Designers Crafters & Artists for Obama!

Please check out and join Black Designers Crafters and Artists for Obama<https://mail.otherpeoplespixels.com/?timestamp=1206539019&md5=rDC64Ym9Vj9roIOVUArWxw%3D%3D&redirect=http%3A%2F%2Fmy.barackobama.com%2Fpage%2Foutreach%2Fview%2Fmaingroup%2FBlackDesignersCraftersandArtistsforObama> at Obama's website. The group is looking for a photo of an original item created by a African American designer, crafter or artist for the groups' page to replace the one currently there. This group is open to all types of creative African Americans from clothing designers to web designers, creators of toys and games to architects, visual artists to performing artists etc., who support Obama and believe we can do so in creative and practical ways. Here is the link to join the group.<http://my.barackobama.com/page/group/BlackDesignersCraftersandArtistsfo/rObama> YES WE CAN!

HerStory 3: Connected Sisterhood Opening Reception

On Sunday, March 9, the Her Story 3: Connected Sisterhood Art Exhibit had their opening reception. It was a great attendance on a cool Sunday afternoon.

Probably about 75 or more people crowded a new Baltimore favorite coffee shop called Peace & A Cup of Joe on Pratt Street. People awed and googled over art pieces developed by some of the Washington, DC/Baltimore region's most talented artists.

This was my first time exhibiting at a public art exhibition. It was truly a fun experience and one that I will never forget. There were so many positive vibes and energy in the place. People had smiles on their faces and lots of laughter in the room.

The event also included a panel of women authors from as far away as Atlanta, Georgia and as close as Washington, DC. These women read exerpts of their latest books and some included an audience participation piece.

I had two mixed media pieces one entitled the "Emancipation of Rachel Midnight" and the other "I am Not My Hair." These pieces were fun to do and took my mind off of making strictly dolls. I like doing mixed media pieces because it takes the art in a whole different dimension.

My husband, Howard attended along with a my design assistant Tia Maxie. The event was co-curated by Sharon Burton, my sister of Authentic Art Consulting and Michelle Parrish of the ThickArt Collaborative.

Will I do another exhibition again? Probably later this year. I do not like to focus my art around a show or an event. I like to remain creative and let my projects run freely.

Francine Haskins Doll Workshop

On Sunday, March 9th I attended my montly Doll Workshop with Francine Haskins at the Anacostia Museum in Southeast Washington, DC. I love the energy of this group because I am among some of the most talented doll artists in the world. They are a humble group and have been led by Francine Haskins, noted mixed media and doll artist, since 1998.

Francine guides us to think outside the box and to use our creativity to the maximum. Right now we are preparing for our class exhibit which will be held during The Sixth Black Doll Artist Doll Show and exhibition, Saturday, April 26, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, April 27, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., (Artist reception and artist talk 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.).

As I looked at everyone's projects for the show, I became severely intimidated. I spoke of my frustration to Francine and she through a blue ball of yarn at me. That was the moment that I had to laugh and realize I was operating out of my ego and not by my creative spirit. You see the group is not about competition. The workshop participants are about the love of making art - good, bad or ugly. It is about commitment to the craft and loving it all at the same time. I also asked if I could do one project instead of two. She said I had to do both projects.

What are those projects? Well one is to make a doll that is associated with a box. The doll could be in a box, coming out of the box, etc. The second project is to create an action scene using an area the size of a common placemat. My project is to create a woman's personal space for the box project and a yoga studio for the second project. I am having my dear friend Kenny Smith, my carpenter, to assist me with the yoga studio prop.

Despite my personal ranting it was a joyous occasion because one of our own Joanna Banks, one of our founding members and doll artist extraordinaire, is celebrating her 65th birthday and she is retiring. This will mean plenty of more doll making for her.

