The Art Spirit

2012-01-25T21:01:00.000-08:00

Sekhmet

Hail To Thee, Great Mother Goddess Sekhmet,

Help me overcome the new challenges I face.
Heal all the wounds, both given and received,
from any unresolved conflicts that still poison my life.
Stop me from acting out, blindly hurting others in my pain.
Help me stop blaming others for my own short-comings
and accept that I am the author of my own discontent.
Grant me the strength to alter my path of self-destruction.
Help me walk away from judgmental people and unsupportive situations.
Allow me to release old, limiting beliefs stunting my growth.
Bring me into accord with healthy attitudes and feelings of well-being.
Allow people into my life who model compassion, love and encouragement
to help me develop the inner strength to become a steadfast beacon to others.

by Lady Sekhmet

2012-01-17T01:35:00.000-08:00

WHITE BIRCH SPIRIT
~Totem Keeper~

Most of my dolls are made without hesitation, this one has been waiting for me to complete for a few weeks, the face was made several months ago from a purchased mold, I fell in love with her, but was much larger than expected and could not figure out what kind of a doll she would make. She in in fact the largest of my Spirit Dolls, she measures almost 14 inches. Supported by white birch branches, she carries 3 animal totems, the dragonfly, wolf and crow.

She is wrapped with colorful fabrics, feathers and homespoon yarn, adorned with glass beads and semiprecious stone chips, she carries on her belt an old barrel key, symbolic of mystery and intuition. Her bright face was handcrafted with polymer clay, glazed with acrylics.

She is my interpretation of a tree spirit, a protector keeper of the woods.

Click on each image to enlarge.

One of a Kind Commissioned Dolls
I will gladly design a doll specially for you, feel free to contact me at gristello@gmail.com

2012-01-16T20:34:00.000-08:00

New Year 2012 Spirit Art Dolls

Do things with passion or not at all. Where ever you go, go with all your heart.

Wings of Hope

Moon Dreamer


Wings of Passion

“Of course my moods change, but the average is serenity. I have a firm faith in art,

a firm confidence in its being a powerful stream which carries a man to a harbor,

though he himself must do his bit too; at all events,

I think it such a great blessing”

Vincent van Gogh

Spirit Tree, Treasure Collector

On Wings of Serenity

Key to Enchantment

Secret Garden

Tree Spirit

Key to Creativity and Imagination

2011-12-09T11:52:00.000-08:00

~Winter Solstice~

Noche de Luna Spirit Art Dolls

The solstice night is calm and cloudless, with the full Moon beaming down on a carpet of moss making it irresistibly attractive and full of magic.

Moon Song
The Winter Solstice is unique among days of the year — the time of the longest night and the shortest day.

Luna de Plata
The dark triumphs but only briefly.
For the Solstice is also a turning point.
                                     From now on until the Summer Solstice.

Dragonfly Dancer

Secret Garden Keeper
The nights grow shorter and the days grow longer, the dark wanes and the Sun waxes in power. From the dark womb of the night, the light is born.

Gypsy Moon

This is the time to enjoy a bonfire or a Yule log, dancing and feasting until the first light of dawn is one way to celebrate this turning of the wheel of the year.

Reiki Healer

Watching the sunrise and the sunset, walking outdoors and connecting with our world are ways to enjoy the day.

2011-09-24T19:16:00.000-07:00

My little rag doll, Sea Goddess

Gypsy Moon Alchemy of Creativity and Inspiration

My gypsy moon
You are the light that
Fills the room
Brighten the eyes
Of everyone
Won’t you come home?
-Joshua Meltzer lyrics for Gypsy Moon

This little spirit is adorned with beads, homespun yarn and colorful fabric. She was created to inspire healing. She carries a small talisman for good luck and protection from her belt. (A green "evil eye" bead is there, I like to call it The Eye of God)
Wrapped with colorful bits of fabric, her sweet face was handcrafted with polymer clay

A rag doll is a cloth figure, a doll traditionally home-made from (and stuffed with) spare scraps of material. They are one of the most ancient children's toys in existence; the British Museum has a Roman rag doll, found in a child's grave dating from 300 BC.

2011-09-24T16:14:00.000-07:00

From time to time people ask me, why do you call your figures "dolls" when they are not children's play things?

A doll is a model of a human being, not always designed as a toy. In ancient times, dolls have traditionally been used in magic and religious rituals throughout the world, and traditional dolls made of materials like clay and wood are found in the Americas, Asia, Africa and Europe. The earliest documented dolls go back to the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Greece and Rome. Dolls being used as toys was documented in Greece around 100AD. They have been made as crude, rudimentary playthings as well as elaborate art.

Spirit Doll Collector

From time to time my clients and collectors of Spirit Art Dolls share with me the way my little ones are displayed, it is a great pleasure to me when I get an image like this, I feel humble and proud at the same time :)...knowing they have found a space in someone's home.
I asked my friend about the statue that now houses my dolls, this is what she wrote:

I bought the wooden figure at a roadside "junk" store in Maryland years ago. My best guess as to her origin is that she was carried in a saint's day parade, decorated with flowers. Your dolls are a beautiful decoration for her today :).

For more information about my Art Dolls:

Please visit my web site at THE ART SPIRIT GALLERY www.griselda.com or contact me at gristello@gmail.com

2011-09-24T15:35:00.000-07:00

Tara Moon Spirit, wind and rain who travels the world illuminating and healing, cleansing and blessing.

In the Tarot Tradition she is The Moon, a multi-dimensional being who represent the forces of nature.

-- Tara Tibetan Goddess of Compassion --

In antiquity, Tara began to be associated with the motherly qualities of compassion and mercy. Undoubtedly for the common folk who were Buddhists in India of that time, Tara was a more approachable deity. It is one thing to stare into the eyes of a deity who represents wisdom as void. It is perhaps easier to worship a goddess whose eyes look out with infinite compassion and who has a sweet smile

She is adorned with cloth, fibers and beads. Her sweet face was handcrafted with polymer clay. She holds a small moon symbolic of compassion and protection and a belt of beads with a turquoise chip.

2011-09-24T15:23:00.000-07:00

Raven Moon Assemblage art doll

Honoring the Self, Raven Moon

This little doll was made with twigs, faux moss and polymer clay,

adorned with beads, colorful fabric and fibers.

Crows and Ravens have been regarded as
wonderful totem animals, the keepers of
Sacred Law, protector of the ancient records.
Crow Medicine is honoring the self, stand in
your truth and out of denial...always honoring
the present and looking at the past with
gratitude and forgiveness.

2011-09-24T15:19:00.000-07:00

Spiral Moon, La Curandera

She is adorned with art yarn, beads, she has a talisman with a raven claw, for good luck, a carved skull symbolic of changes and transitions and a small spiral charm, she carries a small moon near her heart as symbol of protection. She is wrapped with cloth. Her sweet face was handcrafted also with clay.

Spiral Moon Healer

A curandero (Spanish) is a traditional folk healer or shaman in Latin America, who is dedicated to curing physical or spiritual illnesses. The role of a curandero or curandera can also incorporate the roles of psychiatrist along with that of doctor and healer. Many curanderos use Catholic elements and or prayers alongside other native traditions.

2011-09-24T14:57:00.000-07:00

Zen Moon, Garden Keeper Key to Serenity

Ying Yang

Yin is female and yang is male. They fit together as two parts of a whole.
Practitioners of Zen Yoga see yin-yang as a flow.

The symbol of Ying Yang represents one of the most fundamental and profound theories of ancient Taoist philosophy. At its heart are the two poles of existence, which are opposite but complementary. The light, white Yang moving up blends into the dark, black Yin moving down. Yin and Yang are dependent opposing forces that flow in a natural cycle, always seeking balance.

Though they are opposing, they are not in opposition to one another. As part of the Tao, they are merely two aspects of a single reality. Each contains the seed of the other, which is why we see a black spot of Yin in the white Yang and vice versa. They do not merely replace each other but actually become each other through the constant flow of the universe.

2011-09-23T01:11:00.000-07:00

MOON OF CREATIVITY AND PROTECTION

Moon of Creativity and Secret Keeper

This is my humble interpretation of the healer of old and mother protector.

In ancient traditions, She was the creator and weaver of life. She was the Mother of all creation. Goddess of childbirth and healing and weaving The Great Fabric of Life and transformation. She was worshiped throughout the world in all traditions, and she is known with many names, but she is always the same. The Life-Giving Queen, the Creatrix of the world.

