Saturday, January 10, 2009

Resurrecting old dolls

Marie Laveau, Voodoo Queen of New Orleans
2007 IOLCC (Imitation of Life Construction Company) International Doll Challenge

Spent a glorious day in sunny San Diego going through my depressing, crammed to the rafters storage unit, pulling out a few of the dolls I made for past doll challenges for the wonderful artist group IOLCC (Imitation of Life Construction Company). I never really took photos of them, so I figured I might as well do that now! It's so strange to look at something you made a long time ago, that you worked really hard on and thought was pretty good....and now suddenly every flaw jumps out at you and slaps you in the face! I still like my Marie Laveau, but she got scratched on her nose and needs a touch up. Her snake Zombie has a hairline crack. My Jenny Lind has mysteriously broken a finger. Finger not to be located. My Theda Bara (the Vamp of the silent film era) has ALSO mysteriously lost a finger. Not to be found. Where in the world did these two little, tiny fingers crawl off to? Something tells me something went horribly awry in the return packaging of the dolls from the show. There are probably two tiny fingers rolling around the San Diego Convention Center...What a disappointment. My Alice Liddell suddenly let me know that she's completely out of proportion...big head, narrow shoulders, short waisted, long legged...I could go on and on. In hindsight the ONLY thing I like about her is her face. Soooo, I have some repair work to do on the others and a complete overhaul of Alice. She got new shoulders this afternoon, and I trashed her homemade wig (first attempt and a lousy one at that at wig making). I am doing what I normally do for my dolls, which is handsculpt their hair from paperclay. Her dress of course will no longer fit, so I have to make her a new one. But she's a nice girl and deserves one, and never really liked the one I forced on her in the first place. I'll post photos of these gals as soon as I get them out of the doctor's office. Ironically, the one I think is the most disappointing, Alice, is the one who won an award. Ain't life strange, how we see our work so differently than others do. Haven't gotten too much done today as I am now addicted to these blog sites, it's like going into a candy store where they locked the door and won't let you out! I am in heaven visiting all these wonderful sights with the fabulous dolls and artwork!

8 comments:

  1. Wow!!!! I'm floored!! Your dolls are Awsome!! Thanks for sharing your work...it's So inspirering!!
    Happy hauntings,, Gail

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  2. Beautiful art dolls! Found your blog from Flora's mention at Bonehead Studios. (Thank you, Flora!)
    I love the story and especially the part about the 2 missing fingers.

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  3. Beautiful dolls.....your costuming is exquisite.

    Cheers,
    Susie

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  4. Robin,
    Thank you so much for visiting my blog. I am so thrilled to know someone who met Jason and Grant. I have been watching those guys since day one! I love your blog and dolls and will return!
    Take Care,
    Tina

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  5. Beautiful dolls - I adore your work. I found you through Flora too!! Your Sopie is darling!!
    Sarah

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  6. Robin, your dolls are gorgeous! A walk down Memory Lane must have been fun...and you discovered that you've grown since creating these!
    Thanks for sharing!
    Cindy

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  7. Wow--- your dolls are gorgeous! I just love all you've done here! Truly Lovely!~

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  8. Hi Robin~ I'm enjoying your blog and your dolls so very much. They are just beautiful, you have such skill and talent.
    Can't wait to see your dolls after their "makeovers"!

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