'SHI" "I AM NOT THE BODY"

“SHI”

“I AM NOT THE BODY”

Sold. Thankyou Deb!

I love the effect I get when I use earthy, woodsy materials along with the Renaissance Oil painting method I use for my faces. It seems to produce a rich quality that I can’t get with acrylics or other methods I’ve used.

The story I gave her comes from my book, “Grandmother Tree.” The book is out of print at this time but I will soon combine it with my “She Who Whispers” book to create a 3rd edition. “Shi” seemed appropriate for this original mixed media painting. Here is the story:

“SHI”

“I AM NOT THE BODY”

She so bravely bore her illness. Knowing there were those who would miss her in the end and being selfless beyond compare, she spoke these words. “Grieve not for me, for I am not the body. I am the green, fertile earth, the waves merging with the sea. I am the silence of the Himalayas and the eternal vibration of Om…know that I will live forever..for I am not the body….I am the soul.” The word Shi in Zen, written by calligrapher Hakuin, means death…anyone who sees Through death becomes ageless, deathless and Immortal..

~Cheryl Dolby~

“Shi” is 11” w x 14” h and 1” deep. I have priced her at $235.00 and she is available through me at this e-mail or you can purchase through Etsy. Thanks so much for viewing. This is definitely going to be a new series for me.

GODDESS BURNING BOWL-"MISTFLOWER"

GODDESS BURNING BOWL

“MISTFLOWER”

Full View of "Mistflower" (In the Snow)

Sold. Thank you Deb!

I just finished this Native American Goddess burning bowl and decided to name her “Mistflower”. For those of you new to my blog, I create Goddess Burning Bowls out of stoneware clay and a stained glass base. The story behind the burning bowl is this:

Unity Church has a special ceremony each New Year’s Eve. A large bowl is placed at the altar and each member of the church is asked to write down problems or vices they wish to annihilate from their lives.. It could be a wish to quit smoking or drinking. It might be a desire to loose weight or to quit any of a number of addictions. Each person places their list into the bowl and at midnight, the bowl is lit. Everyone watches as the fire burns away all the troubles.

Close-up of Face

Years ago, I decided to make small, individual burning bowls. I named them Goddesses or Crones. Mistflower is one of the smaller ones at 10”h, 4”w and 5” deep. I have priced her at $52. If you would like to purchase her, please check out my Etsy shop, where you can see more pictures or purchase from me directly at my e-mail.

Stained Glass Bowl

Here is her story:

“Mistflower”

She stood by the great falls watching the water as it cascaded over the edge. The water was never the same..always new..always flowing. She thought of how much it reminded her of the human race..always new generations, never the same people..all moving toward something bigger than themselves.

She walked to the edge and saw her reflection and thought about how much we are all alike and how, as her people had taught her, we are all the great mirror..simply the reflection of one another.

Cheryl Dolby

View of Back

OCEANA FACE MIRROR

OCEANA FACE MIRROR

Close-up of Ocean Face

Sold. Thank you Trish!

This post will be short and sweet. I just finished a small Oceana mirror that I thought someone might like. As I gaze out of my windows at the snow, my thoughts are definitely on the ocean and summer. Below is the poem I wrote that I attach to all my ocean pieces.

Full View of Mirror-I Definitely Need a Lesson in Photography-Mirrors are Impossible!

“Oceana”

As she was standing at the edge of the ocean she could hear the waves chanting their familiar song. “Come to me, I am greater than you, I am wiser than you..I am the one.” She resisted once again. How long can she continue to resist… How much longer before she embraces her larger self, her destiny, her soul… ..the sea….

~ Cheryl Dolby~

Another Picture of Mirror On Studio Wall

is 6” wide by 10” high and would look great in a bathroom or just about anywhere. She is just $58. You can e-mail me for more details or just purchase from Etsy.

Thanks so much.

