As I mentioned in my last blog...a couple new dragons
showed up after the Arisia show...incorporating some
materials I found there. 21" tall Akhai-Kath, the strong
pictured above was one.
Since folks seem to like process photos, I thought I'd share
a few of Akhai-Kath in the making as well as another
dragon named Gryclaw, the colorful. This is what Akhai-Kath
looks like under his leather...Hand stitched muslin over
a wire armature wrapped by polyester. He has a stone
in his rear end as well as his snout!...holding lots of stories:
hold the eyes securely.
Here he is getting his claws!
Then on to adding paint patina to the leather....
He undoubtedly had some comments about my messy studio,
but discretely kept them to himself.
Next came his gorgeous black beaded belly. Given to me by
my supplier-of-wondrous-things-buddy, Martha Bergeron.
She hadn't found a use for the piece, beaded in Macau,
and thought just maybe a dragon (and his maker)
might like it. So brought it over to the Arisia show along
with a few other goodies and we made a trade.
Akhai-Kath's belly was built to size for the black
beaded piece - Beading goes from chin to between his
lower legs. Fortunately I had matching beads to help
attaching the piece to the leather.
thought about beading it all myself. However, ACC Baltimore was
soon upon us... and my price point for the piece would have to be
radically different. I still plan on doing one. This Spring I am taking
bit of a hiatus from shows to help my hubby while his hip is replaced
...so maybe...by my next show at the end of May such a creature may
appear. The creatures have a way of determining when they want to
show up.
After attaching the beaded piece, rawhide spokes and the beaded leather
braid that goes with them is the final step. ...No wings for his character.
Related to the eastern form of dragons, he is confident he'll be able to
fly without them.
But speaking of wings...the second dragon who appeared after Arisia,
does have them. Here that dragon is patiently waiting...
table was next to Cloak and Dagger Creations
booth. There was a basket of remnants of trim right next to me which I had fun looking through. Hmmm I thought- bellies for small
dragons perhaps? I had wanted to incorporate more color into the dragons so found one to
use on this dragon....on belly and for anklets.
And Gryclaw, the Colorful emerged! (Named by our 10 year old
grandson living in South America. (Have to love the internet!!)
Gryclaw is 24 " long (with curled tail) and about 12 " tall depending
on how the wings are arranged.
Both dragons enjoyed posing for professional shots by Bob Barrett
photographer set up at ACC Baltimore. Bob took the first photo in this
blog as well as the one just above of Gryclaw. I really appreciate Bob
setting up in Baltimore. He is the source of most of my professional
photos for the past several years. The dragons joined several other
dragons in my booth at the show - big and small - sculptures, Rpeggie
dragons (holding RPG dice), book form , on journal covers and more.
Inspiration often hits just before a show. Having worked with the
garment trim for Gryclaw's belly....I looked over the Celtic trim
pieces I had picked up and saw their potential to add into a
complimentary line of card holders, journals, checkbook holders
etc. to my line with eyes. I love the pieces with eyes, but I know
they are not for everyone. (Actually I enjoy that customers seem to
know just whom they are for, and for whom not.) I've been thinking
about my Celtic roots of late. So the week before ACC Baltimore, I
produced these items to see what the response might be. It was very
positive ....so looks like it will be added to my sculptural leather items
for a while anyway. I especially like the dragon/griffin trim in the
lower right corner, but do love Celtic braids...
After the first couple days at the ACC Baltimore show, I was
questioning whether I should consider taking a year off. It is
very expensive to exhibit at the show. But the next day I
wandered the booths and was reminded of the extraordinary artists
I meet there, the community that gathers and the inspiration that
it generates for me. Fortunately the weather cooperated this year
(last year there was a snow storm on Saturday), the retail attendance
was up and sales brisk...including major ones for me. (Pageante and
Roland the dragon traveling librarian duo found a great new home.)
So.... looks like I will apply once again for next year.
Next post, I will share images from a few of the artists who
stirred my creative juices!
Adventure on. Wendy
