from paper to metal to paper

words... 

offerings - photo book - mjdodd 

they have always been important to me - as a child, i would read through my grandparents' bartlett's book of quotations. i was fascinated by how people had lived & what they spoke about, what others have felt is important to be remembered and referred to. 

when i first started blogging, i would share words that had inspired me in the making of adornment. 

but then i started sharing my own thoughts on the work - and how the work shaped the words. 

simple phrases would have larger descriptions.

mjd 2015 offering bowl

then larger passages made their way onto metal work - at the prompting of an online peer. 

mjd 2015 offering bowl

first set in bowls and then made into wall plaques.

mjd 2016 wall plaque

mjd 2016 wall plaque

and now it comes back to the written word - and pages of my own. i have compiled two books of my writings - one with photos of the work, one a traveler's companion. my hope is that the traveler's companion will be put in a pocket or backpack or such and get worn, written in, pages folded - used. 

mjd 2016 photo book cover

mjd 2016 offerings - interior spread

mjd 2016 offerings - back

it is here that i feel most vulnerable, for the compositions in words come from the heart and spirit. nothing is hidden and it is definitely non-fiction. but so too is it sincere, with a deep desire to connect from a place of love and understanding - to foster peace and compassion. 


*** so it seems my comment boxes on the blog are missing - if you need to reach me you can do so at mairedodd@gmail.com *** thanks!

going deeper

leaf - mjd 2013

one of the things i love best about maturing as a crafts person

is the understanding you gain about yourself

and how you relate to others.

leaf - mjd 2013

which is naturally also the insight you gain

as a maturing person,

with the application of different materials 

but not necessarily different methods.

the tender heart

mjd - 2013

in our (mistaken) attempt to guard the heart
against vulnerability 
and pain,

mjd - 2013

we can isolate it 

from tenderness

and connection.

peace project

snowfall on flags

as some of you may know (and some of you may not), last year i became involved in an incredibly rewarding peace project with some friends. 

here's what it is all about - 

the international day of peace is celebrated on sept. 21st. with that goal date in mind, makers from all over the world created their interpretation(s) of a peace flag and shared it on the blog.

but it isn't just about the goal date - it's about your day-to-day experience.  and anyone can be a contributor.

and it isn't just about flags - it's about anything you want to share to propagate peace, kindness and understanding. we love to see how you express those ideas in your work.

and if you didn't see the work that was produced last year, i encourage you to have a look - it was inspiring and moving.

we would love to have you there in any capacity you are comfortable with - as a maker, a viewer, a writer, a reader - all are welcome and appreciated.

the blog 

- photo by fiona dempster

make your own ripple

'it is from numberless diverse acts of courage and belief

that human history is shaped.

each time a man stands up for an ideal, 

or acts to improve the lot of others,

or strikes out against injustice,

he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope.'

~ robert francis kennedy

this small stream running down my street is what is left over from the accumulations of a  blizzard and the storm of this past weekend... the ripples, though small, move significant amounts of water... their effort is steady... they move over and around obstacles... 

in any size, great or small, create a ripple today ~