Upcoming Shows and Events

Comic Con International
San Diego, Ca July 25-27
I will be at Comic Con San Diego this year, though I will not have a table. I will be wandering around wide eyed (and probably have fairy wings), so if you will be around on Sunday, keep an eye out for me.

Doll and Teddy Expo
Washington DC Aug 9-10 Admin: $10
Stop by the OOAK Guild booth 58 to see several of my dolls in person. There will be a large collection of polymer clay artist selling their dolls, it is sure to be a fun time.

NIADA 2007

Well, I am back from my first NIADA conference. And very tired. But it was a fun weekend...

Friday: My flight put me into Detroit around 6 am. Bleery eyed, I found myself on a van on my way to the Thrifty Rent-a-car center. I waited in line for what seemed like forever (there was only one person working the counter). While trying to decided if it was possible to sleep while standing up, I heard the attendant say that they only had minivans left. Greeeaaat. Me and a minivan, in downtown Detroit. But just as I stepped up to the counter, an far too peppy man handed the attendant keys to a new, clean, shiny Dodge Avenger. Sunburst orange, sunroof and all. And all mine.

I managed not to get lost from the airport to downtown. I found the parking garage, and got to the hotel ten minutes before registration started. This left me with enough time to splash some water on my face, and grab a bagel and a cup of tea (CAFFEINE!) from the table before signing in. I couldn't help but notice how much the god-awful-ugly carpet in the conference rooms hurt my sleep deprived eyes. Cant...look...away...

I got my badge and packet of info, and headed into to check out the Swap Meet. I was very excited to see all the goodies for sale for cheap. I picked up some glass eyes, silk fabric squares, and a little darling Bunting Baby from Annie Wahl. It took a lot of self control not to by up the whole lot of silk squares, they looks so COLORFUL laying there on the table, begging me to buy them all, and take them home. No!

Orientation was quick. Mary Ellen Frank lead a discussion on photography--why it is so important it is for selling online, and submitting to juries and magazines. Afterward, we all headed up to the Skyline room for a yummy buffet lunch up on the roof, surrounded by the skyline of downtown Detroit. It was so nice to sit down and relax with other artist and collectors, and find out home much we had in common. I felt so at home with them, we were all so alike. I was able to carry on a serious conversation about making dolls, with out having to stop and define my terms every few seconds. Why that surprised me, I'm not sure, but it did. I found myself sitting next to Noni (Antoinette) Cely, and we got talking about our husbands (both video editors) and how their work had changed since so many people are now their own amateur movie makers. It was so refreshing!

After lunch, it was time to set up for the critique. Gulp. After setting up my doll, and then tried to run around with the camera to get pictures of everyone else's work. I quickly realized how completely outclassed I was by everyone. There were some amazing dolls there. NIADA artists got first chance to walk through first, and write down comments and suggestions for each artist on paper. After they were done, everyone else at conference got to walk through while we stood next to our dolls. I think this was the hardest part for me. I was already very self conscious, feeling like a mouse among lions. Every time some one walked by and didn't interact with my doll, I felt like climbing into a little hole. Thankfully, those people I had meet earlier in the day did make an effort to stop by and talk to me. This was encouraging, but I still felt so out of place. Needless to say, I was extremely nervous about the one-on-one critique coming next. But Stephanie Blythe, and Diane Keeler were wonderful. They started the time with a big smile, and, "We won't bite!"

Diane and Stephanie had the perfect balance of criticism and compliments. They said I already had a good sense of scale (size of print, fabric, bead, etc), that my proportions were great, and Elli's hands were very good. Diane said I had tackled a lot of the basics, but now had to keep working on the details. They suggested that I use better materials--like silks and natural fabrics--tone down the bright colors, and work on my anatomy. They also thought the piece would work better if it was on one base, that connected the two figures, which I have to agree.

After the critique was over, heaved a sigh of relief, and ducked out of the conference to meet my sister and her family for dinner in Ann Arbor. We ate at Outback, while I tried to not fall asleep in my salad.

Saturday: Demos! There were three hours of demonstrations done by various artist Saturday morning. There were demos on sculpting hands, painting eyes, making felt hats, using Alley Goop for making molds, and a few others. I think this was my favorite part of the conference--being able to see other artist at work, and realized that we aren't all the different. I took home a long shopping list of new things to pick up and play with.

The rest of the day was filled with various discussions (Ebay and You!), and the "Over the Moon Challenge". I added some new artist to my long list of Favorite Artist after seeing the challenge dolls. I fell in love with Olga Roehl's doll--she is a new artist to NIADA, and I think I will be following her work very closely. Her use of colors, and stylized figures are just inspirational.

