Poor Polly

Hi there, and thanks for popping in!  I'm still working on Halloween goodies, and came up with another unfortunate episode for an ornament.  Here you see poor Polly, who was done in by a creepy spider.  Are you afraid of spiders?  I know if I saw one as big as this one, I'd be scared, but I'm really more afraid of rats and snakes.

The spider has a touch of black glitter on it, and the web has some clear glitter here and there.  I like that it's pretty, just a little creepy and sort of funny.  I like Halloween decor that's still nice, and no gore.  I guess I'm a wimp that way.  You can find Polly here at my website.

Well, hope you're having a great summer.  My next show is Aug 14th, in Carlsbad.  Hope you can make it!

Take care,

Martha

Marie Antoinette in Ventura

Mixed Media Sculpture by George S. Stuart.  Photo by Peter D'Aprix for the Historical Figure Foundation

I hope you had a wonderful Fourth of July!  I had a very successful street fair, and thank everyone who came out and supported me.  It was really inspiring.  Speaking of inspiring, we were also able to go see the George Stewart historical figures at the Ventura Museum.  If you've never seen these, you must!  They are so lifelike, and incredible works of art.  Stewart creates these 1/4 size pieces with details you just have to see to believe.  Each hair follicle is seen, and the eyes seem to be alive.  I love them.  I grew up near Ventura, so as a girl was lucky enough to hear Stewart speak about how each figure is made.  He incorporates the story of each one, and makes history actually fun.  Above is shown a very young Marie Antoinette.  Click on her to see the detail.

Mixed Media Sculpture by George S. Stuart.  Photo by Peter D'Aprix for the Historical Figure Foundation

Here is Countess Du Barry the kings mistress.  I'm fascinated by the dress, and details of her rings.  There are even tiny hairs that make up her eyelashes.  Right now they are showing the collection "How Sweet Power Went Sour:  The Bourbon Dynasty"  and it goes through Sep. 11.

Mixed Media Sculpture by George S. Stuart.  Photo by Peter D'Aprix for the Historical Figure Foundation

Here is Marie in Court Dress that she would were for state occasions.  This type of over the top display led to her unpopularity as Queen.

Mixed Media Sculpture by George S. Stuart.  Photo by Peter D'Aprix for the Historical Figure Foundation

Here is Princess de Lamballe, a very good friend of Marie Antoinette.  She was later killed by a mob during the French Revolution.

Mixed Media Sculpture by George S. Stuart.  Photo by Peter D'Aprix for the Historical Figure Foundation

Finally, this is Duchess Yolande de Polignac.  Another of Marie's friends.  I love the expression on her face, very cheeky!  She got out a month before the Bastille fell.  Smart gal.
So if you're in the Ventura area, do yourself a favor and go see the George Stewart Figures, you'll be glad you did.
Take care,
Martha

Meet me in Ventura!

Happy Fourth of July weekend to you!  If you're in the Ventura, CA area, come visit me at the street fair.  It's from 10-5 on the fourth of July, and I'll be near Oak and Main St.  It's a white tent and the inside has a dress form with white wings, old window display, really you can't miss me.  ;)  Hope to see you there!
Take care,
Martha