WITHIN THE WITHIN GODDESS NECKLACE

WITHIN THE WITHIN GODDESS NECKLACE

Picture of "Within the Within" on Manniquin

Years ago, I took a correspondence course with Yehwehnode Two Wolves-Twyla Nitch, clan mother of the Seneca tribe in New York. She named her followers “The Keepers of the Stones” and even sent me my own special stone in a little leather pouch. I have kept it through the years and think of her often. She passed away a few years ago. I was glad that I sent her a story I had written about the Seneca’s and her in particular. titled ” Within the Within,” I sent it to Twyla for her approval. She read it and told me that she approved of all but one word. The last word in my story ended with the word “power.” Twyla explained to me that if I changed that name to “withinness,” more “power” would be invoked into my story because it was the “withiness” that takes us to our center and our truth.

Close-up

Here is the story I wrote.

Within the Within

At a very young age, she had learned to speak the language of the stones and the language of the trees. Her people, the Seneca, Keepers of the Western Door of the symbolic Longhouse, had taught her.

They taught her of the foundation of truth which is called "within the within.'" She learned of the sanctity of the circle and how it symbolizes perfect truth and is considered the pathway of peace and harmony.

But of all the many truths that she was taught, he sould knew a truth that her mind was just beginning to comprehend..HER truth. For there is no collective truth. The truth of one soul is not the same as that of another. She knew that truth's purpos is growth...soul growth. She would be open to all truths but true to her own. She knew that by being true to herself, therein she would find her withiness.

Chain Detail

Within the Within is 3” w x 10 1/2 “ long with 81/2 “ chain measured from neck to top of necklace. This particular necklace, unlike some of the other ones I have created, would work well for a shorter gal. I’m very tall and tend to make them all geared toward my height.

I used turquoise and other embellishments and sculpted an original clay face as the focal point of the necklace. I hope whoever receives my necklace wears her with power and withiness.

I have priced her at just $89. You can purchase her from Etsy or from me.

A TRIBUTE TO JULIA CHILD

A FESTIVE TRIBUTE TO JULIA CHILD

My Version of Julia Child's Beef Bourguignon!

For those of you who are new to my blog, I must tell you that although I love my life as a sculptor and artist, food is my passion. A friend of mine, who is a chef, started an unusual dinner club about 3 years ago. He asked for some of his Facebook friends to come to his home one evening for dinner. Many showed up from Roanoke and surrounding areas. We all had just two things in common. Facebook and our love of food. The Little Supper Club came to life. Today we boast about 15 active members and 5-10 who join in on occasion. At the beginning, we didn’t have theme dinners but over the last year or so, we have chosen to create foods from all parts of the world. This year, we are paying homage to our favorite chefs. About 13 members showed up last night and we were off to France and Julia Child’s cuisine. Julia would have been 100 years old last August.

Yours Truly On The Left and Friend Dian On Right As Julie and Julia

Chef Stratton's French Onion Soup

Since I love a challenge, I chose to make Julia’s classic Beef Bourguignon. I must say, after many hours in the kitchen and a hefty grocery bill, I won’t make it again. As a matter of fact, I have a recipe for a “stew,” which Beef Bourguignon primarily is, that tastes better and is a breeze to make. No only that but it is very inexpensive. I made it on busy days when the children were still living at home. As a matter of fact, they made it for themselves often times since it is so easy.

I have included my simple recipe at the end of this post for those of you who would like to try it.

In the meantime, here are a few pictures of what our members created for the party. There was too much French food at the party for me to show all the entrees. Without further adieu..off we go.

Tina's Creme Brulee

Dean's Eggplant Pizzas

Dian's Shiaparelli Hat From Paris

Tom's Scalloped Potatoes

Last But Not Least, Stratton St. Clair, Our Chef Extraodinaire and Founder of "The Little Supper Club"-Roanoke's Best Kept Secret

Recipe for No Watch 5 Hour Stew

In a greased casserole place: 1-16 oz package of stew meat 6 carrots 5 potatoes 2 cans Cream of Mushroom Soup 1 bay leaf and salt and pepper to taste

Combine allingredients. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in slow oven (250) for 5 hours. The stew will be cooked to perfection..That’s it!!!!! Trite but anyway, as Julia would say, Bon Appetit!

