A few weeks ago I posted about my experiments with altering a barbie using plaster and encaustic. Well she’s done!
close up of branches
The hardest thing with working on a sculptural piece with encaustic was the fusing. I had to be thorough but quick when I applied my heat gun so as not to have all the wax drip off.
This was definitely out of my comfort zone as I have never altered a doll before and I don’t normally work in 3D. But I just really loved working this way! I used to work in clay a long time ago, in high school, which in my mind doesn’t really count. But back then I was always incorporating trees and branches into my sculptural pieces. And the love of branches and trees continues…
a poem inscribed on her back
If you want to see more detail photos, or larger images of the photos shown here, just click on the images and they should take you to my flickr site.
Thank you to Patricia Anders for the kick in the butt to do this!
How beautiful! I shall look at Barbie in a different light from now on.
Bridgette!!! She is incredible! Great job!
Stunning! I love her gesture! Barbie never looked so real! What did you use to inscribe the poem?
This is lovely and what fun you must have had, even if you were out of your comfort zone.
She looks like that early Greek sculpture….can’t remember the name
Good work to take risks
Amazing, Bridgette! And good for you for really experimenting. I am so impressed.
Barbie has not ever been part of my experience or consciousness although I’m well aware that this year she has turned 50…
I love that you have transformed her into an earth goddess elevating her to the level of a talisman and power archetype.
bravo…plus what a blast!
You did an excellent job!
http://www.thequietone.net
This is perfect, Bridgette!! REALLY amazing..well done!
that is so cool. I love the flying hair!
Stunning~ I saw your first picks on this a few weeks ago and I can’t believe the transformation. You’ve out done yourself here. Well done. Thanks for sharing her with us. Have a nice night.
I **REALLY** hope we get to see more in the 3D realms from you in the future, Bri!
you nailed it! she’s crazy good!
Wow – the vision that took you here is amazing. It took you out of your comfort zone and to a place that goddesses inhabit. Well done!
The best thing that ever happened to Barbie. Like the Velveteen Rabbit, she became real.
Fabulous piece!
What an absolutely groovy idea! I love it! The twig legs are a very nice touch. Way to go!
Great altered Barbie! I love the little touches—the bird, the poem, the twigs. To me, she looks mythic, like an ancient Goddess. Sometimes we make the greatest creative leaps working outside our comfort zone.
This is very cool indeed! Amazing actually – considering you felt out of your comfort zone. I would say that you have discovered a hidden talent there. I love the poem on her back and the exposed branches.
When I first saw you starting this project I had no idea that the end product would look so beautiful!!
Wow. Quite impressive. Her posturing is really intriguing and I love those brabches. Well done!
This is gorgeous!
This is an amazingly beautiful piece… I love her gesture, the flying hair, the poem inscription and especially the branches… Roxanne
this is fabulous!! I have been thinking of ‘waxing’ a paper mache torso that’s been lying around for years, now I’ll try it! Thanks for the inspiration.
Thank you all for your comments! I think I may keep on exploring doing sculptural encaustic work.
Gina, I agree with about taking risks. It’s well worth it.
More inspiration from you! At first glance I thought there was a bird in her hair but see from more photos that it is only her hair. I had never heard of altering a Barbie so thank you for that enlightenment! A truly beautiful piece of art.
incredibly outstanding on her own and your own. what a grand idea. and have to add the “barbie” part…who would ever imagine it’s a barbie!? thanks :} wanda
Your Barbie turned out wonderful.
Love it.
Katelen
Barbie turned out great. I want to get regular, unaltered ones and stick them in the ground in my flower bed… they’ll be like little fairies hiding amongst the flowers… I think they should probably be naked, though for the full effect. Hey, I’m headed to the second hand store right now to buy some!
oh man Bridgette – I am loving this!! I can definitely see how having worked in clay translates – combining your sensibilities… OMG I get excited just imagining what you will create further!!
OMG! I love this!!!! Wow!
I had missed the barbie posts. FABULOUS! I love the way she’s changed into something “real.” Unlike the original, this one’s got soul. I was a ‘barbie girl’ when I was a kid and I hate that when I was four, I already figured this doll and all she stood for was the only female ideal. Awesome project, Bridgette and thanks for sharing the link.
This looks like an ancient icon and is a definite improvement on it’s armature, very mysterious and knowing.
Thanks for your comments on “Apollo”!
Fabulous, this is a wonderful interpretation of Barbie!
Oh, she’s just stunning, Bridgette!!