still and can scare folks off with our "twin stare" feel very cool. We shall walk around like these gorgeous Brides now and remember our Spooky Beauty!

It's Been So Long Since A Post! Divine Diptych Week 6-Phobia!

2010-04-22T06:41:00.000-07:00

Agoraphobia

This is the Theme for Week 6 for The Divine Diptych Project. You can read more about this photograph and others there.

I was paired with the talented Sad and Beautiful aka Sarah for Week 6 and I just loved how our photographs ended up together. Sarah takes amazing and daring risks in her photographs which pay her back in spades!

Sarah's photograph is on the left and mine is on the right. She is hiding out in the open the best she can and I am trying not to let the scary outside inside. I also have such a hard time getting out my front door. It takes me forever most days(Sarah was just acting but for me this is a very real fear). My phobia has more to do with a fear that I look like a monster and that I scare people. I really do know that no one is looking at me and that I am actually a person that is pretty much becomes invisible once out. It still doesn't stop the the fear that once I am out a bunch of folks are going to round me up and take me away for being "less than" or for being messed up, ugly, crazy and different from everyone else. I know it sounds nuts, but even when I show folks around here the photographs I take(or any of my art in other mediums), the first words I usually hear are, "Oh my god, you are so weird! What are these all about?". Well, to someone who has presented the question like that, I don't really have an answer. Everyone likes different things. I can honestly say I am not going out of my way to shock anyone. All of this seems quite reasonable to me and I do sell art where I live.

I also took other photographs while taking these. They are just more a chance to mix things up a bit and to create a new and mysterious character(she looks like my maternal grandmother who had long black hair, dark skin and black eyes-complete opposite of me!). I am not sure who she is. She came to me very quickly and naturally. If you know who she is let me know! Hope all is well with all of you!

Wearing my Parrish Relics Primavera Vial Necklace

Week 5 of The Divine Diptych Project-VANISHING

2010-04-07T10:02:00.000-07:00

This is my Week 5 photograph for The Divine Diptych Project . I was paired with the super talented Susan aka The Melody Censory. I was nervous because Susan has an incredible ability to transform herself into just about anything and anyone including me! She surprised me with by doing these photographs as "Me" which blew my mind. They can be found HERE and HERE.

For our diptych, we were given the theme of "Vanishing". Susan painted her face white and made herself vanishing from dark to light into the background very dramatically. I love how minimal her photograph is but how much impact it has. I took the same theme and made myself "vanishing" into a bunch of greenery but I also wanted to add the twist of the world's sad vanishing green that we find today. I think together, our photographs work from dark and detailed to light and stark.

This was our Alternate. I love how in this one I appear to be a fantastical headpiece coming from Susan's pale and vanishing face. Check out her gorgeous blue eyes!

And, because I am famous for taking too many photos, I ended up doing a whole series on this theme which I call "Vanishing Botanical". I will give you peek here. It is time for me to get on with a new theme and a new diptych! Week 6 is now!

For me, it is still hard to take these self portraits. I wish I could fix so many things about my face, my body, blah, blah, blah. But, the story I am trying to tell is much more important so I keep on going and use myself to tell it or the story will keep me up at night and bug me all day. Finally, I give in and then I get some peace-until the next one starts to form...Sometimes I think that all art is like that-one has to create it because it won't leave you alone! It is more about making it tangible and getting it out of your head so you can move on. I hope that makes some kind of sense!

The Doll With Purple Hair

2010-03-31T06:45:00.000-07:00

Another doll that I am making is on her way. She is getting closer to the fun bits. To me, this means that I am getting to the point where I can work on fixing her hair in a fun style, working on her headpiece, jewelry and other little accessories and details. The big "doll making" part is over and wow-that sure takes me a long time! I guess I have been trying to figure out for many years how to make my process much faster, but that is just not the way my dolls work.

It took me so long to develop my process that now I kind of guard it. It was such a long and painful process(many dolls have had to be torn apart and started again and again and again-I had to keep asking myself what I was doing and was all this worth it?). But, finally one day, I made a doll that made so much sense to me and that looked like "me". It incorporated my style, my history, my travels, my favourites things, all my hard work with building my own style of mannequins for museums and all of my study of ancient Greek and Egyptian sculpture.

Plus, they had my love of fairy tales and folklore as well as my love of the bold use of colour that I had loved when I studied art in a little old town way down south and right in the middle of Mexico.

They also looked like my paintings and other art. I like to draw a black line and "define" all of my art. Some artists are very good at making their art more "airy". I need enclosed in this black line. So, this is why my dolls look the way they do. Finally they are the way "my" dolls are supposed to look. I always loved the description of "Snow White" with her blood red lips and pale face so I often give my pale dolls this colouring. I have made dolls of every colour though-Maasai Women, Asian Princesses, Greek Goddess and I also love mixing everyone and every race up-why can't we all just get along?

Do I wish my dolls looked different? Honestly, I wish I could make them very realist and very precious, but this is what they are so I will continue on this way until something in them starts to change on its own. My art is always surprising me. This can be frustrating, but it is only partly up to me. I will let the art go where it wants. Trying to control it too much will just drive me mad!

So, here is the doll in teal with the purple/black hair. There is another waiting in the wings. "Wings" being the key word here!

This doll in teal with the purple/black hair is taken, but I am always willing to do commissions so feel free to contact me if you are interested in a special doll of your own. I have made all kinds of dolls-Cats playing the violin, mermaids, many fairy tale characters, fantasy kind of self-portraits of folks, faeries, mermaids with wings, busts, a horse with a lovely lady riding it, cake toppers and more. My feeling is that if you can make one thing you can make another. Also, this is art and I am sculpting and sewing these pieces so anything really is possible. Hope all is well with all of you!

I'm gonna Let It Shine...

2010-03-26T10:10:00.000-07:00

THIS is so seriously funny and so dear at the same time! Thank you Red-Handed!

Hey DJ! This one is just for you! It's me with little itty bitty Tobias Greenmoss! And, we are both wearing new headdresses! We look so darn FIERCE don't ya think? Aren't you so excited! Well, of course you are! Ask a stupid question, get a stupid answer!

Anyway, I have to thank my crazy(seriously) friend DJ for an amazing package he sent me months ago. This winter was a hard one and his package of his original Art and Writings was just the most awesome thing to find in the mail.

He sent me a beautiful Pre-Raphaelite postcard, a very cool fold out original story that he wrote and illustrated all on one piece of paper which folds out(fantastic illustrations! fantastic story!) and one of the coolest biz cards I have ever seen. It also folds out and includes several of his very unique line drawings. Fabulous!

Also included was a hand painted Date Book(he doesn't understand that I see this as a work of art and would rather frame it then scribble appointments inside it but he is dense like that-oh well). And, I love this super cool calender with magnents on the back. It has a gorgeous painting behind the calender. Gorgeous colours and I always love a masked person(in art, not some boogie man in my house or anything like that) and this mysterious lady has a gorgeous plum coloured mask on. My twin will want this but she can't have it!

But wait, that's not all! One of the biggest mysteries wrapped in a riddle was yet to be seen! It was this innocent looking journal-no big whoo right? Oh no, the cover of this journal is top secret! My twin, younger sister and 2 boy cousins have made a religion around this saying on this cover-no kidding! It started when we were very young. It was our mantra and benediction. We repeated it over and over and often mixed up the parts as a test of faith. We each get random phone calls to this day. They are very brief and very mysterious. The person on the other end will simple say, "A loaf of stick" and hang up. We all nod in silence knowing that our secret is still strong and that we are keeping the faith. We all know that this saying will bind us more than blood, more than duty. It is etched on our brain(well, we tried to etch it on each others' brain with the light bright, but that is a whole different story). Say it proudly and loud or silently mumur it, but never stop! A LOAF OF BREAD, A CONTAINER OF MILK, AND STICK OF BUTTER! So mote it be...

