2021 Circus Pen Collection

May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you're wonderful, and don't forget to make some art -- write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself. 

- Neil Gaiman

Magic. Dreams. Good madness. Neil Gaiman knows what he's talking about. 

In the spirit of imagination and wonder, Heirloom Evolution is kicking off 2021 by launching a new line of hand turned pens dedicated to 12 amazing women who made contributions to one of the world's greatest centers of curiosity: the circus. 

Many of know the names Ringling Brothers, P.T. Barnum, Bailey Circus (as they're known collectively: The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus), but how many of us know the names Daisy Earles, Annie Oakley, Maud Stevens, or Kittie Smith? These are but a few of the women we'll be highlighting this year in the workshop. Each of them brought something unique to the performing arts and the world of wonder - some with great joy and others by great tragedy. For all the glitter and glitz, there was also heartache and courage.

 

Our first pen is turned in honor of actress and performer, Daisy Earles. Born in Germany, Earles immigrated to California and joined her brother and sister, already established dancers with the Buffalo Bill Show, in show business. A talented actress, Earles appeared in 5 films during her career, including 2 iconic films set under the big top: The Greatest Show on Earth and Freaks. After retiring from film, she continued to perform with Ringling Brothers Circus and Barnum & Bailey Circus as a parade performer and in side shows. 

It was her performance as Frieda in Freaks that caught our attention. The controversial film did not play to the American audience's sensibility, so Earles's performance isn't widely known or (in our opinion) appreciated; however, the camera loved her and her performance as broken-hearted Frieda is forever burned in our mind. 



We chose to turn her pen out of Maple, which much like Earles herself, is prized for its beauty, elegance, and timeless quality. Her pen has 5 rings on the top: 3 for her performances under the big top and 2 for her performances in those films which captured the creativity of the circus. The bottom of the pen features a generous curve, making this an extraordinarily feminine pen. 

Visit "Daisy Earles" in our shop for a full view. 

Who will inspire our February selection? You'll have to come back to find out!

 - Julia