This is "Dream of Peace" I have donated to the
The Peace Project at Gallery 9 for auction. She is a 14 inch tall OOAK cloth and mixed media Dream Doll with internal wire and wood armature for support.
I painted her face and designed her sparkling heart to evoke both Byzantine and Central American iconography. Her body is a vintage cottage style print from my late mother's collection, while her vivid skirt petals are a combination of vintage and used clothing fabrics, new quilting cottons, and vintage Indian and South Asian fabrics from my mother-in-law's collection.
Tiny colored glass sead beads also appear in many cultures including African tribal adornments and traditional figures, and Native American textiles. Included in her hair decorations are handmade cloth beads made from some yo-yos from a very old quilt that is beyond repair, but represents the traditional feminine crafts of pioneer America. My idea is that her multi-sourced clothes, charms and embellishments symbolize many cultures, many crafting and textile traditions, many tribes all working in harmony.
The flowers and other nature elements are there to remind us that the natural world is often a casualty of war; natural resources are often the impetus of wars. The spirals of colored beads on her hands and feet represent the four Elements - Earth, Air, Fire and Water - nature as balance.
For the auction winner, she will be a conversation starter and thought provoker. Included is a custom decorated stand to display your doll as a functional art sculpture in your home or workplace. Plus everytime you look at her, as well as enjoying the intricate detail and joyful colors and textures, you can feel gratified that you have helped a very good cause in the world.
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