Studio space clearing

In order to make space for new work, I move out some older sculptures.

I messed up yesterday.

Finally having a little bit of energy after the hospital adventure last week, I ventured into my studio.

Not to sit down and work on my armature-figures... which would have been a very gentle activity...

No, in stead I started to tidy my space.

Much needed, mind you.

I always blame the "gremlins" for making a mess...

But I got carried away.

There was so much to do.

Most of it I did sitting down. I even swept part of the floor sitting down..

But I did do too much, in a very short spell of time.

I could barely move my arms to eat my lunch.

In the afternoon, after hours of rest, I went back to the studio 'to have a look'...

I was 'rescued' by a friend who came for a visit.

while making tea my arms did not cooperate and I knocked a jar of chamomile tea of the shelf, 'killing' the jar, and a custom made little teapot...

Anyway.

My legs are still sore this morning.

My arms are still sore.

I feel ill.

And the only 'thing' I can blame is myself.

My studio is a mess right now, but I am getting help in a few hours time to sort it out.

The good part is that when I put one of the big sculptures up for adoption (on Facebook) it was gladly taken up by a collector of my work. 'Into the Light',  a doll on a bird is going to fly happily in her new home in a few days time.

,l

Two Irish traditional musicians, and two ex-Waterford Crystal Workers -dolls, made in my creative life before ME are also up for adoption: for postage cost, and a donation of your choice towards the creation of new work. Use the Donation button on this page if you are interested. 

1. Female Doll in green skirt and jacket: Donation + Postage €10 Ireland; UK, Europe, €12.50; Rest of the world €15 
2. Fiddle player: Donation + Postage €10 Ireland; UK, Europe, €12.50; Rest of the world €15
3. Ex-Waterford Crystal worker- stripy shirt- newspaper in hand: Donation + Postage €10 Ireland;  €15 UK, Europe; €20 Rest of the world
4. Ex-Waterford Crystal worker- green shirt, bodhran in hands: Donation + Postage €10 Ireland;  €15 UK, Europe; €20 Rest of the world 

7pm: Update the two musicians are taken. 
Friday update. All Dolls are gone.

Donation button on this page . Half way down the page

Please state which the number(s) of the dolls you are interested in.

Thank you for helping me to make space for new work!!!

And I will hopefully listen to my body's wisdom NOT to overdo it...

(famous last words...)

Tired from standing up unaided

My next art project is all about movement ...

I intend to learn the tricks of stop-motion animation.

I started a few months ago

and imagine it might take me a year

 to complete the figures, and a very short film.

I assembled one armature a few months ago.

And made it a pod.

The past few days,

together with Phyllis

we assembled the second armature.

Slightly different design.

After putting it almost together yesterday,

we had to take a lot of pieces apart again today.

Hip bones were meant to be ankles...

Shoulders really only have one joint...

But we did it!

However, it proofed to be in need of our support to stand up.

Or maybe it was just tired

from all the surgeries! ...

Tired from Corina Duyn on Vimeo.

A dream come true

It was only yesterday that I finally made the tentative step into the world of blogging again and already received some lovely messages via mail, blog and mobile. Thank you all.

Here the first of the promised adventures: The transformation from pollytunnel to greenhouse

What it was...

... and what it became

I feel so privileged  to have this greenhouse which is worthy of to be called a conservatory. I couldn’t believe it when brother Joop (builder of my studio) and co. (son Adrian and our music-brother Hans from Holland) unpacked the van and I saw this amazing building going up. The big widows were donated by taxi driver Austin who brought me to college every week. The other windows and door Joop had in his workshop. The design was dictated by the windows and available space. I can now look through the greenhouse into my garden.

So happy!!!

Thank you Jane, Joop, Adrian, Hans.

I had a "self-watering tunnel" which I had started to call my "Cello tunnel"
as in tunnel held together with cello tape. 

Jane helped me to dismantle the tunnel 

I started to realise that my dream of having a greenhouse was coming real, but also the very long held dream of a conservatory became a reality. An unexpected reality.

Brothers Duyn and son

The work bench from the tunnel was just not up to the standard of the new building, so it was chopped up! And the old settle (bench which was outside and I like to sleep on) was put in, through the then window less window frame. The door is too narrow, so the settle is there to stay!

