A Spellbinding Kitchen Witch – Hannah

Hannah the Kitchen Witch

A Magical Culinary Companion

Hannah the Kitchen Witch uses her grimoire (recipe book) and wand to help you make the most delicious, love-filled recipes you’ve ever made.

Detail Pics of Our Kitchen Witch

The Backstory

My Nana was getting interested in these You-Do-You Voodoo™ art dolls around the time I made Hannah the Kitchen Witch. Nana would come over to the table and just look or ask me what surprises I had hidden in the doll. Hannah’s details were inspired by Nana’s curiosity. What could I add to this kitchen witch that would delight Nana?

I think it worked, because Nana sure was partial to Hannah.

“Hannah the Kitchen Witch” from Beginning to End

The Beginning and the End

Every doll except for my very first ones have one of these Creation Sheets. They start with a sketch of the art doll’s body. As the journey progresses, I write down the thoughts and feelings that cross through me (but aren’t “mine”) all the way to the finished doll. I hope that these small bits resonate with her future caregiver.

Ever so often though, I feel that a message is for me too. One thing I’ve learned from tarot reading is it is quite common for two people to be in the same space at the same time. It only makes sense that what I’m experiencing, someone else is, too.

Description

The Creation Sheet of the kitchen witch showing the initial sketch and miscellaneous things that came into the artist’s head while building the You-Do-You Voodoo™ art doll. “Eye of the Tiger”, “Best of my Love” and “spooky” are some of the written notes. There’s a line to measure the doll’s head circumference and other things that may or may not (but usually do) mean something to her caregiver.

Rocks = Soup

The mostly red McDermitt sunset brecciated jasper reminds me of a chicken and vegetable soup with tomato broth. The opal and agate inclusions are the seasonings. Mostly salt because soup needs quite a bit of salt. Along those lines, the speculite (aka black hematite) would be the pepper. I may have overdone it with the pepper.

Really though, as much as soup relates to the kitchen witch, these stones have other meanings suitable for Hannah. They’re explained in the Artist’s Statement below.

Description

The art doll on her Creation Sheet in the early stages. Here you see the stones bound to the armature with inset images of jasper and speculite.

Muscle and Skin with a Sassy Pose

Hannah is rather bossy. She likes things her way and isn’t afraid to use her wand to adjust a seasoning or two. At this point, you can see her raised knee and arms that look like they should be doing something. Eventually, Hannah holds a grimoire (or recipe book, depending on who you’re talking to) and a magic wand (or stick to stir the soup).

Description

This image is a glimpse into the creation process, showcasing the intricate layering of her body with a white “muscle” layer of quilt batting followed by a multi-colored “skin” layer of yarn.

My Eyes! My Eyes!

At this stage of Hannah’s build, I decided she should have some eyes. The yellow-headed pins mark the spot.

Eyes are an unusual feature for a You-Do-You Voodoo™ doll. I typically keep their faces clear so their caretaker can project their own ideas onto the doll. I’ve made several art dolls since, and no one else has eyes.

Hannah’s clothes are almost done, but I filled out her skirt and added some jewelry. And then there was the oven mitt and the grimoire with herbal codes and the awesome little wand. And her hair. I almost forgot to mention her awesome hair!

Description

This image foretells Hannah’s eyes.

You see Nana’s kitchen in the background. Chickens on the fridge, dishes drying by the sink.

A Little Magic from Our Kitchen Witch

I didn’t take many pictures after that last one, so I thought I’d share this cute little video of her spreading magic in the kitchen.

AI Art of Our Kitchen Witch, Hannah

AI made a picture of Hannah looking out her window. I’m not really sure what that grouping is out there on the road, but I imagine it to be the rest of her coven.

Artist Statement

Hannah, the kitchen witch, emerges from the intersection of folklore, spirituality, and domestic arts, reflecting my fascination with the kitchen as the heart of the home. This piece celebrates age-old traditions while exploring the shadow aspects of domesticity, blending them with modern materials to create a figure of protection and empowerment.

