Doll Making as a Spiritual Journey Part Two
Sophia:
Sophia is my second try at expressing a vision that was given to me when I lived in South Dakota. The first was a shrine, but didn’t feel that I had captured the spirit of my experience. With beads, clay, and cloth I show all-wise Moon/Sophia rising over Bear Butte. As I worked on her, I felt her essence emerging beneath my fingers. Once again, I heard her message.
Madonna:
Some of the first crude faces I made from polymer clay inspired me to make Madonna and Child. Frustrated with patterns, I cut a freeform shape out of Ultrasuede from the world's ugliest suit that I bought for a quarter at a thrift store. Somewhere in the middle of the beading I forgot to be self-conscious and started having fun. This icon doll is a nurturer and reminded me to notice grace in the creative process.
Brother Sun:
Brother Sun's middle name is Serendipity. I found that if I baked polymer clay too long it turned brown. I liked the way that looked, so I began deliberately breaking the rules. There are not accidents. This is the lesson Brother Sun carried into the world. His motto comes from the old Nike commercial - just do it! He asked for a well-done face and a beaded coat of light and heat. How could I refuse?
Moon Woman:
Moon Woman is reflective. She carries a feminine energy, just as powerful as the Sun's, even if it isn't as flashy. She doesn't throw her weight around, but she is strong enough to pull the tides and control the timing of women's moon cycles. Her teaching is to pay attention to my creative cycles, and that times of quiet reflection are essential.