DOLLMAKERS VOICES - Quotes from dollmakers
elinor peace bailey
Well I have been addressing this question for about thirty years. First of all I refer to Judy Chicago who says that art is on a continuum the more the artist expresses herself or himself the more the object can be referred to as art. A discussion of good art, bad art is irrelevant until the piece is judged against some stated criteria. I define a doll as the personification of material and material is anything that you can see. If you, the artist, say it's a doll then that is what it is. One of the dearest freedoms in doll making is the absence of set rules. Therefore I reject that a work of art, a doll if you will, cannot be a toy. The fear that the form may be trivialized by association with the female or childhood is offensive to me, since neither the feminine nor the child is innately trivial. The doll form is a tool. It does work. It instructs, contains the sacred, represents the deep desire of the body to recreate itself, expresses every level of emotion from anger to love, pain to joy, and it embellishes space. I would not knowingly limit the form and take from it, its power.
www.epbdolls.com Sandra Self
I am grateful to the doll, after all these years, being such a challenging, and rewarding human endeavor, it communicates, about all that I care for, and then has a mind of its own, or rather I should say, a form of its own, dances to its own tune and forms its own strategies.
| Olga Roehl - Rheinfelden-Baden, Germany
What is a doll? An image of moods? An allegory of feelings? A poem of color? Perhaps it is mostly the world of symbols and associations, by means of which we not only get into the sphere of fantasy and myths but reality, indeed -- Olga Roehl
http://www.olga-roehl.de Olga's dolls are expressive, bursting with life and color, ladylike, erotic, amusing and mysterious. They are expression of her spiritual world, ideas, emotions, and world outlook. Brenna Busse
"Creating a doll is like looking in the mirror and peeling an onion. Much is revealed in the unfolding layers. It is a personal journey that touches the universal experience. Along with tears,I have a flavorful soup!"
www.brennabusse.com |
Diane Keeler
I had been searching all my life for the medium that would fill my soul, and when I discovered the world of dolls I knew this was what I was looking for. Her philosophy is to keep searching and learning and to help promote the "doll" as a respected art form.
www.dianekeeler.com Diane is from Luck, Wisconsin Ankie Daanen - Amersterdam, the Netherlands
Dollmaking is ALWAYS in my head. When I look in a magazine, when I shop, when I travel, when I visit museums, when I see a movie....I always look for ideas that inspire me to integrate in my dollmaking. -- AnKie Daanen
http://www.ankie-doll-art.com Ankie has a passion for costuming, and all her dolls are one-of-a-kind. For her, dollmaking is a never-ending story, and she hopes that she makes dolls that remain in people's memories. Christopher Malone
Recently the definition of what a doll is has been scrutinized by western doll artists and collectors, whose criteria are based only on aesthetic appeal. But others understand that a doll should not only follow the rules and concepts for whit is pleasing to the eye, but that it should also have the ability to cure, to place curses, to instruct, and even to protect.
www.christophermalone.com Pamela Hastings
Through teaching others and with my own experiences in growth and change, I’ve come more and more to believe in the healing potential of doll making. Since writing has always been as important for me as visual art, the two combine in my books and classes. Dolls hold such wonderful and varied opportunities for image-making that can be explored by people of all backgrounds and levels of expertise. The feelings and concepts are sometimes easier to access when words are not necessary.
My latest project, which just went to the printer and should be ready for sale in October, 2010, is HOT FLASH, A CELEBRATION, a book of dolls, stories, and other art work from inspiring women--women like all of us, who do the best we can to reconcile our drive to make art with the necessity to carry on with Life. www.pamelahastings.com Stephanie Blythe
A doll can communicate an image that engages individuals in a very deep and personal way; a harmony of sensations that awakens emotions and opens the heart to memories and imagination. When there is something universal in the character portrayed, it creates an invitation for the viewers to become part of something that is larger than themselves. It can be a criticism of the world as it is or a vision of the world as it might be. An artist can portray things we've never seen or things that existed in the past...stretching the observer to see things in a different way.
www.stephanieblythe.com | Annie Walh
There’s no great mystery or deep meaning to what I do. I sculpt dolls for the pure joy of creating and having fun. In return they have taken me on this blissful journey meeting other doll artists, organizations, events and people whom I would not have had the opportunity to meet. I can appreciate my dolls for that gift they continue to give me.
www.anniewahl.com Reina Mia Brill - Bronx, New York
My work is all narrative and loosely autobiographical. There is no greater form of communicating human emotions and soul than through the figure. --Reina Mia Brill
http://www.reinamiabrill.com Panels of knitted wire are cut and hand-sewn in layers, like pen and ink drawings, creating intriguing surfaces and textures. Marge and Bud Bielefeld
The 'ANCIENT ONES' are not of one tribe or religion, but rather our interpretation of The People living in small clans throughout ancient America. Each of the 'ANCIENT ONES' is adorned with a medicine bag holding sweet grass, sage, and lavender, as well as semi-precious gemstones.
Honoring those who have walked before us. www.theancientones.com
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