Tevlin! You don't have to cry about it! The force is still strong with us all! The best thing is when my mom saw this journal that DJ had made. She picked it up and said right away, "Oh my God! There is another one of YOU WEIRD KIDS OUT THERE!" I couldn't stop laughing about that one for days. Yes DJ, you are now officially ONE OF THOSE WEIRD KIDS OUT THERE! Prepare yourself. My cousin Tevlin and I are the only ones who look a bit, well, "unique" and act that way too. The others are quite normal looking, but don't let that fool you. Underneath their career clothes, Dr. lab coats and family cars beat the hearts of WEIRDOS! Welcome to the family!

And, the surprises keep on coming! Inside of what I thought was the "Weirdo Kids" journal, DJ had actually snuck in another one of his stories called Parachute Man. Very sneaky indeed. I have read it forward and it is very good. I am going to however read it backwards for any secret messages about light bright and the 6 million dollar man or to see if there are instructions for going down to the corner store to pick up a "loaf of bread" wink, wink...

I just may be onto you DJ. I also wanted to show you some photos of your gorgeous painting "Finally, She's Ready" hanging in my house. I do love this painting so much! I call my place "Mo Town". I think she really suits "Mo Town" and I also think she is in good company.

All kidding aside, Thanks so much for the lovely gifts and your thoughtfulness DJ. I hope all is well with you and that you are still creating away. The world needs you Art-both your writing and your paintings and everything in between. I personally need your humour and I am pretty sure I am not alone in that!

Week 3 of the Divine Diptych Project

2010-03-20T12:13:00.000-07:00

(Another Alternate)

(The chosen Diptych)

For Week 3 of the Divine Diptych Photograph Project, I was paired with the lovely and talened MFayre of MFayre Photography and our theme was "Movement". You can see her amazing photographs at her website HERE.

(An alternate version-I love this one as well!)

And, You can visit the Divine Diptych's Blog HERE to learn more about this Diptych and see the rest of Week 3's Diptychs. They are always a surprise which has turned out to be a lot of fun to see. I really love how each photographer interprets the given theme and then to see how the pairs photographs look together. It is truly alchemy which is really cool!

For our diptych, I dressed up in a very loose historic outfit which included a sapphire blue velvet coat, a cream and dark green striped silk skirt with a bustle back, black granny boots, and a gorgeous chenile scarf that MFayre had given me in a lilac/mushroom colour. I also brought out a large piece of turquoise silk. It was my plan to play with the silk and catch it moving in a photograph. Another idea was to jump and catch myself at the perfect second with the timer on my camera so I would look like I was flying. I almost caught this effect, but it was hard!

MFayre was busy with many other things so I sent her some of my photographs and she added them to photographs she had already for this project. Her goal for Week 3 was to set a long exposure and capture the movement of the river and she really achieved that beautifully. MFayre is a truly talented photographer. She has a very natural talent for it and she also works very hard to keep improving her skills. I could only hope that my photos would be good enough to go with hers. I was really happy and amazed at what our combination came out looking like. I also wasn't surprised as MFayre is very dear to me and we have many things in common and many of the same likes and dislikes. So, this was a fun pairing as they all have been! Thank you so much May! What a dream! I also did other "Movement" photos and will scatter them about for your viewing pleasure.

Hope all is well with all of you in blogland. Hope you are having a nice weekend. I am slowing getting better, then having little relapses into my illness which make have to slow down and that makes me really sad as I can't do everything I want to do and I still haven't crossed everything off my list. Again, 2 steps forward, 1 step back. I think that doing a few photos is helping my creativity though-please let it come back! My next theme for this project is going to be an interesting one. I hope I can at least do part of my vision for it!

One of the New Dolls

2010-03-17T08:39:00.000-07:00

It seems like I have been working on a group of new dolls forever. Their work keeps getting interrupted and I have to put them down and then getting them going again is really hard. Plus, for me, making my dolls takes forever. I never knew how to make a doll the way I wanted to make it and there were no books about it when I started(only just a little ways back because I am only 21! I was living on an island where there were no books).

"Art dolls" wasn't really a term yet and people still wanted their dolls to look well, "doll like". I wanted to combine sculpture with textiles and my dolls is what I came up with. I had no idea anyone would be interested in them or that other folks were trying to figure out the same thing themselves. Here is one of the dolls I have been working on. She is on her way to being finished, but is not there yet. Right now she is simply "the Red-haired Doll" for now and is wearing one of my hand beaded headpieces.

I kind of made up my own technique and based the look of my dolls on ancient Greek and Egyptian sculptures I studied while living and going to school in Athens,Greece and the Greek Islands. I took the idea for my little dolls and made into a much larger scale to make mannequins at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis that could be made larger or smaller to fit the textiles which would keep them from being damaged by mannequins that came in only one size. No more squeezing precious textiles into too big mannequins. I also made wigs which were complete sets of hair made of yarn so they could be styled and restyled. One day a long blonde wig was styled up in a Victorian updo and the next it was done and a bit wild looking for a Viking-cool!

So, my 312 step process probably needs to be updated but, I am not very good at cutting out steps. All of my dolls have wire armatures, I sculpt with Creative Paperclay and wait for each layer to dry. I sew on "muscles" with batting and then start my costumes.

Each doll(if a lady in a dress-I have also done animals and other beings such as mermaids and faeries, you name it-it's a doll, I can figure it out hopefully) gets a pair of bloomers and a corset first. Then there are petticoats. Next, there is an underskirt followed by an over-skirt. Now I can add a bodice and sleeves and more details.

Finally, I move onto making a wig for the doll. This gets difficult if my little cats won't leave all my balls of yarn alone though. After the wig, I go back and add more details and accessories like capes, scarves, jewelry, crowns, and hats. I also paint the arms and feet of my dolls. After years and years of making teeny shoes, I went a little nuts so now I paint on the shoes-I so hope this isn't cheating! Here are her little pointy green Medieval shoes.

I hope this lady is done soon! She has been awfully patient! Here she is with my little girl cat Sister Blackberry Bijou! "Sister" guards everything and everyone. She is the big boss around here and to her 3 older brothers. Do not mess with Sis!

I think she looks so lovely sitting in my favourite antique aqua velvet chair(I guess it was teal at some point. Both colours are great with me!). Sister Bijou is still hanging out above her.

Here is a sneak peak of someone else who is on their way...

Happy Saint Patrick's Day! And, time for me to get busy on other art.

Week 2 of the Divine Diptych Project

2010-03-14T11:34:00.000-07:00

It is week 2 of the "Divine Diptych Project" so there is a whole new set of Diptychs on our blog which you can see HERE.

This week I was randomly given the theme "Jewelry" and paired with the amazing photography Bogna aka Quizz. Bogna is what I call a "Rock Star" photographer so I was again nervous. I keep getting paired with these Goddess photographers! But, the good thing about this, is that I am only given a week to get my photograph in so I don't have the time to worry and fret over it.

Bogna and I didn't talk at all before we did our diptych. We just set a square size. We were surprised at how well our photos fit together and I really like the outcome. I love the colours and the way we are facing each other. Thanks Bogna! Let's do another project soon!

I took more photograhs with this theme. I forced myself to get out a gorgeous beaded gown my ex got me in Glastonbury, England from Monsoon that we found for steal(we called it the 'Klimt" dress as we thought the beading looked like something in one of his paintings). I hadn't put it on for a very long time and wanted to get it out for photos. I also put on a bunch of my handbeaded jewelry including necklaces, bracelets and one of my crowns. Then, I put on rings that my ex had given me-rings on all my fings to catch the light. These are things I don't know what to do with. I was going for a "Miss Havisham" look. I will include some photographs below.

The more I force myself to take photos, the more my creativity comes back slowly and am starting to get back into doing sketches and hopefully new paintings soon. Plus, I have new beads and beadwork to do and am ready to make wigs for dolls!

Today I would like to just bead and make wigs but my house-ick! What a mess! OK, I will clean a bit but I really want to just get these projects done and onto the next! Time to wash the windows too! Hope you are all well!

Yes, it is a dress for a younger woman, but I can dream...

