Jennifer Rydwansky

Bottle Doll Conflicting Desires
mixed: glass bottle, light bulb, fabric, paper, candy, acrylic
11 x 4 x 4 in.

My dolls are greatly influenced by the artwork of Haitian Voodoo and the use of bottles in the spiritual practices of the religion and also by the spirit jars used in funerary practices of early African slaves in America. The idea of a bottle turned into a figure was inspired by the funerary jars found in the tombs of ancient Egypt.

My dolls are vessels adorned or filled with objects significant in giving some information about the characters they represent or the stories they have to tell. Each piece is made from found objects and created parts. Some stand on their own while others are musical rattles made to involve interaction with the viewer.

© Jennifer Rydwansky