Altered Threads ... A Creative Journey

December

"So you see, imagination needs moodling - long, inefficient, happy idling, dawdling and puttering."      

                        - Brenda Ueland

   

Oh my! It's been so long since I last posted to my blog. It's been a very busy time.  Lots of changes. Here are two of my latest pieces:Herr Hiram der Hase and Good Mourning.

Herr Hiram der Hase 

Hiram der Hase, Copyright 2009, Deborah C. Pope (Photo credit:Robert Batey)

Herr Hiram der Hase, 20"H x 12"W x 14"L 

Herr der Hase is hand-felted wool over a wire armature with cloth body. I blended and carded alpaca, merino and other wool to get just the right color and texture for his fur.  His ears are wired to make them posable.  Hiram’s eyes are hand-made and hand painted paperclay. His handmade black leather shoes are complemented by deep purple felt spats with hand-dyed silk trim. Herr der Hase wears an appropriately natty outfit that is tailored to accentuate his elegant, lanky frame. Hiram sits comfortably on a custom designed wingback armchair that is hand-upholstered and covered with whimsical cotton fabric.   Herr der Hase sports a jaunty hand-felted bowler hat embellished with a peafowl feather, antique button and French ribbon. He holds an antique bentwood walking cane. Herr Hiram der Hase rests a custom base painted in a classic checkerboard motif. 

Good Mourning

  

Good Mourning, 2009. 18"H x 9"W x 12"L

Victoria is hand-felted merino wool over a wire armature with cloth body. She has hand-made leather shoes and gloves. Her historically inspired costume features several layers of hand-dyed silk garments including: corset, pantaloons, petticoat and stockings. Her hat is hand-felted with accents of fresh water pearls and French ribbon.  Fresh water pearls also add luster and elegance to the front of her dress and cuffs.  A handmade maple walking stick with brass ferrule and monkey head crown completes her ensemble. Victoria stands on a custom solid black walnut base, with a checkerboard motif on the top. 

NIADA Conference 2009 Arrowmont, TN

The annual conference in September was a whirlwind of creativity, teaching and connecting with friends new and old. As always, the students in my classes were enthusiastic and engaging.  I think I learned as much  as they did. It was great to share ideas and stories.  I've posted some pictures from the classes. 

One of the most exciting books of the year is the masterpiece NIADA Art Dolls... Rich Traditions, New Ideas.      

This is a must have book that is a work of art in itself.  The creativity and design that went into this definitive work is truly inspiring. It makes a great gift. I am honored to have my work included in this  collection of incredibly talented artists and proud to be a NIADA member.

"Lighting one candle

from another -

Winter night"

                                                    -Buson

Piscean March

The Paperwhites bloomed.

When they opened, the Paperwhites filled the room with their heady perfume. They gave us a lovely fragrance to remind us of the promise of the upcoming Spring.

"Dreamfish"

Here is a sample of one of my "Dreamfish."  The image seems appropriate for the Piscean month of March.

Dreamfish  copyright, 2000 Deborah C. Pope

The "Dreamfish" was created when our son Alex was very young and had nightmares. He loved to fish. So I made the first "Dreamfish" to chase away the "bad dreams" and devour them. It worked! 

Feltmaking offers endless possibilities for exploring texture and color. I love the unexpected ways in which the fibers combine to produce complex landscapes of imagination.

 

The sensuous softness and scrumptious colors are delightful.

If you look, there is no limit to imagination.

Dreamfish, copyright 2000,  Deborah C. Pope

Are you interested in creating your own "Dreamfish?"  I offer workshops. Go to my class descriptions page to find out more. 

Bijoux Fleuri

One of my latest classes is called Bijoux Fleuri. The class includes instructions for making three different fleurs. 

Bijoux Fleuri, copyright Deborah C. Pope

I've combined dimensional felt with other fibers, beads and embellishment to create miniature explosions of color that can be worn as a brooch, or incorporated with other pieces to make a personal creative statement.  This class is nice introduction to using the Baby Lock Embellisher. 

As always, your comments are welcome.  Of course, if you have any questions about my work or workshops let me know. You can contact me via email, on Facebook or send me a "tweet" at Twitter.