The Divine Diptych Project

2010-03-04T10:40:00.000-08:00

I finally got my camera out and started a new project. Here is a little bit about it from the blog we have started about the project;

"The Divine Diptych Project is a collaboration between 37 photographers some of whom pair up every week and in each pair take a photo each on the same theme. The diptychs you see here are the results of these collaborations. Feel free to comment on what we have done, and tell us what the stories they tell you. "

This is the opening statement for the new blog for the Divine Diptych Project. You can visit the blog

HERE.

(one of my other possible choices-I made the headpiece from fresh flowers and vintage lace and also made the big tulle collar from a soft, shimmery deep cream coloured tulle)

I was paired with the lovely and talented Heather of Heather Evans Smith Photography. Her work is just inspired and amazing. Please check out her website and other amazing photographs. You will love them! Find her siteHERE.

I have just copied what Heather had to say about our pairing. She is so sweet and talented. She was so right about our photographs;

"Merle and I didn't set any rules except for a square format. We both adore vintage styles. Merle went for a 1920s-30s feel and I channeled the 1960s. Both of us used flowers in our hair and neither one of us was surprised to see that the other had done the same, seemed like a no-brainer based on our interests. Merle has become quite a confidant of mine lately and I was excited to pair up with her on this project."

My Itty Bitty Baby Boy Tobias Greenmoss! Love this Green-Eyed Sweetheart! He is my little Fae Creature for sure and for certain! I found him as an orphaned and abandoned 3 week old kitten on a big lump on moss crying for his mother-that broke my heart. He was very sick and the runt of the litter. For me, that meant he was all mine and I was the luckiest person ever! That was 8 years ago! He is still a tiny cat, but oh so wonderful and funny! A Blessing indeed!

With one of my dear Parrish Relics by Jen Parrish. Visit her amazing jewelry

HERE. And, more variations on the theme...

I hope this post finds you all well!

The Little Thief

2010-02-21T08:53:00.000-08:00

My little cat Pascal had taken all of my newly filled vials of Pixie dust and hidden them away. I was going mad trying to find them!

They were all filled and sealed and ready to be beaded and made into necklaces.

Here is a bunch of them, but they need more beads and doo-dahs on them to be complete.

I want each one to look like this one with the beads and then little other beads will hang down like the white iridescent owl bead too.

I have also made some new ones that I filled with pixie dust and dried flowers and feathers. I want to try and think of something special to do with these, but they were missing as well.

Finally! I found them! Here is Pascal trying to sneak them away again-No! He had taken each one in his mouth and hid it under his favourite book shelf that he used to hide under when he was a little feral kitten. Now that he is such a big cat, only his head fits, but he sure can sneak stuff under there. This photo cracks me up!

Just as I was finishing taking these photos I noticed someone tugging at the strings on the beaded Pixie Dust Vials and trying to run away with them. I thought it was Pascal, but it was his baby brother Glastonbury! No! You all have toys to play with. Leave my stuff alone! This is just too cute! It is also driving me crazy...

A Few Little Things

2010-02-16T20:15:00.000-08:00

Sonja Cross

Back in Whitby

Dark Pool

Little Sister

Thoughts back to my England

I am trying to get going again where I left off with my art before I got really sick at the beginning of December. A lot of if still is making me tired so I am practicing some digital photography tom-fooler-ly. Whew! I don't know what I am doing! Here are a few examples. I have also done a few little watercolours, have become work again on dolls that had been set aside and are in various stages and(this is just plain crazy) am still trying to mail out Holiday packages! I got 2 packages nearly ready to go tonight! Up next will be birthday packages and trades with other amazing artists who have been too kind and have waited far too long. I am getting there! I am very disappointed with my 4 little cats. I have asked for their help but they just jump in the boxes and take naps. I shouldn't be so mean. I am sure this is "help" in their language so bless these little people. Hope all is well with all you folks in blogland!

Pascal is in the center soaking up the sun! It is the perfect spot for a nap.

Sisters

2010-02-03T20:22:00.000-08:00

I have been trying to get back to my projects. I have been finding it very disappointing though. It seems that everything is taking me at least twice as long if not longer and I am constantly interrupted. So, I am trying to figure it all out. It is almost like everything I do gets undone while I am not looking. My nephews have been sick and need a 2nd mom to come and take care of them so I will be off to their place for a bit. I have tried to taking my art with me before, but that turns out to be so silly.

I have been photographing books for the book shop where I do different kinds of work(right now we are working on a new website). I wanted to photograph this 2009 published version of Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte with a cover done by fashion illustrator Ruben Toledo next to the version of Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte that my mom gave me to read when I was a teenager. It had belonged to her mother. I thought nothing of reading this book over and over. I took it from place to place as I moved around the country and dog-eared pages, threw it in back packs and on whatever shelf or desk I had at the moment. I was looking inside it to see when it was published so I could put that date with the photograph thinking it was probably published around 1930 at the latest but probably the 1950s or even 1960s.

(ooh, too cute!)

Well, I had a big shock. This book was published in 1848! That is one year after Charlotte Bronte died! Yikers! I have been so bad to this book! The Big Hat Books owner freaked when I told her. I am putting this book away for some archival healing. Who knew? My grandparents were older parents and had been through WWI, the Great Depression and WWII. If they had a book they were holding on to it! It is a beautiful book. I am so sorry beautiful book! I will take better care of you!

So for now, I will continue to take one step forward and 2 steps back. We are getting another big dump of snow too. I hope everyone stays calm. Wishing you all well. I made Valentines last year but I don't know if I will get them done for this year. I am still trying to mail out some Holiday gifts-so bad! Here is a Valentine for everyone in case I don't get around to them!

And, my little cats are staying warm. All 4 are traveling in a pack and sleeping in a big heap of black fur which is really cute-it is a circle where one cat's butt is the others pillow. They are hibernating big time. I want to be one of them!

This photo really cracks me up because the belly and feet belong to my oldest cat Pascal and he is resting them on his little sis Sister Blackberry Bijou. I love how they just push and smush each other-no big whoo! They drive me crazy! Pascal-Your Belly! Sis is not amused!

pascal...

Pink Soars During 'Glitter In The Air' Grammy Performance 2010

2010-02-02T22:23:00.001-08:00

Here is another video of Pink's performance because the other one was taken down. It isn't as good quality but it is still an amazing performance. And, before anyone freaks, she is wearing a nude bodysuit with strategically placed sparkles as are her fellow flyers. I so wish I could learn how to do this! This is for Miss Katinka Pinks!

Billy Elliot Electricity/Swan lake

2010-01-31T13:33:00.001-08:00

I'm a big baby, but the first time I saw "Billy Elliot" in the movie theatre, I was with my twin and when it was over we looked at each other with tears in our eyes and we both said at the same time, "again" and we got up and bought tickets to see it again-we never do that and rarely make it to the cinema to begin with. She now has 2 little boys and they love to do "romantic dancing" with us which is when we do ballet with them-we didn't force them-they just thought it was fun and they are good at it! It is the hardest thing I have ever done. These boys' dad is a big triathlete-an amazing athlete all around and his sons would rather "romantic dance" with us "Moms". Their big athletic dad doesn't even care. He says it is the hardest thing to do too and maybe someday they will want to do what he does(they already love swimming are like the most graceful fish in the water-so proud!). And, I just love the all male version of Swan Lake. I have been fortunate enough to see it. I am trying to work on a little surprise for my twin. Will let you know how it goes!

Desperate Measures

2010-01-22T11:15:00.000-08:00

The Front Window all fancy and such~

Big Hat Books all Sepia-Like

A little table with Saint Valentine's Days offerings of books and decorated boxes by me.

Our dear old house pillar. It came from an Art Gallery I worked at nearly 10 years ago. Many a wonderful thing has been displayed on it and I am very attached to it. I am glad to see it safe and sound at Big Hat. Right now it is displaying a wonderful book about taking the "Hell" out of "Healthy"-love that! and is decorated with sugared fruits and more cut out hearts. Please bury me with this pillar-thanks.

I love this "wee" window. I made the little sign beneath it. It says, "Unattended children will be given an expresso and a puppy. Thank You, The Management." No, it doesn't say that! It says, "Adults who don't attend to their children will leave this store with their children and 2 puppies. Thank You, The Management". That's better right?

