Jean Bell Mackenzie's photostream

Jean Bell Mackenzie

Emerging Mixed Media Fiber Artist
Saskatchewan, Canada



Two Tree Gallery is pleased to present her American Debut


About her art Jean says:

I’m entirely self-taught so nothing gets in the way of creating. I’ve been working with fiber since my mother realized she could place my diapered bottom in a corner with a ball of string and I would happily create for hours.

Conjuring art is a passionate necessity for me where I find both joy and solace. My artistic strength is my overwhelming sense of whimsy and curiosity. They run willy-nilly bursting though all doors, chattering with delight and believing all things are possible. For me inspiration is unending and the challenge is to channel it before it carries me away. I think that while the body of my work grows and morphs it always reflects aspects of the shared journey of those women who enrich my life. It is their influence that is reflected in my Art Doll Needle Felted Sculptures.

My Art Dolls are about drawing from the rich, diverse vibrancy of the feminine experience and translating that into a visual form. Utilizing the very fibers that have been in the domain of woman throughout history is an intrinsic connection for me. Through this art form I take my place among the generations of mothers and daughters who have worked in fiber and fabric out of necessity and creativity.

I often start a collection with some direction in mind but in the quiet moments of creating it is the materials and the creation itself who direct me. I find it works best if I just get out of the way and let Art happen.

All my Sculptors are original one-of-a-kind works of art. I often work in series and will revisit a theme to express new forms as they call to me. The basic construction and surface design are done with the technique known as needle felting. I work primarily in any form of fiber from right off the sheep’s back to vintage and modern textiles. I wash, comb, dye and paint natural fibers using edible dyes and fabric paint. Each unique doll face is an original design cast in my private recipe air-dry clay.

I embellish with found objects . . . found on a walk through a mall, the woods, the beach or a thrift store or wandering though a friends odds and ends drawer, if it catches my eye it’s going to find a home in one of my creations. From whimsical to surreal and powerful to sublime I send my creations out into the world to speak to you as they have to me. What do you hear?

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