Jane helped to protect the wood against the elements. Throughout the whole process of dismantling the tunnel and building and sorting out the greenhouse, the sun had been shining for a full 12 days. Some days it was over 35 degrees in there!

many a nap taken in this wonderful space.

Tomatoes, peas, beans, chilly peppers, courgette, basil etc.
strawberries, are growing happily in the greenhouse

As always it is lovely to know that you stopped by to read my musing and follow my creative adventures. It would make my day if you leave a comment... Many thanks & Lots of love Corina

Really going to college

Following on from going to college:
After an amazingly turbulent week stuck in the whirlwinds of society and bureaucracy I learned that the funding I had hoped to secure (which seemed to be a absolute yes, months ago) was denied. I am still at a loss to fully understand why. The Department of Social Protection (DSP) (Social Welfare ) had requested clarification on the course level and the awarding body. What eventually came out was that the fact that the course was HETAC and not FETAC (H= Higher, F=Further Education) the DSP was not in a position to pay the grant. But as the same time, in other parts of the country the same DSP had contacted the college to advise prospective students that there was funding available under the very scheme I had applied under.
Confused yet?
I am...!

On Tuesday I decided that there was no way I would be able to fund college, travel and accommodation from my disability Allowance alone. The total expenditure would have been a quarter of my total income. I cancelled my application, with great sadness to be honest.

However I wasn't going to stop studying the subject of the course: Disability Studies, I would just do it on my own, or see how I could get a group together to study in our own time, in our own way.
I felt at piece with this, and found solace in my studio and in my creative ability.

But...
The day after making the decision to cancel and was moving on, I received an offer of total funding for the college fee... I had to think about it for a few hours, but in the end gratefully accepted the offer from this donor. I am not sure yet if I can reveal the source, but I am incredibly grateful for the lifeline handed to me.

When I asked the course coordinator to put me back on the list, she said that she had never taken me off it as she felt that funding would come through from some source or another and if it didn't that it was because I didn't want to do the course.
Now that is faith for you.

link to the full story: going to college

Also met with the O.T. this week. More about this in time to come.

ps... As always it is lovely to know that you stopped by to read my musing 

or follow my creative adventures. 

It would make my day if you leave a comment..

Many thanks & Lots of love Corina

Three highlights of 2011

If I were to narrow down the highlights of 2011 to three events/experiences, they would be

• The building of my Studio "The Garden Room"! (See Studio for the building of it, including the very funny video. Or see here for more about this amazing fortune.) 

• Learning to Weave at college. (See Weaving post)

• Winning an Equality Tribunal case to defend my rights as a disabled person to travel. (See here for the story that I am finally allowed to tell!)

My dear friends,  I would like to wish you a great year ahead

 in which all your dreams come true. 

And ... I'd love to hear/read about your three highlights?
(preferably here on the blog... comment box below) 

XX Corina

Creative adventures

ConePuppet 'Pascale'
© Corina Duyn '11             

One of the puppets I used to make in the Fantasy Folk range before becoming ill with M.E., were "ConePuppets".
When friends came to visit my new studio, my very first ConePuppet from about 18 years ago (?) was lying on the table. A bit battered by time, and nibbled on by mice when in storage in a friends garage.
Still the interactive wonder did not stop over time.

I was encouraged to make them again. I did.
I managed to make three puppets to bring to the Tallow Christmas Market last Sunday. I only had one night to acquaint myself with my new "babies" as all three are already sold.

The first to go was the one on the left here. The puppet was handled like a baby. Precious. The cone cradled in one hand, the head slowly pushes up with the stick.

ConePuppets 'Pascale', 'Wendy' and 'Phyllis',
A happy bunch
© Corina Duyn '11

The interaction I saw develop in front of me was one of love, of healing. Watching this filled my heart with  awe. With complete appreciation, and gratitude towards the buyer of this puppet, and towards my own creative being.
I was overwhelmed that something that I had created can have such a powerful affect on another person. I felt and feel that I am on the right track.

The day after, I also realised how significant this puppet is for my own healing. It is a kind of "coming out", a re-emerging into the world, but still having the protection of the cone.
My friend Spark made the connection with my egg images. True.
Also the movement of the puppet is significant- I think. I still have the desire to be free in my body, to move freely.