Also, Francine announced our next project- using found objects including tree limbs to make an Afro-centric inspired doll. Francine discussed her love of finding found objects, liquor bottles, branches from trees, scraps of metal, etc. while she takes her daily walks in her community. She lectured to us about how to look beyond these items to create something special and unique. I listened intently as she discussed her visions for finding several found objects that she displayed during class. I was amazed at how we as individuals can look beyond the immediate and visualize something new and fantastic. This is something I do constantly in my interior design work.

I left the workshop renewed and optimistic that I could indeed complete my current projects in anticipation of creating something new. As I arrived home, ironically I saw some interesting branches in my front yard blown off of trees in the March wind. I new this was a sign for me to continue to create and renew my love for creating dolls.

Connecting People With Art- My Book Review

I have been reading with great interest Evelyn and Mercer Redcross's historical account of building their gallery and awareness of African-American art in their book "Connecting People With Art: Contemporary African-American Art." Both Evelyn and Mercer run October Gallery in Philadelphia, PA. This book provides an overview of their humble beginnings creating one of the most revered African American galleries in the United States.

What is great about this book is that it not only chronicles their journey as gallery owners and keepers of contemporary African-American art, but there are some great interviews and snippets from art patrons, gallery owners and artists alike.

Among the noted photographers, painters, sculptors, and other fine artists, their inclusion of African-American doll artists throughout the book and their contributions to contemporary African-American art is very impressive. They include noted doll artists: Cathy Milby (Philadelphia, PA), Daisy Carr (Mitchellville, MD), Tonia Kim Mitchell (Fayetteville, GA), Lorrie Payne-Stewart (Philadelphia, PA), Paula Whaley (Baltimore, MD), Sharon Tucker (Philadelphia, PA), and Particia Coleman-Cobb (Duluth, GA).

I appreciate publications and galleries who consider African American dollmaking not just folk or craft art but a legitimate contribution to the African American art scene. Kudos to October Gallery (www.octobergallery.com)!

"Doll Noir VI" Celebrating the Black Doll Artist Exhibit

Oneeki Design Studio, Francine Haskins Studio, and The Graham Collection are proud to present The Sixth Black Doll Artist Doll Show and exhibition, Saturday, April 26, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, April 27, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., (Artist reception and artist talk 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.).

This exhibit will feature one-of-a-kind dolls and works of up to 14 local and nationally renowned doll artists (Gwen Aqui, Betty Baines, Daisy Carr, Patricia Coleman-Cobb, Francine Haskins, Viola Leak, Carrie Lyles, Christopher Malone, Adrienne McDonald, Tonya Mitchell, Malinda Saunders, Elerie Thomas, Tamara Thomas, Paula Whaley and more).

Come out and meet the artist, join in the dialogue and demonstrations. See the "Doll `N´ Box Exhibit" created by participating doll artist. Oneeki Design Studio is located at 2103 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, in the historic Charles Village, five blocks from the Baltimore Penn Station. Bring a friend. No Admission charge. Gallery Hours: By Appointment Only.

For additional information contact: Karl J. Graham at gramcoll@aol.com.

Alright, Here is the Turtle Man

Okay, this is my lastest doll that I have been working on. It is a cloth doll with wire arms and legs. I was told in my doll workshop by a fellow student that it looks like a turtle. I was so distraught at the accusation!

Well folks I am not quite done with it yet. Should it have a face? Does it look like a turtle? My intent is to make it an African Prince or Warrior. You may send comments to my e-mail at sways@sankofastudio.com.

Fabrics From Japan!

My Brother and sister in-law in Tokyo, Japan sent me these fabulous textiles from Japan! I think I intend to use them to make an Asian inspired doll or set of dolls that reflect the people that I encountered on my recent trip there.

I was so excited when I opened the package which included a set of paintings from my sister-in-law's sister who is in art school in Japan! My mind is racing as to what dolls I can create using this fabric. Stay tuned for the results in a few months!

