Doll Artists = Fiber Artists
Several of my local fiber art buddies enjoy making art dolls. And what extraordinary dolls they are! As a matter of fact, I think the word doesn’t begin to do them justice. Maybe we should call them “fiber beings” or something like that. Just see what I mean.
This is Gabriel, made by Barbara Bilbo.
Isn’t he wonderful?
Barbara says, “I made this doll thanks to a class with Susie McMahon. The head is molded with paper clay, dried, painted a dark green, and then brushed over with a light paint.”
Ruth Anne Parker also makes fascinating dolls. This is her Sea Goddess.
Ruth Anne says: “I have moved from quilter, art quilter and into mixed media and lately sculpted dolls. My second attempt has a paper-clay head and cloth body which are covered with several coats of gesso, goop (a mixture and gel and light modeling plaster). A layer of cheesecloth covers the head and also serves as cover for my Sea Goddess. I have dyed the cheesecloth and painted the body. Susie McMahon, Sherry Goshon and Jean Bernard are some of my favorite teachers of the techniques used on this sculpture. My love of fabric, texture and manipulation keeps growing. “
Isn’t it amazing how versatile fabric is?
Ellen Lindner
