New Art Doll: Skawril

I was out in my garden, and I stumbled across this little creature in one of my planters. She was a little startled to be caught by me.

She is about 14 inches tall, made of Puppen Fimo, and is posable (even her tail!). She has big black eyes, little horns on her head, and a furry brown tail. She is going to Expo in August.

Egbert, new doll WIP

Here is Egbert. He will be holding a dragon egg. Making him has been so much fun, he kept me up til 11 last night, even though I had to work today...

Special kudoes to Susanne, for lending me her camera so I can take pictures again!

Wendy Froud Workshop

This weekend, I took a three day sculpting class with Wendy Froud. I had an awesome time with the people in the class. Two of my doll making friends (Dawn Schiller and Alyssa/Faerydae) came down and stayed with me and we took the class together. Talk about being able to totally "geek-out" over dolls for a full weekend! Its was very...interesting and frustrating working with a new clay, but I really like the look of it in the end.

Here are some WIP pictures of my doll over the weekend:

And the finished doll, PANDORA:
She is 16 inches tall, posable, made of FIMO soft.



And some pictures of Dawn's and Faerydae's dolls:

Kyra: Art Doll

Kyra is completed! She is made out of Dawri paper clay, my first experiment with this type of "clay". She stands about 15" tall, and is posable. I used acrylic eyes for her eyes, first time for that as well.

I'm tickled with how the skirt turned out, it is exactly how I pictured it.

Barefoot Fairy Princess #6

This weekend, I finally finished this beauty. She has been sitting on my worktable for months. I'm so happy she is finally done! She is not perfect, there are somethings I'd still like to "fix" but I am very happy with her, because she is very much a reflection of my style in art. And, after almost a YEAR, I think I've finally broken through my "doll makers block" and have completed a doll. There is one more sad lady still to be finished, but she is next on the list!

Maryland Sciene Center Camp-in Dragons

I was commissioned by my friend Erin to create this cute little dragons for her boss this summer. The Camp-In program at the Science Center is a program for kids, in which they get to spend the night at the museum, and do fun science related stuff. Hence the flashlight, pillow, and gift shop bag. These guys were so little, they were hard to get good pictures of them. :p

Progress on elf dancer

She is coming along, finally I have her all painted. I think I will start on her dress next, and save her hair for last.

I'm still really enjoying working with this clay. A friend is sending me a DVD of Robert McKinley, a NIADA artist who worked in this clay. I've heard that he would do something in the painting process that helped strengthen the doll, so I'm excited to see the DVD when it comes.

I'm pretty pleased with the skin tone. Not as translucent as with Kato, but not as flat as I thought it might be. Painting in layers really helped I think, and mixing in some iridescent medium helped give her a creamy shimmery skin tone.

I don't think I will be selling this darling, because she was too much of an experiment. I'm paranoid about unseen cracks or weak spots that would cause her to break with a collector down the road, so I think she will be living with me! Or maybe family or close friends. We'll see.

New paperclay doll

This is my first attempt at using paperclay. I'm learning a lot in the process, but am really loving it so far. She is a dancer, and will have long red hair...unless she changes her mind. Time worked on her so far, about 4 hours, not counting the two times I had to redo one of her hands.















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Now playing: Aetherium - Base Chakra
via FoxyTunes

NIADA 2007

Well, I am back from my first NIADA conference. And very tired. But it was a fun weekend...

Friday: My flight put me into Detroit around 6 am. Bleery eyed, I found myself on a van on my way to the Thrifty Rent-a-car center. I waited in line for what seemed like forever (there was only one person working the counter). While trying to decided if it was possible to sleep while standing up, I heard the attendant say that they only had minivans left. Greeeaaat. Me and a minivan, in downtown Detroit. But just as I stepped up to the counter, an far too peppy man handed the attendant keys to a new, clean, shiny Dodge Avenger. Sunburst orange, sunroof and all. And all mine.

I managed not to get lost from the airport to downtown. I found the parking garage, and got to the hotel ten minutes before registration started. This left me with enough time to splash some water on my face, and grab a bagel and a cup of tea (CAFFEINE!) from the table before signing in. I couldn't help but notice how much the god-awful-ugly carpet in the conference rooms hurt my sleep deprived eyes. Cant...look...away...

