I got news that The Fishwife Loves to Dance has been chosen as a finalist in Material Girl - an annual exhibition in Tasmania. She went on show with the opening in Hobart last night.
She is the third in the 'Dolly" series but the only one that has braved exhibition. This is a part of her statement:
She is a 'fishwife' known for her coarse and shrewd tongue, or she may have the attributes of the famous Molly Malone who was an actress by night and sold cockles and mussels by day in Dublin.
Another famous fishwife "Dolly" Peel was regarded a heroine during Victorian England. She was a notorious smuggler and protector of local sailors from the press gang, a hawker of contraband and published poet. Other famous fishwives include "Dolly" Penreath who died in 1777 as the last native speaker of Cornish and Marretje Arents, a Dutch Fishwife sentenced to death as one of 3 instigators and leaders responsible for riot against tax and attempted revolution in 1748;
Our Dolly is one of a range of 'dolly' assemblages exploring what it means to be inherently woman.
Representing everywoman, Our Dolly the fishwife loves to dance, is a sweetheart with an abundant generosity of spirit, fecund of being, rising above the difficulties life throws her. She is full of surprises, often hidden, that are revealed in the discovery of who she might be. Fish being a symbol of abundance and faith represents life and in the engagement of living, that dance of life, no matter what difficulties she is faced with, Dolly is capable of reinventing herself and we know in our heart of hearts everywoman loves to dance.
Notwithstanding the artist's intention or the 'meaning' of a work this does not automatically overrule all possible interpretation.
ASSEMBLAGE:
Porcelain doll's head, wooden fish tail, red heart sweets, an abundance of small shells, re-purposed glass and crystal collectibles, repurposed wooden candlestick holder and wire basket. Pearls and metal flowers.
She is the third in the 'Dolly" series but the only one that has braved exhibition. This is a part of her statement:She is a 'fishwife' known for her coarse and shrewd tongue, or she may have the attributes of the famous Molly Malone who was an actress by night and sold cockles and mussels by day in Dublin.
Another famous fishwife "Dolly" Peel was regarded a heroine during Victorian England. She was a notorious smuggler and protector of local sailors from the press gang, a hawker of contraband and published poet. Other famous fishwives include "Dolly" Penreath who died in 1777 as the last native speaker of Cornish and Marretje Arents, a Dutch Fishwife sentenced to death as one of 3 instigators and leaders responsible for riot against tax and attempted revolution in 1748;
Our Dolly is one of a range of 'dolly' assemblages exploring what it means to be inherently woman.
Representing everywoman, Our Dolly the fishwife loves to dance, is a sweetheart with an abundant generosity of spirit, fecund of being, rising above the difficulties life throws her. She is full of surprises, often hidden, that are revealed in the discovery of who she might be. Fish being a symbol of abundance and faith represents life and in the engagement of living, that dance of life, no matter what difficulties she is faced with, Dolly is capable of reinventing herself and we know in our heart of hearts everywoman loves to dance.
Notwithstanding the artist's intention or the 'meaning' of a work this does not automatically overrule all possible interpretation.
ASSEMBLAGE:
Porcelain doll's head, wooden fish tail, red heart sweets, an abundance of small shells, re-purposed glass and crystal collectibles, repurposed wooden candlestick holder and wire basket. Pearls and metal flowers.
from 
exhibition at the local gallery - 
