Luella Mossom: inspired by circus and theatre
Luella Mossom, born and raised in the picturesque town of Hartbeespoort in South Africa, has left an indelible mark on the art of creating unique dolls. Her artistic journey began in 1986 when she became interested in doll making and purchased a clay kiln. She initially created original dolls from industrial plasticine, but soon realised that her calling was to create unique sculptural dolls.
In search of new knowledge, Luella Mossom turned to a renowned potter who taught her the finer points of handmade ceramics. Her early creations were mostly portraits of children made in wax over ceramic and were characterised by their impressive size. In 1993, she exhibited her work at a monthly doll fair in Johannesburg, where she met other artists who shared her passion for unique dolls. Joining the Global Doll Society, she was recognised internationally, winning third place in the category of handmade children's dolls in 1996.
By the late 1990s, however, the doll collecting market in South Africa was in decline. Despite this, Luella Mossom continued to create, selling her dolls on recommendation and at art exhibitions, mainly in Pretoria. Her work was a firm favourite at the Tina Skukan Gallery, where art lovers had the opportunity to purchase her sculptural creations and art dolls.
Another creative turn in Luella Mossom's life happened in 2011, when she attended a workshop by world-renowned master E.J. Taylor. Taylor. Inspired by his work, she switched to using self-drying paper-based clay and began creating freestanding figures. Their costumes were usually made of paper and their heads and hands were covered with wax. Her sources of inspiration came from the versatility and sometimes bizarre reflections of everyday life in theatre and circus. Since 2016, Luella Mossom has been a member of the NIADA (an international organisation of puppet artists).
In addition to her talent in creating dolls, Luella Mossom, has dedicated her life to saving primates and protecting abused and abandoned pets. Her love for the world has led her to participate in many charitable projects. She has often donated her artwork to charitable organisations to help them raise funds for important causes.
Sadly, Luella Mossom left this world on 18 October 2022, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of doll art lovers. Her creative legacy lives on in her work.
Українська