There is a rather lengthy process I go through from concept to complete transformation of a doll. It begins as an inspiration, then I research the subject. I often refer to images from nature, folklore, historical accounts and various other resources. Before I begin the task of transformation, I sketch out a concept. I am not aiming for a beautiful drawing but rather a feeling of the being I want to bring to life. I then choose a doll and begin the repaint. Along the way from concept to when the metamorphosis is complete the little person being re-created "tells" me who they are or want to be. I don't try to hang onto my original idea if something different begins to feel right. I do not have a formula for my creations. I approach each anew and you may have noticed that their faces and even expressions are always unique to each doll. It is my belief that each and every one is an individual just like you or me. Many times, I will sculpt little creatures and accessories to accompany the dolls. I love creating an entire theme or storyline for them. I often give little hints as to what the storyline might be, but I want to encourage the collector to adapt the scenario to one of their own choosing. That is why I will also leave various pieces of the set loose or repositionable for flexibility in how it can be displayed. The photo above is a snapshot of my work table where my recent costumed repaint "Black Orchid" was created. You can catch a glimpse of the concept drawing, research, and various materials incorporated into the design. Her stain glass-like cicada style wings appear at the bottom. |
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This is my silk painting area. My doll costuming is almost exclusively fashioned from silks which I handpaint myself. I am currently using Dupont French dyes. There is nothing like the opulence and richness of color that is achievable in silk. The painting is done in many layers to acheive the desired effect. This requires patience and takes days, a week, often longer to produce. It is not uncommon for me to create two or three entire costumes and discarding them before I am happy with one to use. The finished pieces then go through a process called steam setting for a few hours. This renders the color lightfast and permanent. Only acid free, archival, museum quality materials come into contact with my dolls and sculptures. For example, anywhere you see metal touching the vinyl be assured that it is either coated, contains a high gold content or otherwise is a non-corrosive type metal. After you have searched and searched for that perfect doll that was meant just for you naturally you would want her to last a lifetime. ~:~:~ I am often asked about my repaint technique and here is a reply I sent recently to one aspiring doll artist on the subject. "How kind you are to send me such words of praise. About technique, I think the main reason people struggle with technique is because it has to be an expression from within and everyone needs to be true to themselves. When I repaint a doll, usually I paint each face over and over again until it feels right. But it's a feeling. I can't explain exactly how I arrived at the end result with the exception of little details that I noticed that would re-emerge each time. For me, inspiration is king. Look often at all of your favorite repaint artists creations. Which ones move you, make you smile, are so compelling you can't stop looking at them. When we are inspired nothing seems out of our reach. Cultivate your imagination. Don't just look at dolls, look at paintings of the great masters, look at faces by well known photographers, explore anime, watch people in the park, movies, etc. There is so much out there to stir the imagination and give you tools to cultivate your self expression. Be prolific. Picasso was amazingly prolific. He even drew on the napkins in restaurants. Paint, paint, paint, but be free with it. Paint is liquid feeling. The idea is to bring you-ness to the repaint. This will come through how you feel about what you are doing and how comfortable you become handling the medium. Each of us has our own rhythm. Also less is more. Ultra thin washes in layers. Quality tools are important. Use the best paints and brushes you can afford. I like Golden Fluid Acrylics and sealers and Escoda detail brushes. You mentioned how much you love eyes, well, when painting eyes approach them with the intent that someone is really looking back at you, then when you feel the shivers you know you've got it right. " |