A quick update: my back is getting better! I have less pain and more mobility. I’m taking it slow and being careful. I promise.
I’ve been wanting to write this post for a long time. In fact, I contacted this artist a while back for permission to write about her. Life intrudes, of course, and its craziness sometimes takes over. Having said that, I have been reading this book:
Have you seen it? It is a fascinating look at artists, what they collect and how they use those finds in their creations. I’d seen this book on a few blogs, most recently at Lisa’s, and it does not disappoint.
There, upon the page, was Joanna Pierotti, the artist I spoke of earlier in this post. The universe has given me a little poke and I am duly reminded.
I don’t know how I first discovered Joanna’s work, though it was most likely during that process of link-hopping in which we all engage. Joanna is a mixed-media artist whose work is simply beautiful. She creates collages, journals and the most heart-stoppingly beautiful art dolls I have ever seen. Art is subjective, of course, and each of us responds differently to it. When I saw one of Joanna’s art dolls, I felt Cupid’s arrow pierce my heart. I couldn’t stop looking at her creations. I scrolled through all her posts – present and past. I haunted her shop. I wrote her a fan letter.
Let me show you some of her work. (All photos are the property of Joanna Pierotti.)
This doll – the one I write this caption for – broke my heart with its beauty. It sold very quickly, of course, so I didn’t even have the chance to contemplate gathering all my spare change to buy it. But you see why I wanted it with all my heart, don’t you? I don’t know if I can explain the feeling I have when I look at this creation, but I’ll try. My heart is touched deep within. I feel a kick to my solar plexus. Some day I will find a way to own one of Joanna’s art dolls. I will be the first one to click ‘buy’ and one of these stunning creations will be on its way to me.
Oh. my. goodness. How does she do it? I don’t know. I do know she is blessed with extraordinary talent.
Joanna has just moved from her home in California to a new home in Arizona. Her husband was critically ill this past year and I hope that their beautiful new home surrounds them with peace and healing.
To see more of her work, please visit Joanna’s blog, JoAnnA’s Art Journal. From there you will be able to visit her Etsy shop, see her art doll archives and view more of her mixed-media creations.
I also wanted to mention the lovely Jen Kershner, of The Cottage Nest, who featured me as her Reader of the Week. Thank you so much, Jen! Please stop by and visit Jen’s lovely blog. I’m a longtime fan.
Thank you for sharing Joanna’s work. I can see why your heart skips a beat!
Claudia, there is something alsmost haunting about the eyes in the dolls almost like they are pleading. Beautiful and I see why you want one. ♥O
Never seen that book but I really love the cover. Looks like a treasure!
~Melanie
http://www.theoldwhitecottageblog.com
Dear Claudia,
Joanna, is a dear friend of mine, and I do own many of her creations, and dolls–I found her some years ago, while blog hopping-like you-and we became friends,-I love her beautifull and fantastic art -that speaks to me, too, and I love her, she is a very dear and loving woman.
(The book is gorgeus)
Warm hugs, Dorthe
Hi Claudia, the timing of this post is so interesting to me–I have recently become obsessed with handmade dolls–soft and others like these! I will be headed over to Joanna’s blog next. I am glad to hear your back is improving–from one back pain sufferer to another–I really know your pain! Linda
What a talented artist, very unique dolls. Again I enjoyed your pictures and post. I am so glad that you are getting better, and thank you for the kind words on my blog! I hope you get one of your dollies soon, they truly are beautiful.
Claudia, I’m so glad that your back is on the mend. I had been thinking about you so that’s good news to hear!
Thank you for sharing this wonderful artist with us. It always amazes me how people can create something like these dolls with their own hands. I love the flowers on the face..so creative. I’ll be sure to drop in and visit her site.
Hugs,
Deanna :D
Claudia….your back!! I am so sorry, I haven’t check on your post lately to find out that you are hurt. Rest, rest….you are probably going crazy. I love the book, I have to get a copy. Take care Rita
thanks claudia. i can’t wait to go check JoAnnA’s blog. wow!! isn’t it wonderful to find something that just inspires you to the core?
congrats on reader of the week!
happy to hear the back is better!! that is good news all the way!
take care
sue
Claudia thank you so much for sharing her talent here. I can’t get over the beauty of her dolls. They are truly stunning creations. I don’t think I’ve seen any lovelier anywhere. I have got to go to her site and see more.
I am so glad you are feeling a little better. It is so hard to be down and behave. But one must heal. Please be careful with yourself dear friend.
hugs to you…
Wow~ Joanna’s dolls are beautiful. I can see why you’re so enchanted by them~
Hugs,
Jill
Claudia, soooo happy to hear that your back is feeling better. Watch out for those holes in the yard!
The dolls are just gorgeous. Yes, I can see why you want one and I’m certain that one day, when I open your blog, I will find a post about the perfect doll that found its way to MHC!!
I will definitely check out the links to Joanna’s blog and shop! … Donna
Oh, I do love Joanna’s work! It is amazing, and awe inspiring!
I haven’t been to her blog for awhile…thank you for reminding me.
Claudia,
Glad you are on the mend. Backs are tricky business especially as we get older (I know you are young!).
Those dolls are just beautiful. I will have to visit her site.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Carol
I’m in love with your second to last photograph – Joanna’s work is stunning! Hope your back feels much better soon, Claudia!
Hugs,
Zuzu
You know what, Claudia? When I first read Joanna’s name, I thought this struck a chord. I clicked over to see, and I was right. When I first started blogging, we interacted a bit. I’d lost track of her. I’m going to get back on track and drool over some of her current art.
Brenda