I got my badge and packet of info, and headed into to check out the Swap Meet. I was very excited to see all the goodies for sale for cheap. I picked up some glass eyes, silk fabric squares, and a little darling Bunting Baby from Annie Wahl. It took a lot of self control not to by up the whole lot of silk squares, they looks so COLORFUL laying there on the table, begging me to buy them all, and take them home. No!

Orientation was quick. Mary Ellen Frank lead a discussion on photography--why it is so important it is for selling online, and submitting to juries and magazines. Afterward, we all headed up to the Skyline room for a yummy buffet lunch up on the roof, surrounded by the skyline of downtown Detroit. It was so nice to sit down and relax with other artist and collectors, and find out home much we had in common. I felt so at home with them, we were all so alike. I was able to carry on a serious conversation about making dolls, with out having to stop and define my terms every few seconds. Why that surprised me, I'm not sure, but it did. I found myself sitting next to Noni (Antoinette) Cely, and we got talking about our husbands (both video editors) and how their work had changed since so many people are now their own amateur movie makers. It was so refreshing!

After lunch, it was time to set up for the critique. Gulp. After setting up my doll, and then tried to run around with the camera to get pictures of everyone else's work. I quickly realized how completely outclassed I was by everyone. There were some amazing dolls there. NIADA artists got first chance to walk through first, and write down comments and suggestions for each artist on paper. After they were done, everyone else at conference got to walk through while we stood next to our dolls. I think this was the hardest part for me. I was already very self conscious, feeling like a mouse among lions. Every time some one walked by and didn't interact with my doll, I felt like climbing into a little hole. Thankfully, those people I had meet earlier in the day did make an effort to stop by and talk to me. This was encouraging, but I still felt so out of place. Needless to say, I was extremely nervous about the one-on-one critique coming next. But Stephanie Blythe, and Diane Keeler were wonderful. They started the time with a big smile, and, "We won't bite!"

Diane and Stephanie had the perfect balance of criticism and compliments. They said I already had a good sense of scale (size of print, fabric, bead, etc), that my proportions were great, and Elli's hands were very good. Diane said I had tackled a lot of the basics, but now had to keep working on the details. They suggested that I use better materials--like silks and natural fabrics--tone down the bright colors, and work on my anatomy. They also thought the piece would work better if it was on one base, that connected the two figures, which I have to agree.

After the critique was over, heaved a sigh of relief, and ducked out of the conference to meet my sister and her family for dinner in Ann Arbor. We ate at Outback, while I tried to not fall asleep in my salad.

Saturday: Demos! There were three hours of demonstrations done by various artist Saturday morning. There were demos on sculpting hands, painting eyes, making felt hats, using Alley Goop for making molds, and a few others. I think this was my favorite part of the conference--being able to see other artist at work, and realized that we aren't all the different. I took home a long shopping list of new things to pick up and play with.

The rest of the day was filled with various discussions (Ebay and You!), and the "Over the Moon Challenge". I added some new artist to my long list of Favorite Artist after seeing the challenge dolls. I fell in love with Olga Roehl's doll--she is a new artist to NIADA, and I think I will be following her work very closely. Her use of colors, and stylized figures are just inspirational.

I had enough time before the banquet to take a little nap in my car, and change into my dress. The food was very good, and desert even better! We were supposed to receive our souvenir dolls at the banquet, but tragically, they weren't ready. With the recent passing of her mother, and mishaps with the casting process, Forest had to report to us that the dolls were not ready in time. But we should receive them in the mail soon! She gave us a picture of the doll....I can't hardly wait, it is so beautiful! You all will have to though, I won't show you a picture until it is in my hands!

Sunday: Sunday was the day for the Show and Sale. Since I had missed the gallery night Thursday, I was very excited to be able to see the dolls the NIADA artists had brought. Also, the Miniature Exhibit was up for the public to view. Such beautiful, TINY work, I can't imagine creating things so small, and so perfect.

