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, whatever that means, to be orderly and well-behaved, and to live the life of a child until she is courted and married by the Prince or be given to him as a prize.

Here, the Princess embodies the role of an active and self-determined woman who discovers her own desires and sensuality as well as her boundaries. Accordingly, I constructed the body from various aluminum kitchen molds and utensils and crocheted layers of flounces to lace the armor-like dress with softness and sensitivity. The collaged title on her skirt can also be read as a principle: “First: LOVE.” 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.

14.5” x 8” x 8”