"Not speaking and speaking are both human ways of being in the world,
and there are kinds and grades of each.
There is the dumb silence of slumber or apathy;
the sober silence that goes with a solemn animal face;
the fertile silence of awareness,
pasturing the soul,
whence emerge new thoughts;
the alive silence of alert perception, ready to say, “This… this…”;
the musical silence that accompanies absorbed activity;
the silence of listening to another speak, catching the drift and helping him be clear;
the noisy silence of resentment and self-recrimination,
loud and sub-vocal speech but sullen to say it;
baffled silence;
the silence of peaceful accord with other persons or communion with the cosmos."

Paul Goodman in Speaking and Language

I find silence is an integral part of creativity.
Without it I lose openness;
ideas are crowded out with busy thoughts;
my inner self cannot be heard;
I am unable to contemplate or reflect;
I do not let conversations begin with materials or processes;
I ignore the completed product.
I seek and befriend silence.

I recently read an article in The Guardian,
about the power of creativity and art to restore wounded souls.
I think we have always known this
but surrendered our power and self-knowledge to medical professionals.
A day in the garden,
listening to and appreciating music,
musing with the poets and penning our own words,
creating with paint or clay or textiles,
all have the power to raise our spirits and alter our worldview.

Let's take small steps each day to reclaim responsibilty
for our wellness and well-being,
alongside the professionals we trust.

There can be strong parallels between puppets and dolls.
They can both bring stories to life
They can provoke thought and discussion.
They are entertainers and teachers.
They can invite interaction and action.
They can reveal hidden truths and ask difficult questions.
They reveal the soul of their creators;
 demand courage from their creators;
and reflect their philosophy.

Arohanui, Anna.

Eva Buchala writes in an Etsy Journal,

"So what is an art doll?
Essentially,
it’s an original work of art in a doll form used,
as more traditional art is,
to express something the artist wants to express —
an emotion, a political statement, a thought or series of thoughts.
The reasons for creating art dolls are varied
and can’t be pinned down or limited anymore than this:
Why does an artist create? "

Read more at
blog.etsy.com/en/art-dolls-facts-and-fancies/

"When most people think of art,
they think of pictures on a wall, perhaps a sculpture,
but perhaps they have not considered the Art Doll.
These are not your mass-produced teddy bears or stuffed animals.
They are not a simple knit toy.
They are exceptionally detailed,
emotionally engaging, pieces of work
that you would be proud to display.
Artists who work in this medium, have been crafting their skills for many years,
and the pieces they create are awe inspiring, and even mind bending at times.
Due to the extensive time and skill it takes to create each one of these handmade art dolls,
the most popular artists have huge followings,
often long waiting lists for a commissioned piece,
and a mad dash by followers to purchase a piece when they do.
I would like to introduce you to three artists,
so that you can better understand the passion, skill, and creativity that goes into these pieces,
as well as the time, cost, and effort that goes into each of these creations. "

Read more of this interesting article at
 www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/59c59632e4b08d6615504280

The discussion about 'art vs craft' is an age old one.
It is very subjective with no fixed criteria.
All of my dolls (or figurative sculptures) start with an idea,
an exploration,
an invitation to reflect.
Is what emerges art?
It is certainly 'artistic'
in that the doll making process explores colour and shape and perspective.
It is certainly 'transformational art'
because I am transformed in the process of creation.
But all I can affirm is that for me,
creating dolls makes my soul sing,
gives me a voice,
helps me to live consciously and attentively.