She is wrapped with fabric and yarn, adorned with beads,she holds a small spirit, her radiant face was handcrafted with polymer clay painted with acrylics.
She also carries a talisman made of a carved star and a bead traditionally used against "evil eye" (I like to think of it as "The Eye of God/Goddess/all there IS")

2011-08-28T23:08:00.001-07:00

August Moon Spirit Art Dolls

In the Chinese tradition, the August Moon Festival or Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most celebrated holidays. It is held on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. Unlike the American Thanksgiving dinner, the Chinese have mooncakes, which are round pastries filled with lotus seed paste instead of grandma' apple pie. Friends and relatives also send mooncakes to each other as a way of giving thanks.

Dragon and lion dances, whose origins also date back to ancient China, are wonderful dances done during festivals, especially exciting are the dragon and lion dances.

I found some colorful fabric and decided to make this series of Moon Ladies.

2011-07-23T23:37:00.000-07:00

MOUNTAIN SERENITY

Mixed Media, paper and oils over canvas

(Available)

PASSAGES

NATURE SONG

DREAM CATCHER

2011-06-28T08:40:00.000-07:00

SAN MIGUEL REGLA
"Key to my secret garden"

Mixed media using a small print from my original oil

2011-06-28T01:05:00.000-07:00

A collection of acrylic paintings 

2011-06-08T19:45:00.001-07:00

It has been almost 6 years since I started blogging in here, I can't believe it...!
Here is my first entry:

Although painting is my first love,assemblage and art dolls have become an essential spiritual practice.

I love the process of sculpting with polymer clay and working with textiles, yarn, fibers and beading creating a context where magic begins.

I've been inspired by many cultures where dolls were made symbolic of the sacred...full of meaning and creativity...here there is an element of reverence and solitude that guides me gently into that type of art. It is a form of meditation...a beautiful Spirit dance.

There is something mystical and healing about making art dolls from found items or whatever is available me. The seeds of creativity were planted in me long ago in Mexico...when my adorable Nana Maria (who did not believe in buying toys) took a branch from a weeping willow and bundle it up with an old rag making a face with small stiches and handed me a new doll.

I forgot all about that until I had my younger son...I was going insane because the begining of menopause arrived at the same time as I started to nurse him. My creativity was "drying out" with every hot flash...and I could not find time or space to paint, everything in my world had collapsed and I felt lost. Interesting how this "being on fire like feeling" opened my eyes to a new art form...like rites of passage into my new passion, making Spirit Dolls and altered/assemblage art.

A friend sugested I started playing with polymer clay making small figurines just because it is so much fun! ...then someone said, my little figurines looked like those goddesses of antiquity! huh?

OHH yeah...I did not have a concept about Goddess Culture, or the sacredness of womanhood in those days, I guess "She" had to come and give me a hard time, with her breath of fire... so I could awaken to my own power and also developed great admiration for those women artists like Judy Chicago who honor each other and womanhood with Spirit filled art...the rest is "Herstory".

I have been making dolls with a passion ever since, and believe Spirit dolls are healing tools, sacred to me and helpful to others, I have been blessed.

*With special thanks to Cynjon for providing me with the materials for all these art dolls. It was a true challenge my friend, thanks for inspiring me and for your creative spirit.

2011-04-30T22:38:00.000-07:00

BIRCH SPIRIT ART DOLLS

In the Celtic tradition the Birch was considered a sacred tree.
It is said to be aligned with the element of water and The Druids associated its wood with the mystical symbol of the white stag.

The Birch wand was and still is used in many cleansing rituals. Birch is a symbol of rebirth, renewal, and diligence. Some use this wood to aid in the calming of emotions. The bark helps to heal wounds and burns. Many European communities use or have used, birch twigs to expel evil spirits. Some cultures utilize birch rods in rituals designed to drive out spirits of the old year.
Controlled by Moon influences to include; birth, Lunar spells, healing, and protection. Birch by tradition has been linked to youth and new beginnings. Use in rituals that signify a new start of any endeavor.
~From DragonOak.com

2011-04-29T00:40:00.000-07:00

Changes and my Secret Garden

I have another blog that deals mainly with family and gardens, the inspiration I get from nature and poetry...all those things that nurture my spirit.

Please come to visit, I want to share with you my space.

This tree has given me many wonderful branches for my Spirit Dolls.

2011-04-28T14:13:00.000-07:00

Cecy, the April Witch

Into the air, over the valleys, under the stars, above a river, a pond, a road, flew Cecy. Invisible as new spring winds, fresh as the breath of clover rising from twilight fields, she flew. She soared in doves as soft as white ermine, stopped in trees and lived in blossoms, showering away in petals when the breeze blew. She perched in a limegreen frog, cool as mint by a shining pool. She trotted in a brambly dog and barked to hear echoes from the sides of distant barns. She lived in new April grasses, in sweet clear liquids rising from the musky earth.
It's spring, thought Cecy. I'll be in every living thing in the world tonight.

You can find this story in “The Stories of Ray Bradbury”.

2011-04-25T23:51:00.000-07:00

I was so inspired by my friend Kathleen with her article "Just another Peridot" that the green energy of creativity moved me to make a series of little moon beams dreaming away in the forest floor. I hope you enjoy them.
~~ Kathleen has the most amazing store at Etsy, with some of the most delicate designs, please, come to visit her shop and blog and leave her a comment ~

Kathleene wrote that she found great inspiration in a Japanese poet who wrote in the 12th century "Everyday I want to walk with God, brightly, fearlessly, as the morning sun".

That is a wonderful way to live. Thanks Kathleene for inspiring me to create, you are an amazing woman.

2011-04-10T21:58:00.000-07:00

SPIRIT OF PROTECTION
Wrapped with art fibers and cloth, this little art doll represents The Goddess Persephone, the daughter of Demeter and Zeus. In the Olympian version, she also becomes the consort of Hades when he becomes the deity that governs the underworld.

Persephone and her mother Demeter were often referred to as aspects of the same Earth goddess, and were called "the Demeters" or simply "the goddesses".

2011-04-10T20:57:00.001-07:00

A BLAST FROM THE PAST!!

OUR LAND, Teepee, original painting by Griselda 1981

Sold today in eBay

2011-04-10T20:54:00.000-07:00

Well...I finished and passed my Real State license renewal with flying colors, thank goodness for that! (There were 4 tests)
The little dolls came to my rescue while trying to remember all those terms and laws, because while I make them I don't need to think of anything I could study and work with my hands, I am thankful!

Here are a few of the new dolls, I know they kind of look like the same old...same old...laughs*...but they all come from the same place, so I can't drift too far from the source. I appreciate the wonderful new materials sent to me by those beautiful people who continue to shower me with bits of this and that from their own stash...you know who you are, thanks my dear friends.

This little doll is full of trinkets, most of them a gift, she is my rag and crystal collector, treasure keeper.

This Gypsy Rainbow lady is another rag collector, I had such fun making these two, they look much better in person.

2011-03-26T16:10:00.000-07:00

A dear friend sent me this wonderful site, All Things Sekhmet, where I found the prayer to overcome challenges, it has inspired me to make the cat goddess.

Hail To Thee, Great Mother Goddess Sekhmet,
Prevailing One, Before Whom All Evil Trembles,
Please Hear my Ardent Prayer.
Help me overcome the new challenges I face.
Heal all the wounds, both given and received,
from any unresolved conflicts that still poison my life.
Stop me from acting out, blindly hurting others in my pain.
Help me stop blaming others for my own short-comings
and accept that I am the author of my own discontent.
Grant me the strength to alter my path of self-destruction.
Help me walk away from judgmental people and unsupportive situations.
Allow me to release old, limiting beliefs stunting my growth.
Bring me into accord with healthy attitudes and feelings of well-being.
Allow people into my life who model compassion, love and encouragement
to help me develop the inner strength to become a steadfast beacon to others.

by Lady Sekhmet

2011-03-26T15:59:00.000-07:00

“When angels visit us, we do not hear the rustle of wings, nor feel the feathery touch of the breast of a dove; but we know their presence by the love they create in our hearts.”

2011-03-21T10:16:00.000-07:00

Create, create, create!!

Gypsy Moon and her sisters were adorned with some of the fibers sent to me by my new friend and fellow artist Monte from My Mix Mix Etsy Shop

Monte is a professional weaver, she has been a Navajo textile restorer, artwear designer, owner of a wearables boutique as well as a knitting and handspun teacher for many years. You must visit her wonderful Etsy collection of hand spun yarns, and fabric bundles designed to help you create your new project. I am sure you will find yourself wondering what to buy because the choices are so many.

I am delighted to know Monte a beautiful soul sister, come to visit her blog where you will find many wonderful ideas.

