Surrounded by other small, artsy shops located in Charles North, Baltimore is a quaint art shop filled with beautifully, hand crafted clay dolls constructed by artist Paula Whaley.
Whaley, who never thought herself as an artist, works are sought after globally. Having a hard time dealing with the death of her brother American novelist, James Baldwin; away from the states she ran into a man who told her if she planned to stay on the earth she needed to put her hands into clay. That event changed her life. She found clay to be a healing aspect in her life.
Her work acts as a source of healing, with figurative expression being the primary focus. The art has allowed for her to connect with others who respond to the theme of restoration. So much of her work draws from different characteristics of human experiences, intrigued by the fleeting nature of life, the role of gestures and the subtle merge of elements. The underlying spirit within makes each figure an expression of a deep personal reflection.
When examining the dolls one would notice all of their eyes are closed, in a meditative state. The dolls resemble Whaley herself, but more so a resemblance of African Americans. And in relation to Africa, inside of their clothing are cowrie shells and little Ghanaian symbols: Gye Nyame “Except God” meaning God over all situations and creations.
Knowing the dolls are created through restoration and are targeting groups of individuals who see the figures as a healing measure brings peace because they were designed with God in mind. I believe that is what Whaley wants others to take from her art.
Demi Gough 