Since I have been so out of it, I decided to go ahead and do the window displays for Big Hat Books and Arts here in Broad Ripple Village. I call this my "practice art". I got some pretty papers and ribbon and made foot after foot of hearts garlands which I hung all over the store to make it pretty for Saint Valentine's Day and to display with all our new books. To me, it looks just like my 2nd grade class room on Saint Valentine's Day-hehe.

The super crazy thing? This took me FOREVER! I am moving really slow these days. I had to take Desperate Measures to get all of this done which also included dressing for the part. That meant I forced myself to fix my hair(kind of), wear my nicest old levis and vintage cardigans, and I even pulled out lip gloss! I know! How crazy have I become? Desperate Times call for Desperate Measures indeed.

A little area of Saint Valentine Cards-more to come!

The Amazing Photography of Susan Knight of Visual Musing Photography

2010-01-10T08:35:00.000-08:00

Introducing the lovely and talented photographer Susan Knight of Visual Musing Photography! I have had to take it easy with my own art. I am going to try to work on some sketches today and little things, but I wanted everyone to check out Susan's photography. She is also a fabulous friend and sweet, thoughtful person-what a gift!

Susan's Version of my "Ash and Thorns" Series~ I don't think I could do this with one of her series or anyone's series if I tried and tried! Susan is so uber talented!

My Version

Her Version-she even made a crown and painted on her own "tattoos"!

My Version

Her Version-Her "Merle Hair" is a wig-it looks flawless! She even made her version of the cuff I am wearing-a gift from my dear friend Firuzan in Turkey(along with my crown)

My Version

Her Version-Look how great she got the tattoo! She did such an amazing job on the background too as well as the overall feeling of the the whole series-I am still in awe!

Inspiration from my Paintings, Monotypes and Art Dolls-specifically, their painted faces-my take on tribal face painting.

Inspiration from my Self Portraits

And, All Susan! Wow! FABULOUS!

You can find Susan's amazing photographs and more about her at her website "Visual Musings" HERE.

Susan take photographs of just about everything and they are just breath taking. She is also an amazing self portrait artists and can morph herself into just about anyone, including me! She looked through my photo stream on Flickr and came up with these amazing photographs where she has posed as "me"! I was so surprised and really honoured. She did such an awesome job! She has combined several photographs together for some of the photographs and also added in the look of my paintings, monotypes, and art dolls. I was really overwhelmed so I wanted to share my version and then her's. And, she is wearing a long wig-who knew?

When our other photo friends saw Susan's photos they screamed, "they are so MERLE!".

This made me so happy because 1)it means that I haven't lost myself in the hardships of the last few years and 2)it also means that I may actually have some tangible thing for people to go on when they think of me-something original which makes me so happy too. I have never wanted to do the mainstream thing so this is so important to me. Many thanks again and again Susan!

Thank you Magician Susan! You have made my year and so soon in!

2010 Looking Forward and Back with Just 3 Photos

2010-01-01T12:02:00.000-08:00

You can see that we sisters naturally have blondish/brownish/redish way hair but I really dig Jer in this black wig. Huh, something to think about. Who am I kidding, as soon as I did something like this to my hair that was permanent, I would just try to grow it back out so I could put it in some braids.

I love these photos of my twin sister Jer with her beloved little cat Gilligan Pudding. "Gilly" lived to be 30 years old and had quite and adventurous life and was well loved by all of us. In the middle photo, Jer is 8 or 9 and Gilly is about 1 year I think. Jer has dressed up Gilly in a little outfit and I took that photos of both them outside our family's barn. It makes me laugh and smile. The other 2 photos I took of the 2 of them years later. Jer is in her 20s and Gilly is close to 30. Jer is one of my favourite models-she just does what I want her to do without me having to ask(yes, creepy twins) and Gilly is in top form as well. She could sit on your shoulder all day long-while you walked around the woods, while you did your chores, it was pretty amazing. I miss that a lot.

(Oops! One more photo! Here I am dressed as a Medieval Princess with my little Siamese cat Lang who lived to be 14. She was my "Gilly" and I miss her everyday. She taught me a lot about love and patience. And yes, she is wearing a little Damsel Hat!)
These photos say a lot to me. Love your people and be yourself, and focus on what is the most important in life. And, since it all goes so fast you really need to be wise about what you choose to focus on-really it isn't that hard.

I am still pretty sick. I don't want to go into all that. It has been hard for me to slow down which is crazy because I am pretty sure that I was doing nothing important! I have plans too! I want to change this blog all around and to do more art and more kinds of art. I don't think I have learned much yet. I think I will stare at this photo for while longer until I get the meaning better. Wishing you all a wonderful and SLOW 2010!

Love and miss you sweet Gilligan Pudding!

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-26T09:51:00.001-08:00

Blessings!

Snow Queens and Holiday Magic, With Love and Joy to All!

I've Been Sick, Let's All Slow Down!

2009-12-16T08:04:00.000-08:00

Hi All,
I have been gone and very much out of it. Things have shut down in my studio because I am very sick and will be for a few more months healing if I am lucky. I have had to slow way down and am staying with my twin and her family. My dear little cats "The Littles" are staying with my younger sister and having a ball. I miss them so very much. Soon, I hope I can see them more(I was able to see them once since my hospital stay and it was wonderful).

This is where I talk about my illness so look away if you must! I have colitis and was rushed to the hospital in extreme pain. I won't go into all that, but it has been the result of me pushing through projects when I should have taken a break or stopped, skipping meals, and generally treating myself more like a robot then a human. When I got to the hospital I was suffering from extreme dehydration, malnourishment and exhaustion in addition to having a really messed up lower digestive tract-it just hadn't been used in about 2 to 3 years.

Slowly, we all hope I will get better so I can do my thing down here, but the big message is PUT YOURSELF FIRST! I always hated that saying because I never knew what it meant. It sounded selfish and vague. Now, I can tell you what it means in specific examples. So, stop at least 3 times a day and eat something healthy, keep a big bottle of water with you at all times(I did this part but it is not enough alone), keep healthy snacks around you so you don't have to think about what to eat. If you are working on a big project and getting tired STOP! Take a break, take a walk, look through a favourite book or magazine, do some yoga, talk to a friend, goof off, LAUGH SO HARD SOMETHING SPEWS OUT YOUR NOSE!, go back to it later-don't push through your fatigue or hunger-that will lead to illness and pain. If you kids are screaming, still make sure you eat something, get dressed and all of that first and then help them. It all sounds so simple but it is also so simple to not do these things and just say, "I'll wait just 30 minutes late" which turns into an hour. We have all done it.

So, for the New Year, I so hope everyone just slows down-even a little bit. Slows down in their personal lives, slows down when they are driving, slows down when they are shopping, and just stops and thinks, "I will slow down and just be kind, say Hi to this person while I am waiting in line at the post office" instead of huffing and puffing and racing around. Life would be so much better for all of us. My wish is that everyone stops running around like there is a fire somewhere to put out(unless of course there actually is a fire).

Be Well and Take care! Take a Break! And yes Red-Handed, this is "Long-ish" 'cause I like it that way! Hehe!

Thankful-Golden Friday

2009-11-28T13:20:00.000-08:00

My Dear Sweet Diana-I would have done more in black and white, but these colours are so amazing and her blue eyes are just awesome.

The beautiful necklace that Diana is wearing is by the talented Ivy of Edera Jewerly. Check out her blog HERE. Ivy, now Diana loves this necklace as much as I do!

I was so happy that my dear friend Diana was able to visit with me yesterday, the day after American Thanksgiving which is typically "Black Friday". She is my "Golden Girl" and we have been through a lot together and separately but always at each other's sides. I am happy to have reached this point where my Diana is here with me with a Mane full of Golden Hair and wanting me to take some "whimsical" and "Fairy Tale Magic" photos of her. Yes! I can do that. I just pulled some velvet and vintage out of my closet, played with some of my glittery makeup and together we decided to make her Golden Mane even more "Full" with a crimping iron so here are a few of the results.

