The most amazing part of doll-making for me is the transformation between a bare, clay face and once the face is painted. While I often have an idea in my mind of how the doll will look, I am almost always surprised. There is always some little detail, some quixotic expression - the particular arch of an eyebrow, the tint of the lips - that seems to arise out of nowhere. I think of it as the doll demanding its own character, and it is so delightful. Just like in so many fairy tales, books and old episodes of the Twilight Zone, the doll seems to come to life. Here are a few ladies I'm currently working on in that nascent stage just before they become who they are going to be:
Even the shape of the face tells me relatively little about how the doll will end compared to she gets her make-up on and her hair did. Exhibit A: here are two of them all (well, partially) gussied up:
Even if I do have a particular vision for the doll's hair and clothes, this will often change once she has her face on and I begin to feel like I know who she is, and what her story might be.
The tricky part is making the hands ahead of time in a gesture that I think matches my idea of how the doll will eventually turn out. If she evolves along the way, then I have hands that might not seem right with her final form. We'll see how these do (shown here in their rough stage):
Or these, which are a little further along:
And I have all these naked babes waiting for faces, waiting for stories...
What will they tell me?
It is so amazing to see clay artists work, it is so different than soft sculpture, I'm fascinated, thanks for showing the process!
Also, I appreciate all the tips, I checked out etsy forums, still learning about computer stuff.
Karey
Posted by: Kaerie Faerie | January 13, 2009 at 10:16 AM
I enjoyed looking at your dolls in progress. I know what you mean about them demanding their own character. I have been experimaenting with super sculpey recently and have made 7 little heads. I wanted beautiful female faces and instead I have got strange little men. The moment they seem to come alive for me is when I put the eyes in. I have not tried painting any of them yet and I don't even know how exactly I am going to fix them onto a body but I love them! I will put them on my blog soon.
I love the hands you are making too-so delicate. I have not tried hands yet.
Posted by: Sarah | January 13, 2009 at 01:31 PM
Wonderfully Tim Burtonesque! I love them all.
Posted by: Morgan Mayfair | January 14, 2009 at 09:35 AM
Very informative, I feel the same about bringing a cloth doll to a life of it's own. You never know what it'll be until it's screaming DONE! Love the little hands.
Posted by: dawn | January 14, 2009 at 06:34 PM
Dang you've been busy! I like the girl with the pinkish eyes and the hands are awesome. I just bought a book that shows how to make hands like that and it looks like tedious work. Hope the new year is treating you well!
Posted by: Christine | January 14, 2009 at 08:19 PM
I just saw your dolls on Flickr and I think they are so beautiful!! I love your style!
Posted by: Shonna | January 17, 2009 at 02:56 PM
I don't know if it is ethical to ask this, but...how on earth do you make those beautiful eyes? Your dolls are so beautiful, but without those shiny eyes they would lack something...
Posted by: ~*"*Dia*"*~ | January 21, 2009 at 07:37 AM
How a beautiful blog you have! Just love your dolls...I've put you on my favorites :-)
Posted by: Mademoiselle G | January 24, 2009 at 11:39 AM
Oh how very kewl are they! I love your work!
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | January 25, 2009 at 01:15 PM
Wow... great WIP pictures! I always enjoy visiting your blog :oD
Posted by: Martha (Ayala Art) | January 31, 2009 at 07:13 PM