Julie R. Neidlinger: Lone Prairie Art Works

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An art review of childish things.

written by Julie R. Neidlinger 0 comments link this post

My friend sent me a link to a review of a Minneapolis art show.

The review is quite a read. One of a the reviewer being unimpressed with the show. What caught my eye (and the reason behind the sending of the link to me) is the little stuffed creation at the top of the page.

It's cute.

In my reply email thanking her for the link, I briefly mentioned my own foray into the world of plushies and bizarre "toys" that grown-ups are more attracted to than kids.

"I'm not a good sewer. That puts some sand in the developmental and final product gears. Bah."

Kids seem to like normal, cute toys. Grown-up women seem to prefer the bizarre "toys" that I've made. It's a curiousity to me. Perhaps it all ties into a recent book on grown-ups, but I'm not so sure it's that easy. I like the strange-looking creations myself (which is why I make them). I also make them with "mouths" so that they can sit on desks and hold pencils or candy or business cards, two plushies I know for a fact are serving just such a purpose. The Neglectable Pets each come with a story, and people seem to get a kick out of the stories and "personalities." So, story and function, all in piece of squishy, soft, sewed fun.

Yes, it's a curiosity to me.

As is the show that this reviewer panned.