I struggle with terms that have been used to describe my art, “ Art Dolls, Figurative Sculptures, Assembled Figures.” As evidenced by the ancient Venus of Willendorf, humans have always had a desire to represent the human form. Miniature figures were created to gain power as well as commune spiritually through religious iconography, voodoo and fertility rites. Figures are created for reasons of modeling behavior and fashion, as toys and to provide entertainment. Artists have also created figures for the challenge and thrill of representing what is essential to ourselves- our bodies. As artists work, realistically or expressionistically, seeing a personality emerge from raw materials is soul stirring.

As a young artist I considered assemblage and photography my art forms. After concentrating on photography for 25 years, I was compelled to follow a more intuitive form of expression. I longed to use tactile and diverse materials as well as varied techniques. Odd, worn and handmade dolls have always fascinated me, so returning passionately to assemblage, I began to focus on the figure.

The wire was covered with tape and paper mache. (I think I didn't really need the paper mache. I then used Aves Apoxy “fix- it” as a "textured skin" over the figure. Glass eyes made the figure come to life.

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Artist Nancy MacBride art doll installation Voluntown, CT

VPT 2010 Art Walk video and some of the art by Robert Rothbard

I work on many pieces at once. Some take years to finish because I wait for the right component - object or inspiration- to find me. If I become blocked as to the next step on a piece, I deliberately shift my attention to another in process piece. While working on the second piece the solution for the first becomes apparent…and so it goes. My art is assembled from found objects- natural and manmade (shells, bones, driftwood, pieces of discarded furniture, worn household items) and combined with materials such as Paperclay, PMC, Aves Apoxy, beeswax, stains, acrylics, wire, paper and fabrics. While working with these materials and objects, I deal with symbolism, construction techniques often through meditative action.

Currently, I am working on a series of altered vessels. My goal is to create a vessel for each letter of the alphabet. Each vessel will have components that pertain to the letter represented by the vessel. The process of working on these vessels is similar to the process of creating the figures.

My sculpture reflects my love of nature, spirituality and objects worn with their own history. Primitive, Folk and Outsider Art, as well as Fine Craft speak to me. I believe artistic inspiration and expression are communication with the Divine Creator and consider creating art to be a part of my spiritual practice.