2011-03-13T03:34:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time since I sat here to post, mostly I have been moving fast from one thing to the other and in between I have managed to paint and make my dolls, but blogging has been neglected, because I am also a Realtor and that has taken me away from my studio.
It is after 3 am and tomorrow, I know I will have to clean house, and my room is such a mess...I honestly can say, who cares... I would rather paint and continue to create!!!

I hope you have a wonderful Sunday.

Let's send loving healing light to Japan
and everyone who needs help.

2011-02-20T20:49:00.000-08:00

The key to serenity.

Serenity

A good conscience is to the soul what health is to the body; it preserves a constant ease and serenity within us, and more than countervails all the calamities and afflictions that can possibly befall us. -Joseph Addison

2011-02-20T20:32:00.000-08:00

"What I think is that if we're still around after we die, it will be more like those moments when we let go, than the way we are most of the time. It'll be--it'll be the self beyond the self we know"
~ Madeleine L'Engle

Nest of endless light.

2011-02-17T14:55:00.000-08:00

Isis Blue Moon, Raven Medicine Spirit
SOLD

Blue Moon of Compassion

I have not been able to write much, but I continue to work hard on my little spirit dolls, which by the way have been named "Witches of Creativity" by my favorite author, Isabel Allende, who happens to own 5 of them.
Here are the latest, from my "blue period" they are my Selene Moon Goddesses. I also want to thank each and everyone of you for your continue support because without you I would not be making these little creatures, I feel blessed and very loved each time someone takes one home.

These will be posted tonight at my Etsy Store,
feel free to email me if you want to make a purchase.
I will discount them for you if you mention Blogger or Face Book.

Samsara Moon

Isis Priestess

Ixchel Moon

Tara, Moon of Compassion

2011-02-11T12:57:00.000-08:00

Newest Spirit Dolls

Vernal Equinox Moon Spirit

Spring Equinox Spirit

RHIANNON BLUE MOON DREAMS

Rhiannon Blue Moon

Gaia, Moon of endless light

Gaia Moon of Endless Light

Vernal/Spring Moon

Vernal Moon Protector Spirit

Crow Raven Spirit

Crow/Raven Spirit

Woodland and Feathers

Forest Spirit, Woodland and Feathers

2011-01-11T13:05:00.001-08:00

Renew yourself...renew your art, it can be a fun experience !

Dragonfly Medicine, Totem Spirit Doll, was created with the body of an other doll which has been with me for a while, it used to be somewhat somber, so I decided to change the face and added the element of magic, a dragonfly shield.
So, this little one represents to me a New Year of changes...she is the bringer of light, transformation and color delight.

It has been said that Dragonfly Medicine carries the energy of playfulness ... the power of light, they are a reminder of balance for a greater mental clarity and spiritual healing.

I love dragonflies because they seem to be so magical, their wings are so perfect yet so fragile they are to me the picture of joy, the the soft side of nature and the power of light in a constant dance.

Available at my Etsy Store

This is the old version of my little doll, before the changes... :)

2011-01-07T21:45:00.000-08:00

Raven Moon, Healing Spirit
Available

Green Man, Protector Spirit
Available

Abundance and Creativity, Key to Prosperity Spirit
Available

Luna Negra, Crow Spirit of Protection
Available

Visionary Moon of Gratitude, Prosperity Spirit
Available

Ixchel Moon Dreamer Abundance Spirit
Available

Avalon Moon, Priestess of Serenity...Woodland and Feathers
Available

These are my newest Spirit Dolls and they are all listed at my Etsy Store

2011-01-05T15:35:00.000-08:00

“Of course my moods change, but the average is serenity. I have a firm faith in art,

a firm confidence in its being a powerful stream which carries a man to a harbor,

though he himself must do his bit too; at all events,

I think it such a great blessing”

Vincent van Gogh

Have courage for the great sorrows

of life and patience for the small ones; and when

you have laboriously accomplished

your daily task, go to sleep in peace.

~Victor Hugo

Feel free to email me with any questions you might have on prices and size of paintings, I will be listing them on my Etsy shop soon. Thanks for visiting my blog. Griselda

2010-12-31T14:25:00.000-08:00

*♥ ♪♫-* BRIGHT BLESSINGS FOR 2011 ♪♫-* *♥

♪♫
♥ ♥ ♪♫-
(¯`'·.¸(♥)¸.·'´¯)
FELIZ AÑO NUEVO♪♫
♥ HAPPY NEW YEAR♪♫

Redwoods and Hidden Cottage. Original oil paintings by Griselda Tello, in the private collection of Mr and Mrs Jorge Gildelatorre

2010-12-21T18:22:00.000-08:00

Nests of Endless Light

Let your light shine. Shine within you so that it can shine on someone else. Let your light shine.
Oprah Winfrey

The prayer of Ajax was for light; Through all that dark and desperate fight, The blackness of that noonday night.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

And this I know; whether the one True Light Kindle to Love, or Wrath consume me quite, One flash of it within the Tavern caught Better than in the temple lost outright.
Omar Khayyam

Suns may set and rise again: for us, when our brief light has set, there's the sleep of one ever lasting night. Give me a thousand kisses.
Caius Valerius Catullus

In the dark a glimmering light is often sufficient for the pilot to find the polar star and to fix his course.
Metastasio

2010-12-18T02:34:00.001-08:00

Winter Song by Wilfred Owen

The browns, the olives, and the yellows died,

And were swept up to heaven; where they glowed

Each dawn and set of sun till Christmastide,

And when the land lay pale for them, pale-snowed,

Fell back, and down the snow-drifts flamed and flowed...

2010-12-18T02:21:00.000-08:00

Nests of Endless light...

You can't have a light without a dark to stick it in.
Arlo Guthrie

There are two kinds of light--the glow that illuminates, and the glare that obscures.
James Thurber

In the right light, at the right time, everything is extraordinary.
Aaron Rose

What I give form to in daylight is only one per cent of what I have seen in darkness.
M. C. Escher

Beautiful light is born of darkness, so the faith that springs from conflict is often the strongest and the best.
R. Turnbull

2010-12-11T09:38:00.000-08:00

Shut up and paint!!

Have you ever felt like all the ideas and plans for creating something pile up in the corners of your mind? That not only you have neglected the outer world but your inner spaces have filled up with ideas and goals that have not been realized?

I have been literally pushing everything down and trying not to let it control my thinking, because there is so much out there I have neglected, starting with my paintings...and old projects galore. The worst part is when I say I am going to do something and don't...I let myself down, and now, others know it I am flaking out!

Life has been good to me, but I know I am playing small, perhaps being afraid to succeed not knowing where to start, with so many projects and ideas I cage myself in a bit of a comfort zone. I also know that if I am to "show up" to live my life from a point of view of excellence, I need to start where I am today, chose one thing with the intention to finish it and be gentle with myself.

My friend Susan (bless her heart) shared with me some wonderful material from a life planning workshop led by Daryl Wizelman which moved me to no end to dive deep into areas of my live I have neglected.
I've noticed now much more painful is not to do anything, that I am missing my "calling" because I know how much I want to paint and teach painting again. I have a set of two paintings which has sat in my easel for almost 8 months...or more, and if not for my little dolls, I would not have created much this year. So here I go!!

Painting or birches in process

We need more commitment and less complaining...!!

Last night, I discovered one of the most amazing woman, Margaret Fabrizio ...timeless, eccentric and creative who has given me the motivation to start painting and finishing what I said I was going to do...there is so much on my plate, from renewing my Real State license, to attending a 4 day workshop on the same, Christmas time is here and I have only finished decorating my tree...yada yada.

Margaret said this is the best advise she ever got from her art teacher...shut up and paint!!
"...One needs to be in touch with oneself to be creative" and balanced in every other areas of my life, (I might add) because I know one thing, if I am not creative, I feel like I dry up inside.

Wishing for you inspiration and creativity...love and healing light to your day. Griselda

PS
I am just getting familiar with Daryl's work, but this is something I read in his website and I am passing it along.
"You cannot live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you."
College Basketball Coach, John Wooden
Your action for today is to make an anonymous donation or do something nice for someone without them finding out you did it.
You can subscribe and he will send you a quote a day

2010-12-08T23:21:00.001-08:00

Nest of Endless Light

2010-12-07T10:02:00.001-08:00

"What would we humans be without a soul? Bound in a material life, deprived of dream journeys, of the beauty of hope, deprived of love and enthusiasm, we would become vague, rigid and cold objects, walking shadows trying to communicate by words whose vibrations are dead...

Thank you God, for having given us a soul. Through the soul, we have learned to know ourselves, to recognize the beauty of life, and to reach you!" ~Silvia Cinca

I painted this scene called Forest Angel for the cover of a book

for the Romanian novelist Silvia Cinca several years ago.