"The art of art, the glory of expression and the sunshine of the light of letters, is simplicity."

-Walt Whitman

Winter Warm-up

We are not fooled by February's warm tease.  Oh sure, the temperature may be 50F today, but we know that Spring is only in the air. She is not here to stay.  Still, it's nice to defrost for a while.

Here are some "Paperwhites" that remind us about the promise of Spring.

In addition to some larger pieces, I've been creating some smaller works.

This is a "Doodle Bird." He started from a sketch I made while waiting on the phone for an insurance person to get back to me during my "day job." I find that if you keep your mind open, all sorts of ideas find you.

 

Here he is.  He's a happy little fellow that will be a class.  Check back for more details.

An old Apache storyteller reminds us:
“The plants, rocks, fire, water, all are alive. They watch us and see our needs. They see when we have nothing to protect us, and it is then that they reveal themselves and speak to us."    --  Joseph Campbell


Cheers,
Deborah

The Year of the Ox

January 26, 2009 marks the Year of the Ox in the Chinese calendar. What a great time to update my site.  You'll find images of Oxbow, NY under Snapshots in Time. Oxbow is in Northern NY. It's a wonderful family place that Suzanne and Dean, Michael's mother and stepfather own. It's a summer home that is on the Oswegatchie river. More about that in another post.

I've also included images of my latest piece Rupert. He is inspired by A Midsummer Night's Dream.

You'll also find some shots of Washington, DC. Our daughter was interning at the National Women's Health Network.  These pictures were taken in early December. Amazing to compare these images with the crowd shots from the inauguration on TV. 

Life is certainly interesting. More to follow.

Cheers,
Deborah

August Memories

    There are so many milestones in our lives. Special moments that seem to add new dimensions to who we are personally and professionally.  The 2008  NIADA Conference in Las Vegas was certainly a significant milestone for me.  On Thursday, July 24, 2008 I was elected as an Artist Member of the National Institute of American Doll Artists, NIADA.  

    What a journey this has been.  It's such an honor to be recognized by people whose work I've so long  admired and to be included among some of the world's finest doll artists. In many ways I feel at home in NIADA.  I've made many friends through past NIADA conferences and shows and this year's annual conference continued the tradition. One of the new people I met was Kate Church, a marvelous doll artist from Nova Scotia who was also elected during the conference.  Congratulations Kate! Check out Kate's wonderful work at her Website: katechurch.com    Our sales tables  were right next to each other.  We had a lot of fun as the NIADA "Newbies!"  Everyone involved with the conference did a spectacular job. Please take a look at some of the pictures from my NIADA 2008 photo album.

    It was my first trip to Vegas. It was hot. I think tourists forget that they are in the middle of the desert. The temperatures routinely hit 106F.  One day it reached 114F. Forget what they say about "dry heat." When you're out on the Vegas Strip, the surface temperature is extreme. Maybe that's why the casinos spray water mist at the entrance and beckon people in with air conditioned slots and gaming tables. 

    The gallery night was simply superb.  Patrons, artists and invited guests mingled and meandered through a delicious landscape of color and creativity. It was a feast for the senses.  Every artist  was warm caring and willing to share ideas, stories and insights. It still hasn't quite kicked in that I am a member of this special group of artists. If you can attend a NIADA conference or exhibit, I urge you to go.  You won't be disappointed.  The next Annual conference is turning out to be amazing.  It will be held at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, Gatlinburg,TN in early September 2009.  This will be a teaching conference with incredible classes and programs offered by many NIADA artists.  What an opportunity.  The details aren't yet finalized so keep checking back here and the NIADA website for more information on the 2009 conference and other very exciting news.

As much as I enjoyed the NIADA conference, it was good to get back home. Now I can say I've been to Las Vegas. Though I can't say when I'm going back .

Cheers,

Deborah

NIADA 2008 Las Vegas

We're preparing to attend the annual NIADA Conference in Las Vegas July 24-28.  It's seems like only yesterday we were in Detroit for the 2007 event.  I'm looking forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones.  I've never been to Las Vegas, but from what I've heard it should be quite an exciting time with sensory overload from all the lights and activities. The NIADA conference team has really put together a great schedule. Summer is in full swing here in Upstate NY.  Hot, humid and filled with the sounds of cicadas and frogs. I have a new piece that I will share when I get back back from NIADA.

