Hi, my name is Smadar Gerlich and this Is the first time I am writing something to publish.
I'm leaping into the deep water without knowing how to swim,hoping at least to float in the
beginning, and afterwards, If I am successful, to swim artistically
beginning, and afterwards, If I am successful, to swim artistically
(This is not a blog about swimming,though....it is about the art of paper mache.)
A short story about myself:
Following the birth of my third child (This was 20 years ago),I announced:
Following the birth of my third child (This was 20 years ago),I announced:
From here on, I am going to create things with my hands.
I wasn't sure what things, but I'm one of those people that knew at an early age,
that they are destined to create.
I wasn't sure what things, but I'm one of those people that knew at an early age,
that they are destined to create.
With the encouragement of those around me, I understood that I am pretty good at it.
In a nutshell, I said that on the day that my youngest child walks through the preschool
door, I would sit down at the worktable and begin creating.
An ironclad commitment, Isn't it?
In a nutshell, I said that on the day that my youngest child walks through the preschool
door, I would sit down at the worktable and begin creating.
An ironclad commitment, Isn't it?
My husband took my words seriously, and presented me with a beautiful worktable,
and so I began to work.
and so I began to work.
For a whole year I experimented with different materials.
I showed off " my creations" on a regular basis,in order to received feedback from
my environment, and to learn how to improve them.
my environment, and to learn how to improve them.
One day, a group of French tourists, arrived at the home of my neighbor, Annie.
She told them that they could buy gifts from me, and called me,asking me
to bring whatever items I had, to her porch.
.
I was embarrassed and confused, since I had never sell anything.
But Annie quickly dismissed my misgivings and said "just come over".
They were really enthusiastic about what they saw, and bought everything!
I remember objects and money exchanging hands. The rest is a little hazy...
That was years ago.
Today I have my own comfortable studio in the basement of my home,
and in it, I create objects from paper mache, which I market through various stores.
My "big love" though, is for figurines.
I create, for the most part, figures of curvy,graceful women, with small
tummies and hips,much like real women look like.
Even my bride and groom figures are far from being " Barbie and Ken".
They're curvaceous, with generous bottoms and round tummies,
and they're smiling, satisfied with themselves.
One of my most successful figures is "The opera Diva".which I eventually paired
with "Pavarotti" as her partner.( perhaps I will find the courage to show you
my first figurines).
I've become aware, as the years go by, that the figures I create, are favored
by people that catch the humor, I like to call it, that emanates from them.
They fall in love with the characters at first sight,while others look
at them with indifference.
How fortunate that the world is so diverse, and that there's room for everyone!
I've written quite a lot here, without even realizing it...
I really feel like I have so much to say and share with you.
If you've enjoyed reading this and have any comments or insights,
I would love to hear from you.
Just click on the "contact" button, on this page.
Would you like to receive a picture of my dolls on a postcard?
I'd be happy to send you one, if you leave your name and address
in the space provided!
Yours,
Smadar Gerlich
.
