"Wanting It All"
When I was 6 years old, I dreamt of being a ballerina. I had a small jewelry box, when opened, it played music and a tiny ballerina would spring up and dance. My playmate, Junior (I honestly don't remember his real name) and I would spend hours playing, he with his toy cowboys and indians, and me with my music box. One day, I remember saying "when I grow up, I want to be a ballerina", to which he quickly responded "no you don't because everyone will see your underwear". I have to say, at age 6, this realization broke my heart. Although I am not disappointed with my life or the experiences I've had, or the places I've been, or the amazing, people who are in my life today, I do think back on that little girl's dream.
Recently I came across this child's jewelry box with the tiny ballerina, and I was instantly taken back to that day many years ago. I titled the piece "Wanting It All" because sometimes I wonder about the road(s) not taken.
Difficult to photograph because the box is small (10"x10"x4"). Ceramic doll hands reaching out of a beautiful Italian garden scene, mirrors all around and a tiny ballerina in the corner dances endlessly trying to 'have it all'.
Stunning! Where did you get all those hands? The really make the piece.
ReplyDeleteFabulous original design! Wish I could see it in person!!!
ReplyDeleteLove the hands!
Thank you both. This piece means a lot to me. Elizabeth: The doll hands are from porcelain dolls I’ve found in my travels (flea markets, yard sales). I've used the doll heads in other projects and wanted to find a project for the hands and legs.
ReplyDeleteI also sometimes think of 'the road not taken'-- playing the 'what if...' game... but not for too long at a time as I am also trying to live in the 'moment' more-- reading books on Zen right now...anyway, your box is fabulous-- unique and creative.
ReplyDeleteLove this assemblage and the ideas behind it! Imagining what could've been, might've been, or people I would've met is not as scary a thought path to take when you're still able to take that imagined journey through your art. Thanks for sharing! Janet
ReplyDeletePS. Laughed out loud at your little friend's response. Wonder what he's doing now...