Artist Tamsin Bending made a little video of the puppets. See here

These puppets are also the start of teaching again. Of sharing what I've learned. I've decided to work on a one-to-one basis. See Classes. The"pupil" can choose a project to work on and I'll guide them through the process. I have classes booked and more interest on the way.
What a journey I have already made since the creation of my beloved studio.

If you would like to order a puppet of your own, please go to my shop. I will put your name down for the next one to be made. All are originals, so I can't promise what it will look like in advance... Or give someone a Gift Voucher so that they can choose a doll, book or ...

On another note. It is nearly Christmas and to me Books are a wonderful gift to give and receive. With this in mind I have some offers, see Books. No postage to anywhere in the world; A "stocking-filler" pack of 5 Flying on Little Wings books, and most importantly I will donate 10% of proceeds to Focus Ireland ( a registered charity that works to prevent people becoming, remaining or returning to homelessness.) Offer valid until 24 December '11

Thanking you all for your support over the year(s).
Lots of love
Corina

ps... As always it is lovely to know that you stopped by to read my musing and follow my creative adventures. It would make my day, if you leave a comment... preferably here, on the blog...?

Many thanks & Lots of love
Corina

Into the Light

Work in progress.....

Please come in and have a look around...

in my studio -

  The Garden Room

now I've started to move in.

Actually 

I have moved in.

A few jobs remaining- like installing a sink

but

I can work in it;

sit in it;

relax in it.

What a lucky woman I am!

The Garden Room, but then you already knew that!

An inviting place to enter

All my materials, tool and books are in.
When my craft books went in- I felt I'd completed
my move!

Finally space to finish my bird- a Sea Gull
Ready to fly!
Love the light, the space.

Have used the space so far to work on my weaving projects- paper weaving- more about that later.

Thanks for the visit!

To see how the studio came about, please click Here

Moving in!

For those of you who have followed the progress of my studio (The Garden Room) well...

as the walls are now painted, and I spend a few days varnishing the paneling, and painting of the window frame, I felt it was time to move in. I simply couldn't wait any longer! 

Some jobs remain to be done to finish the studio for real, but... I'm in!

The table, which I had planned to go by the window, simply looked 'out of place' there. 

Excitedly, I rang Jane to share the idea that had formulated in my brain... a window seat... made from an existing shelf unit. She brought it in; it looked promising, but needed a wider seat.... The following day we used floorboards-offcuts to do just that, and glued a layer of foam on top of it.

On Sunday, I made a few covers. The colourful one is tacked onto the seat and is allowed to get dirty with clay- paint- or whatever else will be used in the studio. 

The seat will double as a seat to work from and...

... a seat to relax on. The views of my garden are inspiring and restful.

After I finished making the covers, I rested on my new window seat, listened to music and felt HAPPY.

Robert is not quite sure about this new space.

He's not that great with change...

Inspiring Doll Artists

Who rules the moon and the stars © Marlaine Verhelst             

To continue, what looks like to be a series-in-the-making, I would like to share with you the work by two Doll Artists- Marlaine Verhelst and Hennie Koffrie, both Dutch, who greatly inspire me to continue to create and to be as imaginative as one can be with design and the use of materials.

I have worked with Marlaine on a three occasions, twice during a workshop in France and once in her home studio. I very much admire her work. Marlaine teaches all over the world. If you like to read  more, please visit  Marlaine Verhelst's blog. or here for a bio

To me, her fantasy figures are beyond imagination.

"Fly like a Bird" © Marlaine Verhelst  

Hennie Koffrie is a friend and colleague of Marlaine. They travel together to various Doll Events all over the world. I haven't yet had the pleasure to meet Hennie, but someone/something did in my place (see below).

Hennie's work is wonderful. Looking at her images gives me the freedom to create whatever is in my head- to use whatever materials will come my way; to tell a story. I can't wait to get started.
(Studio nearly ready!)

"Last Mile" © Hennie Koffrie

MEme:

Years ago, when 'travelling' to my bathroom or kitchen was an event in itself, I sent a tiny stuffed penguin out into the world beyond- she became my alter ego. MEme (M.E.- me) travelled by post to many many countries and visited friends and family, but she was also introduced to people I've never met, and places I've never been.