She also used one of my redwood paintings for an other one of her books.

You can review the collection of her books online, some of them in English, Silvia is not only a great writer but also a courageous woman and a beautiful friend.

2010-12-06T06:49:00.000-08:00

My Art Journal Giveaway...

Today is the last day for Diane's Giveaway!
She is celebrating her anniversary, good luck!
Diane has also wonderful tutorials, this is one of my favorites
and her angels are amazing, she is ever so inspiring to me...
don't forget to visit Dianeskeepsakes, her Etsy Store.

2010-12-04T10:05:00.000-08:00

Winter dreams of long ago orange blossoms...

Reposted for Georgina from My Secret Garden with gratitude for the memories of your grandparents home in Mexico...come with me, sit by the orange tree and visit for a while.

Yesterday I went to preview a house for sale, the house looks tired and in dire need of TLC, but the backyard has this amazing little space, a secluded corner with broken cobblestones and an old forgotten rose garden, the place is overgrown with vines that climbed up to the trees forming a king of canopy. When I went under the the orange tree, I was taking by a jolt of memories so intense, I nearly cried...what an amazing feeling, it was the sweet aroma of the orange blossoms, the same aroma I remember from my grandmother's garden and I felt embraced in an aura of protection and if not for the fact that we were there to view the house and in a hurry, I would have sat in the very same spot to meditate.

I wonder if there are points of contact like a vortex in our every day time, where we can enter the other world dimension of days gone by...I long to go to my childhood home, like a ghost I would step back in time and visit my grandmothers garden, entering her kitchen, I see myself watching her move around cooking and doing all those things she did so well...she was a wonderful grandmother and my days were always full of her energy, she is in my mind like a busy bee who enters my present days leaving me with the sweet aroma of Spring blossoms and honey.

(I had two grandmother's in the same town, 2 or 3 blocks away from each other, here you can visit the other grandmother's garden, she did not have oranges, she had 3 beautiful fig trees)

December 7, 2010
I stumbled upon this article:

Intoxicating Smell of Orange Blossom

Monday, December 03, 2007

Nancy submits her memories of growing up in Orange, Santa Ana, and Garden Grove in the 1950s, and mentions how each spring, the orange groves went into bloom, and that she never wanted exhale...

This one is also fun to read, remembering the Orange Groves

2010-12-04T08:40:00.001-08:00

Finding old treasures

I enjoy blogging and more so when I can read and peruse other people's blogs, I just love to drift away into spaces that make me green with envy (good envy) because they have all the elements I long to find, or because they seem to have the kind of beauty that makes me feel like I am a kid again searching in those old rooms my grandparents had locked up where my brother and I managed to find our way in from time to time to browse into boxes with old perfume containers that we would sell to other kids for .25 cents!...there was so much in there, my grand father had a store, he was a soap maker and later on I learned he wanted to develop his own line of perfume...he collected eye glasses and books, all kinds of photo albums from relatives long gone, and I don't mean 50 year old photos, I think when my grandmother got married, she had one of those yard sale in reverse, she packed everything "old", the accumulated "junk" from 3 generations of relatives from a large family that never moved to another house...you can only imagine what my grandmother found when she arrived to that small town, because my grandfather was a bachelor and he lived in the family home with his two brothers, she liked space and total cleanliness, (she was a collector of other things, like fabrics and embroidery materials, more about grandmother in another post) but from the point of view this artist, if I was given the opportunity to go back in time, that must have been equal to Aladdin's Cave... old stuff and personal items packed away in those two forgotten rooms at the back of a 150 year old the house. I find myself day dreaming of that house, and when I create my dolls, I go into this inner space where I visit with my grandmother, and feel like she is working side by side with me in her embroidery.

I have many sweet memories of those times of treasure hunting with my brother, I bet that is why I enjoy going to thrift stores. So...that is what I find when I surf the blogs, inspiration to create in a world of magic with the intention to do my best to share with others too...memories of the past turned into actual, useful works of art...like this morning, I was enchanted, browsing into one of the most creative blogs I have found Vicki's blog

Rusty Rooster Vintage...wow! she made my day with all her creativity and wonderful projects, what an inspiration she is. Come to visit her blog, she has tutorials too.

Back to blogging...I want to thank all the amazing people who create the backgrounds, they have my gratitude.

2010-12-04T08:29:00.000-08:00

Musing

I have to say, the first couple of years it surprised the heck out of me to see my blog being "followed" by 5 people...two of them were my good friends, then it went up to 20, wow...what did I do? (I might have given away some stuff...then it grew to 50. I thought this is amazing, I never seem to have much to share, and how many dolls can you post to bring new people in, so I did not blog for almost a year...after a while they all look the same.

In the past 4 months the list went up to 100 followers, well then it seems someone is watching, so I tried to encouraged people to be more active with their etsy sales and to come to my shop to buy my dolls, promoting mine...and lost one viewer or two...so I thought...hey, people want to see new works of art, interesting projects, not to watch me trying to make a sale...so I let that one go for a bit and continued doing my normal thing, posting my new dolls, talking about my art and my experience of meeting other artistic bloggers and in 3 months it went from 99 to 107 followers...today, someone left...Ha! ....it makes me smile when I see people drop off...what did I do? Does it matter? ....why count the numbers, sharing with others is fun, but quite honestly, there are times I just post because I want to keep a record of what I have done before it goes. I see people clicking in the "follow me" button and then go...hmm...I don't think she is as interesting as I thought...:( Well then...I will blog for myself! :)

PS...since I last posted, I lost another follower.... counting down...106 :)

2010-12-04T06:32:00.001-08:00

Numinous Art Dolls ~ Tree Ornaments
In ancient religions, the numen was a divine spirit or force which was anonymous. Although it was not known as a person, its power and presence were felt. Usually, it was regarded as being attached to some place or object. They make wonderful Feng Shui companions or tree ornaments.

The forms for my numina dolls were created by my friend Monica Magness

2010-12-04T05:22:00.000-08:00

Recycle your old keys and turn them into tree ornaments, it just takes wire, cheese cloth and Gesso or white paint!!

Do you ever wonder what to do with all the old keys you have around the house? Well, being in Real Estate, you can only imagine how many keys I can collect if I just pass the word around.

Two years ago, I made these window ornies to give away for my office friends and family, they were inspired by a project I saw in Cath's blog, but I guess like everything else, they took their own turn. I wanted to make wings but ran out of cheese cloth, I ended up with hearts! They are easy to make, you just need wire, Gesso and varnish. You might want to put some glitter at the end.
Once your wire is shaped, cut the cheese cloth in long narrow strips and wrap the surface without having to secure it, or you can make a knot at the end. When you are ready to apply the Gesso, the brush itself starts to separate the cloth, at this point you can move it making spaces to show the face or just leaving areas uncovered, it looks at the end like fine lace. Let it dry overnight and varnish it with acrylic sealer.
You can insert smallish items, I had some cabs and I am making others with keys that were given to me, but I think by itself, is much better specially if you leave enough holes on the side.
I love working with Gesso, it is not only a great substance to prime a canvas, but makes a non oil surface into a blank canvas, I was going to paint these, but I figure, they look okay the way they are already.
(In case you wonder about Gesso, it resembles paint, but is thinner and dries hard. Gesso is applied with a brush and must dry before the surface can be painted. It was first created for use in painting, in order to give the surface the right properties to receive paint. But for this project I imagine any kind of white latext paint would do the job)

Using cheese cloth stained it with tea or coffee. (if you are going to paint it later on don't treat it. The keys were painted with acrylics because they looked too new. It only takes some cheap florist wire, gold and silver and acrylic varnish with a touch of glitter and micro-beads.

2010-12-04T05:12:00.000-08:00

WINGS FROM MY SECRET GARDEN

I have spent days trying to figure out the best way to create wings that will give my forest creatures a sense of timeless beauty.

Then, yesterday I received a letter from an artist, a doll maker who happens to own a painting I did many years ago of the redwoods, (this is another story which I will tell with her permission later on) she made a comment about my dolls... she said, their faces are so expressive! They seem so hold so much of the beauty of a world that is always changing and growing, I can see decay and life in them all at once! Just like the woods scene I have which you painted, actually.

What an amazing thing to observe, because I feel this way, I need my little dolls to convey the passing of time and the patina of decay is not always easy to create with new materials. That is why I have been playing with all kinds of techniques to make my wings old looking, other than burring them in the backyard, this will have to do for now ...laughs*

2010-12-03T09:18:00.001-08:00

I admire those people who create beaded dolls because they take quite a bit of time and concentration and I don't have that kind of time as for concentration...I just move too fast from one project to the other... but I still love the feeling of holding a small doll to decorate while I travel and the smaller dolls can make good companions so I decided to minimize the work and create some tree ornies and comfort dolls to give away.

