Shelley Thornton: The Art of the Puppet World
Shelley Thornton is an outstanding artist whose work in the world of dolls has become a true art form. From an early age, just before the age of two, she began to realise that fine art was not just a hobby, but her language and life purpose. Born on 31 May 1950 in Nebraska, Shelley Thornton spent most of her life in that state, although she spent the summer months in San Francisco and also spent two and a half years in New York City.
Shelley Thornton's education began at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, specialising in printmaking and graphic design. Her career has been varied, working as a wooden toy maker, animator, and graphic designer. She has been a freelance illustrator for over twenty years, allowing her to develop her skills and creativity.
However, it was in the world of dolls that Shelley Thornton found her true calling. Seeking to combine work and family commitments, she became a self-employed artist, raising two children and creating unique dolls. In the process, she developed her own technique of modelling the head of a textile doll using a needle, covering it with cotton knitwear. This method allows her to achieve a "skin" effect, which gives her dolls a special realism.
Shelley Thornton's dolls are stuffed inside with wool, which adds to their natural warmth and cosiness. But that's not all: her work has mobility through the use of wooden balls at the joints of the knees, elbows, shoulders and wrists, as well as wires sewn into the fingers. This makes each doll not only beautiful but also functional, allowing it to assume different poses.
One of the hallmarks of Shelley Thornton's work is the fabric hair. This element, voluminous thanks to the woollen stuffing, gives the dolls a unique character. This approach allows the artist to express her creativity in hairstyles and create harmonious combinations with clothes.
Shelley Thornton's work is not just about creating dolls; it is a whole world filled with emotion and history. Each doll is the result of years of experience and passion for art, making them true works of art. Inspired by her life and the world around her, Shelley continues to delight fans with her talent and craftsmanship, leaving an indelible mark on the world of doll art.
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