PHILOSOPHY ART DOLLS

PHILOSOPHY ART DOLLS

"The Moment of Absolute Certainty Never Arrives" One Of My Favorite Quotes

When I was a child, someone gave me a precious little cloth doll. She looked as though she came from Poland or somewhere in the Netherlands. She had a hand made face and a cloth body. I loved her beyond words. Now that I’m older, (ha, much older) I am yearning to recreate that little old world doll. After much trial and tribulation, I came up with a version that definitely is reminiscent of that little treasure.

"Jump Off Cliffs and Build Your Wings On The Way Down" This Is A Ray Bradbury Quote

I hand sculpted each face with clay, painted it to look ancient, used cloth on the body (which is flat ) added push pins so that she is has fully moveable joints and then gave her one of my favorite quotes. Each on is definitely an original.

"There Is A Fine Line Between Genius and Insanity-I Have Erased That Line" Author unknown. I Have To Admit, Her Face Does Look A Bit 'Crazy'-But That Was The Point

Shown For Size

"Small is The Heart That Can Love But One" Author Unknown

Back Side Grommet Hanger Shown

I’m offering 4 for sale. They are approx 3”w x 10”h. Some of my customers tell me they hang the little dolls on the wall and others hang on a suction cup at the window. I prefer to let mine hang about the house is unusual places, where guests can happen upon them by chance and be charmed by the sayings I’ve given to them. They certainly do cheer up a cold winter’s day and bring a bit of sunshine to those receiving them. I have priced them at $38. and can ship anywhere in the continental USA for just $5.00. Please e-mail me if you’d like one to be sent to you. Thanks so much!

GODDESS FACE JARS

GODDESS FACE JARS

Number 1 Timekeeper Features interesting purple beadwork

Sold. Thank you Francie

I have a few face jars left from Christmas sales if anyone is interested. They are priced reasonably at $25. each. I hand sculpted each face, added all types of interesting finds from the year’s antique and flea market shopping. The apothecary jars are 3” in diameter and hold 10 oz. of whatever you choose to place into them. I think candles or creams would be sublime. You could even place food items into them since the jar has a tight rubber seal. I’m sure my reader’s will find all sorts of uses for them I have never even thought of.

Number 2 Soaring Spirit Features an antique butterfly broach

Number 3 Feather Keeper Features small metal dreamcatcher and other Native American Looking Objects

Sold. Thank you Lisa

Number 4 Tree Crone Woman Features small gold metal tree

Sold. Thank you Francie!

Number 5 Blooming Spirit Features small gold butterfly and beadwork

Number 6 Renaissance Woman Features Antique Neck Piece

Sold. Thank you Lisa

I have numbered and named each one after the stories I write

View of Jar

Let me know if I can send one or more to you. Just e-mail me and we can go from there. They make wonderful special gifts for all occasions year round.

THE ALCHEMIST

THE ALCHEMIST

Full View

Sold. Thank you Cindy!

She is glitzy and exciting looking and befitting of her name. The wearer should expect magic to happen each time she ventures out into the world.

Close-up of Center

The Alchemist is the last Goddess Ceremonial Necklace I have to offer this year. She would be a wonderful asset to wear to a party or to ring in the new year. She is 3” wide by 8” high and has a chain of 11” from the neck to top of necklace. I used gold, black and purple accents to the stars and other glitzy accents. I have priced her at $115.00. Please e-mail me if you would like me to send her to you. You can also view her more closely on Etsy. I accept Paypal. Thank you so much.

Close-up of Jangles

BEADED VINTAGE FACE BAG

VINTAGE BEADED FACE BAG

Vintage Beaded Face Bag

Sold. Thank you Kimberly!

While roaming through her grandmother’s attic, the girl came across what looked to be a very ancient beaded bag. To her surprise, there was a face on the front. The look on the face was one of wisdom and of a certain knowing. It immediately captured her heart. What was the history of the bag? Why had her grandmother never showed it to the family? Now that her grandmother’s memory was waning, she guessed she would never find the answer. Still, the precious purse seemed to beckon and the girl fled with it to the rest home where her grandmother now lived.

Close-up of Face

Years later, the girl was now a woman. So often when she traveled here and there to meetings, parties and out on the town, that precious purse accompanied her. She held it’s history in her heart and would not reveal it to anyone. She often thought back to the day when she held the purse up for her grandmother to see. She remembered the tears her grandmother shed and the story her grandmother had told her of the purse and how she came to own it.

Close-up of Beadwork

More years passed and the vintage purse was handed down from grandmother to daughter to granddaughter, all vowing to hold the story of the antique to their hearts, not revealing it to anyone. The mystery of the bag remains to this day. Just looking closely at the face on the fabric purse with the subtle yet radiant beadwork of amber and browns seem to cast a spell on the beholder. To touch the soft beadwork, almost, but not quite, renders the answer to a question too intimate to even put into words.

While shopping at an antique mall, I discovered this incredible purse. I have looked up vintage bags on google and cannot find the source. Still, there is something charming and wonderful about the colors and feel of the bag. I decided to add one of my original faces and more beadwork that looked similar to what is on the bag. Of course, the story then came to me. Perhaps one of my readers can give the answer to the bag’s mystery. She is 5"w x by 9"h x and the beaded stap is aprox. 21" long. I have priced her at $89.00. Please let me know by e-mail.
if you’d like to have her as your own. You can also view and order on Etsy if you prefer.

Thank you for your patience in reading this long story~

HEALING WOMAN

GODDESS NECKLACE

Healing Woman Goddess Necklace

Healing Woman

Sold. Thank you Cheryl H!

Dredged from antiquity..daughter of fire emerges with the healing power of the ages..Voices lost in time whisper to her of healing on many levels. Energy rises from her very soul as she remembers the responsibility bestowed upon her. She is the Studda Bubba, the witch, the magician and the shaman..the very essence of the healer. She calls upon the great mother to share with her the wisdom of her yield. Knowing she is merely the vehicle of a force far greater than she, and with great integrity, the healing woman delivers her cures as the power moves through her hands of light.

~Cheryl Dolby~

Shown With Turquoise Chain

Shown on Mannequin for Length

This is her mantra. This is her life. Her special necklace accompanies her as she delivers her cures, both physical and verbal. Healing Woman can be found just about anywhere there is a need.

Shown on Wall as Wearable Art

I have created her necklace by using turquoise, metal feather and fetishes. Her face is an original, just like she is. It is stoneware clay and is the focal point of the necklace. The width of base is 3” and length, including jangles is 6.” The turquoise chain itself is long-about 12” from the neck but because of the unique latch, it can be adjusted to be worn much shorter.

Close-Up

I have priced Healing Woman at $125.00 She is waiting for that special woman to choose her for their journeys into the unknown. Maybe it will be you.

Please contact me by e-mail if you are interested.

Close-Up of Latch

NEW LOOK FOR B-DAZLE!

NEW LOOK FOR B-DAZZLE

B-dazle! My Sweet Little Art Car

Ain’t she sweet? See her riding down the street Now I ask you very confidentially Ain’t she sweet?

That’s the little tune that keeps popping into my head as I look at B-dazzle with her new carlashes! I also added dazzling eyeliner to her lashes for a real snazzy look.

Oh Those Eyes!

For those of you who are new to my blog, B-Dazzle is my little art car. She has 23,000 beads, bangles and bows and took 6 years to complete. Yep..it was me, beads, glue and many gallons of wine that got me to the finish line.

Another View

What do you think the chances were that I'd find two buttons at my local flea market that fit exactly in the center of each eye? Just got lucky I guess. Can you tell what I’m going to add next? If you look very closely you will see what looks to be her lips. You can even see where they turn up at the ends to form a smile. I’m wondering whether to apply red enamel paint or use more beads? Humm..fun ahead. If anyone thinks of anything else to use for B-dazzle's face lift, please let me know. I'm always open for ideas~ Hope you like her.