Monday, September 20, 2010

Reno/Iowa Retreat Project - Finished!

The annual Retreat hosted and taught by Jean Bernard and Sherry Goshon was once again a fantastic creative experience. I returned home both exhausted and exhilerated, with a mixed-media treasure that I still can't quite believe came from my own hands.
I began with this drawing by my daughter...



After 3 days of intense activity and a little more work at home, I ended up with this beautiful mixed-media sculpture.  (As always, if you wish to see mor detail, click on the photo to enlarge to full size.)



Her base is wire lace built on a frame fashioned from a tomato cage, believe it or not. Her torso is a combination of soft sculpture and paperclay.



Her face is drawn and shaded with watercolor pencils, and sealed with a coat of beeswax. Now that was fun!




The rest of her consists of whatever struck my fancy at the moment. Chains, feathers, tulle, glitter, micromarbles, metal filagree... it's all on there.

If anyone is interested, there are still a few slots left open for next year's retreats.  You will never be sorry!  http://renoiowaretreat.com/

9 comments:

Jean Bernard said...

OMG ! OMG ! You never cease to amaze me JudiA ! The colors! The textures! The flow! I applaud you!I can see why you are thrilled with her. Jr. has to be most pleased as well.
Thanks for sharing
Jean

Lydia said...

Yay! I love it! The veil really brings it out. Wonderful. I can't wait to see it in person Friday. Awesome.

ruthanne said...

Judi, she is awesome!!!! So glad to met you and take your wonderful mini-class at the Iowa Retreat.

RA

Cindi said...

Wonderful, awesome....thank you for posting your art from RenoIowaretreat. It was a pleasure meeting you and taking your mini class...My mom loved her picture. MG

Healing Woman said...

You did it! She's a beauty. The retreat sounds wonderful. I've been to those before and the energy generated by the whole is quite amazing.

Bear said...

Judi A you never ever cease to amaze this doll is the best of all of your dolls -- my you are such an artist Judi she is amazing and beautiful
love n hugs bear xoxoxoxo

Norma Soulet (AZArtist) said...

Hi Judi,

I have missed you! :( So sorry I haven't checked your blog in a while. I have been so busy! :( Wow I love your new doll. So is fantastic! Lucky you that you got to go to the retreat and take a class with Jean and Sherry! Pat yourself on the back the doll is GREAT not that I didn't expect that from you! :)
When you get a chance please visit my blog, I just uploaded a few things and please leave a comment. :) Later I will upload some more things.
Keep well and hugs

BumbleVee said...

she's wonderful Judi.
What did you use for the bodice and arms?? paint... or foil or something? ...

and beeswax on her face after doing the colouring.... how very interesting....

the girls are doing on collages from what I have heard...but haven't heard of putting it on dolls yet.... what an interesting class it must have been.

I guess I won't be doing much for seven weeks... unless I do something with one hand..... I'm having surgery on my left wrist on Monday......

BumbleVee said...

oh.... AND.... meant to say.... wow...what a drawing by your daughter! looks just like the fashion designer drawings that I've always admired.