The world of dolls is diverse and colourful! One is convinced of this once again when one sees the works of such authors as Julie McCullough, whose vision of beauty and perfection differs from the generally accepted standards. But are there such "standards" when we see stylised art objects and author's souvenirs alongside realistic figurative doll sculpture?! There are no rules in contemporary puppet art, and ...

Tanya Marriott is a world-renowned doll and toy maker, past president of the National Institute of American Doll Artists NIADA and a graduate of Pictoplasma Academy. She has been creating dolls inspired by the world around her for over 20 years. Tanya Marriott now teaches at Massey University, the College of Creative Arts in New Zealand, and is head of the Conceptual Design Programme and the Weta Master's School at Massey University in New Zealand.

Folkert de Jong is best known for his theatrical narrative paintings that address themes of war, greed and power. "When I watch the news or follow the world through the media," Folkert de Jong stated in a conversation with critic Stephen Cox in 2013, "I can't believe what I hear and see, it's like ...

Puppet miniatures always amaze with unimaginable detail in scale. The works of Debbie Volquarts are another indisputable proof of the author's skill and imagination. Looking at them, you become involved in another world where you are a guest and a contemplator. Someone stays in this world and accepts its rules, and someone leaves and closes the door behind him. My name is Debbie Volquarts, and I am ...

The Maker, an animated film directed by Christopher Kezelos, is a short story about the present and the eternal, about trying to understand oneself and the world, about the meaning of life and the transience of time. The story, in which a strange race of creatures resists time to create the most important and beautiful creation of their lives, closely resonates with the moments of many artists that create their own worlds, ....

Stephanie Metz called her woollen project "The Unnatural History of the Teddy Bear", drawing attention to the problems of ecology and wildlife conservation. The "inside view" of the teddy bear, which is subjected to anatomical detailing and even "conservation" gives the project an acute social meaning. At first glance teddy bears seem trivial: toys for children and symbols of innocence, comfort and nostalgia. But the teddy ...

Marsha Schindler creates original works of art, particularly a series of ceramic sculptures, in her Sacramento art studio. Marsha Schindler is a foundations instructor at the California Institute of the Arts, Sacramento. She has taught subjects such as design fundamentals, observational drawing, colour theory, perspective, visual language and culture. Professor of Art for summer academic talent search summer programmes at Sacramento State University. Taught ...

NIADA - 60 Years Dedicated to the Art of Doll Design 1963 - 2023 Rich in Tradition - New Ideas NIADA is a worldwide organisation of doll artists, supporting patrons and friends whose purpose is to promote the art of the original handmade doll. IMA NARODITSKAYA HISTORY NIADA 60 Years of Artistic Doll Design The National Institute of American Doll Artists was officially founded in May 1963 at ...

Willy Verginer is a contemporary Italian artist and sculptor who lives and works in Ortisei, Italy. His hyper-realistic sculptures of turned wood are equally poignant and absurd. He has learnt the technique of woodworking and sculpting from the traditions of South Tyrolean craftsmen. Willy Verginer's finely rendered sculptures depict children poking their heads out of cardboard boxes of ...

Kathryn Walmsley is an internationally renowned artist and a member of the NIADA International Dollmakers Association. Her work seamlessly blends the traditions of ancient handicrafts and the artistic vision of the modern puppet maker. What I enjoy most is giving an old story a new twist or creating my own imaginary characters with a touch of humour. It's all about the idea, which often percolates for months or years before ...