Dolls unlock a part of my heart that I cannot explain. When I pick up a doll, I see her story and I feel this tug in my heart to share her tale with the world. I have decided that they are a key to a magical garden in my own inner world : a world where the mind is not allowed to enter; no criticism thank you, no matter how constructive; no reality here! Only the beautiful, magical and wondrous!
This little Victorian Ice Skater I found on Etsy a while ago. When I saw her I could see the frozen lake and I could hear the music! The vintage gramophone I found whilst antique hunting during my recent trip to the South of France. I was going to enter her for the Icy challenge on Inspiration Avenue, but she was not ready yet. The fact that she is skating with her tiny white bird in its cage, is part of the magic of her tale!
You see, she was turned into a swan by an evil magician, long long ago. And now she can only turn into a beautiful girl again when you touch the magic key!
Till then, she is the swan, dreaming of the music floating on the crisp air; feeling the swish of her dress against her legs; hearing the scraping sounds of the skates on the ice!
How do you touch the magic key? By looking at her with love and warmth. The warmth of your heart and thoughts will melt the spell, and she will transform into the princess that she is.
Some more dolls and keys : their stories I have written previously on this blogspot.
You cannot see it clearly in these pictures, but the spanish dancers have vintage keys dangling from black velvet ribbons (on the right hand side of the box)
This is absolutely gorgeous, made even more so by the wonderful story. You made me feel her story and yearn to touch the key!
ReplyDeleteThese are just so complex and rich. I wish I could pick them up and look at them really closely. The story really enriched the whole thing also. xx
ReplyDeleteThis is gorgeous and so magical.
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful and each one has a unique story and place in your heart, lovely and enriching.
ReplyDeleteWhat an unusual art! Such pretty and meaningful shadowboxes!
ReplyDeleteA feast for the eyes! Nicely done ....
ReplyDeleteBeing a recent visitor to your blog, I have never seen the Spanish dancers. The are truly beautiful, as are the colors. But the swan fairy is my kind of assemblage. The story you weave around her is mesmerizing, too. This has been a super challenge. Thank you. I love everything you have shown.
ReplyDeletethank you for visiting! i cherish your comments - it is such a great gift to be able to share with others
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post Hettience in every sense! I love what you do.
ReplyDeleteThis is inspired. I loved reading about your creative process and the story behind your little girl. Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteYour work is so inspiring Hettienne! I love all this rich texture, colour and detail.
ReplyDeleteI don't collect dolls specifically, but I definitely feel that some of the found objects I use in my own work come complete with their own histories and secrets :)
It's lovely to be able to share some of your imaginative vision through your art x
A beautiful story to accompany the skating princess! I love her little bird cage :) I am loving the Spanish dancers too...the vibrant red with the deep browns and black really grab me!
ReplyDeleteThanks for a great challenge this week! It was such fun!
WOW, Hetienne, I Loved your assemblage even before I came over to read about it, and the story you wove around it is SO very magical. I especially like the way each of the elements has it's own personal meaning, both to you and to your magical world you have created- just INCREDIBLE work!
ReplyDeleteI love this - I made lots of shrine boxes for my degree show in college (my work at the time was all based on shrines and altars - this is so lovely, really enjoyed the story too. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete