A New Old in Figurative Art

I seem to be going back to my roots. When my daughter Hannah was 2 years old (she’s 15 now), I was into making handmade dolls for her to play with. I tried a variety of mediums, but the one I loved the most were these little bald dolls I made, that to me, were reminiscent of porcelain dolls, pulled from a dusty attic, with their wigs astray.

I got the idea as I studied antique dolls in books- I would see these eerie bald dolls with dusty, torn clothing, but they were dressed to the nines. The wigs had been loved right off of them; their silks and fine attire worn right through!

I made Hannah these dolls and she loved them just as they were. My studio was up a flight of stairs in a Chicago bungalow attic, and when she came to visit me from the kitchen below, she would carry the dolls up- but making it down the stairs when you’re two takes more effort- she would throw them down ahead of her, then catch up. I actually loved watching the dolls change with the effects of time, love (and a long staircase!). Some lost ears, one a hand, then an arm. They were pretty long lasting actually. I always made very durable pieces. I believed dolls should be dolls and not just something on a stand that someone looks at!

I’ve been taking photos of these old friends and working out the beginnings of  a vintage book, starring the two main dolls, Ebby and Ivy. At any rate, I thought I would show you just a sneak peek of what I’ve been up to. Thanks for checking in!