I have been working hard on my craft since 2004, and I think I have a skill level that shows in my work. I am the do over queen and there are many heads without bodies to suggest that these mistakes drive me to the perfect end. The finished doll always seems to lead to the next doll, one is born out of another. This is why I love making dolls. It is the air I breathe and pretty much defines me. I am a doll maker.

This may sound strange but these bodiless heads and headless bodies speak to me. I have control over the parts and pieces individually, but the position involved in the connection is revealed at the moment the pieces touch one another for the first time. The head moves me to sew it in a certain pose, same with the hands and arms. The whole doll forms itself to be expressive according to its idea of itself.

Friday, June 12, 2009

Bad Tan

I added some batting to smooth out the curves of her hips. One layer of the synthetic stuff and a covering of the cotton batting. I find the fake stuff is best at filling in and the cotton is the best at covering and making a smooth rounded shape.

Now the doll is getting her personality. The swimsuit took a couple of mistakes to get the right fit, but I think it is perfect. My girl is a bit modest and maybe old fashion, but FUN and relaxing in the pool is her thing. Yep, that is going to be a blow up pool. My plan is to do this out of a tin can and cover this with paper mache to get the shape. Should be very messy. . . . . The real time consuming work is about to start with the paper clay. I have to fill in all the gaps and try to achieve the body that she deserves. Oh yeah, and that tan. I painted her face too soon. I have to have all my flesh surfaces ready to paint, all at one time, if I want my color the same all over. So this is just a bad tan from the bottle.

4 comments:

Sue said...

Nat, she is going to be so
fabulous! Can't wait to see her completed!

FairiesNest said...

Messy is the best fun! She's looking wonderful!

julie said...

I so love what you do!!! Thanks for showing us the stages..

Skellyton Art said...

I love your dollys Nat!
I gave you an award...come by when you can.
:)