Barefoot Buds

MY WORK

2011-03-11T07:35:00.001-08:00

Celebration Elves

I’ve always been attracted to…..rather, enticed by……the “ethereal world” and so it was natural for me to want to portray my characters with “Elfin traits”.

Celebration Elves

Living in the Caribbean for so many years also introduced me to the wonderful folklore of the region….stories passed down from one generation to another by word of mouth mostly. I found it difficult to actually find any of these fables in written or picture form so I “embellished” the themes and characters I heard about by creating my own interpretations in small sculptures.

They were mostly made from polymer clay at that time and were popular with the tourists who would flock to the Island on vacation.

When I moved back to Canada I scoured the internet for local artists who might inspire me with their own portrayals of members of the Faerie Realm and I read any and all books I could find on the subject.
There were two “AHA moments” which came one after the other early in 2004. The first was discovering the work of Kate Church and marveling over her wonderful, whimsical characters which so touched me with both a little awe and a whole lot of excitement!

The realization that there was another Canadian who loved this Airy Faerie world as much as I did was absolutely heartwarming!

The second moment of discovery for me was coming upon the works of Brian Froud, his books on Faeries and his wonderfully interpretive drawings and paintings. I finally felt that I was in good company and without either of these people knowing it they both became mentors for me in developing my art.

Now came the true test! How to move from small polymer clay sculptures to the more challenging task of creating “Faerie Art Dolls” with new materials and new techniques?

I was so fortunate to study for a few short days with renowned Art Doll Artist, Ankie Daanen, in 2007. Her generosity in sharing doll making sculptural methods with Air Drying clays opened new doors for me and afforded me a new scope of work….thank you Ankie!

INDOOR / OUTDOOR GARDEN ART - Weed Wizards

2011-03-11T07:30:00.000-08:00

My Garden Art Stakes (Sculpted clay heads on reinforced steel garden rods) afford me opportunities to play with facial expressions and create stories around the Weed Wizards in this collection.

Each piece is signed and dated and also bears a name which is tattooed on the back of his head. They are truly conversation pieces of art for any garden lover and are designed to be functional plant stakes, placed in both outdoor and indoor gardens. (I use a combination of air dry clays which are weather resistant! The finishing touches are applied with Acrylic Pearlized Inks)

INDOOR / OUTDOOR GARDEN ART - Hallowe'en Stakes

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INDOOR / OUTDOOR GARDEN ART - Christmas Stakes

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INDOOR / OUTDOOR GARDEN ART - Yule Newel

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INDOOR / OUTDOOR GARDEN ART - Dew Buds

2011-03-11T07:25:00.000-08:00

BOTTLE STOPPER - Wine Wizards

2011-03-10T08:56:00.000-08:00

The Bottle Stoppers are also whimsical clay character toppers for any size wine bottle and again, each one is signed, dated and a name “tattooed” on the back of his head!

These are functional pieces to add just a little element of fun to any social occasion!

BOTTLE STOPPER - Santas

2011-03-10T08:52:00.001-08:00

SANTA SCULPTURES

2011-03-10T08:48:00.000-08:00