This year I am thankful for my Diana. She is here and healthy. We are making fun of each other like the "old days". She has been sick for a long time and I know she is feeling better because we are teasing each other a lot(so good!) and, her hair did grow back and then some(it took me nearly an hour to crimp all of it!). So, why not celebrate with some fancy photos? And, just look at her! Wow! She is just gorgeous. She has such a regal profile, stunning skin, amazing cheekbones and her eyes are the color of the faintest blue ice. Plus, look at that smile! Beautiful, smart, funny, clever, a Warrior and a Goddess-truly one of a kind! I love you Diana! Love is True!
('Love is True' is something my nephew starting saying when he was around 4 when Diana first got sick. We asked him about it and he said that it is a nice way to say, 'Thank You and I Love You' at the same time so now it has become our routine saying for those times when no words will do. It really comes in handy a lot. He is 7 now and we are all still saying it and he reminds us to say it to Diana especially. That kid is a genius!).

The Movie "Bright Star" and Ashley Lebedev Photography-Please Read and Vote!

2009-11-24T13:19:00.000-08:00

Ashley's photographic self-portrait called "Gracianaughta"
which she described "is a made up word that symbolizes everything "beautiful" so to speak and was inspired by the reason I am writing and posting this."

Hi all! I am doing this post because an incredibly talented photographic self-portrait artist named Ashley Lebedev has entered a contest which is part of the movie "Bright Star" directed by Jane Campion and stars Abbie Cornish and Ben Whishaw and tells the story Poet John Keats in 1818 and his secret love affair with the outspoken, student of fashion and girl next door Fanny Brown.

This movie combines so many of my favourite things-costume drama, poetry, hand written letters which take such time and care, beautiful sweeping photographic images-all of which make me think of Ashley's photography. It is lush, deep imagery, which is visually poetic. Each photograph tells it's own story and takes you to a new and magical world. Check out her website HERE. You can also visit her blog HERE .

Below, Ashley has written out how she made her poem/letter and wrote it and how she became a finalist. If she wins, she will receive a ring which she will trade in to finally have a camera worthy of the amazing photographs that she takes. I am truly amazed at the photographs that she has been able to take with a camera that has been on the the fritz for so long! I can't wait to see what she could do with a camera that really works! Plus, here poem is gorgeous and it is gorgeous, I seriously want to start writing letters like these to everyone.

The link to the movie's website and where you can go to vote on Ashley's love letter is HERE.

So, From Ashley~

PLEASE READ THIS WHOLE THING before voting. Voting is here: http://www.brightstar-movie.com/contest/

::FINGERS CROSSED::

Alright FRIENDS AND FAM!!!! My lips have been sealed.
Here's the backstory. This photo above, entitled: "Gracianaughta" (a made up word that symbolizes everything 'beautiful' so-to-speak) was inspired by the reason I am writing and posting this.

THE MOVIE 'BRIGHT STAR'. <--- Not only was this movie my favorite movie of ALL TIME, but I also entered, after seeing the film, a hand made love letter contest sponsored by the movie, and it's website! About 3 weeks after entering the "Be My Bright Star Love Letter Contest", which was a nationwide call to the public, I got a call from a man in New York telling me I was a finalist for my writings, and presentation of the letter. HERE IS WHERE I NEED YOUR HELP!!! The letter has been photographed, and put onto the movies official site, and is open to the PUBLIC FOR VOTING FOR JUST A FEW DAYS! The PUBLIC (and I am seriously hoping and wishing my network of friends will cast a vote) DECIDES THE WINNER. Yesterday, when I looked at all the finalists' hand made love letters, including my own, I was very impressed and proud of the writings (this is the first poem I've EVER shared publicly, and you can read it) but was a bit disheartened to see that in photographing mine, they left out a TON of the presentation. So in this post, I wanted to share how I made the letter, in hopes to give those of you that might have a moment to vote what it all looked like. So here goes... I wrote the poem on handmade, antiqued parchment with a quill, and ink (a task in itself) and folded the letter in the old fashion (into itself). I then fashioned an envelope to house my poem out of beautiful bright red and yellow fall leaves that i gathered at a park and sealed them with dripping waxes, and an old press to hold it all together. After the envelope of leaves was made, I sewed it into a more sturdy holder made from vintage cloth and laces, and finally, it was held together by twine. I spent days on this project, and I wrote the poem myself. The prize is a $5,000 dollar ring, which I was hoping to trade in (after 3 and 1/2 years of waiting) for a better camera. Can you believe I am still working on an entry level DSLR, with a broken sensor?... It's time. IF YOU HAVE TIME. IF I'VE INSPIRED YOU WITH MY WORK... Please take a moment to vote. It would mean the world to me. HERE'S THE LINK: http://www.brightstar-movie.com/contest/ My picture, and letter is under the name: "Ashley L, Minneapolis, MN" :-) ;) Again, THANK YOU. And thank you to those who've already voted. I really believe that with positive thinking, and the help of my networks, I CAN DO THIS. :D Ash. xxo

Big Hat Holiday Show 2009

2009-11-19T13:14:00.000-08:00

Upstairs area

Chocolate Fairy

Forest Faerie

Red Haired Russian Skater

Santa Maria II

Santa Maria I

Snow White

Sweet Queen of Snow and Ice

Violet

Baby Raccoon

What am I doing? I need to be cleaning my house and studio, but I am stopping to do some blogging as I am sewing, working on dolls and dreaming of naps. And no, I never cleaned the studio after my shows since this sumer-I have just been piling on the stuff and supplies-I am just too far gone at this point and organizing will require professional help, a dumpster or both.

So here are some photos from the Big Hat Holiday show of a few of my pieces. These are pieces upstairs in gallery area. There are more downstairs in the book area too, but more on that later. I am trying to catch up on my reading of the books we are carrying in the store so I can know what I am recommending and talking about to customers. This is hard because my brain is extremely "wee".

I had to laugh at what the book store owner's 6 year son had to say about my paintings shown here. He said, "I knew these were yours!". I asked why and he said this, "Your art is the only art that has faces! And, it has tons of colours with the faces look like you. Those faces look like your doll's faces. They are all dreamy,weird ladies in fancy clothes just like you." Hee! He also calls me "Baby Bat Girl"(I have no idea why) or "My other Mama Merle"(I have only known him since August!). So now I call him "Baby Raccoon". We will be playing and his mom will think that something that has happened(which is not a good thing) was because of Baby Raccoon and yell for him to come to her right now because he is in trouble, but I have done it and then he gets to watch as I sit in the time out chair(which super tiny too). Yeah, these are the good times! They really are! If you want to know how to make a kid's day, let him or her see you sit in the time out chair-I mean, their smile is priceless-hehe!

OK, back to either cleaning or sewing or maybe I will just put myself in time out. It was kind of nice to be there and just space out for a bit.

The Ashland Gallery Show

2009-11-18T11:45:00.000-08:00

At the Ashland Gallery~ one of Gretchen's wall of her gorgeous oil paintings of landscapes of real places made magical due to her amazing use of colour and imagination. On the next wall is a few of my framed photographs.

One wall of my framed photographs-the director saw how I hung my art in my house in one of my self portraits and wanted one wall of my art to be hung that way-all "mish-mashed" together-very "Merle". These are all self-portraits and a series inspired by my ancestor Lydia from Salem,MA.

Here I am in black next to gorgeous Gretchen in white. I am standing in front a few of her magical landscapes and she is standing in front of a few of my framed photographs. The lovely and talented Ivy of Edera Jewerly was kind enough to send me a bag of her odds and ends of left over jewelry projects, beads and threads. I was so excited to find this piece in the bag because I made it into a little brooch that I wore on my dress for the night! It is like a gold and green snowflake with a pretty cord of gold dripping with beads and pearls and I think it looks like a little badge of some kind. You can check out her blog and then go to her Etsy shop HERE.

And here are Gretchen and me again-we love dressing up and found our outfits way on sale all the way down to our shoes! Hey- take a photo of that would you!

