Escape at Twilight by Vanessa Valencia, mixed media on canvas. The woman is running away from a circus tent, carrying only a birdcage and umbrella.
For someone who's never owned a bird, I have a bit of an obsession with birdcages. I was reminded of this today, when my friend Vanessa displayed a wonderful vintage birdcage given to her by her grandfather. At antique fairs, brocantes and flea markets in Paris, I am always on the lookout for vintage birdcages.
As you can see, birdcages are a recurring theme at our apartment: in Vanessa Valencia's painting (above); in Sandra Evertson's birdcage couture doll (below) and Madelyn Mulvaney's photograph of an open vintage birdcage. To me the latter represents freedom and wings to fly.
Birdcage Couture doll by Sandra Evertson, now residing in Paris.
Sandra Evertson's doll was cast in papier mache from a reproduction mould of an antique doll, with most materials at least 100 years old. Her hair is made of curly lambswool. The pale pink ostrich plume came from a Victorian hat, while vintage paste jewels and millinery flowers adorn the rim of her antique tart tin crown.
The bodice of her dress is made of passementerie from a French ball gown, circa 1870. The first flounce of her grand skirt is a vintage bread pudding mold, dusted with touches of baby blue. Her layered tulle skirt was hand-dyed from a white wedding petticoat. Tiny blue velvet flowers are sprinkled over the gown, while silk bows with gold trim enhance the ruffles. The bustle over her ruffles is made of blue silk. And the 1920s bird cage that is her "dress" probably held songbirds! Sandra used old curtain trim with small silk tassels to embellish freshwater pearl ropes gracing her skirt. Perched on its own swing inside the cage is a baby blue bird!
In the bottom of the cage, Sandra pasted a collage of copies of vintage floral wallpaper and a print from a 1779 book Gallerie des Modes et Costumes Francais depicting hair and hat styles of the period. Her "fainting fan" is made from a vintage copper wire Easter egg dying "spoon." It is trimmed with rose pink, curled feathers, antique lace and small blown glass pearls. Sandra suggests using the doll as a revolving display piece, filled with glass perfume bottles or porcelain dolls.
Madelyn Mulvaney's Michaelangelo photograph was a special gift.
what a lovely grouping - and each so different and yet complimentary...
we have a red birdcage - where Tansey (blue) and Kiwi (green) - our resident parakeets sing...
the birdcage with an open door is a very evocative image - many stories come to mind - told by seers and astrologers...
xox - eb.
Posted by: eb | 07 January 2008 at 07:31
Birdcages have always tickled my fancy, as well - and what beautiful ones you have here, Tara - enjoy the beauty!~xOx
Posted by: tinker | 07 January 2008 at 03:52
What treasures! Your home must be one happy place filled with good energy! I would love to see your displays!
Like you, I admire Vanessa and Sandra's art very much!! Thank you for introducing me to Madelyn too!
Posted by: rochambeau | 05 January 2008 at 19:27
no way! i am looking for a large rectangular one to give the once over....passed one up at the tailgate show this year and have regretted it ever since.
looks like your holiday was grand! i am hoping to make it back to paris this year. maybe you can tell me how you made it over there to stay!
Posted by: designdna | 05 January 2008 at 02:00
Great birdcages. I love the couture doll. What a find!
Posted by: boliyou | 04 January 2008 at 22:56
What a collection you have here! Thank you for sharing with us...
drooling over here....
x...x
Posted by: stephanie | 04 January 2008 at 01:19
Oh you are representing some of my favorite people here today!!! I could just move right in your apartment you know...and feel right at home. Maybe I could be a oiseau?
Posted by: phyllis | 03 January 2008 at 23:21
Oh, the new banner is Fabulous! Love the red tower!
Thank you for mentioning my doll, lucky little doll! I mean really, SHE now lives in Paris!
And Vanessa's work is simply Delicious! The open cage by Madelyn,send me off to dreaming.....
Sandra Evertson
Posted by: Sandra Evertson | 03 January 2008 at 18:46
I have this same feeling about bird cages..I have a few in my home and love them in works of art...but I'm not a bird lover!! Maybe it's that "gilded cage" thing Tara!! We both believe in freedom...
I love both Vanessa's and Sandra's work...have admired for some time...and while I have some of Vanessa's work I have none of Sanrdra's, but I'm loving the doll you have!!
Posted by: Cherie | 03 January 2008 at 18:38
Swooooooon!!! I love birdcages as well. I just adore them. What is it about them that is so mysterious and intriguing? I have several and wonder, why would I need another, but can't resist at all. I LOOOOOOOVE your treasures. You are the goddess of treasures! I mean the complete GODDESS of everything lovely and wonderful! xoxoxoxo
Posted by: A Fanciful Twist | 03 January 2008 at 16:36
Very interesting art piece. ;)
Posted by: Becky | 03 January 2008 at 15:09
Isn't Sandra amazing - she really is inspirationally creative!!
Posted by: All Things Bright and Beautiful | 03 January 2008 at 10:33
Oh, that top doll-cage is too much! How adorable.
I have always loved this last picture...You have shown it a long time ago, right? I feel like I have seen it for sure. It makes me smile, makes me feel full of promis.
:)
Posted by: Amber | 03 January 2008 at 06:14
Oooh yes - I love birdcages too - what is that about? I actually bought one for myself for Christmas. It's a faux antique one (no bird poo to clean away). I'm a dollmaker - so that stunning pic has given me some inspiration. Have you seen the movie Bridge To Terabithia? Right at the end is this very elegant lady with a birdcage thorax - stunning.
Megan
Posted by: Megan Butel | 03 January 2008 at 00:27
ah - it just took me a while to catch up, but it was well worth it - I have missed this place over the holidays & since I've been gone!! Happy New Year Tara & congrats on your daughter's upcoming wedding!
Posted by: Karen | 02 January 2008 at 23:27
Tara ~ birdcages are my obsession as well ~
they represent daring to imagine a different life ~ and
having the gumption to push the door open and fly out:)
Lovely post:)
(hugs)
Posted by: maddie | 02 January 2008 at 22:41
How strange, I am working on one at the moment - threading vintage lace through the bars - a little tedious but it's looking wonderful. Love all these designs they are stunning.
Posted by: Di Overton | 02 January 2008 at 22:05
I love the shades of blue in the birdcage doll - quite fabulous. Don't forget birdcage veils either though!
Posted by: Passementerie | 02 January 2008 at 21:55
The doll birdcage is glorious. I just love your new header photo too!
Posted by: Kimberly Ann | 02 January 2008 at 19:33
The "Marie Antoinette" birdcage is mind-boggling -- I'm impressed!
Posted by: fleur | 02 January 2008 at 19:24
Oh my gosh! I saw this wonderful creation of Sandra Evertson's (or at least, it's sister) at American Harvest in Pleasanton, CA! It IS a small world! It really is quite a tour de force of artistic assemblage. It reminds me of a fantastical wedding cake.
Posted by: Dorian Fletcher | 02 January 2008 at 19:13
Wonderful artist! Wonderful you for gathering them and forming a gallery for us to admire!
Sandra, Madelyn and Vanessa my hat off to each of you and your unique style!
Posted by: tongue in cheek | 02 January 2008 at 18:44