Page 26 - Enso Circle Catalog September 2021

About MICHELLE TRACHTMAN

the

Artist

It wasn’t until I was in my 40’s when my “grown up life” became chaotic, that
I found myself looking for a creative outlet. Since that time, working in different
ways with fiber and stitch has been a form of relaxation and meditation for me.

I am a self-taught fiber artist. In the past I have only made art on a part time
basis but during the pandemic, I felt the call to create on a more regular basis.

While being a part of the Enso Circle I found the connection between art and
spirit, and this has provided me with an opportunity to create in a whole new
way.

About “LifeStages” Series WORK #1

HEBE -THE GODDESS OF
the Throughout this residency I focused on learning new skills to make INNOCENCE AND YOUTH. SHE IS THE
DAUGHTER OF ZEUS AND HERA. SHE
female spirit dolls. This series of 3 dolls is made with sticks collected in my
IS THE SMALLEST OF THE DOLLS
AND COVERED IN MOSS
neighborhood, artificial sinew, sea sponge, nests, mosses. They are then
Work clothed with a variety of different fabrics, both commercial and hand painted. WORK #2
AMBIKA-THE FREE SPIRIT OF THE
TEEN YEARS. IN NEPAL-AMBIKA IS
In the “ LifeStages” series each doll represents a woman at different stage of
GODDESS AND IS WORSHIPPED FOR
life. They are not meant to represent the Neopagan Triple Goddesses. They THE NAME OF THE16 YEAR OLD
ONE DAY DURING THE RITUAL OF
are instead named for goddess that represent their approximate ages! Each KUMARI-THE RITUAL OF WORSHIP OF
PREPUBESCENT GIRLS. SHE IS THE
doll is adorned with an owl’s nest to symbolize their wisdom through time. DOLL WITH THE “DANCING” ARMS
DRESSED IN ORANGE-THE COLOR
OF ENTHUSIASM, EXCITEMENT AND,
Making mixed media figurative sculpture created with natural elements helps WARMTH.
me to connect mind, heart, and spirit. Each spirit doll has her own story to tell, WORK #3
leaving endless possibilities for continued creations. AZRAELLE- THE GODDESS OF
LIFE, DEATH, AND REBIRTH -THE
CRONE. HER APPEARANCE IS THAT
OF AN OLDER WISE WOMAN, WHO
IS CONNECTED TO MAGIC. SHE
CARRIES HER STAFF AND IS ALWAYS
WATCHING HER YOUNGER SELVES.

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