Looks great Martha! Did you figure out how your going to fire her? Have you given any thought to giving the eyes more detail or do you like the solid eye? About two years ago th Kimbell had an exhibit of Bernini works in clay and I was especially blown away by how he rendered eyes.
Daniel, I tried to add carved detail to the eye and it did not work at all. I think on larger pieces I could do it, but not this. I will add detail of the eye through slips/stains later on.
Martha I have been thinking a lot about this work. She is hauntingly still, almost doll like. What is your intention? Your story? When I think back on the work of Beatrice Wood and Roxanna S. I am moved by they life like expressions/body gestures., but that is my take. I want to know your vision.
Future, it is supposed to be very still and doll like!
Lately I've been watching my friends start families. I've been to a crazy number of baby showers and I watch my friends receive gifts, toys, memories that they hope will be special to their children someday. I started thinking back to my memories of my childhood and a dollhouse that my parents made me by hand. My grandmother was a doll collector and gave me lots of fancy dolls that were rarely played with. I have one in particular, a Madame Alexander doll of Scarlett O'Hara, that I loved and adored as a little girl. I think about the dolls in the cabinet my mom used to have. They sat there, lifeless and empty eyed for years just waiting.
The woman is half a self-portrait, half doll. The dollhouse that I am casting in glass is going to sit in front of her. I feel a lot of social pressure to have children and even rejection by some by choosing not to start a family right now. I reflect on my own special memories as a child when I get frustrated by the social pressure. I look forward to someday having a family, but for right now, I transport myself into my memories, reflect, and wait.
wonderful response, adds so much to the work and my understanding of your work/theme/motivation. I can not have children but like you others made assumption based on their lives and thus judged me. I remind everyone I am a wonderful aunt! The crazy one that sends insane gifts and is always willing to go to the movies.. Live your life not what someone tries to tell you to do. I keep seen a row of these figures...all different outfits like dolls use or may still come in. The different outfits we all ware in our lives. Great Work. Thank you for helping be see your story.
Truly a beautiful piece, looking forward to seeing her with the doll house. You have me remembering my oma's doll collection and her childhood stories.
I love your clay work. This summer at junction I admired your work in the clay hut when I would come visit Jason and Daniel. I agree with Future the figure is very doll like and shows a lot of innocence. I am very interested to see how it turns out when fired and glazed. Great work!
Martha, Absolutely beautiful ceramic piece. This is a perfect example of your work, attention to detail, proper proportions and scale. I appreciate and respect your ideal to create the eyes through slips and stains. To me, that approach could add more depth than any other approach you might have considered. You have captured the youth and innocence in this piece and it tells a wonderful story of your youth. This piece will be a wonderful addition to your work. How thick is the piece and was it difficult to hollow out without losing shape?
Lastly, Congratulations. I was fortunate to see your processes in Junction and your abilities to craft realistic, delicate detail with striking resemblance.
Amazing!! I just love her!!
ReplyDeleteWow--will she be glazed and fired--I cannot wait to see her
ReplyDeleteLooks great Martha! Did you figure out how your going to fire her? Have you given any thought to giving the eyes more detail or do you like the solid eye? About two years ago th Kimbell had an exhibit of Bernini works in clay and I was especially blown away by how he rendered eyes.
ReplyDeletehttp://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bk6AtgWO46g/Ub42HfELE5I/AAAAAAAAACo/CmE7vsQolgA/s1600/mag-article-large.jpg
Daniel, I tried to add carved detail to the eye and it did not work at all. I think on larger pieces I could do it, but not this. I will add detail of the eye through slips/stains later on.
ReplyDeleteIt looks lovely Martha. I like the detaisl on the dress sleeves, neckline and hemline
ReplyDeleteCant wait to see how you finish this and to hear the stories surrounding the work. Both innocent and very old soul.
ReplyDeleteWOW! Truly amazing! cant wait to see her finished!
ReplyDeleteMartha
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking a lot about this work. She is hauntingly still, almost doll like. What is your intention? Your story? When I think back on the work of Beatrice Wood and Roxanna S. I am moved by they life like expressions/body gestures., but that is my take. I want to know your vision.
Future, it is supposed to be very still and doll like!
DeleteLately I've been watching my friends start families. I've been to a crazy number of baby showers and I watch my friends receive gifts, toys, memories that they hope will be special to their children someday. I started thinking back to my memories of my childhood and a dollhouse that my parents made me by hand. My grandmother was a doll collector and gave me lots of fancy dolls that were rarely played with. I have one in particular, a Madame Alexander doll of Scarlett O'Hara, that I loved and adored as a little girl. I think about the dolls in the cabinet my mom used to have. They sat there, lifeless and empty eyed for years just waiting.
The woman is half a self-portrait, half doll. The dollhouse that I am casting in glass is going to sit in front of her. I feel a lot of social pressure to have children and even rejection by some by choosing not to start a family right now. I reflect on my own special memories as a child when I get frustrated by the social pressure. I look forward to someday having a family, but for right now, I transport myself into my memories, reflect, and wait.
wonderful response, adds so much to the work and my understanding of your work/theme/motivation. I can not have children but like you others made assumption based on their lives and thus judged me. I remind everyone I am a wonderful aunt! The crazy one that sends insane gifts and is always willing to go to the movies.. Live your life not what someone tries to tell you to do.
DeleteI keep seen a row of these figures...all different outfits like dolls use or may still come in. The different outfits we all ware in our lives. Great Work. Thank you for helping be see your story.
Truly a beautiful piece, looking forward to seeing her with the doll house. You have me remembering my oma's doll collection and her childhood stories.
ReplyDeleteI love your clay work. This summer at junction I admired your work in the clay hut when I would come visit Jason and Daniel. I agree with Future the figure is very doll like and shows a lot of innocence. I am very interested to see how it turns out when fired and glazed. Great work!
ReplyDeleteMartha,
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely beautiful ceramic piece. This is a perfect example of your work, attention to detail, proper proportions and scale. I appreciate and respect your ideal to create the eyes through slips and stains. To me, that approach could add more depth than any other approach you might have considered. You have captured the youth and innocence in this piece and it tells a wonderful story of your youth. This piece will be a wonderful addition to your work. How thick is the piece and was it difficult to hollow out without losing shape?
Lastly, Congratulations. I was fortunate to see your processes in Junction and your abilities to craft realistic, delicate detail with striking resemblance.