MEme's carers wrote in her diary and took photos of the adventures. When the diaries came back to me, I really DID feel I had been away on a break. They have given me hours and years of comfort, laughter and gratitude.

During the time MEme spend with Marlaine ('02) she was brought along to a Doll Event in Washington. MEme shared a room with Marlaine and Hennie. I have this wonderful photo of MEme getting a kiss from Hennie! When I looked for a web-link to Hennie's work I couldn't stop laughing when I saw MEme in the hands of Hennie! 

Hennie with MEme- my alter ergo

I keep meaning to scan the pages of MEme's diaries and put them up on my website- so you can all enjoy the adventures and funny images.... but it is such a big job. Anybody offering their services to do this....? 

I can ask, can't I :-)

For some of my own Artist Dolls of the past see here

Portraits to get me going

 Richard at age five, Alice Neel

Reading about the Dublin Contemporary 2011 Exhibition in Dublin I came across this image by Alice Neel: "Richard at age five". It is on show at the Douglas Hide Gallery  and I truly hope I get to see it "in the flesh" so to speak.

I love its simplicity, the image draws me in.

As paintings go, and sculpture actually, I am drawn to portraits, yet I've never (?) tried to paint one. 

Who knows, the new studio-to-be and the images below might just change all that?

Modigliani

Other artist that I love are, among many others...

Modigliani; 

Charlie Toorop; and 

Kees van Dongen 

The lather two are Dutch... there is hope for me yet? :-)

Woman in Black Hat, Kees van Dongen

Self Portrait, Charlie Toorop

Dress Rehearsal

"Dress-Rehearsal"
Plants wrapped up to
protect against the wood preservative being painted
on the wood.
A heavy shower of rain made the
newspaper wrapping open up to look like a dress...

Well it's been a while since I showed up at my own blog. To be honest my energy went to the completion of my studio "The Garden Room" but alas, I'm not in there yet. "All on good time", I keep telling myself. "Be in the moment" is another frequent thought, and "don't fret about it". Hard to do, I must admit.

My dream of a few months ago is making slow progress. But there is progress, and I know it will get done. I also know with absolute certainty that I will love it when I can sit in this gorgeous space and look out over my garden, be closer to it than from anywhere in my house. That I will enjoy the light streaming in, the warmth, and to have a creative space where I can leave my 'things' after a creative adventure and not have to clear the table every time.
I do count myself lucky to have my Garden Room to look forward to.

You know what I look forward to the most?
To share my creativity with others. That really is my biggest dream.
Years ago I used to give Doll and Puppet making classes, but obviously had to give that up when I became ill. Over the years I received letters from people who knew my work and asked if I was still teaching.
I will be! See  Classes for more.
Classes will be very much on a one to one basis, or possibly a group of up to 3 people, and not a whole day, or even more than 2 hours. But... but the fact that I can share my creativity with others again is something that fills my heart with warmth.

Sharing brings a smile to my face.

Sometimes sharing creativity comes in a different way.
Last week I received a message on Facebook from a young man in his early teens. He had read Flying on Little Wings and told me "that it was a great experience for him". This is wonderful to hear, of course.  What is even more wonderful is that it has inspired him to start writing his own book. He posted me a handwritten copy of the first chapter. The book is dedicated to me.
This fills me with gratitude, purely for the fact that my writing/creativity has sparked the confidence in a young lad to write. A bonus greater than money can buy.
Creative work can honestly take on it's own life and for that I am forever grateful.


I also look forward to work with children in my studio. Again on a very small scale. Guiding them to create their own story, either in words, images, sculptures, whatever is right for that child.

For now, I am in a kind of dress rehearsal time I suppose. Getting ready for the real thing! 

As I don't seem to be doing much writing, I thought I'll create some blank notebooks for other to fill!  

Dress rehearsal also in terms of healing. The being in the now and taking each moment as is it, good or more challenging, is a work in progress. I will write a separate post about this at a later stage.

For now, dress rehearsals continue, and so does the completion of my beloved Garden Room. (Work being done as I am writing!)