I have been running around with these recent gallery shows. I am always behind and I always think I can get things done faster than I actually can. I would think that I would learn by now, but I guess not. The show openings were stressful up until the doors actually opened(ack, I kept leaving things in my studio!) but, they were also fun. It was fun to meet new artists and the folks who came to see the art as well. I took a few photos but must go back and take more of everything. At least I finally got a photo with my sweet friend Gretchen Powers Katner who is an amazing artist. She really can do it all-woodworking, jewerly(beadwork, silversmith, PMC, and more), oil painting(really large and awe-inspiring ones), she makes quilts, amazing bags of all kinds from old fabrics she finds and others that she hand dyes and she does more and says that it all is "no big deal". I love her and I want to shake her at the sametime! Ooh, I forgot to mention the amazing birthday cakes she has made for kids-don't get me started.

Now, I am jumping into making boutique windows look like "Happy Holidays" and getting caught up on commissions which includes several painting commissions and the dolls are getting their gowns finished and their wigs! Yay! So, that is all for now, but there will more later! Hope all is well with everyone here in blogland. I have been checking out your blogs late at night when I get a chance and love what everyone is up to and what you have found to share. Wishing you the best!

Under All This Rubble...

2009-11-11T17:04:00.000-08:00

Postcard for the "Images Through the Looking Glass" show at the Ashland Gallery. This is a self portrait that I was surprised they used for the postcard-I think the stripes did it. And yes, my legs are freaky as well as stripey.

The 2 shows that I am a part of will both be opening this 13, November Friday night and I am still not ready. Somehow, I ended up making paintings and new small dolls for one and photographs, and jewelry for another. None of that sounds very hard to do, but everything I do takes forever-as in 300 steps or more and I have to have tons of supplies. I am buried under all the rubble for now and I just can't care(though I would love a clean house-just the studio just moved to include the whole house). I am almost ready but so slow! I am also starting to feel really sick so I need to just keep on going and get everything done. My nights are spent setting up the shows and getting more bits and bobs made. What am I doing? I have no idea.

I also thought it would be great to have really bright red hair instead of my regular blah red hair so I got some fire-something manic panic and just kind of poured it on my head in the shower because I will never find the time to actually dye my hair-ever. Well, I didn't see any difference, but at one of the galleries today, the director who is a nice and really funny guy asked me, "Hey, what did you do to your hair? It looks really cool!". So, I told him about the manic panic and he said, "Wow, I just don't understand how you got your hair to be one colour on the left and a completely different colour on the right. That's really cool!". Um, wow, I don't know how I did that either-hehe! My best friend happened to be in the gallery with me and she burst out laughing so hard-she is NEVER going to let that one go and I don't blame her. Hopefully I will get some photos and hopefully I will try to look in a mirror and learn to schedule hair appointments but don't hold your breath.

So, wow, I have missed a ton of stuff in blogland! I will be back. I have things to do after these shows are finally up! Hope all is well with everyone!

Making Holiday Art Hurry, Hurry!

2009-11-05T09:05:00.000-08:00

The Queens of Winter Holidays

Gold and Holy Clay Feet

Joy in What is You

Ancient Angel Dust

Hands and Faith

Pixie and Sugar Plums

Saint Lucia

Sweet Queen of Ice and Snow

Red Haired Russian Skater

Madonna and Child

The South American Chocolate Fairy

The Lady with the Amethyst Cross

I've been away too long! Sorry for that. We celebrated El Dia de Los Muertos at the the Indianapolis Art Center with my family and friends and the Altar Installation I made for my ancestor Lydia last weekend. It was a great turnout and good to see everyone. But, I could only stay for a bit because I had to hurry and change gears to make all my Winter Holiday art now. I will be having 2 shows up that both open on 13 November. One will be at the Ashland Gallery here in Broad Ripple and the other will be at the Big Hat Books and Arts Gallery also in Broad Ripple. I am going to be showing photographs, paintings, mixed media collages and many of my "doo-dahs" which is what I call my Holiday ornament things-must take photos! So, for now, here are some photos of what I have been up too. Some pieces I have had for a bit and am framing and others are new. Whatever the case, It is time for sparkles and snow! I am still working on commissions and dolls as well. Yeah, um, no one can come in my studio or house until spring...
Hope all is well with all of you!

Thanks Audrey Eclectic!

2009-10-22T15:49:00.000-07:00

Heather's Lovely Portrait as a Birthday gift!

My photographic self portrait as my ancestor Lydia~

The Necklace Jen Parrish made for me~

Me wearing Jen's necklace(and one of her bracelets) with one of my cats Glastonbury-the baby!

The portrait Heather did of me with my four little cats "The Littles" all so blue-I love this and Heather's spooky take on the portrait. It is one of my favourite pieces of art ever! I am wearing my Parrish Relics necklace and bracelet.

I received a wonderful surprise in the mail from our dear Audrey Eclectic. It was a lovely card based on one of my recent photos I had taken as my ancestor Lydia. What a sweet surprise! It made me think back to another lovely piece that Heather had made for me back in 2006. I love this piece and it hangs in my bedroom. It is a family portrait of me with my 4 black cats only clever Heather coloured them a deep turquoise knowing it is my favourite colour.

I can't even remember how I met Heather now! I really can't! Somehow Jen Parrish of Parrish Relics was a part of it all. After seeing seeing a necklace that Jen had made for me featuring my cats, Heather added this necklace into the portrait and I did my own portrait of Heather with her own kittens. So much has happened since then, but Heather remains the same, sweet friend that I knew back then.

I have enjoyed watching her art grow and as it has become a blooming business. I have been so happy to get the news that a "baby was on the way!" and then to see that baby grow into a beautiful and clever little girl. And guess what? Heather and I have never even met?! Hehe! I really feel like she lives next door. She is just that easy, thoughtful kind of person you can't help but love. I know we are going to fix that someday. I think I might squeeze her to death though!

So, thank you Heather(my 'Tasha Pixie'-she may be tiny but she is a tough one!). Thank you for always thinking of me and thank for you for being you! Wishing you all the best always!
Love you!

The "Poetic Terrorism" Book is Finally Ready for Sale!

2009-10-16T10:55:00.000-07:00

The Cover of the Book. Photo by Anna Malina Zemlianski

First page inside book-gorgeous!

Hi All! I am very excited because one of my favourite books is finally ready for sale and I am a part of it! This book is called Poetic Terrorism and features self portrait photographs from 37 different female artists around the world and I am one of them. This book is full of light and beauty and I am proud to be a part of it because I believe we all need to throw some beauty and goodness around in the world today. You can read more about the book and purchase it
HERE.

All of the proceeds of the book go to a Charity in Nepal which you can read aboutHERE.

Here is a statement from the author~

'Poetic terrorism' is a book of self-portraits by 37 international women artists who are professional or not. They have united to share their art and spread beauty, poetry and love with their pictures which often can be read as a visual poem.
This book is made of different soul colors and inspirations.
Poetry is scattered in every human emotions women can feel and I have selected here artworks that talks to the soul, that take you to another feminine world and that tells you stories or reminds you fairy tales.
If you love feminine light of fragile and intense emotions, you will be enchanted by this book & enjoy a travel in each artist's world.'

the author, Hélène Deroubaix

Hope all is well with everyone is blogland! Take care.

Finally, A New Post! And, the New Show is Up!

2009-10-09T09:38:00.000-07:00

I had to add this photo because I put it in the collage of Lydia's descents and one woman who was looking at all them said, "wow! who was that? she had quite the flair for the dramatic back in her day!". I just said, "Oh yes, she did." HeHe! It's photo of me! Yikers indeed!

I have been busy working on my altar for the Dia De Los Muertos Altar at the Indianapolis Art Center and finally got it finished last night! Whew! I have been either stuck in my studio or out getting supplies. It seems so small and silly now, but I am so detailed oriented-I can't help myself!

I made this altar for my ancestor Lydia Gilbert who came to the British Colonies from England in the 1620s. She was maybe married there or in the Colonies. She and her husband had 4 sons and lived the areas of Salem, MA and Mystic, CT. In around 1650 she was accused of being a witch and hung for it. She was tried in the Courts of Hartford, CT and obviously found guilty of using witchcraft. I am not really sure about the details of her life or how the courts came to the conclusion that she was a "witch". I do know that I am one of her direct descendants so I felt she deserved to have her story told and in a big way.

