LIBERTY and JUSTICE: A Cautionary Tale in the Land of the Free
What happens when a pair of lost citizens wander in the deep dark woods in search of a new leader? In this satirical take-off of the traditional folk tale “Hansel and Gretel”, the wordless story follows protagonists Liberty and Justice as they negotiate the challenges of today’s unique political landscape, while being shadowed by a persistent Twitter bird.
After about a year filming in the basement, where our animation stage is set up, my husband Rob Goldsborough and I are thrilled to share the fruits of our labor! It’s the first large joint artistic/technical venture we’ve undertaken in over 40 years together. We used stop-motion animation to create the narrative, spending countless hours manipulating and photographing the characters and props so that they appear to move on their own when the series of frames is played in fast sequence. After the filming and editing was completed, we commissioned Cape Cod based Stellwagen Symphonette to write and produce the musical score and sound effects. So, we can truly say that Liberty and Justice is a home grown effort!
I hope that you enjoy the movie! It can also be viewed and readily shared on YouTube here.
Props and characters from “Liberty and Justice” animation
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HAPPY NEW YEAR! As time ushers us into 2026, I want to express my appreciation to all of you who follow this blog and take an interest in my work and life as an artist. As we enter its 17th year, I marvel at the constant influx of new subscribers every day! I hope that my words and photos inspire you to create your own artistic life. The blog format may have faded in popularity compared to other social media platforms, but an in-depth and thoughtful approach is more in keeping with my style of working. This is where you’re more likely to find out about what I do and why I do it, not just the little snippets that I post on Instagram and Facebook. So, now that you’re here, please come along as I review the past 12 months and share posts (linked in blue letters) published in 2025.
My son Ian holding up one of the felt filigree sculptures.
FELT FILIGREE SCULPTURES I shared photos, videos, and commentary about my new “Felt Filigree” sculptures. Felt-covered wire has been a mainstay in my pieces for several years, but this is the first time I’ve created works that are entirely made with covered wire. Post link: Felt Filigree Sculptures
TO EVERY SEASON at the New England Quilt Museum It was an honor to exhibit my work at the New England Quilt Museum in Lowell, MA this past fall. A big thank you to all of you who made your way to Lowell to see my work in person! Visitors saw a wide selection of framed bas-relief embroidered scenes spanning 40 years of my career, spread out in multiple galleries. Soon, I will be returning pieces that were loaned for the exhibition.
There were also four glass cases filled with wee folk characters set up in miniature seasonal environments made with houses, furniture, trees, and foliage saved from other projects. Post links: To Every Season at the new England Quilt Museum Making a Scene
Wee Folk Winter set-up
BIRDS OF BEEBE WOODS revisited I shared thoughts about what inspired this collection of hand stitched birds and gave a behind the scenes peek at how I made it 13 years ago. Post link: Birds of Beebe Woods revisited
Bedtime Stitches at the Mariposa Museum in Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard, MA
Exhibits at Mariposa Museum It’s been such a pleasure collaborating with the Mariposa Museum & World Culture Center this past year. They hosted 2 exhibitions of my work in both of their locations, on Martha’s Vineyard, MA, and in Peterborough, NH. Bedtime Stitches & Other Works has been extended through Jan. 4, 2026 in Peterborough.
Bedtime Stitches & Other Works at the Mariposa Museum in Peterborough, NH
Bedtime Stitches & Other Works at the Mariposa Museum in Peterborough, NH
Wee Folk Family RAFFLE I was happy to make a family of 5 dolls for a special fundraiser to benefit the Waldorf School of Cape Cod (my children’s alma mater). A big thank you to all who bought raffle tickets! You helped raise $4150 for the school’s newly renovated kindergarten classroom. That’s a gift that will give for many years to come.
I really enjoyed all aspects of making this little family, from painting their faces, to embellishing their felt outfits, to sewing their wigs. Different parts of the process were documented in photos and videos. Post link: Wee Folk Family RAFFLE
Posies Tree and Storytime at Cahoon Museum My collection of nursery rhyme ornaments were displayed in the Pocketful of Posies Holiday Tree at the Cahoon Museum of American Art in Cotuit, MA. In the post, I explain how the collection of ornaments originated back in 2012.
HAPPY WINTER SOLSTICE! I invited you to watch a one minute video that features a selection of my art that celebrates winter. I also sing the first part of the carol, “In the Bleak Mid-winter.” Post link: Happy Winter Solstice!
Elias & Eddie 2025 ornaments The yearly tradition of making personalized ornaments of my grandchildren to give to their parents continued. I shared photos, videos and commentary about making wee folk depictions of Elias and Eddie in their winter outfits. Post link: Elias and Eddie 2025 ornaments
Looking ahead to 2026 I’ll soon be in winter hibernation mode. It’s that special time when you can become immersed in projects without the distraction of warm weather! My goal this year is to resist the temptation to push myself to accomplish so much professionally. Don’t worry, I’m not disappearing — I’ll keep sharing glimpses of my process and posting stories on this blog for a while yet. Creating art will always be my source of true contentment, but I also want to savor these moments with my family, especially when my grandchildren are little. The writer, Anne Lamott recently spoke about this subject in a way that felt real to me. We are the same age (70) and she said, “There’s a huge change as you get older. The striving quiets down and the longing for being instead of doing grows stronger.” Wishing you a year of good health, happiness, and unforgettable moments.
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SALLEY MAVOR 