My romance with these type of dolls started a couple of years ago when I purchased a dozen forms from my dear friend Monica Magness before I went on a cruise and an other door was opened for me in my quest creating an art doll. (Are you thinking me crazy for working on my dolls during my vacation...:)

I need to thank Monica for making it possible for me to have fun with these lovely forms, she is always an inspiration to me.
Save yourself the trouble of making a form, Monica's are not only colorful, they are firm and finished to perfection.

These are some of the dolls I made with her forms:

2010-11-28T18:16:00.000-08:00

Today someone asked me why do I make art dolls, forgive for posting this again, some of you might havbe already read it before.

It is never easy to explain or give folks a reason why I make these dolls...I know they are not "pretty or cute", they are in fact, plain and simple a pure expression of my own inner quest for transformation and creativity. The most important thing is that they have been the main reason I have overcome panic attacks, this is for me a form of moving meditation... perhaps we create to heal old memories....who knows, I can only share what I have experienced and encourage others to do the same.

I take great pleasure in making dolls because people report feeling a kind of healing energy when they receive them, if you could only read email after email and the feedback I get from those who collect them you would be amazed.

I love tribal art and have been doing research on old traditions from many parts of the world where small images were made and used as "power tools" often found in burial sites. I believe that the creative spirit that moves within each and everyone of us, shapes our lives with inspiration and brings forth images that come awake and alive in one form or another through art. It is amazing that some of these figurines, soulmaking dolls have lasted this long as silent sentinels in time. I don't pretend to know much about ancient traditions, but they resonate with my heart and I allow spirit to guide me, making dolls makes me feel good, as simple as that... and when people ask me why do I make art dolls...my answer is always the same...because they keep me sane and fill my soul with gratitude and peace!

I am sure my dolls serve mainly as decoration to some of my buyers and collectors, but for others they are symbolic of magic and good will, they are great helpers, little massangers of healing power...like an image of an angel by your front door or besides your bed. I like to believe each one of my little dolls finds its own way to your hands charged with good energy and full of creativity, they may serve as a focal point for meditation, a mandala or a feng shui remedy, my intention is to share with others a little miracle which is still working its magic on me.

What do I call them, people ask...they are Totem Fetishes, Numen Spirits or Fantasy Art Dolls, they are my interpretation of Manitou, they are Nature Spirits, that is what I call my little dolls a little mystery that keeps on giving me joy.

2010-11-23T23:29:00.000-08:00

When I dance,

I am a priestess of Isis, Lady of Flame,

And Her light glows in my body.

I open like the lotus,

Like a snake, like a hawk,

Protected by the Ankh.

The Eye of Horus awakens my vision.

From the poem Invocation of The Priestess by Jezibell

Isis Priestess

2010-11-14T09:44:00.000-08:00

An old silent pond...

A frog jumps into the pond,

splash! Silence again.

by Basho (1644-1694)

From a photo of a pond taken by me in Thailand
and an old post card, using photoshop.

While visiting a wonderful blog "Recuerda mi corazon": Haiku my heart...

in the enchantment of the moment, I linked back to this blog without knowing, I had to make my own Haiku Poem!

I did not realize this until I found a kind comment which indicated that this was expected from the link...well then, let's figure out how to do this once and for all, since I have always wondered about it, and being so simple, seems so hard, mostly because I don't want to make mistakes...can you imagine, something so simple can look so hard!

So, here we go:
How to write Haiku Poetry

2010-11-13T01:01:00.000-08:00

(((♥))) Queen Mab (((♥)))

The Fairy's frame was slight--yon fibrous cloud,

That catches but the palest tinge of even,

And which the straining eye can hardly seize

When melting into eastern twilight's shadow,

Were scarce so thin, so slight; but the fair star

That gems the glittering coronet of morn,

Sheds not a light so mild, so powerful...

From her celestial car

The Fairy Queen descended,

And thrice she waved her wand

Circled with wreaths of amaranth;

Her thin and misty form

Moved with the moving air,

And the clear silver tones,

As thus she spoke, were such

As are unheard by all but gifted ear.

– Percy Bysshe Shelley

SOMETHING SUBLIME

2010-11-12T21:33:00.000-08:00

I just finished a series of Kitchen Witches/Goddesses supported by a whisk.

According to old traditions and folklore, a kitchen witch is a helper who keeps the kitchen cozy, making it a comfortable place to work in.

A good witch who performs its magic by helping with recipes and a creative spirit who inspires the imagination to make cakes and pastries that rise to perfection in a kitchen where beans and rice never burn, pots won't boil over and milk will not sour.

I like to think of my little Kitchen Witches as good company and send them to you with the kind of energy that will lift your spirit.

So make a cup of tea and ask yourself, do I need some magic in my kitchen?

If so, you know the answer, email me for details on how to bring one of these little witches home.

Bright Blessings to your weekend.
Gris

2010-11-11T17:17:00.000-08:00

Soo...what is going on?

Well...lots and lots, and by tomorrow I will have finished my new dolls

By the way, the egg container has proven to be a wonderful space to mix colors and a tray where wet paint can dry, also if you sprinkle sand or micro beads, it is a great surface where to catch it all so you can use the left over product.

2010-11-04T19:41:00.000-07:00

"He (the Shaman) is a self-reliant explorer of the endless mansions of a magnificent hidden universe."

~~Michael Harner

My own healing path has become a self-healing path

for many other people and that is why I am referred to as a shaman.

~~Gabrielle Roth

2010-11-02T12:11:00.000-07:00

Dust if you must

"A house becomes a home when you can write, 'I love you' on the furniture."

I can't tell you how many countless hours that I have spent CLEANING! I used to spend at least 8 hours every weekend making sure things were just perfect -"in case someone came over". Then I realized one day that no one came over; they were all out living life and having fun!

Now, when people visit, I find no need to explain the "condition" of my home. They are more interested in hearing about the things I've been doing while I was away living life and having fun. If you haven't figured this out yet, please heed this advice.

Life is short. Enjoy it!

Dust if you must, but wouldn't it be better to paint a picture or write a letter, bake a cake or plant a seed, ponder the difference between want and need?

Dust if you must, but there's not much time, with rivers to swim and mountains to climb, music to hear and books to read, friends to cherish and life to lead.

Dust if you must, but the world's out there with the sun in your eyes, the wind in your hair, a flutter of snow, a shower of rain. This day will not come around again.

Dust if you must, but bear in mind, old age will come and it's not kind. And when you go - and go you must - you, yourself will make more dust!
It's not what you gather,
but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived.

(Pic of my grandson Liam)

2010-11-02T09:22:00.000-07:00

Today is "Dia de los Muertos" (Day of the Dead) in Mexico, a holiday celebrated in this country too by Mexican Americans.

Painting by the very talented Angie Ibarra for my niece Maggie and Mark
on their Dia de los Muertos wedding.

Delicious "muertos" cake

Our family's Ofrenda Altar at the wedding...

so moving to me having my dad and grandparents honored that way.

Happy Anniversary to Mark and Maggie

(Wedding photos by Gordon and Crystal)

Angie's painting of my daughter Veronica

Angie Ibarra Paintings
Maggie's Button Button, Who?

Dia de Los Muertos is a celebration where family and friends gather to remember those who have died. The celebration occurs on November 2 in connection with the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day (November 1) and All Souls' Day (November 2). Traditions connected with the holiday include building private altars honoring the deceased using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed and visiting graves with these as gifts. The Day of the Dead is a time of celebration when eating and partying are common.
Scholars trace the origins of the modern holiday to indigenous observances dating back thousands of years and to an Aztec Festival dedicated to the Goddess Mictecacihuatl. In Spain as well as in Mexico there are festivals and parades, and, at the end of the day, people gather at cemeteries and pray for their dead loved ones.

2010-10-31T14:16:00.000-07:00

VINCENT'S IMAGINATION :)

HAPPY AND SAFE HALLOWEEN EVERYONE

And the Raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting
On the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door;
And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon's that is dreaming,
And the lamplight o'er him streaming throws his shadow on the floor;
And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor
Shall be lifted - nevermore!

THE GARDEN OF PROSERPINE

There go the loves that wither,
The old loves with wearier wings;
And all dead years draw thither,
And all disastrous things;
Dead dreams of days forsaken,
Blind buds that snows have shaken,
Wild leaves that winds have taken,
Red strays of ruined springs.