Gift of Russian Nesting Dolls

Wanda Aikens, Executive Director of the Ward 7 Arts Collaborative, gave me this set of Russian Nesting Dolls! Aren't they cute. I was told I have to complete the smaller babies with my own creativity.

By the way I found this awesome site http://www.yournestingdolls.com/ where you can purchase Russian Nesting Dolls. The site provided an interesting background to what these dolls are all about. I was intrigued by their history and meaning.

According to their site:

" Matryoshka dolls, also known as Russian nesting dolls or Babushka dolls, consist of wooden doll figures which can be pulled apart to reveal another similar figure inside, and another, and so on. The Russian stacking dolls usually come in groups of five or more. Other words that describe matryoshka's are the stacking doll or Babushka doll. There are several styles of design for the Russian matryoshka doll. They are: Sergiyev Posad, Semionovo or Semyonov, Polkholvsky Maidan, and Kirov."

"Matryoskha's can be from any subject matter such as; Fairy Tales (usually from Russian folklore), Animals, or People of all sorts. We also showcase subjects such as Religious Icons, Holiday Icons and also a few famous Lighthouses are showcased on this site. The majority of the Matryoskha's are exquisitely hand-painted (lead-free) at the Golden Cockerel art studio in St. Petersburg, Russia. "

"The first nesting doll dates back to approximately 1890. Vasiliy Zvezdochkin craved it in a toy workshop in Sergiyev Posad and it was painted by Sergei Maliutin. There were eight dolls in the set with the outermost doll being a girl. The dolls alternated between boy and girl, with the innermost doll being a baby. "

This was an education for me because I used to see them on Sesame Street when I was a child stacking and unstacking each other. Every time I see a set it reminds me of that Sesame Street segment. Don't act like you don't remember that segment? LOL!

Doll & Teddy Bear Expo in Washington, DC- August 8-10, 2008

This Year's Doll & Teddy Bear EXPO is August 8-10th in Washington D.C.
Travel Around the World With Us!

The 17th annual Doll & Teddy Bear EXPO will take you Around the Worldwith its theme at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. EXPO is one of the largest showcases of dolls and teddy bears in the world, and admission is FREE if you subscribe to DOLLS magazine, Teddy Bear Review, or Doll Crafter & Costuming. Click on the title to subscribe today.

Access to trade-only preview on Friday, August 8th

Opportunity to mingle with the artists and other exhibitors at the "Meet & Greet" social event
Have the first look at Show Specials and the first chance to purchase these specials on Friday night These events are not open to the public.

Fabulous EventsEXPO is open to the public on August 9th & 10th, and bear-lovers and doll enthusiasts are sure to find many events that suit their interest.
Tables and booths from many of your favorite artists
Fun workshops—click here for details about available workshops

Informative and enjoyable seminars click here for details about these events

Presentation of the DOLLS Awards of Excellence and Golden Teddy Awards

Contests, giveaways, auctions, and fun

Visit http://www.dollandteddyexpo.com for more information and updates. Make plans today for a trip "Around the World" of dolls and Teddies!

MAKING HERSTORY 3: CONNECTED SISTERHOOD ART EXHIBIT

Folks,

I will be making my art debut at my first ever, art exhibition and show. Here are the details:

Making Herstory 3: Connected Sisterhood Art ExhibitionCo-sponsored by Authentic Art Consulting, The ThickArt Collaborative andDesign Scheme Interiors, LLCPeace and A Cup of Joe Cafe713 W. Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD
Opening Reception:3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.Cost: FREE
Art with Joe Series presents Making Herstory 3: Connected Sisterhood, an art exhibit celebrating the visual, literary and creative art of women. For more information check out http://makinherstory.blogspot.com/

See you there!

Peace

Welcome to My Blog

Greetings and welcome to my Blog- I call it Sankofa Doll Journal. This Blog is designed to provide you my inner most thoughts about doll making, life and art in general. I look forward to sharing with you my doll making art and look forward to your viewing. Peace-SBW