Kari Haines
The Alchemy of Doll Making
The process of creating a doll is a magical practice for me.
Kari Haines is a name that stands out in New Brunswick’s art scene of New Brunswick, especially for her unique approach to doll making. Blending mysticism with traditional craft, the owner of A Witch's Wool transforms wool into not just dolls but symbols of divine archetypes, infusing each creation with deep spiritual significance. Her work is a deep dive into the Divine Feminine, meticulously tracing the stages of Maiden, Mother, and Crone. This transformative process not only breathes life into materials but also facilitates personal healing and spiritual discovery. In this intimate revelation, Kari, shares insights into her artistic journey, her creative processes, and the unexpected sources of inspiration that shape her distinctive artworks.
"The process of creating a doll is a magical practice for me," she says, highlighting wool's unique energy properties—5000 hertz, significantly higher than organic cotton's 100 hertz. This high frequency makes wool an exceptional medium for her energy work, encapsulating the essence of Maiden, Mother, and Crone throughout the doll's creation.
Channeling the Divine Feminine
Kari's creative journey begins with an invocation of the Maiden archetype, tapping into the whimsical and imaginative spirit of her inner child. "Ever since I was a little girl, I have always been drawn to stories of gods, goddesses, dragons, mermaids, any type of mythical being really," she shares. This initial stage is not just about creation but also healing, as Kari allows her inner child to manifest mystical beings from dreams to reality—a therapeutic reprieve from her chronic pain conditions.
As the creation progresses, the Mother archetype takes over. This phase is about form and connection, where Kari sculpts life into the wool, creating detailed anatomical features with precision and care. "They have a face only a mother could love," she jokes about the transformative and sometimes awkward stages of her dolls' development. This stage is profoundly intuitive, relying on clairaudience and clairvoyance to finalize each doll's unique characteristics.
The final touches are guided by the Crone, who provides wisdom on what needs enhancement or redoing. "Wool is such a forgiving medium," Kari notes, emphasizing the Crone’s teaching that there are no mistakes, only opportunities to learn and improve. This culminates in a ceremonious conclusion where the doll is ready to fulfill its purpose in the material world, often involving shamanic journeys to deepen Kari's personal healing and spiritual practices.
Inspiration from the Unexpected
When asked about her sources of inspiration, Kari reveals a unique perspective influenced by costume jewelry. She repurposes old jewelry into ornamental and protective gear for her dolls, transforming overlooked items into key components of her creations. "I see a necklace or bracelet and think about how it would look as a headpiece or a belt on one of my dolls," she illustrates, highlighting her innovative approach to recycling and creativity.
Navigating Artistic Challenges
Kari openly discusses the hurdles she faces, including imposter syndrome, procrastination, and maintaining physical stamina. Her strategy involves tackling these challenges head-on, creating at a manageable pace and maintaining a flexible workflow. Reflecting on her progress and the evolution of her skills keeps her motivated and confident in her craft.
Evolution of Style and Technique
Over the years, Kari's dolls have evolved from simple poppets to complex altar dolls, enriched by her continuous learning and experimentation with anatomy and needle felting techniques. "I just kept looking for ways to breathe more life and realism into them," she explains. Her dedication to perfecting her craft has allowed her to create increasingly detailed and realistic figures, celebrating each new skill as a milestone in her artistic journey.
The Role of an Artist in Society
For Kari, art is indispensable to society. "I can’t imagine a society without art—it’s quite depressing to even try," she says adding art provides a vital reflection of human spirit and diversity, essential for societal evolution and inspiration.
Kari Haines's work is a testament to the transformative power of art, weaving together ancient archetypes, personal healing, and creative innovation to produce pieces that are not only visually captivating but also spiritually significant. Her journey underscores the profound impact that art can have on personal growth and community connection, making her a distinctive voice in the tapestry of New Brunswick's cultural richness.
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