We are not sure of sorrow;
And joy was never sure;
To-day will die to-morrow;
Time stoops to no man's lure;
And love, grown faint and fretful,
With lips but half regretful
Sighs, and with eyes forgetful
Weeps that no loves endure.

From too much love of living,
From hope and fear set free,
We thank with brief thanksgiving
Whatever gods may be
That no life lives for ever;
That dead men rise up never;
That even the weariest river
Winds somewhere safe to sea.

2010-10-30T22:22:00.000-07:00

I am presently working on a series of Spirit Dolls called Shaman Dreams honoring the Huicholes and their mystical art. The Huichol Indians are considered by many anthropologists to be an invaluable window to the past

The Huichol see their world as sacred and follow the teachings and visions of their Shamans considering themselves "Mirrors of the Gods" striving to convey this mystical world, both physically and spiritually into their artwork.

I think this is the perfect example of following your dream and creating art that heals.

Huichol Center for Cultural Survival.

and a letter from Susana Valdez founder and director of the center.

Please, watch this video you will be inspired.

During this difficult period of cultural transition, it is imperative that people throughout the world work together to facilitate the "caretakers" so they may sustain their traditional beliefs in healthy communities that support the Huichol way of life in the future. In doing so we not only insure the endurance of one of the world's most remarkable ancient cultures, but we also create opportunities for Huichol people to perpetuate their age old wisdom and provocative ecological archetypes to a global audience. ~Susana Valdez

A visit with the Huicholes

Personal reminiscences of Mexico's Huichol people I: a disappearing way of life? Personal reminiscences of Mexico's Huichol people II: fiesta of medicinal plants Personal reminiscences of Mexico's Huichol people III: the shaman Personal reminiscences of Mexico's Huichol people IV: ritual dance Personal reminiscences of Mexico's Huichol people V: journey to the sierra Personal reminiscences of Mexico's Huichol people VI: Peyote Fiesta

2010-10-30T13:28:00.000-07:00

"The moon is at her full and riding high.

Floods the calm fields with light.

The airs that hover in the Summer sky

are all sleep tonight." ~William Cullen Bryant

“Any ritual is an opportunity for transformation.”

“We are all longing to go home to some place we have never been — a place half-remembered and half-envisioned we can only catch glimpses of from time to time. Community. Somewhere, there are people to whom we can speak with passion without having the words catch in our throats. Somewhere a circle of hands will open to receive us, eyes will light up as we enter, voices will celebrate with us whenever we come into our own power. Community means strength that joins our strength to do the work that needs to be done...” ~~ Starhawk

2010-10-29T20:33:00.000-07:00

“The word "Witch" carries so many negative connotations that many people
wonder why we use the word at all. Yet to reclaim the word "Witch" is to
reclaim our right, as women, to be powerful; as men, to know the
feminine within as divine.” ~~ Starhawk

Crow Totem and Medicine

As in traditional mythology and folklore, the Common Raven features frequently in more modern writings such as the works of William Shakespeare, and, perhaps most famously, in the poem "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe.

2010-10-29T20:23:00.000-07:00

"Sueno de una tarde dominical en La Alameda" by Maestro Diego Rivera This fifty foot fresco takes the viewer on a Sunday walk through Alameda Park, Mexico City's first city park that was built on the grounds of an ancient Aztec marketplace. The large mural represents three principal eras of Mexican History: The Conquest, The Porfiriato Dictatorship, and The Revolution of 1910. In chronological order starting from left to right we meet numerous prominent figures from Mexican history. In the center of the mural is Diego Rivera at the age of ten being led by the hand by the Dame Catrina ("La Calavera Catrina")

My muse, Frida Kahlo

Who could imagine that Mexico's turn of the century hardworking printmaker
Jose Guadalupe Posada would someday be celebrated as the first humorist in modern art? Today, his political and satirical skeletons, these ubiquitous images of death come alive, symbolize Mexico's intimate and comfortable relationship with death best expressed in the annual Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead ) holiday.

En Resumen...Huesuda, Catrina, Calaca Dientona...(Spanish)
Great blog

2010-10-28T11:59:00.000-07:00

VIVA LA VIDA!!

Welcome to my corner at the Ancestor's Ball, please make yourself at home.

MI CASA ES SU CASA

Please, grab a cup of tea, coffee and if you can, spike it with tequila and stay as long as you want...Salud!!

I am Griselda, daughter of Kasandra, daughter of Matilde,

daughter of Luz.

I am also daughter of Jose, son of Clemencia, daughter of Luz and with her I also honor here Nana Marica, an amazing woman who helped her with all her children and stayed with us, becoming our grandmother too.

I have placed photos of my beloved grandmothers and my mother within one my paintings, an enchanted secret garden, there is also a photo of me at 16, (was I ever so young?)
I can see us dancing in the moonlight, sharing stories and making our roots stronger for generations to come, do you hear the sound of that wonderful music from my Mexico lindo y querido!!

On the left, my dad's mother, grandmother Clemencia, next to her Nana Maria or Marica (we saw her as our second grandmother) On the back, my mother's mother, abuelita Matilde and my mom Kasandra on her wedding day. Nana Marica has been my angel and constant inspiration, she was the one who showed me how to make a doll with rags and twigs, but more than that, she is a constant reminder that compassion and unconditional love are "the only way" and by example she was our best teacher.

This is my memory of Dia de los Muertos, the equivalent to Halloween in my native land, Mexico.
Our Nana Marica used to set a beautiful Ofrenda which was part of the celebration. Her ofrendas were always the best, full of wonderful food...tamales, enchiladas, hot chocolate, sweet bread and sugar skulls, the table was set up to honor the memory of our ancestors, a type of altar, covered with her finest white tablecloth, adorned with papel picado cut out of colorful tissue paper and yellow and orange flowers. The pictures of our departed were placed on the ofrenda table and Copal (incense) was burned making the whole scene even more mystical.

Arte Americas in Fresno California, has this month a Dia de los Muertos Exhibit called Ecos de la Revolucion, here are the images with "ofrenda" tables honoring those who took part in the Mexican Revolution of 1910. Please take a look at their calendar if you live in the area,

The young man on the left is my dad's father, Roberto Tello, during the first years of the Mexican Revolution in 1913 followed by the photo of his wedding day to my grandmother Clemencia in 1916, she was only 18 years old, he was 24. Talk about an ancestors ball...they had a wonderful party at the big house.

My grandmother is the youngest , she was 3 years old.

At the ranch, my grandfather Roberto

On this day, I also want to celebrate Frida Kahlo,

my Muse, and Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Death)

“Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly?”

~Frida Kahlo

Frida Kahlo is often the muse of artists, and subject of modern shrines/altars. Frida's paintings often dealt with death and she also collected Day of the Dead images. During Dia de los Muertos, public and private altars are often dedicated to Frida Kahlo inspired by her creative soul.

PBS on Frida, where you will find her story and works of art

Tonight, I will be posting more images of Ofrenda Tables

Note: Some of these figures are still available, feel free to contact me for more information.

Dia de los muertos!
Aine, at The Deepest Well blog is having an Ancestor's Ball blog party over the Halloween weekend.

2010-10-25T19:46:00.000-07:00

My little Spirit dolls... about ready to be packed to fly home to one of my collectors :)

2010-10-24T18:45:00.000-07:00

My younger son is having a Halloween celebration...my studio is perhaps too much for anyone to handle...scary by now so much so I decided to place a warning tape...Danger-Caution...I am tempted to leave it like that all year long.

2010-10-20T23:16:00.000-07:00

Dream Keeper

Secret Garden Keeper

Little Kitchen Witch

In process, my little kitchen witches ...
supported by a whisk.

This is the only one I have left from last year...

Samhain Moon, Kitchen Witch

2010-10-20T16:50:00.000-07:00

To see a world in a grain of sand and heaven in a wild flower...

hold infinity in the palms of your hand and eternity in an hour.

~William Blake

2010-10-20T13:59:00.001-07:00

I'm aware of the mystery around us,

so I write about coincidences,

premonitions, emotions, dreams,

the power of nature, magic.

Isabel Allende

2010-10-20T12:12:00.001-07:00

Forgive me, Spirit of my spirit, for this,

that I have found it easier to read the mystery

told in tears and understood Thee

better in sorrow than in joy.

~George William Russell

2010-10-20T12:03:00.000-07:00

We wake, if ever at all, to mystery. --Annie Dillard

Butterfly Medicine Woman

She teaches us to accept the changes in our lives naturally.

Embracing the chances of her environment and bodies body.

Butterfly Spirit also teaches faith because

she is in acceptance of her metamorphosis.

