Queen

My little Queen (she's about 5 inches tall) was inspired by a spectacular Asmat People's body mask from Southwest New Guinea on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The body mask is basically a mask/costume, probably about 4 to 5 feet tall, and this particular one has so much spirit (you can see it on the Met website).

Basically just her face is reminiscent of the body mask, the rest is all her own. The tiny silver colored beads I used for her head are vintage finds from the astounding Tinsel Trading Company. Her eyes are bits of shell, gifts from a friend. I didn't know she was a Queen until my daughter took one look at her and pronounced her so. An artist friend describes her as a Pineapple Queen because of the shape of her head. I keep thinking she looks like a Screaming Queen.

The Lost Specimens

Thrilled that this piece has been included in the exhibition, An UnNatural History at the T.E.S.T Gallery Space in Toronto Canada. On display through November 2nd, along with fascinating work by 13 other artists working in a variety of media. It's lovely when someone else can describe your work better than you can - here's what they said in an instagram post: "Cynthia Winters reinterprets flora and fauna, both real and imaginary, in her beaded specimens". Wish I had thought of that - and am grateful they did.

Here's the explanation on display with the piece. And, yeah, the photo might look familiar because those are reverse images of the beadwork in the blog banner above.

The Lost Specimens

A collection of curious insect, plant and sea life-like specimens of mysterious origins, perhaps indigenous to another place or age. Examples on display are:

1. Papilio bacatus (beaded butterfly)

2. Vermis ornatus (ornate worm)

3. Lilium vitreus (glass lily)

4. Arbusculus Yosemite (twigs resembling samples found in Yosemite National Park)

5. Fructus secretus (secret fruit)

6. Agave spendidus (splendid agave)

7. Concha dezallier (conch shell similar in appearance to those found in illustrations by

18th century French artist Antoine-Joseph Dezallier d’Argenville.)

Glass beads, sequins, nylon thread, cotton, riker display case, insect mounting pins, paper.

Theatre of Dreams

There is a magical wonderland hidden in the tiny town of Port Costa in Northern California. Artist extraordinaire Wendy Addison has created an enchanting shop space that she calls "Theatre of Dreams" in an 1880's era storefront that also houses the workshop and studio where she creates "Objects for an Imaginary Life". Her beautiful handmade papercraft and mixed media art pieces are on display here along with an assortment of vintage and antique curiosities she has collected and shares for sale, including some beads as well as many other artmaking materials.

The entire visit feels like a dream within a dream - driving along a winding road that ends in a waterside town that seems lost in time, and then the breathtaking shop filled with treasures - and if you are lucky the charming artist herself may wrap up your purchases. Please check the website, as the shop is only open certain days - usually weekends, but many objects are also available on-line, plus she offers info on classes and workshops. Located about an hour northeast of San Francisco and 45 min south of Napa, Port Costa is a perfect place to stop in between. Go!

Theatre of Dreams

11 Canyon Lke Dr. P.O. Box 20

Port Costa, CA 94569

510-672-1900

wendyaddisonstudio.com