Sunday, November 16, 2008

Palo Verde Gals


Dear Diary,

My sisters and my friend, Judy, have been encouraging me to post pictures of my art. These Palo Verde Gals seemed to be an appropriate start because they were the first Art I ever had published. They came out in the Spring 2005, Art Doll Quarterly - Show and Tell section.

The day I got the magazine and saw the dolls was the same day our Whirlpool front load washer and dryer were delivered. I hate to say this but my excitement over being published was pale in comparison to how I felt about my new washer and dryer. I remember feeling guilty because I should have been more excited about being a published artist but that new washer and dryer were incredible! Before it was taking me two days to finish the laundry and now it was only taking me one! I felt like I was in love for the first time. I now knew how my husband felt about his truck.

How the Gals came to be

Back in August in the early 2000's, I was trying to think of something to make for one of my incredibly talented friend's birthday. We have been friends for a real long time (since 1973!). Through the years she has given me so many wonderful, unique, gifts. If you have been to our home, you have seen her silkscreens hanging in almost every room. Well, Leslie was "into" primitive cloth dolls. With that in mind, I decided to make her one. Usually when I create something, I have a picture of it in my mind. The finished project never turns out like my imagined project. This is good and bad. I sent Leslie her birthday present and she loved it.

My sister, Sarah Ann saw it and she wanted one, then she told my other two sisters about them. Lucy wanted one since Sarah Ann and Leslie had one. I told her I wasn't going to make her one because she had never even seen one and might not like them. She said, "Well, if I don't like it I'll just stick it under the bed and pull it out when I have company and say, look what my sister made! Isn't it awful?" To make a long story shorter, I made a frenzy of dolls! I gave allot to friends, family, and even sold some at Two Plates Full, Southwest Gardner and a boutique in my home town. I have about twelve partially made at this moment. It has been too hot to climb the Palo Verde Tree so they don't have arms and legs. But I don't have that excuse now.

4 comments:

Tumble Fish Studio said...

Now, these are my kinda dolls! I was never a doll girl when I should've been - had a few but I was too much of a realist even as a kiddie to indulge in doll play. I like them now much more as an adult - I finally found an imagination over the last few years. I love these, really. I love fun, colorful, whimsy, quirky, come play with me things like these - enchanting to me. And you need to be addin' the little "look at me, I've been published" pics on your blog! You earned those bragging rights! (since your new to blogging, scan the mag in and add a gadget, select picture gadget and you're almost there!) I've added you to my favorite spots - love your blog. You're gettin' the hang of it and I have a feeling you are and will continue to be very successful in your art journey. I will watch you "unfold" in your blog - what a privilege to watch someone find their niche, their groove, their dream or journey. I'm just startin' to unfold myself. Okay, long comment, sorry. I have a very good feeling about you!
marsha

Sarah said...

These are so unique and quite clever. Looking forward to seeing more of your art.

Judy said...

Great story to go along with the Palo Verde Girls!! Great blog! I especially liked the comment your sister made about putting it under the mattress and pulling it out to show friends. See! Ready made blog stories! More!!

eclectic archivist said...

Lisa-I love the Palo Verde Gals. Great colors and wonderful story to go with them.