Fall Work

I have been working on some commissions this fall - even though I haven't been keeping up with my blog. I'm posting some photos of the projects that I've been working on.

On the left is the Baba Yaga that I made for my friend Rebeca. I had to borrow her back for the weekend to sew some clothes for her. Now that fall has arrived, she was getting a little chilly! The photo on the right is of the three Babas I've made so far - the middle is for my sister. They are each dressed in traditional Russian peasant-style skirt, blouse and apron.

This is a mask I made on commission from a friend and co-worker. She is called "Evening Star". This is an original piece, with influence from the Yupik traditional masks. I used parrot feathers given to me by my good friend, Fr. Sergios, who has a host of birds in the aviary next to the monastery he has been rebuilding in Calistoga.



Below is "El Sol", in progress. He will join "Evening Star" when he's done. I've got two coats of stain on him so far (orange and yellow), and then he'll need some red parrot feathers. I hope to finish this piece this weekend.















Aside from these projects, my partner and I have been keeping busy going to the gym. We signed up for my birthday in September, and have been going Mon.-Fri. evenings. I go to yoga 2-3 times a week, and we do weight training and cardio the other nights. We both have health in mind for our goals, and a total combined weight loss of well over 100 pounds. We both feel much better, and have lost about 10 pounds each. All my evening time is taken up with working out, so I haven't had any time to blog! I'll try to post more regularly. Thanks for hanging in there with me!

Halloween is in the Air

It's October - and I have not been posting very much lately. I have been working on some projects, and will post some updated photos of my three Baba Yaga dolls in their costumes (Russian peasant costume, that is). Till then...I've been interested in Art Dolls, and browsed some really cool sites. I'm linking to a few of my faves so far...will also attempt to add them to my "Links" section soon.

"Strange Dolls"

" October Effigies" - the art dolls of Kerry Kate

and these unclassifiable oddities - but beware! this page isn't for the squeamish or those inclined to weep over dead birds, mice, or kittens... "Curiosities"

And just some cool Halloween decore/memorabilia: "Dragonfly Design Studio"

More to come! Happy Fall...