Brenna Busse Minneapolis
www.brennabusse.com
rebusa@bitstream.net
rebusa@bitstream.net
2011 Art FairsArtist Statement
The first doll I made twenty three years ago, was a prayer for a child.
Inspired by folk cultures that saw dolls as reflections of the human spirit and as a vehicle for magic; I made a small, crude, wrapped doll and put it under my pillow. When I became pregnant, and as my daughter’s body grew in mine, I continued to make dolls. Creating inward, manifesting outward – I began a journey that has woven my art and my life together. Over the years, I have made hundreds of dolls. They have become my guides, my source of income, a great joy! Both the materials and the processes that I use to create contribute to the meaning and the healing qualities of my art. For example, I use felt fabric to construct the bodies of my figures. Felt is made from natural fibers, wool that seems alive – and brings a comfort, not only physically, but also spiritually. When I add the colorful circle to the figure, I use the dry felt technique. Using a barbed needle and piercing the wool roving again and again, it condenses the fiber and felts them onto the surface of the figure. It is focus and persistence that leads to transformation. As these hundreds of dolls that I have made, are seen and purchased by hundreds of people, I hear first hand their reactions to my work. Sometimes it is a raised eyebrow, or a joyful smile. Other times a laugh out loud – and those who are moved to tears. Always, there is a connection: of materials that are familiar, of form and face that are recognized or reflected. BIO This year is the 30th anniversary of my beginning journey into art making. About 23 years ago, I found the "doll" form -- and my life changed forever! It is also the 20th year of presenting my work in the network of juried art fairs and festivals across the nation, that has allowed me to make a living doing my art. Please check my website to see my schedule: www.brennabusse.com The rigors of constantly creating and selling has helped me keep my work fresh and ever changing. I love to experiment with new materials and the risk taking that involves.I live with my husband, Dan in our South Minneapolis home, with our little white dog, Fin. My daughter, who has inspired so much of my art -- is off creating her own life. All is well. GALLERIES Grand Hand Gallery 619 Grand Ave St. Paul, MN 55102 www.thegrandhand.com Seasons on the St. Croix 401 Second StHudson, WI 54016 www.seasonsonstcroix.com ART RELATED ACTIVITIES since 2006 mentor, through WARM mentor program/ Mentor Program Committee since 2001 Teaching classes: Articulture, Mpls; Summer Arts, Bloomington, MN since 1992 Member of Art Fair Committee, Powderhorn Art Fair. Mpls. MN since 1988 Artist participant in various regional, juried, fine art/craft shows since 1982 Free-lance artist maintaining private studio, Minneapolis, MN PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND AFFILIATIONS Women’s Art Registry of Minnesota Wisconsin Designers Craft Council Textile Center of Minnesota EDUCATION 1985 University of Minnesota -- Bachelor’s Degree: Studio Arts/Family Social Science, Women’s Studies 1983-84 WARM Mentor program protegee with Sally Brown 1980-83 Feminist Art Workshop -- Sally Brown Studio, St. Paul, MN 1979-83 Private Art Instruction -- Elizabeth Erickson | Sacred Circle Dolls
The images submitted are several of the dolls in the series: Sacred Circles. These pieces are a celebration of life, symbolized by the figure with birds. I began this series in February of this year, months into a long, cold Minnesota winter. The only movement and color in the frozen landscape were the birds coming to my backyard feeder. These figures are my praise song to the birds and the joy they bring to life. The birds are also metaphor for aspect of self – and the joyous representation of spirit.
Balance Felt fabric, clay, dry felt, paint 2010 26 x 20 x 4" approx. $300.00
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