FLORA-2004

I had forgotten about this design I had made back in 2004. I was designing paper dolls for my own amusement. Rather than make one doll with lots of costumes. I just drew a figure already dressed.
The art style I drew my influence from the Art Deco era. I had just sort of rediscovered it , from gleaning through the collectible postcard category on the online aution site. I was especially inspiredby the artist, Chiostri. Charmimg and lovely ladies and the art style.
I think I drew about 50 different figures . I'll have to count and find out. It was 6 years ago.
I have a box full that I printed, painted and cut out.
So, anyway, this Flora was drawn before I remembered the Primavera Flora.
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DOLL COLLECTOR

A few years ago, my good friend who is into dolls too. Asked, why do I like dolls?
Good question. Her husband, after all these years, had asked her that question. I told her at that time, That I had no idea. I just am very attracted to them. So, since then, I have mulled over that question. Trying to find out just why.
The following essay, is as close as I can get for now.
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I collect dolls. I love dolls. Dolls, dolls, dolls. They are they epitome of the ideal lady. Or children. Depending on the dolls you admire the most. I much prefer the representations of adult lady dolls. They have beautiful faces, beautiful clothes, and most of all, they have lovely smiles. Where the land of dolls resides and dolls come from, they always project happiness and congeniality. The dolls are cheerful and always smile. a land of fantasy where everyone is nice, and are good to each other. No jealousy, no envy, no spite. A cherished doll is loved, and does love back. the is a true charm of a doll. No criticism, no judgement. Just acceptance as we are.
DOLLS are dreams. They are faithful, loyal companions. never do they say hurtful things, neither do they gossip. Each doll is unique and has her own being, yet, at the same time be our Avatars, our other self. When we play, our own lives project on how we treat our dolls. By treating our dolls and toys with respect, we therefore can learn to be respectful to real people and all living beings. Dolls are our first best friends.
Having a doll with lots of clothing, children learn about style and dress. What is appropriate for different occasions. What color enhances or detracts our complexion.
Having a doll with lots of clothing was a dream of mine as a child. I didn't get until I was an adult and made my own. With 35 changes. Plus hats, shoes and accessories. Hand knitted stockings made by me.
A doll collector loves dolls for many reasons. But, they are an appreciation of art, beauty and gracefulness of the better things in life.
Grace, as in style, good manners.
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Besides: " The Study Of Dolls Is The Study Of Human History". And that direction can help us better understand the whys of the human condition.
That is the slogan of the UFDC. Great organization.
This affliction also covers, art, science, history, commerce, textiles, crafts.
I came to that consideration later. Mostly, I love dolls, because they are 'Pretty' and I love beauty in all it's forms.
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DAISY BASKET

This one of my Photo suite creations. They only exist in my computer. A few years ago I became intrigued and created about 200 of these. Then I became sidetracked and lost my inspiration and I haven't done any since, until now.
The flower part is an abstraction of a photo sent to me from my friend. She's doing photography now. And one of her subjects are flowers. This is a Gerber Daisy. Cartooned, colored and the background put in. Sort of a cross between Georgia O'Keeffe and Mondrian.
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BUTTERFLY MYSTIC

Since the butterfly is one of my totems, I decided to look up something about the symbolism connected with it. Well, I must say. That was an adventure! It all depends on what country and culture you come from. And the meanings are all quite personal, which I had already surmised.
As it stands, as with any personal beliefs, choose whatever you feel fits.
Butterflies and birds are free,
to fly at will, and to be,
not bound to earth,
like you and me.
A symbol of:
freedom,
lightness of being.
Pure
carefree joy.
makes a little gold bell,
in my heart to ring.
A moment in time to be remembered. I have only felt it one time in my life. A moment, without pain, detached briefly from all my pain in my heart and soul. The feeling was so alien, I wondered what was going on. What is this? Then I gave thought to what we did that week.
And, my goodness, this is what true happiness is? What it feels like?
I felt it that one time. I remember the feeling even now, even though I have not felt that special kind of feeling again.
Life came back on me. No true joy again. Sometimes I cannot even take a breath, it crushes so.
So, that's why I make pictures of young girls dancing with butterflies, the memory of that, one moment, one day.
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IRIS

Iris, goddess of the rainbow. Iris do come in a myriad of colors. And many styles. Love them. This the first bloom this year. There are two stems this year.
I do have a couple more, over against the north wall. But, maybe will bloom later. They did last year. Such a pretty color too. A sort of pale lavender-blue and ruffled.
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FLOWER GIRL

I haven't been writing or sewing lately. Or even reading, although I did order about six books on the Renaissance from the library. I have five, waiting for the sixth.
What I have been doing, is some drawing. Just nice pieces about the the joy of youth.
I have already put up the butterfly one. The one this time. is my take on Flora from the Primavera painting by Botticelli. Always liked that picture. Always wanted to do my own version. Finally did.
My take is of Spring as the maiden, not the burgeoning Matron. The freshness of new flowers, the green meadows. She coming home with a lap full of wildflowers to make sachets for the clothespress. or whatever.
I am working on a colored one. I will put it when it's finished.
She was really fun to draw.
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DANCING WITH BUTTERFLIES

Such a lovely day to be dancing across a meadow, blythe and carefree . A brief interlude.
always and ever, chasing a bit of happiness, where ever one can find it in this mixed up world.
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