Mad in Pursuit Notebook
Dollmaking: "Tempest" Do-Over
Dec. 16, 2017. In May 2016, I made a doll to represent spring-time. In these parts, spring is stormy, often wildly so. Thus, "Tempest" emerged. She was my third needle-felted doll and I struggled to give her a face that was... not ugly.
She was definitely wild-eyed but a little too grotesque. The rest of her was lovely, with hand-dyed silks, glorious red hair, and an earthy build.
I don't mind reminders of my early days in a craft. On the other hand, artists frequently rip apart and re-use their old work or give it an upgraded treatment as their vision/skills develop. After getting back into felted wool this season, I tried improving her by adding some eyelids and attempting to fix her "collagen" lips. The results were not good.
I decided on radical surgery. I plucked out her eyes, eyebrows, and lips. Ouch.
I've noticed that the "pretty faces" of dolls (e.g., on Pinterest) and figurines (e.g., our art deco madamoiselles) are quite simple. Tempest got simple black eyes and thin lips. I gave her a little more red hair at the hairline and red eyebrows. And I dabbed on a little eye shadow.
She's less scary now and she's happier for it.
***
THE SUDDEN SILENCE: A Tale of Suspense and Found Treasure (2015) Thailand: lovers of ancient treasure tangle with international black markets. Delia Rivera pulls Martin Moon back into the game and their quest turns deadly. In paperback and Kindle editions.
TRIBE OF THE BREAKAWAY BEADS: Book of Exits and Fresh Starts (2011) Time after time, Mary asks herself: Do I go or do I stay? She finds her power in her ancestors: Smart women turn discontent into action. An illustrated memoir in paperback and Kindle editions.
PASSION AND PERIL ON THE SILK ROAD: A Thriller in Pakistan and China (2008) The twin forces of revenge and redemption drive Nellie MacKenzie and Taylor Jackson on a crazed adventure into the heart of Central Asia. They grapple with issues of ethics, trust, rage, and bitter heartbreak -- as well as the intrigue of the international antiquities trade. In paperback and Kindle editions.
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