RALONDA PATTERSON from Decatur, Texas Fourth Bi-Annual 2009 ALL DOLLED UP: BEADED ART DOLL COMPETITION Theme: Earthen Mother Return to the web-page displaying all 6 semi-finalists and overall results

Doll named Willow [Please be patient - These pages are graphics intensive and will load slowly] After reviewing the Beaded Art Doll Images on this page, and reading the artist's stories, materials list, and summary of techniques, VOTE & EVALUATE See the overall Results When voting closes 1/15/10, voting logs will be reviewed for any duplicate or otherwise illegitimate votes (for example, those from the same IP or email address), and these will be deleted. The on-line votes will be tallied and used to adjust the original votes of the Panel of Judges at CBJA, in the selection of a winner. The public's votes will weigh towards 25% of the final tally in selecting the Winner and Runner-Up.

Frontal Image
14" Tall w/Base

Willow

"The mirror reflects more than my hands can feel.
Lines, edges, shadings, a weariness under the eyes, an awkward stance.
Yet, not reflected is a certain vibrancy --
a compassion and wisdom and wonder so many people rely on.
Only you, my beaded art doll,
capture the fullness of me as I age in place .
You embody changes I want to make, so I aptly name you…"

Willow

You were not always as you appear this day. You were fearful and lonely. You turned to learning for a safe haven, a place for you to be acknowledged in a positive light. Then sprang the hunger to be taught, a desire that was placed within the seed from which you sprang. Your roots began to thrive in the fertile soil that had been plowed by your ancestors' faith. They grew deeper and had tapped into the eternal spring of the Spirit and from it cam an understanding.

As you persued wisdom and understanding, you came to recognise the Gardener who came to tend your branches and teach you His ways. Your hands learned to feel the move of the Spirit and the texture of joy, to release the anointing, and to cut the threads of tension and to share the exhilaration of freedom. Your eyes tell many stories, but when they see their own reflection only one thing is there. In that moment the mirror shares a vision of His mercy renewed. Looking at your earthen vessel, I can see that you are no longer a child, you have put aside childish ways. I discern the weariness that has bent you. Being on guard day and night has taken its toll, but you have been delivered from your enemies. Sorrow has turned into joy and mourning into a day of celebration.

Now that you are maturing in the body, you can fulfill your calling to serve His children. You will teach them how to hope in their time of need, show them what to eat when they are hungry, and clothe them in their nakedness. Sometimes, you grow weary but you continue on in a strength, not your own, but one that stands the test of time. The joy of the Lord is your strength, the only one that keeps you standing. Though a mirror may tell us of things we do not know or even may not want to know, it does not possess the power of revelation that is the vision I see of your spirit. Not everyone will be able to fathom the faith that is within you. It has been cultivated for generations and it keeps growing stronger and bolder. It is a vibrancy reflected off the living waters poured through your inner being that spreads light to those around you. There is a compassion for the weak and abandoned that shades and embraces those in need of His mercy and love. They are encouraged and nourished by the fruit that you bear. You are patient and kind, faithful and self-controlled. You possess a wisdom and understanding that many come to learn from.

Only you, Willow, capture the fullness of my spirit as He sees me. A vision of amazing grace and boundless mercy. A timeless beauty who serves with a pure heart. You are a figure of royal elegance worthy to be called "Mother". He has carefully pruned away every branch that did not bear fruit, moulded every curve and drawn every line. He is faithful to grow, strengthen, encourage, and uplift you.

Now with such poise, you stand in the garden while showers of blessing rain down. You are forgiven and redeemed, a most beloved creation of the Heavenly Father. He gives you rest from your enemies and an eternity in the most beautiful garden of all.

Side Image

Back Image

Detailed Image

(rotation)

List of Materials
and Techniques Employed

Dimensions:
11 x 12 x 8 -- the base adds apprx. 3 inches to height

Construction Techniques:
Willow is made from an original form that I created using a simple torso pattern that I manipulated into a stump form with limbs attached in the back.

I chose the form of a tree for many reasons. All of which are derived from scripture. Many facets of Christian spirituality are based on natural laws that apply to growing, that is, seeds, seasonal growth, roots, pruing, and even bearing fruit. More than that, I have always reflected on the story (Mat 8:24) of a blind man that was healed and had to have his sight readjusted because he had the vision of trees walking who were people. I never thought it was a mistake, I just saw it as a revelation of what our spirit must look like. If we are to "judge a tree by its fruit", then we must see one another as a tree.

Of all the trees, I chose a Willow. It's branches are not proud and though it appears to weep it is actually content to allow its brances to flow with the wind (symbolic of the spirit). It is a pliable strength that relies on more than its shallow earthen roots to uphold it. It seems to be a soft h umble creation with amazing grace and beauty.

Materials List:
cotton fabric
silk dupioni
quilt batting
fiber-fill
polymer clay
acrylic paint
floral wire
wood dowels
hand cut cedar trunk base
purchased oval basswood plaque
wood stain
Dupont clear laquer finish
Coats thread
Nymo
C-lon
beads: 6s, 8s, 11s, 15's
   various pearls (shapes, sizes, and colors)
   2mm dorado Swarovski bicones
   6mm drop bead (there really is only one)
   stamped metal leaves

Techniques:
doll making and armature
beaded backstitch
freeform peyote
right angle weave
bocce stitch
weeping willow vine (adpated) and
NanC Meinhardt's frothy fringe (adapted)
- from Barbara Grainger's Dimensional Flowers, Leaves and Vines
Polymer clay - adjusting a molded face's features
   marbeling clay
painting

RALONDA PATTERSON
from Decatur, Texas


Doll named
Willow
[Please be patient - These pages are graphics intensive and will load slowly]

After reviewing the Beaded Art Doll Images on this page, and reading the artist's stories, materials list, and summary of techniques,

VOTE & EVALUATE

See the overall Results


When voting closes 1/15/10, voting logs will be reviewed for any duplicate or otherwise illegitimate votes (for example, those from the same IP or email address), and these will be deleted. The on-line votes will be tallied and used to adjust the original votes of the Panel of Judges at CBJA, in the selection of a winner. The public's votes will weigh towards 25% of the final tally in selecting the Winner and Runner-Up.