Art Dolls at ACC

I am not a doll collector, but art dolls have always intrigued me. Well, this time, perhaps a little more than that. I bought the one of the left by Charlie P., the doll making teacher next door to me at the last session of Appalachian Center for Craft.

Charlie told us that having made art dolls for a lot of years, she has noticed that buyers will not choose a broad range of dolls, but certain ones will "speak" to them. Upon hearing that, it made me smile, because she had an array of at least 30, and this one was the only one that I really wanted.

As folks were looking at them, I asked what was it about each of the dolls that drew them to that specific one...answers ranged from the doll reminding them of someone, or their handmade clothing, the hair was cool, or whatever. Most of the time, they had to think what the actual reason was- because it would be more of a feeling that "this is the one".

So of course I tried to analyze my choice. I love her clothes. There is an organic element to them, yet they are in my favorite colors. I like her thick yarn hair, although if it had been another color, I would have been fine. But I also love her sweet countenance...she looks serene and at peace. I'm still deciding on her name. If you have ideas, please feel free to post them. And meanwhile, this overgrown kid, will enjoy her new doll.

Blacksmith Classes

I shot this quick photo when I was touring the facilities at the Appalachian Center for Craft. It's just a small station in the blacksmith area, but I thought it told a story.

I think about how often, in art and craft, we are always looking for the latest and greatest new tools and modern ideas. I know I am always being tempted, even if I don't buy them. But looking at this small area, made me stop and ponder- you need muscles and strength and a strong tolerance for really high heat in blacksmithing. And I'm guessing a bit of a respect for "old school" ways too. I think that's cool. (or should I say "hot"?) So I wanted to give a nod to this craft form. They turned out some really nice knives and other items the week I was there.

So hats off to those who want to keep it real and simple. (and a big hooray for the air conditioning in the glass studio where I was!)

Appalachian Center for Craft

Today is my last day teaching the six day whimsical sculpture class at Appalachian Center for Craft in Tennessee. It's been a blast. I'll show and tell you more about it next week. We've been making a series of beads with themes, that incorporate techniques. We have a fantastic glass artist in residence, Andrew, who has made our stay so enjoyable- if we ask, it is done. Wow!

But here is a quick shot of the ACC garden that is used for some of our meals. From sunflowers to fresh tomatoes, it has me mesmerized that it's feeding students and we're so lucky to be the beneficiaries of it.

See you!