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.
Awesome. I love mushrooms, but never dreamed of creating one!
Posted by: RuthAnne | March 16, 2010 at 05:36 AM
Thank you for posting RuthAnne. The mushroom Troll told me his whole story before I even finished sculpting his face. The usually tell me their story eventually but this guy was very clear and detailed with his. It made the whole piece come together quite easily.
Posted by: LaLa | March 16, 2010 at 02:36 PM
This is so amazing! I think you should have this story published. The mushroom maiden is gorgeous, and the troll is perfect. Your visual artistry and writing talent are exceptional.
Posted by: Mack Shepperson | March 02, 2012 at 05:25 AM
Thank you so much for your comments. All of my figures emerge with a story. As I sculpt they tell me their stories and the characters unfold. I have little control over who they are, where they've been, or even what they look like. These beings just come into our world through me and a bit of faerie magic.
A book of all of my creatures and their stories is delightful concept. All I need is an editor and a photographer! It will happen!
If you enjoyed this story you may also enjoy the story of My Royal Garden Gnome, Sir Gibborous Grouser Noble Gnobbins Gnome, of the Curmudgeon Clan, of Royal Garden Gnomes, of the Wild Thyme Woods, Where the Wild Thyme Blows, where Oxlips and Nodding Violet Grows.
http://blog.crescendoh.com/art_saves/2011/06/not-your-average-garden-gnome-by-lala-ortiz.html
Posted by: LaLa | March 02, 2012 at 11:22 AM