Spirit/Goddess Dolls

I keep trying to figure out what I can make and teach that speaks to me.  While I was doing some research, I found spirit dolls/goddess dolls/therapeutic dolls.  I am finding them interesting. I really need to make some and see how I like it, see if it really speaks to me.  If it does, I may talk to a friend who is looking to have people come to her studio and teach, and see if I can teach a class.

I think one of the things I love about these dolls is the different media that can be used.  I have seen all sorts of fabrics used, beads, paint, clay, and many other different media.  I also really like the idea of putting an intention into the doll.  I know that I still need to research more about it, but I am really looking forward to learning more about these dolls as well as actually making them.  This could be a great way to combine social work and art!

I decided to take part again in art every day month at http://creativeeveryday.com/art-every-day-month-2013-participants.  I have done this in the past and I think it has helped me to be more creative more often.  For me, having a goal and a way to be accountable without too much pressure is really helpful.  During the month of November, I'll be posting more about my creative pursuits every day or at least attempting to post every day.  There may be a lot of goddess dolls in the mix.

Amy

Starting To Feel Like I Am Getting Plan Together

I keep thinking about what it is that I want to do with my life and what direction I want to take my career.  I keep going back to something creative.  Yes, I love the idea of nutrition also, but I think my real love and passion is in the creative arts field.  I have been doing some research and I think there are definitely creative arts areas that I enjoy that can be considered therapeutic.  I am thinking doll making, quilt making, card making and collage are all therapeutic areas that I enjoy and can actually complete and maybe even teach.  I am not a painter, sculptor, or other fine artist.  I have been concerned with wether or not I can actually be an art therapist since I am not a fine artist.  After spending some time research, I am feeling much more positive about using my love of creativity as a therapeutic tool.

I am continuing my research on art therapy and doll making, art therapy and collage, and art therapy and quilt making.  I have found some interesting ideas and reasons why creating dolls, quilts, and collage is therapeutic.  I was thinking that painting and sculpting along with other fine arts is the only way to do art therapy.  I basically knew that the act of creating in and of itself is therapeutic, but I didn't think that making a quilt, for example, could have a therapeutic influence.  I've seen reference to the cutting of whole cloth into smaller pieces, sewing it back together, creating warmth  and comfort.  Then there is the act of creating a wish doll.  I was searching on YouTube and I found this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieHWyYtTsuQ.  I decided to make a wish doll with my 4 1/2 year old daughter.  Her wish was for a wedding dress.  This is the outcome:

I have also watched this video, but on my phone: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJjUcJ_3IIo.  I now want to watch this on the reagular computer and see what else I can learn.  I am also going to do a little more research into collage and see what I can figure out.  I first learned about soul collage in grad school and bought a couple of books on it.  I think it's time to start reading more about it and start putting some of these things into action.

I am feeling a lot more hopeful about having a radiant career.  I am really looking forward to learning more and maybe even putting an actual plan into place!

Amy