Oh, how perfect. Just what I needed. A few masked characters tiptoeing around on spindly legs. Charming, quirky posers and actors to make me laugh and swoon, just a little bit.
I’ve been working hard on redesigning the website building class for artists (I walk you through the process in a whole new way in this updated and improved class) and redesigning the website for the class at the same time. My eyes are so doggone tired, looking at two different computer screens day and night. So tired that I had to rub them a few times to make certain I wasn’t dreaming up Doreen Kassel’s new cast of polymer characters.
A perfect distraction for tired eyes, Kassel’s colorful polymer troupe, skinny legs and all, have me laughing. I can feel their lighthearted whimsy, and I find my mind drifting to France, where carnival and masks are part of a long tradition.
In 2013 Kassel will teach YOU how to create your own Masquerade Parade in. . .yup. . .France. France!
The best part? Well, except for the part that you get to learn this in France. Except THAT part, the best part is that you don’t need to have any sculpting experience at all. Hey, that’s me! You too?
The description goes on to explain that you “Learn how to stand your unique creation, on two spindly legs, with a special wire and balancing technique.” I LOVE this!
Before I get back to work, here’s an open letter to Doreen Kassel. From me:
“Dear Doreen – I didn’t know there was a special wire and balancing technique to help one stand up strong and tall (well, in my case, maybe not so tall. 5′ 1″ isn’t tall now is it?). Nobody told me. So do you think maybe you can come and help daMuse and her two spindly legs with that technique so she can keep both feet on the ground and remain balanced while she rearranges her life? She, as in Me. Please and thank you – daMuse”
Inspired in part by earlier work that you will see soon at the NY Metropolitan Opera Shop – a diva, maestro and Pagliacci (polymer Pagliaccia has a nice ring to it, yes?), Kassel’s troupe is young and growing, an ongoing series. Watch for more. And be prepared to smile broadly. Even chuckle. Maybe out loud. It’s all good.
Thanks for the lovely mention, Susan. I would love to help you with your balance, but you seem to be doing very well on your own!
I eagerly await news as you rearrange!
Glad I could make you chuckle!
Doreen is one of those people who just keeps upping the ante. Her work becomes more charming, the painting more delicate and the overall effect more whimsical with every incarnation.
Bravo dear friend.
These are delightful—smile-inducing, imaginative, whimsical and rendered with skilled attention to color and physical balance. (I, too, would love to know how one balances so delicately on spindly legs. I suppose it helps if one’s feet are over-sized, too.
These wonderful whimsical creatures were the perfect punctuation for my weekend. They should be on a poster looking down on any artists studio, so playful and joyful.