I left the show, with lots of inspiration flying around my head, my fingers itching to get to work. And a bunch of new friends. And I hardly got lost at all!

More pictures on my website: http://www.stringfellowart.net/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=27

Next year, NIADA will be in Vegas, July 24-28. Mark your calendars! The challenge will be: Cirque Du Soleil

3 days...

'Til I leave for Detroit. I have this strange feeling of dread/stress/and excitement in my stomach. This is a big step for me, going out to Detroit, on my own, risking getting lost in a strange new city. I know it will all work out, but I can't help but worry...its in my nature. :p

At least I am prepared! I finished Elli this weekend. I am very happy with how she turned out. Its strange, when I look at her now, she as a Persian flavor to her, which works with the elephant. But I didn't intend to do that at all. It must have been all her doing. Two other changes I made to her since these pictures. I re-did her eyelashes, they were just too small. And I added a blue fringe to the bottom of her skirt. I'm happy with both changes.

Pray that I will get enough sleep on the flight Thursday to get through the whole day Friday. And pray that I will meet some friendly people to hang out with, because what fun is art without some one to share it with?

Fourth of July

We had a wonderful 4th of July. Our original plans fell through, but after a surprise phone call from our friends Susie and Jonathan, we had our first ever BBQ at our new place. We used the grill given to us by my step-father Al a few years ago (now we actually have a place to use it!). There were only four of us, but since we went grocery shopping while were hungry (big no-no!) we ended up with enough food to feed an army.

But it was so much fun to sit out on our back deck with friends and enjoy the afternoon. The trees kept ii from getting too hot out back.

After Susanne and Jonathan left, I got back to work on my doll, since NIADA is a week away! Eeek. But I was finally able to work in my new studio. It is NOT finished, but at least at a point I can use it.

I was able to finish up Elli's costume. But then I realized that I needed to make her new wings. The old ones just don't match her now. So I started on that before turning in for the night. Tomorrow I will spend all day working on her. And HOPEFULLY (please pray!) we will FINALLY get internet on Saturday. If not...then who knows how long. Sigh.

Eli-An Update

Well, not much of an update, but more or less just a testament to the fact that I'm back in business. I can't seem to find the box of stuff that has my scissors and a jar of black beads I've been looking for. So I've been using my kitchen scissors. Ick. I wouldn't say I've unpacked, as much as opened all the boxes and have them accessible so I can dig through them to find what I need.

I picked out the different fabric for her dress, and started on the sleeves. Tonight I want to get her bodice done, and start on her crown. Still can't decided on shoes or no shoes. What do you think?

Home Owners (Goodbye Whittier)

Well, my key chain is a little heavier today. We got the keys to our place yesterday afternoon, making us the proud owners of a morgage! The place has already been "blessed" by the breaking of a glass in the sink, and two loads of laundry, so I feel officially moved in. :p The rest of this week will involve cleaning, painting, and packing. Then comes the fun part of unpacking, and setting up my new studio!!! I can't wait to get to that part.

In other news, I did a little more work on Elli. Started her hair, and dress. I thought she wanted a pretty little pink dress. So that is what I started with. Turns out, she wanted blue. And as usual, she is right. Blue is better. But she must wait for the rest until we are in the new place.

My Muse needs fresh air....

...apparently. And walks. I always thought she was the most active while drowning under the shower head, or just before drifting off to lalla-land. But I have been struggling with a design problem for my lastest doll Elli, and I wasn't getting any word from her in her two usual realms. Very frustrating. But then this afternoon, I had to take a walk down the street a bit to drop Nada off at the post office, and while walking back, boom, it hit me!

Here was my problem. Two days ago, I realized what was happening with Elli and the elephant. You see, its Elli's birthday, and the elephant it bringing her a special present. A butterfly on a leash. But...when I showed Clint the mock up of this scene, he scratched his head, and said, "If you hadn't told me that, I wouldn't have figured that out." So, I've been mulling over a way to make it clear that the butterfly is on a LEASH, not flying above them (on a wire). But the solution came to me while i was strolling down the side walk. What is that solution you ask? I'm not going to tell you. You'll just have to wait and hopefully it makes sense. :p

As for how long you will have to wait, I'm afraid it may be a while. Because it is really getting close to time for us to move, and we have barely begun to pack. So I'm afraid I may have to put off finishing Elli's Party until June. Which is killing me, because since everything came together in my mind, I am DYING to work on her. But alas.

