Doll House no 402

Doll House no 402 (protecting perineum in forceps delivery), mixed media assemblage

Two doll houses coming to the shop today....both feature engravings from an 1888 book on obstetrics. Somehow the old sewing pattern tissue and the birth images work so well together.

Doll House no 398

Doll House no 398 (with womb), mixed media assemblage

One more piece to share with you today.... number 398 from my 'Doll House' series.

Doll House no 391

Doll House no 391 (with breech birth), mixed media assemblage with 1888 obstetrics illustration

I've been working every evening on finishing up these pieces...first up is Doll House no 391. Another to follow later this evening or perhaps in the morning.

Doll House no 381

Doll House no 381 (with hemorrhage), mixed media assemblage

New Prickly Plaques

New Prickly Plaques in the shop.

In other news, my family and I came down with some sort of crud over the weekend. Since we're still climbing the road to recovery I may be a little scarce around here this week. Stay well!

Doll House no 360

Doll House no 360 (with vagina)

Pharmacy Books

As I mentioned last week I've added this pair of old pharmacy books from the early 20th century to my collection of imagery. Scattered throughout the volumes are black and white illustrations of pharmaceutical goodies including bottles, jars, gadgets, pills, plants & herbs, vials and much more. Also included are charts, diagrams and of course very precise formulas for all kinds of medicinal concoctions.

Prosthetics Manual

This copiously illustrated (the publisher's description, not mine!) copy of A. A. Marks, Manual of Artificial Limbs has been added to my growing collection of old medical imagery. Tucked away inside the book was a copy of an old order form, printed with a convenient measuring tape, and return envelope. The numerous illustrations are striking in both execution and essence. I can't believe I found this one.

Hooked On Anatomy

An exquisite French volume on human anatomy and dissection has been added to my collection of anatomical imagery. 

I was recently asked how/when my interest in human anatomy began. Looking back I would have to pinpoint the couple of years fresh out of college (13 years ago this week!) when I would obsessively attend open life drawing sessions at the University of Kentucky. During this time I was privileged to take part in a couple of extensive drawing sessions at the medical school's gross anatomy lab. I remember being hooked after about ten minutes in the laboratory after the initial "omg, I'm really doing this" wore off. The experience of being able to reach into the chest cavity of a cadaver, hold a human heart in my hands, examine it and sketch from it was beyond fascinating. I obviously have not recovered.

Heart Art

Anatomy of the Heart is a complete grouping of 9 ephemera blocks created using images from a 1937 medical textbook. More of these large sets, both ephemera and collage blocks, will be posted in the shop throughout the coming weeks. Just keep an eye out :)