The Path to Dolls. Even though I've worked in a traditional village Bakery for the last 16 years, behind the scenes I have a creative background
in various arts....
...After studying graphic design at college I formed a reasonably successful band around the same time as, and similar to, 'The Levellers' called Jugglers Wood (I played bass) and we enjoyed regular gigging and some success until a couple of members went their separate ways (including Roger our banjo player who enjoyed a number 1 hit with The Grid in the mid 90's who has since sadly passed away). During that time I also joined partners in a gaming business called Galimaufry Games; mainly rpg, dice, tabletop figures and peripherals (venting my Maker tendencies producing candles, dice bags and prepainted figures etc.), but sadly we mistimed the venture and were scuppered on all sides by Sonic, Mario and, soon after, a little known card game called Magic (the Gathering).
During the dark ages of "proper" soul-destroying office work (marketing in an early Call Center) I would still try to make bits and bobs at home to do occasional craft fairs, but I never really got my teeth into anything. I made some figurines and intended to make fairies to sell on Ebay too (I even got my first digital camera in order to list them) but ended up getting sidetracked by the actual photography instead!
So after leaving office life I got an 'in between job' at my local bakery whilst doing aromatherapy parties in the evenings and band photography at weekends. As the photography developed, people started noticing and I began getting requests for weddings. That dominoed for a few years through word of mouth, but I didn't chase it as post production is pretty labour intensive (although it honed my Photoshop7 skills, lol!). I still do the odd wedding or event, but it really is just special request. And these days, so long as I include the monthly sub to the new PhotoshopCC edition, post production is far quicker!
My friend and I were then invited to help get a Theatre project off the ground. I initially went into it with props, sets and stage management in my head of course, but, after 5 years, came away from it having written, acted, directed, produced and done major prop and set building, lol. Quite an experience and a real confidence boost for every aspect of the creative process - especially as submissions were anonymously voted for (and we had hundreds from all over the world). I had two of my plays produced and was thrilled when the art director of The National told me I should submit one of them! Crikey!
I didn't though.
Don't judge me :-)
The most recent venture of note is my creation of Pieces of Eight Pirates as my friend is a fabulous Jack Sparrow impersonator (and these days you can't move for pirate themed events!). Sadly it's on hiatus at the moment due to other commitments, but I mention it here as I had a riot creating the costumes and props for us and designing piratey party games. There's nothing better than the validation of 15 screaming 8 year olds having the time of their lives! Let alone some of the adults swooning over Jack!
And working in the bakery is a joy and far from an in between job. I might be poor, but I'm happy!
So, of course, the last 2 years have found me at a happy conjunction of everything that's gone before: art, photography, textiles, sculpting and computers - free-falling head-long into the wonderful rabbit hole of the modern ball-jointed [and related] doll hobby. I am thrilled and lucky enough recently to be asked for faceups (character-creating face art), so have now created this space as a portfolio and reference for anyone wanting any of my upcoming aesthetics services.
So Why Dolls? I can't really say specifically. In hindsight, from childhood toys to expensive adult polystone collectibles, figures have been a constant companion in my life. The diversity that this hobby brings fulfils so many creative avenues under one umbrella, I think it was only a matter of time until I discovered it.
I suppose it started in earnest when I happened upon a Gothic, customised Blythe doll and, through my internet delving into these haunting little Japanese dolls, went on to unearth Asian Ball Jointed Dolls - abjd's - Beautiful, graceful, professionally sculpted figures - studio finished, or blank and primed for customising.
...After studying graphic design at college I formed a reasonably successful band around the same time as, and similar to, 'The Levellers' called Jugglers Wood (I played bass) and we enjoyed regular gigging and some success until a couple of members went their separate ways (including Roger our banjo player who enjoyed a number 1 hit with The Grid in the mid 90's who has since sadly passed away). During that time I also joined partners in a gaming business called Galimaufry Games; mainly rpg, dice, tabletop figures and peripherals (venting my Maker tendencies producing candles, dice bags and prepainted figures etc.), but sadly we mistimed the venture and were scuppered on all sides by Sonic, Mario and, soon after, a little known card game called Magic (the Gathering).
During the dark ages of "proper" soul-destroying office work (marketing in an early Call Center) I would still try to make bits and bobs at home to do occasional craft fairs, but I never really got my teeth into anything. I made some figurines and intended to make fairies to sell on Ebay too (I even got my first digital camera in order to list them) but ended up getting sidetracked by the actual photography instead!
So after leaving office life I got an 'in between job' at my local bakery whilst doing aromatherapy parties in the evenings and band photography at weekends. As the photography developed, people started noticing and I began getting requests for weddings. That dominoed for a few years through word of mouth, but I didn't chase it as post production is pretty labour intensive (although it honed my Photoshop7 skills, lol!). I still do the odd wedding or event, but it really is just special request. And these days, so long as I include the monthly sub to the new PhotoshopCC edition, post production is far quicker!
My friend and I were then invited to help get a Theatre project off the ground. I initially went into it with props, sets and stage management in my head of course, but, after 5 years, came away from it having written, acted, directed, produced and done major prop and set building, lol. Quite an experience and a real confidence boost for every aspect of the creative process - especially as submissions were anonymously voted for (and we had hundreds from all over the world). I had two of my plays produced and was thrilled when the art director of The National told me I should submit one of them! Crikey!
I didn't though.
Don't judge me :-)
The most recent venture of note is my creation of Pieces of Eight Pirates as my friend is a fabulous Jack Sparrow impersonator (and these days you can't move for pirate themed events!). Sadly it's on hiatus at the moment due to other commitments, but I mention it here as I had a riot creating the costumes and props for us and designing piratey party games. There's nothing better than the validation of 15 screaming 8 year olds having the time of their lives! Let alone some of the adults swooning over Jack!
And working in the bakery is a joy and far from an in between job. I might be poor, but I'm happy!
So, of course, the last 2 years have found me at a happy conjunction of everything that's gone before: art, photography, textiles, sculpting and computers - free-falling head-long into the wonderful rabbit hole of the modern ball-jointed [and related] doll hobby. I am thrilled and lucky enough recently to be asked for faceups (character-creating face art), so have now created this space as a portfolio and reference for anyone wanting any of my upcoming aesthetics services.
So Why Dolls? I can't really say specifically. In hindsight, from childhood toys to expensive adult polystone collectibles, figures have been a constant companion in my life. The diversity that this hobby brings fulfils so many creative avenues under one umbrella, I think it was only a matter of time until I discovered it.
I suppose it started in earnest when I happened upon a Gothic, customised Blythe doll and, through my internet delving into these haunting little Japanese dolls, went on to unearth Asian Ball Jointed Dolls - abjd's - Beautiful, graceful, professionally sculpted figures - studio finished, or blank and primed for customising.
Perfect for a maker like me.
Other things. Being
an artist in the doll hobby doesn't have to just be about bringing an
inanimate face to life though. Sculpting, carving and sanding can play a part
when modifying dolls. Having skills on a sewing machine can open up a
figures' wardrobe and eye making, wig making, shoe making, prop and
furniture making all play a part too. It all adds up to a creative miniature wonderland.
And photography, once again, plays a huge part in capturing it.
As joyous as
sharing big days with brides and grooms are, dolls are always far less
drunk by the end of a shoot but just as joyful to work with!
So if you're new to the world of modern dolls, I hope you enjoy my little peek inside.
If you're a seasoned collector, I hope I can offer something useful!
So if you're new to the world of modern dolls, I hope you enjoy my little peek inside.
If you're a seasoned collector, I hope I can offer something useful!
