Monday, July 05, 2010

Quiet Weekend

Since Bryce Eleanor stayed with us again on Friday night, and we had to go to Alexandria on Saturday, we took her with us and visited the zoo while we were there.  Unfortunately, it was so hot and humid, we were unable to enjoy it fully.  We were all wet with sweat; only the koi looked comfortable.

After trying several versions of a full skirt for a whirling dervish effect with no success, the story for the tattooed man changes.
A red silk wrap, ceremonial shawl, and beads transform him into a shaman on a small island nation.  He is dressed for the annual Island Independence Celebration.

A wise man and a teacher, the shaman is covered with symbols that have both religious and historical significance.
His headdress signifies the union of various tribes on the island.
The symbols on his hand relate the creation myth concerning the way the island rose from the sea on the back of a turtle.
The symbols on his feet chronicle the spiritual journeys he has made, both figurative and literal, to express his gratitude to the creator.

15 comments:

  1. Wow! What a story he has acquired! I love the wrap and all the details...what a journey =-)

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  2. Hmmm, I was going to reply to comments that I received emails about...but they aren't showing here.

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  3. Thanks, Gerrie! I liked him less during the the time he refused all wardrobe offerings, but he seems satisfied now.

    Debby - Had to change the story a bit to fit the final details.
    :]

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  4. That's my theory too-if you can't get the project to do what you wanted in the first place, adapt! I love this guy!

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  5. WOW! I love this piece! And the story, too.

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  6. Debra - Flexibility--always a good idea to be able to adapt! Especially in the face of determined opposition....

    Rian - Funny how those stories are also flexible, altering course to fit a new situation. :)

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  7. I love him! And I love the way the story "altered course!"

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  8. Thanks, Kay! Stories for these dolls are always fluid until they are finished. :)

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  9. Well I wondered how this one would gell when you said he was fighting you on wardrobe issues. LOVE LOVE LOVE the results. All that symbolism that is color based as well as the glyphs, etc. excellent job!

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  10. thanks, ACey! He was determined to get what he wanted. :) Stubborn little man!

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  11. Just love this guy, and his story too. All the details are just terrific, really enjoying seeing all these figures and dolls you're making these days!

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  12. Julie, thanks for the nice comments! These little figures take on lives of their own.

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  13. Followed your link to this, which I hadn't seen before. How cool is he? I hope he is still "shamanning" somewhere.

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    1. I'd forgotten about the shaman! That was 6 years ago!

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Good to hear from you!