More goodies on ebay

I am pleasantly surprised again today, while browsing through the OOAK Dolls>fairies (etc) category. More unique dolls are coming up for auction, and to my delight, selling. Here are some examples:

Grumpy-Chick-Studio
#32 "The Royal Pain"
Artist Sheri Lewis

Sheri's Grumpy Chick have been popping up on ebay for a while now, and are just delightful, hilarious, and grumpy all at the same time.

Click here to view auction

Walker
StudioWillich
Artist Jill Willich

It is great to see a new creation by Jill Willich. Her work always inspires me, and she is dear to my heart, since her tutorials are what brought into the world of doll making.

Click here to view auction

Avarona Milkweed
Artist Coppermouse
A one-of-a-kind 26 inch hand-sculpted paperclay and cloth doll.

I just love this dolls. I have not seen any of this artist work until this lovely fairy, and I delightfully browsed through her blog as some of her past work. Check it out!

Click here to view auction.

Two months until NIADA

Well, its two months until The NIADA doll conference in Detroit. For those of you who don't know, I will be heading out there, and taking a doll or two with me to be critiqued one on one by a NIADA artist. I'm a little stressed about it all, because I have so much on my plate right now. We are moving into our new condo June 9th, so from now until then will be packing, packing, and more packing. I have a book cover to paint, and a few commissions to take care of. And then will begin the UNpacking process. I'm a little worried that I won't have the energy/inspiration to complete a few masterpieces to take with me. I'm sure I will, but I will be spread a little thin between now and then. Nothing new I guess.

On an unrelated note, I just decided to commit to making at least one new post per week, good quality posts that contribute some how to society. Maybe not YOUR society, but mine at least. So on that note, time for some Megan Musing...

The other day, I was participating in a discussion on OOAKGuild about creating art. More specifically, struggling with the pressure to create art that is popular, and is "right" for the market. Often we fall into the trap of conforming to what we perceive as the "market" norm. I think this is easy to do on Ebay especially.

One of a kind fairies dolls have been popular on Ebay for years. They sell well, but it is a very narrow field: beautiful fairies and mermaid females, 6-8 inches tall. So the pressure is there to make artist dolls that fit into that category, because, heck, we all need money. But I think we're starting to see a shift in the market (and by the "market" I'm specifically speaking of Ebay). Artists are branching out more, getting back to listening to their muses. Of course, this means broadening the collectors horizons, bringing them out of their comfort zone and introducing them to the whole world of artist/character dolls. And why is this happening? Because the darning faithful few keep listening to true voice of their muse, and paved the way of others to follow.

Time will only tell if there really is a market on Ebay for the "unpretties" artist dolls on Ebay. I believe there will be. But we shall see.

April is here

I can't believe April is already here. How does that happen? But the month is already off to a great start, I sold Raven and have a great start on a new doll that I am already falling in love with. I think she is the beginning of something new for me.

I am really striving to find my own style. So with this doll, I am not trying so hard to get that hyper realistic look. I'm doing what comes naturally to me, and sort of stylized, almost anime, cartoon like style. Large eyes, smaller lips. This has been something I've been struggling with for years now. I feel like I don't have my own style: I see something I like, and I imitate it for a while, until I see something else...etc etc. Also, I vasilate between getting perfect realism in my art, or doing things more stylized. Examples:

Realism:



Stylized:



These last three pictures are more recent than the top three. I think that is when it started to sink in that THIS is what comes natural to me. I have to work really hard to get things perfect. So, I think I've decided to blend the two. Stylize, but do things realistically. Hehe, if that makes sense. Its the whole, "Learn the rules of anatomy, so that you can break them when you feel like it."

It is strange, how much more at peace I feel about my work, I feel like I'm not fighting so much in the creation process. Haha, its kinda like when I realized I have curly hair dang it, and there is nothing I can do to change that. So stop fighting it, and celebrate the curls!