Cheers, Deborah

Solstice Passing

Of course Spring arrived back on March 20 but the Leap Year must have confused her because there's still snow on the ground and Easter seemed a little early.  I know it's not that unusual in upstate New York but still ...  As promised, I've posted some images of  a new piece. His name is Mac A. Runne.  He's currently on exhibit at the Alaska Fiber Festival in Anchorage.  This year their theme was "Half-Baked Alaska," hence his name and meringue-like hat. He has a certain Inuit look about him.  He'll be traveling back home soon. It will be nice to see him again. He was fun to create. There have been geese flying and robins arriving. So I guess that the real Spring is just around the corner. T.S. Eliot called April "the cruelest month." 

I don't think so.  It's simply a transition and change is usually unsettled.  I am looking forward to creating some new work and as always will put it up when it's finished. 

"If you want to be creative, stay in part a child, with the creativity and invention that characterizes children before they are deformed by adult society." - Jean Piaget

Cheers,

Deborah

Quixotic

In 1604, Miguel De Cervantes wrote his novel The Ingenious Hidalgo Don Quixote of LaMancha.   For more than 400 years, the timeless themes of idealism, dignity and perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds have resonated with audiences around the planet.  Today, as I consider the creative process, I'm struck by the fact that we seem to share a common vision of the quixotic. Maybe it's because we all know someone who has faced or is facing life's challenges with courage and a quiet dignity. I've always had deep respect for  older generations; what they've gone through, what they stand for and where they are now.  I was very close to my grandparents, and learned a great deal about honor and respect for the people who came before us. That brings me to my latest piece of sculptural feltmaking.  The working title is Don Quixote. Here's how he came about.  My father has Alzheimer's disease. It's been a difficult time for everyone involved in his care.  Tuesday afternoons Dad and I would spend time together listening to music, looking at family photos and enjoying each other's company. My father and I have always been close. Our Tuesdays together allowed us to reconnect memories and share our sense of humor.  Our time together provided me with a new perspective on aging and a window onto the slow fade that Alzheimer's disease brings on.

As I've said before, inspiration comes to me in those twilight  times between waking and sleep. One Tuesday  morning back in June, 2007, I woke up with the tune from the musical The Man of LaMancha in my head.  You probably know it- "I am Don Quixote the man of LaMancha..." I thought "hmmm... this has possibilities. I knew I'd be seeing my Dad in the afternoon.  The song stuck with me the rest of the day.    In fact, my Dad and I even sang some tunes from the play.  It was fun. That started me on the journey. After doing some more research, I decided that Don Quixote would be a good starting point for a new figure. I looked for ways to make the piece relate to the process of getting older with dignity and grace. Not just for my father, but for all of us.   I also wanted it to convey a sense of humor. 

Don Quixote took awhile to complete.  There were the usual interruptions that life brings. Of course the wonderful annual NIADA conference in Detroit. More importantly, I had to let the creative process evolve. I'd work on a portion of the figure and put it aside, returning when I had a new idea. I just recently finished him.  There are larger views in my photo album New Work 2008. Click on the thumbnails for a larger view.

As usual, the face is done in my dimensional feltmaking process.  The body is  cloth over a wire armature. I created all of the accessories to personalize the figure.   

I substituted  a broom for a lance because my father would spend a lot of time sweeping, a lot of time.

All of the costuming is original. I used hand-dyed fabric, hand-painted leather and other materials to give the piece a sense of history and faded elegance.   After all, Don Q was a knight.

   

Recollections from 2007

The past year was a blur.  From an artistic standpoint, it was filled with wonderful classes, gracious hosts and hostesses, interesting conferences and some new pieces. In April, I was invited to teach classes and present a lecture for the Fresno Fiber Arts Guild in California. My hostess Gail and her husband made me feel right at home. What was truly amazing to me was the broad range of experiences that the students brought to the class.
  Not eveyone was a dollmaker, but their creativity and enthusiasm resulted in some amazing pieces. Many of the students who took the class have continued to work in felt or have incorporated the medium into their own artistic expression.  There are some images of the Fresno class in the photo album section. It was great to be on the West Coast!

