the messenger

A few weeks ago I posted about my experiments with altering a barbie using plaster and encaustic. Well she’s done!


the messenger


sticks1
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.


side

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…


poem
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!

35 Comments

  1. 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!

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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

  9. 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!

  10. 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!!

  11. 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.

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