I had enough time before the banquet to take a little nap in my car, and change into my dress. The food was very good, and desert even better! We were supposed to receive our souvenir dolls at the banquet, but tragically, they weren't ready. With the recent passing of her mother, and mishaps with the casting process, Forest had to report to us that the dolls were not ready in time. But we should receive them in the mail soon! She gave us a picture of the doll....I can't hardly wait, it is so beautiful! You all will have to though, I won't show you a picture until it is in my hands!

Sunday: Sunday was the day for the Show and Sale. Since I had missed the gallery night Thursday, I was very excited to be able to see the dolls the NIADA artists had brought. Also, the Miniature Exhibit was up for the public to view. Such beautiful, TINY work, I can't imagine creating things so small, and so perfect.

I left the show, with lots of inspiration flying around my head, my fingers itching to get to work. And a bunch of new friends. And I hardly got lost at all!

More pictures on my website: http://www.stringfellowart.net/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=27

Next year, NIADA will be in Vegas, July 24-28. Mark your calendars! The challenge will be: Cirque Du Soleil

Here we go...

Tonight I hop on a plane off to Detroit. My bags are packed and sitting here with me at work. I'm already tired. That doesn't bode well. :p I'm feeling more excited than nervous now, so that is good. I'm going to try something new this weekend. Every time I get that small panic attack feeling about stressing over things that MAY happen (what if I get lost?! What if I don't get enough sleep? What if...what if...) I pretend I'm someone else who doesn't worry about such things. More specifically, I pretend I'm my aunt Gloria. She is one of those women who turn anything into an adventure. She'll hop into a strange situation and start exploring. Me, I worry. So, I pretend that I'm Aunt Gloria, and pretend that I am having a wonderful adventure. I'm actually surprised with how well that has worked so far in keeping my stress level down.

My goals for this weekend:

1. Have fun
2. Learn something I can do better with my art (well, many things)
3. Make new friends, make new connections
   
4. Be inspired

I think those are very do-able!

In other news, I stared a little illustration yesterday, inspired by a news story I heard. LA Fire department has been using goats to help prevent wild fires. The goats eat the grass and brush that is dangerous. Imagine that! Anyways, I didn't get a chance to finish it done before leaving. But I thought I would post it as a WIP as a promise to finish it off when I return from Detroit. He has a name. It is Sparky. He likes purple grass.

3 days...

'Til I leave for Detroit. I have this strange feeling of dread/stress/and excitement in my stomach. This is a big step for me, going out to Detroit, on my own, risking getting lost in a strange new city. I know it will all work out, but I can't help but worry...its in my nature. :p

At least I am prepared! I finished Elli this weekend. I am very happy with how she turned out. Its strange, when I look at her now, she as a Persian flavor to her, which works with the elephant. But I didn't intend to do that at all. It must have been all her doing. Two other changes I made to her since these pictures. I re-did her eyelashes, they were just too small. And I added a blue fringe to the bottom of her skirt. I'm happy with both changes.

Pray that I will get enough sleep on the flight Thursday to get through the whole day Friday. And pray that I will meet some friendly people to hang out with, because what fun is art without some one to share it with?

No internet?!!!

How'my supposed to survive with out internet??! Argh. Day 11 since we moved into our new home, and still no internet. The cable lines are too old to support it, and the "soonest" they can have some one come out a fix it is the 27th. WHAT? No internet means no phone. No email. No browsing forums while i sculpt! Argh. I can't work like this. Being able to check my email at work between the hours of 8:30-4:30 isn't cutting it. I need my fix. Sigh.

Last night was our third anniversary. Yay! We celebrated with a molten chocolate cake from Chili's. Mmmmmmm. And season one of Battle Star Galatica. Curled up on our new sofa. Heavenly.

On the art front, I started unpacking my craft stuff last night. I got the itch to pick up the pencil, so I pulled out my sketch pad and pencils. I would show you what I did...but I'm not done. Oh, and the big news: I'm will be at ComicCon in 2008! Yes, yes, a whole year away. But I am joining a group of talented artists from Ellen Million Graphics. It is very far away, but put it on your calendar so you don't miss it! I will give more updates at time goes on.

My "First" Doll Show

Valley of the Sun Doll Show, March 24th 2007

Thursday night: I suddenly realize how much I want to get done before I going to bed for the evening. Ack. I become a mad woman, gluing hair on dragons, ironing black bed sheets, paintings signs, and gluing my fingers to the desk. Midnight comes, and I decide enough is enough. Time for bed.

