I Never Played with Dolls Moving from 2D to 3D
Sheary Clough Suiter I had already begun experimenting with moving my work off the 2D plane by playing with fabric, paper and encaustic to form-free hanging and 3D sculptures. In 2018, I applied for an IEA Project Grant, requesting funding to pursue a new artistic direction. A local gallery had given me carte blanche for a solo exhibition scheduled in 2019, showcasing an experimental body of work that would fill the entire gallery. At the time of the grant application, I had no idea what this installation would look like. As often happens, life takes unexpected turns when a lifechanging event occurs. My father passed at age 87 in August of 2018. The bedroom in my parent’s home, where I stayed for weeks before and after his passing, was filled with my mother's doll collection. While many family members expressed discomfort at sleeping in a room under scrutiny of so many eyeballs, I gave it no thought. After I returned home, I passed by a recycled craft supplies shop that had everything marked 50 percent off. I went inside and was drawn to a back corner with a mishmash of boxes full of porcelain dolls. Some whole, some parts. Knowing that porcelain accepts wax, I bought them all. 60
