Redwood Coast Creative Arts

'shrooms in the gallery window

La sombra del viento

I have decided to read a book and clean up the clutter before even thinking about another project.

What book?  There are so many to choose from.  The book I have chosen is The Shadow of the Wind, a novel by Carlos Ruiz Zafón.  I started reading it in September while on vacation.  I thought I'd have so much time to lounge about in the English countryside and read a novel, HA, fat chance!!!  I got through 8 chapters and 60 pages and haven't touched it since. 

It has been way too long since I have allowed myself the luxury of time to just read a book.  I read magazine and news articles daily but a novel requires a bit more commitment of time.  I am looking forward to it.  Here is a bit about the book I have chosen (pilfered from Wikipedia).

The novel, set in post- Spanish Civil War Barcelona, concerns a young boy, Daniel. Just after the war, Daniel's father takes him to the secret Cemetery of Forgotten Books, a huge library of old, forgotten titles lovingly preserved by a select few initiates. According to tradition, everyone initiated to this secret place is allowed to take one book from it, and must protect it for life. Daniel selects a book called The Shadow of the Wind by Julián Carax. That night he takes the book home and reads it, completely engrossed. Daniel then attempts to look for other books by this unknown author, but can find none. All he comes across are stories of a strange man - calling himself Laín Coubert, after a character in the book who happens to be the Devil - who has been seeking out Carax's books for decades, buying them all and burning them. 

I am also determined to clear out the clutter.  Here is a peak at some of it.  I can't show you all of it because I don't want you to sic Niecy Nash and the Clean House Crew on me, 'cuz my studio is "HOT MESS"!

My desk, URGH!!!!

My work bench, pathetic!!!!  Please don't tell on me!

For The Love Of Mushrooms

Handle-The Mushroom Troll and Agaricus Bisporus- The Mushroom Maiden

Handle, The Mushroom Troll- His mother is a wild boar and his father is a mushroom troll.  He is a vegetarian and feeds on wild mushrooms.  He is a gentle giant with a kind heart.

Agaricus Bisporus- The Mushroom Maiden

Handle was out in a meadow gathering wild mushrooms for his supper when he spotted her for the first time.  He was mesmerized.  He had never seen such a beautiful sight.  His mouth dropped open, his face curled up in confusion, and his one good eye nearly popped out of his head.

He had never felt so enamored before.  He had an unbearable desire to kiss her.  He hid behind a tree stump, out of sight, as he contemplated his next move. 

His dilemma is that he is, after all, a mushroom troll, and she is the most enormous mushroom ever.    He is not sure whether he wants to kiss her or eat her!!!

Both figures are hand sculpted, of polymer clay, by me.  I do not use any molds or forms.  The mushroom troll has a soft body built over a wire armature.  His head, hands, and feet are polymer.  His clothing was all hand sewn, right on to his body, also by me.  I did not use any patterns.  His vest and shoes are leather, shirt, knit fabric, and pants made of hand felted cloth (felted by my good, friend Sherri Morgan.  Thank you Sherri!).  The maiden is polymer clay hand sculpted over a wire, aluminum foil, and masking tape armature and base.  Her gown is mostly made of hand sculpted mushrooms, her sleeves are made of hand painted tulle fabric.

Both figures are free standing and do not require additional supports.  The maiden is 15" tall and the  troll is 16" kneeling and about 29" standing.  I have arranged them in a meadow made of real moss attached to a fabric backing. 

 

Agaricus Bisporus trying on her new hat

Agaricus Bisporus trying on her new hat while her "make-up" sets.

The first one was too small so she had it enlarged. Sometimes size really does matter! What do you think?

The hands are done and not too gnarly!

My first VOX 2nd Saturday event.

Mushroom Maiden WIP

I am submitting my Mushroom Couple to the VOX second Saturday event next week.  The theme is LOVE. 

Here she is in full figure waiting to be embellished, my favorite part!

Here are her hands.  Not my favorite part.  I spent all evening on them last night.

I will continue to post with her progress each day so, come back!

10 Day old soap cut into bars and curing on the counter

Rosemary, Oatmeal, Lavender soap made with Olive, Almond, Coconut, and Castor Oils.

Cinnamon soap made with Olive, Almond, Coconut, and Castor Oils and real cinnamon.

Both of these soap batches are made in the hot process method with water that I collected from our last storm.