I took a self portrait photograph and had it blown up to a large size(the frame is about 3x4 feet) because I felt when a person lived in the past like this a painting or drawing is too easy to see as "not real" if that makes sense. I wanted her to be in a photographic and in full colour-something you would never see of her. I made the frame for photograph and painted the boarder for it. I also scanned tons of photographs of her descendants which eventually ended with my parents, my sisters and me and my little nephews. My family never had much money, but they figured out how to get their photos taken! And, thankfully, they held on to everything(um, yeah, like I do too). I made 2 collages of these photos in old frames and put them on either side of her portrait just to show that the "witch" may be gone, but her descendants live on and on.

So, for her photo, I put in a pretty ivory dress that she would never have had because I wanted to give her a pretty dress. I also have her wearing fancy red slippers with red ribbons(surely only a witch would wear red shoes!). I gave her flowers and jewelry too. On her altar table, she has pretty candles and lanterns, a plate of berry scones, maple sugar candy and apples. I also gave her pretty mug with an "L" on it filled with some nice packets of cinnamon tea.

Here are some photos I quickly took of Lydia's Altar. I hope she likes it! I hope all the descendants that have gone on before me like it as well. The "witchiest" thing I can do is wiggle my ears, but I taught myself to do that as a little kid(my grandpa helped me and it was so cool when I finally figured it out!).

And, yes, I know there is the practice of good witchcraft out there that follows the seasons of the earth and all that is good with it. They weren't accusing Lydia of being that kind of witch. They said she was "in league with Satan" and horrible things like that-that she could kill people by putting hexes on them. Well, if she could do that it sure would be a different world. I am pretty sure she was up to her knees in mud trying to make a living out of nothing and take care of her family and herself and didn't have time to "dance with the devil under a full moon". I do hope she can dance for joy now with all her people that love her.

Counting My Blessings-Photos for a Friend

2009-09-30T19:56:00.000-07:00

"Counting My Blessings"

I am wearing my friend Schnooks' Grandmother's dress and Schnooks' Great Auntie Gi Gi's(how cool is she for actually having the name 'Gi Gi'?!" gorgeous necklace. Schnooks and I have been friends for about 15 years or more I think. We met as conservators at a museum and worked with the artifacts. She was kind enough to give me her Grandmother's gorgeous dress and Auntie's necklace years and years ago so a photo with them is LONG overdue. Thank you Schnooks!

I am so far behind in everything. I need to catch up with friends, write letters, clean my house and on and on! Working on my next gallery show which will be for El Dia de Los Muertos at the Indianapolis Art Center and I am behind(I made some huge mistakes with my gigantic frames-gah! I have no idea how this will turn out).

In November I will be having a show of my Photography at the Ashland Gallery here in Indianapolis which is a great gallery as well and I am so honoured to be have a show there.

Then I will be working on my beadwork jewelry and Art doll commissions through the holidays and more work with window and interiour displays in boutiques and galleries which I love to do.

My poor little cats are going through their fall allergies-they were just at the vet and they still have extra goop in their eyes, noses and ears-every year this happens! Poor babies. Thankfully, I am just like my Nonnie and stuff tissues up my sleeves.

The weather is finally cooling off, migraines are worse and I am going to try to say away from the doctor but am caving. There have been some sad times and a lot is changing. I am crying a lot-at sad things, surprising things and very good things. I was happy to find that several of my friends have always expected this of me-the whole "laughing and crying at the same time thing". I'm not fooling anyone. My 7 year old nephew "Baba Baby Boy" or just "Babe" is like looking in a mirror for me-he even has my beauty mark! He keeps tissues for me! We had a big talk about some sad stuff-whew! Then he made me a big surprise-a wonderful drawing of an ice cream cone with a cherry on top! It is just gorgeous! I will scan it and post it. It made my day-I was so happy I could have cried all over again, but I need to just go to bed!

Hope all is well with everyone out there. Wishing you all the best.

The Scream Heard Around the World

2009-09-17T10:50:00.000-07:00

Finally,She's Ready

The most amazing gift showed up at my door the other day from my younger sister Fox. See, I am turning the big 21(yay! drinks in public!) soon and this gift was on my list of " the most divine pieces of art ever". When I saw how it was wrapped I knew right away what it was and I was so giddy that I almost started crying. Then, I was so overwhelmed that I had to wait a few days to open it to let the whole idea of it sink in. I knew it was one of my favourite paintings done by the artist DJ Berger. You can read about his paintings on his blog HERE
He is also a writer(la-tee-da!) so you can also read about his writings too which are also fantastic and can be very funny(some lines of them are etched in my brain! They make me laugh in my sleep! Thanks a lot DJ). OK, I will break down opening this amazing gift, but first here is a photo of DJ himself with his equally talented and gorgeous wife C. They are most definitely the fancy and beautiful people with lots of book learning and smarts.

DJ Berger

His gorgeous wife C

So, first I got this big box of goodness into my house and just looked at it for a few days and debated if I was worthy of what was inside. Then, after a late night at the gallery, I was kind of down and worn out and needed to see something FANTASTIC and decided that the next morning I would opened it so I did. Here I go!

Bienfang-I know you are not in there! There is something far more unique!

OOh! I love this artist! A little sleepy person on the postcard just like me!

Interesting, a conversation between a giraffe with glasses and tiny cat...

Oh my, I can just see the goodness!

Ack, So wonderful my eyes are burning! Must look away!

Here she is! "Finally, She is ready" by DJ Berger.
Mixed media and Oil on canvas, 16x24 inches. Part of the "String Series".
I love this so much! Check out her awesome mask and black lips! OK I just love everything about this painting!

Here it is from another angle. I just really love her-more than I can explain. Currently, I take her from room to room so I can stare at her. I drag her around like a blankey or something!

Remember this piece? DJ also did this one of me based on one of my photographic self portraits-the ones of me in the feather duster turned headdress. I love it so much and think I look gorgeous with that adam's apple and mossy green skin-seriously! This one is titled "The Adventure Friendship Costume Club". Wait, I don't think I got that title right. Anyhoo, this one sold-BOO! Anyway, DJ left some cryptic message about the Tooth Fairy or something. I love how I look like a wounded soldier because I feel like one. I have worked in Vet hospitals(war vets, not animals) because I felt like I was with my people. I would surely be the soldier who would run the opposite way though and be a total pain.

Anyway, Thanks DJ! I will build you that Art Shack! Red right? It can be for your bigger paintings and the "man room". I can do that and my twin and friends say I am really good nanny too so it will all work out fabulously!

Big Hat Gallery Show

2009-09-15T13:49:00.000-07:00

So, the Big Hat Books and Arts Gallery Show Opening has come and gone. It was an amazing night full of surprises! I was surrounded by friends and family and some amazing artists. The gallery looked amazing and it was a beautiful night. I am really pleased with my sales too. Some of my pieces have been shown before and for others it was their first show. Most of them won't be coming home and I am very thankful for that. Now I must get ready for the Dia de Los Muertos Show which opens in just a few weeks! Ai! Here a some photos of my pieces in the show and from the opening night.

Getting the Shows Together

2009-09-10T16:48:00.000-07:00

The show at Big Hat Book and Arts Gallery opens this Friday night and we are almost ready-pretty much ready-we will be ready! I will get some photos tomorrow hopefully. This show will be up until 10 October and I am showing in my dolls and mixed media photo shadowboxes. My next show for El Dia de Los Muertos at the Indianapolis Art Center. I am working on the self portrait photographs as my ancestor Lydia for that show still. I am still not sure about them. I want to do the photos rather then a painting or monotype because I feel it will really make her "real" instead of a story if that makes sense. I also hope that having them really large will give people that feeling too. I plan on having an antique mirror up so people can look at themselves too and see how we are all very much the same.
(FYI-if you haven't been following my other posts, Lydia is one my ancestors who were hung for being a witch in Salem MA around 1620-I am doing my altar for her to show that she wasn't a witch but just a person who the victim of stereotypes and scape goats among other negative things. I also want to make this altar to her just full of light, nature and beautiful just for her.) Here are some recent photos. I will probably take them all over again! I do this all the time! Hope all is well with everyone else!

