It rarely happens now, but long ago it was not unknown for large gnomes and small humans to fall in love and even marry. So lots of us humans have traces of gnome blood in our veins. It is particularly noticeable in children. We have all known at least one who would sit for hours and gaze into imaginary distances dreaming of exotic toadstools and pots of gold at the end of a far off rainbow. These are the children who slip out at night to dance under the moon and stars with the gnomes and fairies.
One such child was Janice Kirkland. She built a bond with gnome and fairy friends and in the process found that they were particularly fond of statues of themselves. Their reasoning was that the statues are a sort of test. If a human habitation displays gnome and fairy figures, the inhabitants must have a warm place in their heart for the little people.
Janice decied to devote her life to being an emissary for gnomes and fairies creating statues that people can place in their homes as a sign of welcome
Intrigued by images of fairy folk and other woodland creatures Janice has combined a lifelong interest in working with clay to sculpt these small forms. While living on Cumberland Island off the coast of Georgia, Janice began experimenting with combining handbuilt clay objects and the myriad of shells and interesting pieces of wood and other debris found in the woods or on the beach. The natural beauty of the surroundings brought to mind the possibility of a multitude of fairy folk around her.
Now two decades later working in her home studio in St. Marys she brings to life unusual clay creatures for others who appreciate nature.
The figures sculpted of natural low-fire clay are fired, stained with acrylic paint, and sealed with acrylic sealer. The colors are weather resistant so many pieces are suitable for outdoor use. Each piece is entirely handsculpted and a unique creation. They cannot be exactly duplicated since no molds are used.
The sculptures are sold at craft shows and through selected shops and galleries. Due to the fragility of the pieces no orders are shipped by mail. So, if you happen to see one you like, "catch" it before it's gone. A gnome in one's home or garden lends a touch of whimsy and sense of harmony with nature.
