The whimsical world of Molly Dots

Molly Rohrer has always dabbled in art in one form or another.
While raising her three children on Florida’s West Coast, she worked in interior design, owned and operated a Candy Bouquet business and participated in local craft shows. Her first foray into jewelry was making polymer clay accessories to match her daughter’s outfits.

When a running injury caused her to spend less time on her feet, Molly’s jewelry skills advanced. Encouraged by a gift of hand-stamping equipment, she enrolled in an enameling class in Sarasota, and the rest is history.

Molly’s subjects range from sea-themed pieces, including mermaids, oyster shells, turtles and flamingos, to graphic symbols such as the moon and palm tree of her adopted home. Then there’s the grill, complete with a removable lid, grate, steak and gleaming charcoals.

Some of Molly’s designs pay homage to a spoonbill she and her husband named Louie after the bird made their yard his home.

For those unfamiliar with the process, it may be surprising to learn just how time-consuming enameling can be. Her items are the visual definition of whimsy, although that seems incongruous with the amount of work required: cutting, filing, forming, drilling, layering enamels, firing and finishing.

The process can involve six to 15 layers of enameling and firing required to satisfy the artist’s vision.

Molly and her husband moved to Bluffton four years ago because they wanted a change of scenery while remaining near the beach, which she loves.

She continues to be inspired by the area’s coastal beauty and has joined the local art community.

couple on their move, and they have since hosted 11 cats and kittens. Molly also fosters cats and works with the trapping and spaying community.

Molly Dots has been exhibiting work at the Art League of Hilton Head. During its closure for renovations, Molly has been invited to exhibit at Maye River Gallery.

Visitors can meet the artist from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, when the Church Street galleries welcome Pluff Mudd’s grand opening and join the Society of Bluffton Artists’ reception for Julie Jones and Maye River Gallery’s reception for featured landscape artist Kathy Tortorella.