Here is the compilation of work made during the doll class at Arrowmont. We all enjoyed watching the ideas come to life throughout the week, each person having their own, if not flexible, idea of what a doll is.
My last piece created was a flying pig. I have wanted to make one of these for a while, but other ideas have had a stronger pull at the time. Knowing I needed to start with the base, this determines the overall size, I was off to the tobacco shop to get a cigar box. With limited choices, I chose a larger wooden box and headed back to campus. Arrowmont's campus sets off of the main strip of a small tourist town nestled at the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains. So as I walked back, a couple of shops caught my eye for a quick wander. In one of these, I found the perfect colorful box for the base on the sale table, score. I will put the cigar box back for another adventure. ( I now own a metal Bigfoot lunchbox from the second store, yea)
After sizing the body to fit the box, I worked on sculpting the head. Sculpting is not one of the techniques I have worked with previously, but with the two classes this year I am a tiny bit more comfortable. As I worked, the critter did not look much like a pig, resembling more a snub nosed alligator. It was not until I added the ears that he started to come into his own. Using a dowel to attach the head to the body, and the stubby legs with small eye hooks, purple paint was added to make him joyful. I had hoped to have more movement with the legs but alas they do not have much wiggle. I attribute this to the fact that I made the pig fly opposite from everybody else. Upon looking, after the fact, at how others fly, their internal mechanics make the pig moves up and down, where as with mine, the pig is stable and the wings flap. Yep, mine is special.
Again it was another special week. I so enjoy learning and being with others who may, but usually do not have the same insight, direction, vision, passion for a particular craft, history, etc as I. This opens up the world in unexpectedly wonderful ways.
A side note: This post was written months ago. Due to the complications of the world at this moment in time, I have not had the mental ability to share my thoughts. Being stressed and overwhelmed has had an impact but limiting news and finding my positive voice has been a healing path. Oh, and crocheting. Apparently this is my go to during a pandemic. That yarn stash I have been working on all these years is what has kept me sane.
I hope this finds you both physically and mentally well.
Peace,
Hilari
