Art Dolls by Nat: "Fancy" From the Past

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.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

"Fancy" From the Past

As an artist I need to be inspired to create. Most times I have let the process inspire me to the next idea and action. With these 2 dolls I took inspiration from a movie "The Gangs of New York", the style of clothing from the last half of the 1800’s and a movement of the early 1900’s, "Steampunk"

As I was in the finishing stages of these dolls I realized how much they reflect the theatrical element that costumes the performers of the circus. Not that I know the history of the circus, but I am assuming much of this is because the time period is the same.

I really think these are the best dolls I have made so far. They flowed in their creation and I gained a pattern for a pair of pants that I will continue to use and I can now make great hats. I am very happy with these guys. They are everything I was inspired to make.

"Fancy in Pinstripes"
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28011388

"Fancy in Pink Stripes"
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28011609

5 comments:

Sue said...: Nat, I think these two are amazing! My favorite is
"fancy in pinstripes". Very unique and creative. You have outdone yourself!; July 18, 2009 at 9:19 PM
pixiesinthehouse said...: Oh Nat!, what a great job. You have really created a great concept in costume design. They both have a real personality and genre!; July 19, 2009 at 5:42 AM
Abi said...: Fabulous Nat. I love your attention to detail, and your craftsmanship is first class.; July 19, 2009 at 11:32 AM
Micki said...: Hat, I just found your blog and love your dolls. I also like to make dolls, although I am into quilting, machine embroidery, felting and knitting too. I am doing a doll now called Eddie which is a Judy Maas pattern. You are very talented.
Micki
In Ireland; July 24, 2009 at 11:11 PM
Anonymous said...: I'm in love with your dolls Nat!
I think the way you make them is amazing...

I'm shutting my "musing" blog down. But you can go to my main blog if you'd like.
www.odd-dolls.blogspot.com
Pattee; July 26, 2009 at 12:01 PM