Further reading:
Further info about the Doll and Puppet making classes, see Classes.
To order your own copy of Flying on Little Wings see here
For more images of the Handmade notebooks and how to order see here
Healing thoughts and progress see here

Isn't she beautiful

I would like to introduce my
Garden Room Studio

The past few weeks have been incredibly exciting.

My dream of about two months ago is really coming true. A place of my own... my studio "the garden room".

Dan created a wonderful strong base to build the studio on. Strong enough to have a rooftop swimming pool... Well we have to dream right...

Christopher helped me to create a new pathway and do a lot of digging, and clearing.

base of studio and new pathway to...

I realised more and more that this project was more than just a building.

It is a statement.

I am back.

flat pack studio!

Last Tuesday my brother and nephews arrived to start the building of the actual studio. Joop had worked out, and build the frame in his workshop in Kenmare. A flat pack studio! All very exciting to see if it would fit!

Duyn Design Team

It did! 

By lunchtime on Tuesday I could see what it would look like.

almost there

The building has been created with so much love and pride that I feel this has been embedded into the wood and makes for a very happy building indeed.

My deepest gratitude to all involved so far. X

Done!!
Isn't she just beautiful!

My Garden Room Studio is much bigger
than it looks from the outside.

Today or in the next few days the electricity will be put in and the studio will be insulated.

I am dreaming of the day I can move in.

I will have the best view of my garden from this lovely, inspiring building.

Lucky me.

Adrian made this video of the building.

See here for pictures of how it was, 

and here to read about my journey back to being an artist
and here for a reminder about the sale of artwork

Making space for the new

With the creation of my new studio (base has been made- building to start this week) I feel I am entering a new creative era. I am looking forward to create Artist Dolls again, and sculptures, and Artists Books.... and....

New beginnings mean doing some clearing of the "old".

The following Artist Dolls, framed photographs and framed digital images are on sale at a hugely discounted rate. Price mainly consists of post and packaging cost and some cost towards materials like framing or clay. (If you don't have paypall and would like to order any of these works, please contact me for other payment options)

Interested? 

Please read on!

"Book Fairy" Artist Doll,  ©Corina Duyn
45x27x28cm /17.5x10.5x11 inch

The Book Fairy, is a fairy who comes to life out of a story book, again an Artist Doll (as apposed to a doll one can play with). She represents all the magic that goes on between the book covers.

€100 including postage to anywhere in Ireland- €120 outside of Ireland.

Sold

"Yona" Artist Doll © Corina Duyn

58x50cm / 23x20 inch

Yona is an Artist Doll I started in the summer I became ill ('98). She was finished in 2003 just before my first exhibition in the Market House Art Centre in Dungarvan.

Made out of clay, wire, and lead. 

For me she celebrates life.

Sold 

"Growth" Photographs- framed ©Corina Duyn
75x38cm / 29.5x15 inch

 "Growth" is a triptych of photographs, observing the growth of a sunflower.
A bright happy image.
€50 including postage to anywhere in Ireland- €75 outside of Ireland

Destination

within Ireland €50.00 Outside of Ireland €75.00

"Movement" Photograph -framed ©Corina Duyn
33x40cm / 13x16 inch

"Movement" a framed photograph of the impression left by the waves on Ardmore beach.

€40 including postage to anywhere in Ireland- €50 outside of Ireland

Destination

within Ireland €40.00 Outside of Ireland €50.00

"Protection I" digital art-photograph-framed © Corina Duyn
(framed size) 36x32cm / 14x12.5 inch

"Protection I" Digital image- photograph

At the start of the illness I felt that my life had been reduced to that comparable to an egg. Also with the possibility of growth- a new life.
€40 including postage to anywhere in Ireland- €50 outside of Ireland

Destination

within Ireland €40.00 Outside of Ireland €50.00

"Protection II" digital art-photograph-framed © Corina Duyn
(framed size) 36x32cm / 14x12.5 inch

"Protection I" Digital image- photograph

Similar thoughts as behind "Protection I"

€40 including postage to anywhere in Ireland- €50 outside of Ireland

Destination

within Ireland €40.00 Outside of Ireland €50.00

If you don't have paypall and would like to order any of these works, please contact me for other payment options