New work in progress
A new series of cloth dolls, will soon be ready to decorate your walls for Xmas.
I’ve been inspired by the photos from the Galley Museum in Queenstown. What fascinates me about these historical photos from the early 1800s is the fashion from that period, the long black taffeta skirts, and cinched in bodice, the wistful faces and the theatrical backdrops.
I had already made several ink illustrations from these photos for an artist book I made about the women of Queenstown/West Coast. I wrote a bit about it here and here
Looking back even further the fashion was even more exaggerated. tiny corseted waist and large billowy skirts. I came across embroidery from the early 17th century and was fascinated by the other worldly animals and flora depicted in scenes with women gathering flowers.
I’ve painted several of the embroidery inspired watercolours, all very loose and moody winter colours. After working on these watercolours and really loving the simplicity of the women’s form, I wondered what if I made some small dolls in their shape.
I think they are so much fun to make and soon I hope to make a small tutorial on the making and painting of these dolls. The finished dolls and art work will be available soon in my online shop.
I am endlessly amused and delighted when drawing and painting a face, just a few simple little lines create so much personality and an immediate connection and story … a tiny bit of creative alchemy.
The Victorian skirts allow for some fun themes to emerge, like a theatrical set with curtains on either side.