Fairy Caravans

I know many of you have seen some of these on my Etsy shop Pandora Jane and here on the blog-- but for those of you who haven't I wanted to share a small sampling. The miniature fae caravans have been among the most popular of my natural material projects--perhaps because they express my own fascination with nomadic life styles, albeit housed in a more romantic container than the anonymous white vans that rule my real world rolling travels and those of many other restless folk these days.
(I'm currently at work on a vardo T-shirt design in black and white shadow puppet style that I hope to share soon along with some more colorful 3-D papier-mache versions of the miniature caravans...)

Time Flies on Gossamer Wings

It has been exactly a year and three days since my first post on this blog. Thanks to those who've taken the time to comment and email, many of you with such lovely blogs of your own to share. I'm so thrilled by all the beautiful images, thoughts and creativity to be found at my fingertips!

 There is something sweetly evocative yet melancholy in the sight of pressed flowers--- like my memories of my great-grandmother's hand picked wildflower wedding bouquet in its ornate Victorian frame--- for many years it hung pale and ghostly near my mother's bed--- or stories of a simple flower wreath found amid the golden finery of Tutankhamen's tomb, a poignant reminder of the humanity behind the facade of even a god king. Flowers encapsulate the idea of vanitas in their ephemeral beauty, accompanying us from the beginning to the end of our lives. Despite these more solemn associations, as with so many folks, flowers are one of the greatest joys in my life and it's natural to want to prolong their magic. The pages of my sketchbook are stained in many places where I couldn't resist tucking in the shed beauty of a scarlet poppy or a feathery fern found along the path. Often when I sit down to draw they come unexpectedly fluttering out into the world, reminding me to see them anew.

 Inspired by all the lovely artistic work created with pressed plants from past eras as well as present, I made a small group of flower "paintings"--trying to stay true to the form of petals and leaves--no cutting allowed, only small discreet parts separated from the whole when needed. The largest of these flower fae paintings measure under ten centimeters in height and are true miniatures. (You are seeing them here at around actual size).

A Fractured Fairy Tale

Once upon a time in a kingdom by the sea a trio of weary travellers stumbled upon a modest castle. It was neither too small nor too large, but just right... for a brief sojourn out of the intense Mediterranean sun...

 

The trio were received warmly by the inhabitants who mentioned there had been only too few travellers of late.

Despite the hospitable welcome, our travelling trio began from the first to sense something amiss... Yet they were hesitant to insult their hosts and decided amongst themselves that they probably just had a bad case of post road jitters---with all the ogres, wolves and giants afoot, life could easily become overwhelmingly stressful---always watching one's back whilst fumbling among a weighty baggage for magic beans, talking dolls or golden egg laying poultry. Travel was without a doubt a tiring and dangerous prospect and it was good to relax for a bit...
Their hosts smilingly proposed a tour of the castle with an introduction to all its inhabitants. To commence, the travellers were treated to views of the latest in court fashion, worn by what must surely have been some of the leading innovators of the day....

And after, a dazzling show of courtly comedy...

Followed by an introduction to local practices of vino culture...

And a view of the amazingly lifelike displays in this groundbreaking cabinet of natural curiosities...

They were made privy to a thrilling glimpse of gold being coaxed from lead in the castle alchemist's subterranean chamber (although the trio wisely decided against mentioning the simpler process with their own golden egg laying hen...or was it a goose?)

Suddenly a sinister figure emerged from the shadows and the travellers felt strong hands placed roughly on their shoulders. Their hosts froze and began to back away slowly...

They were led through dim corridors hung with weapons...

Past increasingly more sinister sights...

until they found themselves in a dark place where they feared their wandering lives would end...

Suddenly there was a loud whisper from behind a curtain at stage left..."PSSST...I can get you out of here...but it's gonna' cost you..."

PHHEEWW...That was close!!!

Nightlight

Shadowy views of my night time work table with puppets and poppets ensconced, awaiting their moment on the stage...alongside some small mixed media works in progress.

I recently discovered this small brass and bone Moroccan mirror with broken frame on the dumpster top--brought it back to my workspace and filled the gaps with a mosaic of minuscule shells from the magic isle of Noirmoutier on France's Atlantic coast. It now has a proud, toothy grin.

Of Griffin Claw and Dragon Tooth