In crafting Hannah, I chose materials that resonate with my artistic process of slipping off into a place of no time, no worry, and no depression or PTSD. Her body, formed with sunset brecciated jasper and black hematite, embodies the grounding and nurturing qualities I seek in my art. These stones serve as a conduit for exploring the shadow self.

Hannah’s design is both whimsical and intentional, evoking the image of a wise woman or witch, yet free from stereotypes. She represents an empowering presence in the kitchen, guiding those who embrace her towards culinary creativity and domestic harmony. The grimoire she holds symbolizes the passing down of wisdom through generations, while her wand serves as a tool of transformation – both in the kitchen and in life’s journey of self-discovery.

Through Hannah the Kitchen Witch I aim to bridge the gap between past and present, offering a modern take on a beloved folk figure. This piece invites viewers to connect with their own traditions, finding comfort in the rituals of cooking and embracing the protective energies Hannah embodies. In a world that often feels chaotic, Hannah stands as a reminder of the power of home and hearth, encouraging us to embrace our shadows to reveal our light.

This piece, like my other works, was a form of art therapy. It allowed me to transform the energies of unresolved traumas into something beautiful and empowering. Hannah represents the integration of shadow and light, projecting the calm that comes from being whole.

AI Critique

Hannah the Hearth Guardian

Style and Medium

“Hannah, the Kitchen Witch” is an intricately designed art doll that merges elements of folk art, fiber art, and contemporary craft. The use of varied textures and materials, particularly yarn, lace, and fabric, draws on the rich tradition of textile arts, with a distinctly modern twist. The overall aesthetic is whimsical yet imbued with a certain depth, suggesting both a playful and protective nature, common in the portrayal of “kitchen witches” across various cultures.

Composition and Technique

The artist demonstrates a masterful use of mixed media, particularly in the crafting of the doll’s body, hair, and accessories. The detailed stitching and layering of materials in the doll’s dress create a sense of both volume and texture, mimicking the rich, luxurious fabrics associated with traditional witch attire. The choice of dark, velvety fabric for the skirt contrasts beautifully with the lighter, intricate lace bodice, creating a harmonious balance in the doll’s attire.

The face of the doll is particularly interesting, woven from multi-colored yarn that suggests a subtle, abstracted visage rather than a realistic one. This choice allows the doll to maintain a sense of mystique, aligning with the archetype of a witch as an enigmatic and magical figure. The tightly curled, black yarn hair adds to this sense of mystery, while also giving the figure a sense of vitality and character.

Hannah’s accessories, such as the small book and what appears to be a stirring utensil, reinforce her identity as a “kitchen witch.” These objects are carefully crafted and serve not only as props but as symbolic elements that add to the narrative of the doll. The attention to detail in these accessories further emphasizes the artist’s skill and dedication to their craft.

Thematic Content

The concept of a “kitchen witch” is a powerful one, often linked to folklore where such figures are believed to protect the home and hearth, bring good luck, and ward off evil spirits. Hannah embodies these traditions, yet her design also suggests a modern reinterpretation. The “You-Do-You Voodoo™” branding adds a layer of contemporary relevance, perhaps suggesting that this figure is not just a guardian of the kitchen but also a symbol of personal empowerment and self-reliance.

The handmade quality of the doll enhances its uniqueness, offering a sense of warmth and familiarity. It connects the viewer to the long history of handmade crafts, particularly those created by women, and their roles in domestic and magical spheres.

Emotional and Symbolic Impact

Hannah exudes a charm that is both endearing and slightly mystical. Her expressionless face invites viewers to project their own emotions onto her, making her a versatile figure in the home. The combination of various textures and materials invites touch, making her not just a visual piece but a tactile one as well. The layered symbolism of the kitchen witch as a protector and a bringer of good fortune adds to the emotional resonance of the piece.

Conclusion

“Hannah, the Kitchen Witch” is a delightful and thought-provoking work of art. Through skillful craftsmanship and thoughtful design, the artist has created a figure that is both rooted in tradition and brimming with contemporary relevance. This art doll is not only a beautiful decorative object but also a powerful symbol of home, protection, and personal empowerment.

Art Specs