She understands the useless struggle

against the turning tides in nature..perhaps we can do the same :)

2010-10-18T14:52:00.000-07:00

The Greek earth goddess Demeter who brings forth the fruits of the earth, particularly the various grains. She taught mankind the art of sowing and ploughing so they could end their nomadic existence. As such, Demeter was also the goddess of planned society. She was very popular with the rural population. As a fertility goddess she is sometimes identified with Rhea and Gaia.

Demeter, October Moon is holding two moon beams symbolic of protection and nurturing, she is swaddled with colorful cloth, adorned with beads, semiprecious stones and a small silver key, symbolic of intuition. Their sweet faces were handcrafted by me with Polymer Clay. She makes a wonderful kitchen witch, or a Feng Sui companion.

I will be listing her and others in my Etsy store, for more information please contact me.

2010-10-18T07:17:00.000-07:00

The wonderful people from Art Creations got me so inspired, I had to do something for my daughter and her new baby (I wish I knew more about Photoshop)

2010-10-17T01:33:00.000-07:00

While visiting a wonderful blog "Recuerda mi corazon": Haiku my heart...

in the enchantment of the moment, I linked back to this page without knowing, I had to make my own Haiku Poem!

I did not realize this until I found a kind comment which indicated that this was expected from the link...well then, let's figure out how to do this once and for all, since I have always wondered about it, and being so simple, seems so hard, mostly because I don't want to make mistakes...can you imagine...laughs. So, here we go:
How to write Haiku Poetry

Over the wintry

forest, winds howl in rage

with no leaves to blow.

by Soseki (1275-1351)

This is my contribution to challenge 91
Using Photoshop, and one of my own original paintings as a background.

2010-10-14T22:18:00.000-07:00

"Something opens our wings. Something makes boredom and hurt disappear. Someone fills the cup in front of us: We taste only sacredness."

"This is love: to fly toward a secret sky, to cause a hundred veils to fall each moment. First to let go of life. Finally, to take a step without feet." ~Rumihttp://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/r/rumi.html

2010-10-12T22:34:00.000-07:00

2010-10-08T01:51:00.000-07:00

Did you know, that this year we will have 10 - 10 - 10 for October 10, 2010 ?

Also, this is a rare year where we will have 5 Fridays, 5 Saturdays and 5 Sundays !

If you are into symbols and meaning of things, I should say that number 5 is a favorite of mine as well as 11 (you might notice 11:11 often)
Here is what I read about number 5:
It is a number of Awakening for the Healers and Lightworkers of this world (same as 11:11) it means changes, harmony and balance, it is said to be the number of Divine Grace. 5 has been regarded as a symbol of universal power and was the symbol of perfection in the Mayan culture.

2010-10-04T23:19:00.000-07:00

Newest Spirit Dolls, they are not listed yet, if you need information feel free to email me.

2010-10-04T13:01:00.000-07:00

THE PALM LOFT GALLERY

COLLECTION OF ART DOLLS

Let the light in.

"I dreamed I spoke in another's language,
I dreamed I lived in another's skin,
I dreamed I was my own beloved,
I dreamed I was a tiger's kin.

I dreamed that Eden lived inside me,
And when I breathed a garden came,
I dreamed I knew all of Creation,
I dreamed I knew the Creator's name.

I dreamed--and this dream was the finest--
That all I dreamed was real and true,
And we would live in joy forever,
You in me, and me in you."

— Clive Barker (Abarat: Days of Magic, Nights of War)

2010-10-04T08:04:00.000-07:00

Good morning!

I am making changes to some of my dolls this morning, sometimes when a little one sits here for months, I ask her if she needs changes, there are times when the doll needs a different face and often right after that she finds a home right away.

I took my muse visiting all those places I've bookmarked along the way and added them to my list of links...to all of you, I want to say, thanks for the inspiration, my heart is full. I have learned that my blog does not need to sit idle because I don't have new ideas, that networking is a link that grows stronger if I feature another artist making those links of creativity more productive and all is good in our world while we create from a soulful space. But you know what is the best part, I have met some amazing people in the past couple of months... my heart is so full, I am ever so moved by our sharing.

Another thing I do to move energy...I go to the Thrift stores, these are magical places if you enter with the knowing feeling that something special is waiting for you to transform it into art, I have gone out almost every week and found some amazing books, I feel like I am gathering for Winter time. Now, if you want to feel terrific, clean up your closet and give back...take all that stuff you have not used in the past 6 or 8 months to the Thrift Store and make someone happy...it will move your energy in wonderful direction.

For those of you who are not feeling well, perhaps health is not at its best...be gentle with yourselves, bring a cup of tea by the computer and visit my list of links...I know you will feel renewed and inspired.

I wish for you a week full of creativity and new adventures.

Griselda

2010-10-02T22:25:00.000-07:00

Creativity is to me like Autumn leaves traveling down the river, some get stuck along the banks, others like ideas rush by so fast, I will never catch them again, but there are places along the way where the waters are so serene I can rest for a while to hear all nature singing.

I am feeling the rush of Autumn, everyone is creating new projects for Halloween, organizing celebrations and parties and I sit here reading about it while my work is unfinished. I believe creativity is at times a moody muse if I don't take time to nurture her, she comes with a burst of energy that blesses me with the magic of her touch, giving me the message to create and I feel like I want to do 5 things in all directions, then the process starts and I dive into the one that calls me the strongest (two months ago, was making wings...every doll I made was ready to fly...laughs**) I am thankful for those moments but feel guilty about but the rest of my projects waiting for me to complete the task and I get overwhelmed.

2010-10-01T19:19:00.000-07:00

In your light I learn how to love.
In your beauty, how to make poems.
You dance inside my chest,
where no one sees you,
but sometimes I do,
and that sight becomes this art.

~ Rumi

MOUNTAIN SONG

Mix media acrylic paintings
at my Etsy Store

2010-10-01T14:57:00.000-07:00

I am honored by a fellow artist from Etsy
who sent me this message:

Just thought I'd let you know that this magical artwork was featured on my blog today! Please stop by and take a peek and feel free to share the post as well!

http://mysticwynd.blogspot.com/2010/10/welcome-october.html

Happy sales to you!

I was touched by Karen's gesture, because October is indeed a special month for me, and I share an October birthday with her (mine is on the 26) and with all these famous October born people
I agree with her comments on Scorpio people who have a bit of a Mystical side and are Nature lovers. We are friendly, honest and more emotional than practical, as for rebelliousness...well...I will fight for my independence, family and friends they know I am constant and faithful to no end.

Karen's jewelery designs are glorious as well as her poetry, please take a bit of time to visit her blog, and her Etsy Store.

The Mystic Wynd

2010-09-29T15:00:00.000-07:00

BeeKai

Autumn Sale

Classic. Noir. Elegant. Edgy. Mixed Metals/Findings. Modern. Funky. Earthy.

If you read my entry from a couple of weeks ago, I had introduce a friend and jewelry designer with a unique bohemian style. Deb Boyle has her work at Etsy ... with original jewelry handcrafted with quality gemstones, vintage, nostalgic materials.

I decided to give myself a birthday present (Oct.26) so I sent to her a bunch of beads and small charms which I had been collected, but I also, I had fallen in love with her Paradox earrings...so I asked if she could make me a bracelet with the same theme, she agreed (it is so easy to work with her...and here they are!

I think this is going to be interesting wearing these.

Paradox:

Do we run willy-nilly through our situations in Life by flying by the seat of our pants, or do we stop and consider carefully, questioning, perhaps backing up a bit, to think things through? Good question, hmm? Personally, I go on instinct, my heart and soul are my muses, and my brain generally comes in a distant third. I've been told creative people seem to do this a bit more. ~Deb Boyle

I looooooooooove my new bracelets, thanks Deb!!

2010-09-28T22:44:00.001-07:00

Vintage Spirit Art Dolls

All of these were created years ago.

It is good to see how my little dolls have evolved.

I went looking for these old photos, because someone

asked me if I only make female images and it dawn on me that

I used to have stronger male faces, until people starting asking me
if I had softer female images...which is interesting because from my point of view the design of a Spirit Art Doll should convey the essence of Spirit, not male or female,

Spirit just IS

2010-09-28T22:40:00.000-07:00

This is a time of harvesting for many of us, the changes and seasons of the heart and soul are present with every falling leaf...and without knowing some of you...I just see that everyone of us must take time to nurture ourselves, or the rush of the holidays to come will take you to places you don't want to go, enjoy each moment, look around and be thankful for the inspiration of your muse, but allow time to relax and enjoy the process, you don't need to finish every single project you've started. (Yes, I know, I am talking to myself again :)

All is Good in my world, my daughter had her first baby 4 months ago and I try to visit as often as I can (they are 3 hours away from me) From being with my grandson, I have learned to be more with care, to take my time and to be more present.

