About the Artist

The artist in Flagstaff, AZ (2002)

Dori Cawley was born in Lexington, VA and spent most of her childhood in the American South. A nomadic "Army brat," her family moved every few years from one military installation to another. While pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology, she worked four years as a commercial illustrator. Although many facets of this field proved rewarding, she grew restless. “The creative process was devoted solely to clients and the development of their ideas. I was frustrated because I wanted to develop my ideas.” Upon graduating in 1989, she took leave of her commercial art career to channel her energy into fine art – but not before receiving two industry awards: a Bronze “ADDY” from the Advertising Federation of Southwest Georgia in 1988, followed by a Gold “ADDY” in 1989.

In 1994, she moved to Northern Arizona for a change of scenery and some old fashioned soul-searching. “I spent much of my time on the Navajo reservation. I was quite fortunate to meet individuals who shared their beliefs and traditions openly with me. I was soon enchanted by their quiet spirituality and attempted to capture that stillness and connectedness through my art.” She returned home to Virginia in 2003 and unveiled Thistlehaven Studio as a showcase for her art.

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Her journey into art began at an early age. "My mother, an artist herself, took note of my doodling and began mentoring me as an artist. She would sketch the figures of my favorite comic book superheroes and ask me to fill in the details of their costumes. I would finish the drawing by adding the mask, boots, cape, and so on. As my skills improved she sketched less form and less detail, which prompted me to draw more and more independently. Soon I was experimenting with different mediums and trying my hand at landscapes, wildlife studies and portraiture."

She enrolled in various art classes but often found them stifling. "Perhaps its because they attempt to dissect and analyze the process, whereas I just want it to flow, but art classes take the fun out of creating art. For me, anyway." In college, she found herself drawn to psychology. "I'm fascinated by the symbolism of dreams and I've been recording mine in a journal for years. Many paintings have their origins in this journal, as I frequently make sketches to accompany journal entries and flesh them out later on canvas."

She received several honors through amateur competitions at local art shows and fairs, but had her share of disappointments as well. "I had pieces disqualified from competition because the judges were certain a 'professional' had drawn them."

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When asked to describe her art, she says: “I like art that portrays human strength and dignity. I want the viewer to glimpse a moment of quiet reflection that captures this innate strength.” Not one to be satisfied with painting pretty faces, her figures radiate an aura of self-respect and nobility.

“My images are heavily steeped in shadow. I’m intrigued by the drama and dimension that shadows add to a composition, that play between light and dark. Shadows make things beautiful.” Her palette is dominated by deep, rich earth tones and bold primary colors.

- Click on thumbnail to view image -

1976 (Age 9). I cut my teeth on kick-butt action heroines like Red Sonja and Wonder Woman.	1981 (Age 14). I was refining my skills at rendering likeness and facial expressions, as demonstrated by this sketch from Time Magazine of the President Reagan shooting.	1985 (Age 18). Portrait study of Mel Gibson, the man I wanted to marry. My art took a turn toward photorealism and a penchant for deep shadow.	1988 (Age 21). I enjoyed the technical challenge of Murron's tear. Many people have asked who I based this portrait on - hoping, I think, to meet her. Sorry, guys!

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Dori is also an accomplished mask maker. "I don't like the plastic mask forms that can be purchased in craft stores. I sculpt each mask by hand from papier mache, which lends Old World tradition. Many masks are custom-made for Renaissance Faire patrons who are seeking the perfect accessory for their lavish period ensembles. Mardi Gras, All Hallow's Eve and New Year's revelers are in the market for a unique masquerade, and several have been sold as decorative home accessories. Mask commissions were primarily by word of mouth a few years ago, but eBay has opened doors to a much broader international audience." Dori is currently developing a web site for the sale and commission of her unique wearable art.