For Lydia and Other Things

2009-09-03T05:17:00.000-07:00

OK, I need to go to bed! Sleep for me is not going well again. I am trying to get everything ready for the first show. The gallery owner is fantastic, loves "more is more" and keeps saying that everything "fabulous and divine" which is really funny as those are 2 words I use to describe everything. She has also decided to put the show up a week early and tonight. So, here I got-fast! And, I did some self-portraits of my ancestor Lydia for another show I am doing and just wanted to get them done. I Saw these beautiful pink roses and went in the store to get them because I was so drawn to them. I was amazed to find out that they are named "Lydia" roses. I had to take the photos NOW! If I waited, Lydia's roses would have spoiled. So, here are some of the photographs. Still never sure what I am doing-mostly taking photos without my glasses on(and I can't see at all-I listen to the camera instead-I know that sounds crazy). I am wearing a gorgeous necklace by Jen Parrish of Parrish Relics Jewelry wwww.parrishrelics.com
Hope all is well with everyone in blogland! As always I love seeing and hearing about what you are up to.

I've Been Gone

2009-08-28T22:06:00.000-07:00

"Gone from Myself"

"Bruised Peaches and Cream"
(Ha! It's so true though!)

I've been sick and really haven't felt like doing any art. I have been slowly working on the dolls and trying to figure out which shows this Fall I can reasonably do. Tonight was 2 hours(while I watched 'A Very Long Engagement' for maybe the 4th time-oh, I love that movie every time) for one sleeve which seems very silly. I was very happy because a good friend of mine was in town for a museum conference so seeing her was a lot of fun. Besides that, I have just been a pain, sick and tired. I worked with some photographs and I look, well, sick and tired. It would be lovely to somehow get away and do something different, but I need to get my act together first. If I can ever do that then I can take a some kind of break from where I am. I hope all is well with all of you out in blogland. I am reading your blogs and as always, loving what you are up to and have to share so thank you!

Fantastic Gifts from Down Under

2009-08-21T17:58:00.000-07:00

A beautiful card filled with sweet words~

Aqua blue sequined trim-Little Jo, you know me too well! This will be perfect for a "La Petite" Ya Ya headress don't you think? And, look how it matches my mugs and table!

Sister Blackberry Bijou has to check out everything herself and look at her turquoise collar!

Everything so beautiful packed up! It is so gorgeous just like this I didn't want to open it and mess it up!

This necklace is beyond amazing! It says in letter beads "Mr. Fox you sing first" which is really something since my twin and I have called our little sister "Mr. Fox" since we were all little girls. Even more amazing as I never told Little Jo this! How did she know? I also love the vintage fabric flowers, ribbon and other pieces she used on it. Love this green ribbon she sent as well.

All together beautiful~

What's in this little turquoise bag? It's fancy aqua knickers, and black and white stripey "Alice Socks! Jo and I "met" over stripey Alice socks-it all has come full circle~ As Jo would say, "My hand was over my heart!".

More fun things including a dvd which is labeled "Alice", a small turquoise door which Jo says I need to put up because we can use it to visit each other-I will have the growing potion on the other end of it waiting for you! It was was wrapped in this old pattern envelope which I love because it reminds me of what my mom wore in the early 1960s before she became a gorgeous hippie(I love both looks on her). There were also many fun things all wrapped together including the little doll, a pink recorder, little cocktail umbrellas and JO'S FAMOUS RASPBERRY LIPSTICK! Below, is a sweet turquoise apron with daisies that reminds me so much of the wallpaper in my bedroom growing up, a beaded heart box, and gorgeous tropical turquiose fabric-divine!

I was having a rough time and the other day when this wonderful package arrived at my mail box. It was from the lovely Jo of OldFlowersForMe! Jo has filled it with an amazing assortment of fabulous gifts and a ton of turquoise goodness all of which she has made or which are antiques with an "Alice in Wonderland" theme(including stripey socks!) which I love. Here are some photos. Thank you Little Jo! You have made my week, my month, my year! Thanks for being such a wonderful friend! Love you!

New Work With the Dolls-Stitches!

2009-08-11T15:10:00.000-07:00

I am still working little by little on the new dolls. Well, hours can go by and I don't even notice. I have fabric out now and I go kind of crazy with it. I can't stop adding layers and colours. The skirt for this doll is crazy. I first sewed and overskirt, decided it needed a lining, then added an underskirt, then a topskirt, then another little underskirt and well, now I have no idea what I am talking about. Same goes for her bodice(don't ask how many layers are under there. And yes, this doll has bloomers(all the dolls have bloomers of course!) under her skirts and little leggings as well and much more to go. The arms/sleeves need work. Then there will be the wig, headpieces, jewelry-ooh la la-much, much more. All is sewn by hand because I like these dolls to be "free form" and "off"-just like me! The Littles(my little cats) LOVE all the fabrics, the floss, and every part of this stage. Stay away Littles or I will "Gently Mist" you with my spray bottle(which has been stuck on 'gentle mist' for several years now) of water-sorry if some folks find this terribly cruel-others think of it as a spa treatment. My house is a mess by the way. Back to stitching...

New Beadwork and Some New Photographs

2009-08-04T02:03:00.000-07:00

The real "Perdita"

My little takes on Perdita with my Perdita hair Jewelry

Of course I had to take a few "spooky" photos while I have all the camera equipment out and myself semi put together!

I have been inspired by Pre-Raphaelite painter Anthony Frederick Augustus Sandys' "Perdita" painting. When I accidentally hennaed my hair bright, light red instead of the regular auburn I decided it was time to do something with it. So, I finished some new hair jewelry-a matching set of beaded headband, 2 barrettes, and 4 hair pins all which feature glass, crystal and ivory freshwater pearls.

Then, I needed a model for the pieces which would have to be me because I always do thing on the spur of the moment. I have my dear Miss Havisham(my head form covered in tulle) for help, but I know when I am looking at purchasing something I want to see how it looks on a real person so here I am-again. I so wish I had a really great "Pre-Raphaelite" beauty like so many folks I know on hand for photos! I just don't have this look. I have the"wild girl raised by a pack of wolves"look going on-oh and the "Sick Girl"-so I have been told. I have also been fiddling around with fonts. Will see how it all goes!

A Little Post

2009-07-31T19:49:00.000-07:00

"After All These Years, I Am Still Just Me"

(I am a twin but a 'single' as well. Suddenly that is a very deep thought.)

"The Relic On Green Glass Beads"

(Relic and Bead goodness-Bless!)

"And In A Flash It Was Gone"

(Someone asked me if I used a wind machine for this one and I said, 'Oh yes but of course, I carry one with me everywhere I go!' Hehe! Don't you? You know-just in case you want to um

have something windy going on? You can never be too careful! It is a very breezy or not breezy world.)

~just fooling around with phonts~

(the 'Summertime Hair' makes an appearance in which such case I stop trying to comb out my hair.)

"Blessed Black Sheep"

(I think I am supposed to know how to remove that big wrinkle around my mouth or is that just a smile? Ugh, all this stuff has me thinking too much! It's my big 'man hands', 'man neck', and 'man face'! Why can't I be a delicate butterfly like all the other girls?)

"Leave Us Black Sheep Alone!"

(Same with the eye wrinkles-or am I successfully pretending to be ticked off? Freakin Frackin society with fake faces and all that jazz-Poo!)

I have been trying to work on things-have stalled a bit but am trying to get going again. I took a break to work with some of my photographs and practice some editing. Maybe I will figure this out. Maybe not. I so would like to photograph someone else rather than myself that much I do know. The dolls may be in hiding until their big "reveal". I have also been working on some teeny tiny beadwork. Granny needs new glasses(really, new eyeballs)! The weather has been so humid which means my wintertime straight hair is summertime curly hair. I wish it would chose one or the other. The weather keeps changing a lot too which is not good for my eyeballs or migraines so that is why I have to keep keep switching things around. Everything will get finished somehow.