Thursday, October 24, 2013

Tea Rose

"Rose" is already fully assembled she is 20 inches  high,
the tallest of my dolls so far
My new "timeless" art piece is inspired by two things:
First is "Cernit" polymer  clay. I will be honest with you: I was not sure about it at first. After "Sculpy", it took me a while to figure out how to work with it. It is not easy to condition and blend, however I was very pleased with the result.
The manufactures of "Cernit" weren't kidding when they stated that it is "Favored by professional doll-makers for its fine, translucent, porcelain-like finish" 


I am very pleased with the look after curing. So here she is, my precious "Rose"




I absolutely love her fair delicate complexion. 


























The second inspiration is the "Tea Dress". These beautiful and elaborate lace creations were very popular in European Society at the brink of XIX and XX centuries, when it become fashionable to spend the leisure time on the open air. They usually were sewn in light cotton fabric adorned by delicate lace.

 I just can't wait to create one for my "Rose"!

The wonderful pictures of the dresses and some interesting historical facts are curtsey of http://www.livemaster.ru






Tuesday, October 22, 2013

The Passion for OOAK Dolls

I only recently discovered the wonderful and exiting world of the OOAK art dolls. Although I have been a student and a teacher of different aspects of Visual Arts for over twenty years. Art dolls grabbed my attention about a year ago, when I started to look for new sculpting materials and discovered polymer clay and its amazing quality of looking so like human flesh.

I love working with dolls because they absolutely challenge me as an artist and make me explore the uncharted territories, such as sewing and wigging. I enjoy greatly the process of making and learning! So, this blog I decided to completely deducate to my passion for art dolls.

" Lily" is my first fully posable female doll. She was completed in March, 2013. Lily has a soft armature body, and polymer head, hands and lower legs.

"Lily" was designed and created specifically for a charity auction event "The Night with Royalty" of Reclaiming Royalty Ministries.

I had a great pleasure observing people's reaction to such an unusual work of art (you do not see art dolls in St. Louis area often). Watching them I discovered that there is a child hidden somewhere inside of each of us. In me, because I enjoy making. It is like a game. In others,  maybe the childhood memories. Little girls also related to "Lily" very enthusiastically.

Just watching that inspired me to create more.
"Lily" is  the first of my dolls to make a public appearance and also is the first doll I sold.

Sure, now when I look at her, I think that I could change a few things, but there is always a space for improvement, isn't there?

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Black White and Red. Viva Commedia!

These are the theme colors for my Commedia Dell Arte interpretation. This post is dedicated to the personages that I have been  working very hard on for about an year.

So... (the dram beat....) I am proud to present my three favorite characters of famous commedia!
Stroll down to see the glory of White Black and Red! Viva Commedia!













Sunday, October 13, 2013

Coviello is complete! Here is the first sneak peek.


Yes, it is true! He is finally done! Here is the first teaser peek of Coviello in his full glory, complete with his beloved mandolin. I have to give credit to my wonderful husband Sergey for a wonderful photo session this afternoon.  Here is the first of many wonderful pics, and more are to follow...

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Coviello is Getting Clothes!

Did I ever mention to you that I work full time teaching silly teenagers, who are full of surprises every day? By now they are getting weary of school, and do not want to do anything, it takes extra effort to inspire  and persuade them to work... Then I rush to take care of various errands, then home to cook dinner... clean...  Taking care of my own adorable three men (one husband and two sons) Sounds familiar, ladies?

So, here is my idea of rest: sewing Coviello clothes, in between cooking dinner and going to sleep, I have about two hours of my own favorite time! I need to finish Coviello by October 10th. Here he is, finally skinned and clothed!

OK, when I say "skinned" I don't mean that the skin is removed, of course, quite on contrary!
"Skin" is a layer of usual nylon sock. It does not
have to be expensive thick kind. 


I like to layer clothes,
sewing them on gradually,
 therefore they can't be removed.

The choice of color is not accidental:
he is "Valet of Hearts"