The Four-Legged Girl Shadow Box, One of a Kind

Meet Myrtle Corbin, who not only had four legs, but two uteruses. Who was in the sideshow business, married her physician and had children reportedly from both wombs. She was part of the shadow box/stage/spirit house aspect of my Sideshow Series and Show. The paper doll herself is different than the other ones I offer in my shop that have been printed on cardstock. She was instead printed on high quality water color paper using archival inks--which means she's been designed to last. She is museum quality and archival as I intended her to be. She has made herself into a bit of a wallflower, with an actual wall flower beside her. This flower has been cut out of high quality handmade paper and is black, brown and silver. This print is taken from an original drawing that I did of all of Myrtle's body parts (as is custom with paper doll designs). I chose a technique I call pencil painting to capture her because I thought it best mirrored the old black and white photographs I was studying. Pencil painting is essentially a very slowed down process of drawing, as in a very meticulous quarter inch by quarter inch application of mostly soft graphite.

I cut her out by hand and put her back together using nickel-plated brads. The shadow box has a glass door that can be opened. Myrtle is attached to the cloth backdrop by the brads, and can be moved if desired (although I recommend only doing this on special occasions as every time she is touched, she will get worn). The box has been painted in a graphite-colored paint and has hardware on the back to be displayed on a wall. It is approx. 11 3/4 x 9 3/4 and 2 inches deep.

I deliberately chose the theme of paper dolls too. I wanted to speak to the objectification and handling these personalities endured in the circus, carnival and dime museum world. At the same time, they often found their first home and family under those big tops among other "freaks."

While this is a one of a kind box, I do foresee making more that are similar perhaps, but not identical. In a sense this is the only way to really serve these dolls and prints.

She will come accompanied by a short bio that I wrote regarding the specifics of her life and her body.

I embrace international customers. In fact, I love the idea of Myrtle traipsing about the globe whereas I cannot. However, I ask that you choose one of the following options because the postage prices that may be listed for your region of the world are only estimates. 1.) Contact me before purchase. Tell me where you are and what item/s you'd like to order from my shop. I will then be able to provide you with the exact price in postage. If you agree to this cost, I will then create a reserved listing just for you that includes this customized postage, or 2.) Perhaps you are willing to pay any additional cost in shipping, and/or concerned that the item will sell out? Either way, go ahead and buy. But do so knowing that a possible additional invoice will be sent to you asking for the difference in shipping (sometimes, because of my estimates for out of the US postage, a refund might be sent). Once I receive all payments in full, I will promptly post.

I am also willing to work out a payment plan if you cannot pay all at once.

As for my domestic customers, I ask that you allow up to one week after receipt of payment for me to process and ship your order. However, it rarely ever takes me longer than one business day. Let me know if you'd like me to hustle getting it into the mail or if you'd like to upgrade to priority mail. Shipping within the US is FREE!

I try to reuse packaging materials whenever possible. I promise to do my best on my end to package your item/s safely. In this case, I will use many layers of big bubble wrap. And mark the outside of the parcel obsessively in red with the warning: FRAGILE!!! and the strict instructions to: Handle With Care!!! However, I cannot be held responsible for any damages, delays or loss incurred by the post office. If you are local, as in the Boulder/Denver/Lyons area we can always waive the shipping cost and meet to exchange this piece. I only do this with original art.

Thanks so much for looking and for buying handmade!!! We simply can't afford not to in this day and age!!!