In May, I had the pleasure to teach at Artistic Figures in Cloth (AFIC) in Columbus, Ohio. It was a three day class,  "Doppleganger Delight."  The class was small, so students got a lot of individual attention.  Their work was just wonderful. Pictures are in the photo album.  I've had the honor to teach at AFIC two times.   Cyndy is a consummate conference organizer. In addition to being an artist in her own right,  her course selection, venues and attention to detail make her programs a real pleasure.  Everyone I spoke to had a terrific experience.  If you have an opportunity to attend one of her conferences, I heartily recommend that that you go.  Check out Cyndy's website from the conferences schedule.

In June I was the guest moderator for Felting Forum. I was not aware of this great site and resource until Marie contacted me to ask if I would like to answer questions and share ideas during the month of June.  It was an awesome experience that took me out of my "comfort zone" and made me stretch my horizons.  Marie is doing an incredible job bringing people, ideas and resources together. Check out the site www.feltingforum.com. This was the first time that I really had to sustain and guide a dialog for a long period of time.  It was a unique learning experience and one that I plan to pursue. I just couldn't quite get the hang of posting a picture to the site.  Ah well, there's still alot to learn!

In July, it was on to NIADA in Detroit, Michigan. This was my second NIADA annual conference.  I am always blown away by the sheer talent and creativity of everyone involved- from artists to attendees. It was great to see old friends and meet new ones.  My husband accompanied me on this trip. He finally got to see the NIADA work up close and personal. As he said, "It's one thing to view the work via pictures in books and on the Web, but when you can actually walk around a piece and talk with artist at the same time, it adds a completely new dimension." I agree.  It was good to share the experience. The next annual NIADA conference is scheduled for July 24-27 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Go to the NIADA website for all the details. You may have seen the advertisement for the conference in selected magazines. Spread the word!  In Detroit,  we got to see the doll created by Olga that is featured in the ad.  The theme is "Inspire'" and it  certainly is an inspiring venue.  I've posted some pictures from the 2007 conference in the photo album.  My husband and I are planning on attending the Las Vegas conference next summer. Can't wait!

After NIADA I taught a private class in Pittsburgh, PA hosted by Pat and her husband Hank. They invited several friends and a family member to do the "Fantasy Figure" class in their lovely home.  Pat and Hank were wonderful hosts.  Pat's collection of dolls is breathtaking. Their good cheer and hospitality will remain a cherished memory. Some of the students have really taken off on creating felted figures of their own. It's always fun to see where creativity leads my students. It's gratifying to know they had a good time. There are some pictures in the photo album   Pittsburgh is a fascinating city. I had the opportunity to go to the Carnegie Library to do some research on my mother's family, and was struck by the blend of history and new ideas alive in the city. Perhaps this year I will have the chance to visit Pittsburgh again!

That brings me back to the present. Most recently, one of my pieces was featured in a book by  Lark Publishing 500 Handmade Dolls. When you see all the examples of work from so many different artists, it is a reminder that creativity is alive and well. 

Looking back over the year I realize that I've had the opportunity to meet great people and share ideas that keep me on my toes both creatively and personally. I'm currently working on a new figure that I'll share on the site as soon as it is finished. In the meantime, I'll try to keep the site updated more frequently.  Feel free to leave me a message.

I want to thank everyone for their kindness and willingness to explore possibilities as we take a journey through the vast landscape of creativity that we share. 

Cheers,
Deborah

Sunshine

Today is one of those days that remind us of the promise of spring.  While the snow is covering everything, the sunshine is brilliant. Bright blue sky, several clouds, cardinals, crows, chickadees, juncos, sparrows and jays. I even saw a robin.  It's not as cold. I've been asked where I live, It's Williamson; a small town in upstate New York on Lake Ontario.  Fruit trees, open land and a great lake that has a lot of impact on our weather.  About 60 miles to the east, is Parrish , NY where they had 12 feet of snow in less than two weeks. In the Rockie Mountains, that's not a lot.  But in New York it's amazing.  There's still much more winter to come, but today, it's nice to see the sunshine.

Cheers, Deborah