I wish for you a magical Autumn

Bright Blessings.

Griselda

2010-09-28T01:28:00.001-07:00

They were inspired by the technique used by Patricia Anders, I have seldom met anyone with more imagination, if you want to be enchanted, check out her site, she has magnificent works of art
using porcelain dolls altered with gesso and acrylics.

Using porcelain dolls altered with gesso and acrylics. I have listed a few in my Etsy store.

Jane Zweibel said about her art "These pieces are paradoxical, in that they both invite and repel touch...My hybrid personas embody the conflicts, losses and connections between childhood and adult lives."

That is exactly how I feel about Altered Art Dolls, they have sense of mystery and the memories of childhood come alive.

2010-09-27T16:27:00.000-07:00

This is the painting I did 20 some years ago that reminded me of that mountain scene I want to paint...

2010-09-27T10:36:00.001-07:00

CAT GODDESS ~ SPIRIT ART DOLLS
As a cat/lion goddess, Bast was the protector of the lands in Egypt.

It is said that Bast was worshipped at least since the Second Dynasty, and she was seen as defender of the pharaoh a god himself, the representation of Ra, who was a solar deity. She was known as The Lady of flame and Eye of Ra. Bast was originally a goddess of the sun, but later changed by the Greeks to a goddess of the moon.

She was not always seen as a ferocious protector, she had also gentler qualities, she was called The Goddess of perfumes symbolic of sensuality and passion. For some she had become a domestic cat rather than a lion, protective of children and also a good mother to her kittens, for this many women who desired children would wear an amulet depicting Bast image.

2010-09-25T11:44:00.000-07:00

WHITE BIRCH SPIRIT
~Totem Keeper~

Supported by white birch branches, she carries 3 animal totems, the dragonfly, wolf and crow.

She is wrapped with colorful fabrics, feathers and homespoon yarn, adorned with glass beads and semiprecious stone chips, she carries on her belt an old barrel key, symbolic of mystery and intuition. Her bright face was handcrafted with polymer clay, glazed with acrylics.

She is my interpretation of a tree spirit, a protector keeper of the woods.

Click on each image to enlarge.

One of a Kind Commissioned Dolls
I will gladly design a doll specially for you, feel free to contact me at gristello@gmail.com

2010-09-24T09:59:00.000-07:00

Anasazy Ruins

It is the function of art to renew our perception. What we are familiar with we cease to see. The writer shakes up the familiar scene, and, as if by magic, we see a new meaning in it. ~ Anais Nin

Wishing for you an amazing weekend.
Griselda

2010-09-24T09:27:00.000-07:00

Romancing the mountain

That would be a good title for this weekend...I have not painted yet one single stroke, but in my mind I am visualizing how it will feel, I think Monday or Tuesday is a good day to start.

These are two paintings I did of a mountain, they came from my imagination, one is a combination of Anasazi Ruins, the other is called Horse mountain (can you see two horse heads formed by the rocks?)

2010-09-23T11:40:00.000-07:00

I have been in a bit of a struggle to paint again and to finish a couple of canvases with a redwood scene which were doing quite well until I got pulled away to other places where I was needed.

It is always like this, I come back to find my paint had dried up and it is never easy to pick up where I was, so I drift into making dolls, which is my vice...because charm me with the siren songs of other worlds and I forget how rewarding is to paint. I have valid and non so valid excuses, the fact is, it takes me forever to come back to my easel and to start all over, it is a matter of discipline, I know.

Thank goodness for inspiration, because of a blog I saw this morning, something sparked the flame and I know that somehow, I will start something new or finish those two redwood paintings. I feel blessed with inspiration and thanks to the wonderful woman, Tammie Lee, from Spirithelpers, who posted her photo of a mountain that I feel renewed. Blogging is good for the soul!!

A leaf fluttered in through the window this morning,

as if supported by the rays of the sun,
a bird settled on the fire escape,

joy in the task of coffee,
joy accompanied me as I walked. ~ Anais Nin

2010-09-21T23:48:00.000-07:00

Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night. Edgar Allan Poe (1809 - 1849), "Eleonora"

Dream Catcher

2010-09-17T13:16:00.001-07:00

Hecate Creativity Goddess ~ Harvest Moon

"Come a little bit closer

Hear what I have to say

Just like children sleepin'

We could dream this night away.

But there's a full moon risin'

Let's go dancin' in the light

We know where the music's playin'

Let's go out and feel the night.

Because I'm still in love with you

I want to see you dance again

Because I'm still in love with you

On this harvest moon....:

Harvest Moon

By: Neil Young

2010-09-16T22:24:00.000-07:00

TRUE BLOOD

In memory of my dear friend Sheryl Smith who designed this necklace. We met during an art show, she loved my art dolls, specially those with skulls. She said, I love dark art, it is very healing because people tend to deny their shadow self and express it in negative ways, but art is an all healing tool to let the light in those dark places, it makes things balanced. I started making polymer skulls for her which she used as focal pieces and she traded for beads, which was the best deal I ever had, not only because I acquired some unique beads but I got to meet with her twice a year, what an amazing lady. She had an eye for the "strange and unusual" with a true bohemian soul, going to the bead stores with her was a kick...she had comments like Ohhh yeah, let me have some of that, these beads looks dangerous, just like dripping blood!...(my goodness, no wonder when I wear her beads people pay attention) she had me laughing all the time, Sheryl also had a soft, mystical side, she introduced me to many books, our conversations were always enlightening. I had the honor to be with her 3 days before she parted the veil, she held my hand and I just knew she was not of this world, making ready to join her friends in that "big jazz party" she expected to attend, according to her kind of heaven...I was so moved when she said, I still don't know, but I trust it is all fun and good.

SHAMHAIN MOON (by Griselda)

In the Pagan tradition it is said that Mother Earth nods a sad farewell to the God, but He will once again be reborn of the Goddess and the cycle will continue. This is a great time to pause and reflect, a time to honor our ancestors in recognition to our own part in the eternal cycle of Life.

SAMHAIN FEAST

Yesterday out of the blue, I told my new friend Deb that an angel was looking after her, I was thinking of my friend Sheryl who passed away a few years ago. I wanted to show Deb some of Shery's necklaces and images of those I had made right after Sheryl passed away, I knew I had posted them in my Live Journal, but I had not been there in a year...so, I go back to the Journal and after half an hour I find the entry was dated...yes, you guessed, exactly 4 years ago...to the day on Mexican Independence day!

September 16, 2006

I think I might have got hooked into a new vice...making necklaces...but still the finishing part (to keep them strong) is a mess...I know I will have to redo them as soon as I take a class or two. The good news, I have plenty to work with...I did not realize how much I have in stock, now it is a matter of organization...as always, I find myself enchanted.

Today Sheryl will have her memorial service at the Neptune Society in Santa Clara Ca. I am here chatting with her until 3 in the morning...asking her...how in the heck do I fasten this...laughs* I have done every mistake in the book, including letting go of one end of the wire and all the beads landed on the tile.

MABON MOON JEWELERY by Griselda

MI SANGRE

OCTOBER SONG

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS

Thanks Sheryl my friend, I am still in love with this craft even if I have not managed to take any classes yet, I have over 60 necklaces and several bracelets, and a secondary vice of buying beads!!

Cheers to Sheryl Smith, Muse of "radical subversive jewelery"

2010-09-16T11:27:00.000-07:00

I would like to introduce a woman who designs unique bohemian jewelry. These are handmade, altered art necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and anklets created from beads, repurposed, and recycled materials.

Her name is Deb Boyle and she has in her Etsy shop the most original, jewelry handcrafted with quality gemstones, vintage, nostalgic materials, crystals, wire, and beads to form designs that are one of a kind.
Deb is celebrating her favorite time of the year with an Autumn Sale.

If you love knowing that only One Person in the whole world will be wearing the jewelry you purchase then her shop is for you.

2010-09-14T09:06:00.000-07:00

Avalon Priestess

Was made for a very special friend who has 3 cats.

2010-09-11T00:49:00.000-07:00

IN MEMORY OF CHYNNA
A grand old lady of nearly 20 years...I could just kiss her sweet face

I will always remember you as the Cat Goddess Protector of Shelley's house.

My Lady Bast surely has prepared a fine garden for your delight.

2010-09-10T12:17:00.000-07:00

I started two new dolls with wire, my intention was to make a small cage to support the body of the doll, but as it often happens, the doll took its own direction. I was going to leave it white, but the wire was blue. I decided to do a wash with tones of blue and brown acrylics on top of the primer and come back with off white.