Summary

Barbara Carter describes her journey of creating unique, free-form art dolls inspired by "The Pale Rook" dolls, emphasizing spontaneity and spiritual guidance in her artistic process.

Abstract

Barbara Carter, inspired by "The Pale Rook" dolls, embarks on a creative journey to craft art dolls without a predetermined plan, allowing her intuition and spirit to guide her hands. Her dolls, such as the 15-inch Bird Woman, are characterized by their unconventional materials, including a chicken bone for an arm, and their ability to express human-like qualities and movements. Carter's process is deeply personal and experimental, as she incorporates elements like movable pipe-cleaner arms and playful interpretations of body parts. She shares her artistic evolution through various doll creations, including the "Screaming Horse Girl," and connects her doll-making to her broader artistic endeavors, such as brooch-making. The dolls serve as a testament to Carter's belief in spiritual guidance and her rekindled dream of becoming an artist.

Opinions

Carter values the freedom of creating without a set plan, embracing the flow of her creative spirit.
She finds joy and pride in the unique features of her dolls, such as the Bird Woman's bird claw toes and the ability to sit.
Carter sees the dolls as an extension of her artistic self, with each piece reflecting her personal and spiritual journey.
The artist acknowledges the challenges of crafting certain elements, like hands, but finds inventive solutions, such as using nail fingers as a play on words.
She humorously notes the limitations of social media platforms like Facebook, which restrict the display of realistic anatomy.
Carter's work is influenced by her surroundings, as evidenced by the inspiration drawn from a horse showing its teeth, leading to the creation of the "Screaming Horse Girl."
The dolls are seen as a continuation of her other artistic projects, suggesting a cohesive theme in her body of work.
Carter remains open to the unknown path of her artistic exploration, trusting in her spirit to lead the way.

SPIRIT ALCHEMY | ART & INSPIRATION

Letting Spirit Guide Me in Creating Free-Form Art Dolls

No plan, just going with the flow

top section of a 15-inch Bird Woman, free form doll Art $ photo Barbara Carter

I was inspired by a post on Facebook of The Pale Rook. The next day I set about to make a doll. Of course, it turned out nothing like the dolls of the woman I was inspired by.

side view of Bird-Woman, free form doll 15 inch

back view of 15 inch free-form Bird Woman doll

okay, she’s showing off now! Wants to let everyone know she can also bend her legs and sit.

Yes! She is very proud of her feet. Not easy buying shoes when you have bird claws for toes. Toothpick bird toes.

Her one arm is a chicken bone. An old chicken bone I had in a jar for over 20 years, waiting until I found something to use it for.

It was a little brittle when I drilled a hole in it.

Yes, when you are a bird-woman your inside body parts can be outside. Imagine if we could do the same!

Yes, she would like everyone to know that she has a tongue and knows how to use it.

There are some body parts under her dress I will not show, Facebook does not like real anatomy. Buy suffice to say she has all her lady parts and a butt hole for releasing all shit in her life.

This was my first attempt at a cloth hand following online instructions from “The Pale Rook.” It could be much better, but at least it’s better than a chicken bone arm claw … and she gets to show off her new ring.

This was my fun creation to end the year of 2022. She hangs out in my writing room by a tall piece of driftwood with a crow puppet on top.