I wanted to show a few more pieces from when I was working in fabric.
Many years ago, I saw a film about a woman who was a wheelchair user, called Tell Them I’m A Mermaid. From what I remember, it was her response to when children asked what was wrong with her. It was an enchanting image for me. When I was making fabric art and dolls, I had to make mermaids. Unlike the Little Mermaid, mine would refuse to give up their voices. They’d be vocal and bold, like so many of the women I new who used wheelchairs. I was especially inspired by the director of the Memphis Center for Independent Living, Deborah Cunningham, a woman who has done great work for people with disabilities. She is the owner of one of my first mermaids.
I’ve read that both Bette Midlar and Lady Gaga have performed as wheelchair mermaids, but mine are based solely on the folktale and the women I’ve met and admired.
So here is a parade of 4 of the mermaids I made over a period of about 10 years, with the last one made in 2011. I don’t have pictures of all of them. I think I made about 8 altogether. They are all made of fabric with wire armatures. The wheels are made from embroidery hoops. They include embroidery, quilting and painting.
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| This one’s at the Memphis Center for Independent Living — Deborah Cunningham is in the background |
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| This one I used paperclay to get more detail on the face. I only have this one shot of her. |
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| Lots of stitching on these wheels |
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| Lots of stitching and netting on her tail. |
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| This is the last one I made in 2011 and it just sold last week. She came with her own folktale on the back. |
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| Muriel-The Wiser Mermaid |
Next time, I’ll show my bird women series.
This week, I took a journal idea and turned it into a painting. If you remember my fish out of water post from a few weeks ago, you’ll recognize the composition here. I painted this in acrylic with lots of gold. It’s for sale in my Etsy shop, if you’re interested.
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| Fish Out of Water, Acrylic, 8×10″ |
So it’s all about movement — if you can’t walk, roll. If you can’t stay in your pond, fly on out. What we imagine keeps us floating.
I’m linking this to Paint Party Friday. Thanks for stopping by.
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joy murray art~stories~life 
Wonderfully creative! Happy PPF Joy!
Wow.
Tell them I am a mermaid – what an amazing reframe and I love what you have done with that inspiration. Awesome!
Cute flying fish too.
P.S. Did you know you have word verification/captcha on? It makes it very difficult to comment. I am now on try #3…
Wonderful dolls, dear Joy! Love The story ehind there.
Hugs and HPPF
Erika
I was getting lots of spam, but now I've turned it off. I'd rather delete spam than frustrate friends. 🙂
Joy, your fish out of water is a gorgeous painting, but I am really fascinated by your art dolls in wheelchairs. I volunteer with crafts at a nursing home and everyone is in a wheelchair. I think it may be a convenience for the nursing home, because I know some of them could walk with walkers. I thought the phrase: tell them I'm a mermaid was very clever.
Thanks Faye. Many wheelchair users see them as a liberating devise. We can move about with them, they represent independence. And sometimes, they are safer than a walker.
excellent and original happy ppf
what an inspirational woman-i love that! your mermaids are fabulous-so much intricate detail.
I dont know the story but I assume she found a inspiring way to explain things to children. It's a lovely idea and a wonderufl piece!
Love the dolls, Joy. Also love “tell them I'm a mermaid”. You're so good at what you do!
what beautiful and exquisitely detailed fabric dolls-and I love your story about the inspiration too! Happy PPF!
beautiful and gorgeous dolls, so very unique and special.
Happy PPF and Happy Easter, Annette x
http://nettysartadventures.blogspot.co.uk/
I love your work! The detail is exquisite and the sentiment strong and true. Beautiful
Wow, these mermaids are awesome. All so unique. Congrats on the sale. Happy Easter and PPF and thank you for sharing.
This is an inspiring post, I love your beautiful wheelchair mermaids and your fish out of water, wonderful!
Awesome, beautiful pieces, really original and thought provoking! ❤
Such beautiful loving work! Wow so impressive!!
Hugs Giggles
your wheelchair mermaids are so moving and beautiful as is your fish out of water painting. i am so glad to visit your lovely, inviting blog. thank you for visiting mine.