Being authentic and true is a gift in itself. When we are not believing in who we are and what we can accomplish, we short change our mission on the planet.
In 2001, I decided to enter a porcelain doll I made, into a national competition event in Pamona, California. I had been taking classes at a doll shop in Glendale, Arizona, for the previous four years. I wanted to see how far I could take my artistic skill in modern doll artistry and costume creation. I asked my doll instructor to help me create a doll for competition. The instructor did not want me to compete and discouraged me every week while I made the doll. The foundation of her discouragement came from a bad experience her instructor had in a doll competition. However, my instructor agreed to give me guidance in cleaning the greenware (the stage of the porcelain before it is fired in a kiln) and painting the doll.
Normally, it takes about two months to make a 24 inch porcelain doll. The doll I chose to make was from an original sculpture mold by Donna Rupert, called Chyna. The doll is a Chinese girl. It took me eight months to clean and paint her face, arms and legs. The most tedious part was cleaning the greenware where all holes and imperfections are sanded with fine wet sandpaper made for this type of application. While I made her, I thought of Quan Yin, the Chinese goddess of love and compassion.
Our creations hold the energy we place into them. I encoded into and blessed the doll, that all who gaze upon her will receive love, compassion, forgiveness and healing. I believed this doll was meant to be created and seen by the world. She would have to win the Best of the Best of Show category in order for this to happen.
I created her costume from a red silk brocade I purchased while on a trip to Beijing, China in 1998. After I made the costume, I was guided to a gift shop in Sedona, Arizona. While I walked around the shop, I asked my angels, “Where is the object Chyna is to hold?”. I heard a voice in my mind, “Look up.” There I saw a small brass wind chime with red tassels. I asked the clerk, “What do the inscriptions on the bells mean?” The clerk replied, “This wind chime is dedicated to Quan Yin.” Perfect! I brought Chyna in a box with me to a gift shop at the Chinese Cultural Center in Phoenix, Arizona, to research the type of shoes to make. The clerk looked at my doll and after a few moments of gazing, said, “She’s going to win!”
I didn’t believe my instructor’s discouragement in entering the competition. I remained positive that I could create a doll that could hold the highest energetic vibration of love and healing for anyone to benefit from. I took Chyna to the KM Dolls, Ceramics and Crafts Show. On March 21, 2002, my doll was judged the Best of the Best In Show for modern doll entries. I was interviewed for an international doll magazine. In an article about the Pomona Doll Show, Chyna’s photo image was seen around the world by doll enthusiasts.
Winning the competition helped to change the perspective of my doll instructor. The smile on her face when I returned to Phoenix was proof of her transformation. Other students at the shop began to enter their dolls into local competitions. The doll I made is also a reflection of the mastery and competence of my instructor. I am forever humbled and grateful for her expert guidance that helped me stretch my skills. She gave me an opportunity to believe in myself, and remember to do so, even when others don't.
Blessings and joy!
Barbara Becker
Welcome!! I am so glad that you are here! I'm a Healer and Channel for God's Love, Light, Truth, Beauty, and Inspiration. I hope you enjoy and benefit from the information I share!