Again, I used the head of one of my old hand puppets from the classical German “Kasperle” puppet theater, the “Princess.” In the “Kasperle” universe, the role of the Princess is to be a good royal person, to be orderly and well-behaved, but foremost and ultimately to be courted and married by the Prince.

For this piece, I changed the passive character trades of the Princess into active ones, so she can make her own decisions and follow her own rules and dreams. Therefore, the title “First Love” can also be read as “first: LOVE” as the collaged words suggest.

I constructed the body from various aluminum kitchen molds and utensils and crocheted layers of flounces to lace the armor-like dress. I added strawberry themed elements to tie in the symbols of love and passion as well as a bird for freedom and new beginnings.

Mixed media assemblage: 1960s German vinyl puppet head, vintage doll arms, vintage aluminum baking dishes and cooking utensils, 1940s Wolverine lidded tin can, vintage cotton yarn, vintage lampwork glass earring, antique porcelain salt shaker, vintage miniature wicker basket, vintage glass button, found bottle caps, metal hardware, felt, wire, fishing cord, wood beads, magazine clippings. Pieces measure 14.5” x 8” x 8”