Friday morning: Get up early to get on the road before traffic hits. Clint helps me load up the wagon on his way to work. It is a rainy day, and I am glad I’m in my new car. Don’t have to worry about breaking down in the middle of no where in the rain. I make good time from LA to Phoenix, make it in six hours, only running into the occasional driver who insist on driving slow in the LEFT lane (Pass on the LEFT, drive on the RIGHT, hello!)

Friday Evening: My mother and I head to North Phoenix Baptist Church (the show location) to set up. Get my table location, and correct the spelling of my name. It takes us about an hour to get things set up. I put mom in charge of making sure my one topless mermaid is covered well by her hair. I know I can count on her to do a good job of that.

I discover that my dragons and Contessa have made a suicide pack. They keep trying to throw themselves off my table. I have a talk with the dragons. I promise them that they can attack anyone that gets to “grabby” with the fairies. They settle down. But Contessa decides to be difficult. I discover two breaks in her wing extensions from her trip across the desert. Sigh. She comes home with me for the night for some repairs. I cut away the damaged parts, and decide that I like the repairs better than the original. Put her up on the bookshelf while we go grab some food. Come back to find she has taken another nose dive. No damage. Sigh. Silly fairy.

Saturday
6:45 am: Alarm goes off. Hit snooze.

7:00 am: Mom knocks on door to make sure I’m awake. Mumble something unintelligent and roll out of bed. Get shower, and grab bowl of cereal. My song, “Brown Eyed Girl” comes on the radio. Must be a sign for a good day!

7:45 am: Leave for show. Almost forget Contessa on bookshelf. Doh! Still raining outside, but rainbow appears on horizon. Could it be over North Phoenix Baptist Church?

8:30 am: Arrive at show. I discover I am surrounded on all sides by bear makers. Have to keep an eye on mom to make sure she doesn’t spend too much money. Also realize that I am the only person selling Artist dolls. Most of the other tables are filled with collectables, Barbies, and baby dolls.

8:45 am: I lost mom. She spends $20 on Care bears.

10:00 am: Doors open. People begin to stream in. I realize that my table is in a great spot, right by the doors in the center of the hall. People have to walk by on their way in and way out. Score.

11:30 am: Lots of people stop by the table. They are not sure what to do with me. It is so much fun to watch people’s expressions walking by...confusion...wonder...delight... My favorite is the few times when some one walks by with a “don’t come near me I’m in a bad mood” face, and then catch a glimpse of my fairies out of the corner of their eye. And in that split second, a smile breaks through the clouds. Ha! I made you smile!

I find that I’m having to repeat, “I didn’t use any molds, I hand sculpted them from scratch” over and over. I don’t think people understand why mine are so different. I had a great conversation with a lady about my fairies, and how they were hand made, but she asked, “So did you make the molds yourself?” No, I didn’t use any molds. I sculpted them out of clay. OOooooh. Her eyes got very big then, when she understood. I feel very much like a missionary, spreading the gospel of OOAK artist dolls.

Dragons got very excited when one lady started to pick up my fairies and handled them not so gently. Don’t think she realized how close she came to loosing a finger or two.

11:38 am: Sent mom out to track down some food. I have made a new fan, and young boy named Robert. His mother has a bear table down the way. Poor guy was very bored until he saw my dragons. He was full of questions about what kind of clay I used. When I suggested he go out and get some Sculpey to play with, he said he had just made a bear out of Sculpey and it broke too easy. Smart kid! I told him I use Kato, but he tells me he doesn’t have internet to order some from. I think I will put together a care package of some clay and send it to him to play with.

12:00 pm: Food found! Scarfed down bites during lull times. A woman came by, was very friendly, asked me if I every took my art to ComicCon. Turns out we love a lot of the same artists. She bought one of my note cards and asked me to sign the back. Said she hopes to see me at ComicCon this year. Hmmmmm.

12:38 pm: Meet a man who was very interested in sculpting figures. He was full of questions. I gave him a card, told him to check out my website for tutorials, and also gave him a card for the Guild. I hope he pursues it.

1:00 pm: Mom buys one of my dragons to give to Robert. He shows his mother, who immediately comes and buys one for herself.

1:30-3:50 pm: Still had quite a few people come by and admire my dolls. I cracked up at the ones who noticed (in humor) that all of them tended to be....well endowed. I’m sorry, I can’t help it! I know, I’ve tried. Sold one doll, and got quite a few people who joined my mailing list. Best of all, I made some great contacts with other artists, and got positive feedback on my art. I’m amazed at how energizing it is to have people enjoy my art and give me positive feedback. It is very motivational to get back to work.

4:00 pm: Time to tear down. It only takes us about 15 minutes to get everything packed back up, much faster than set up. We get home, and crash. Time to sit back with a cup of warm tea, prop the feet up, and enjoy the rain.