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Doll by Mary Ellen Frank
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Atlanta
equated with "amazing" as the National Institute
of American Doll Artists gathered in Atlanta, Georgia,
last August to celebrate and learn about the art of the
doll. Outstanding programs and exhibits reflected the diversity
in interpretation, the technical skill, and the artistic
ability which exists in today's world of doll making. Dolls
in an astounding variety of size, form, and materials graced
the rooms as NIADA artists from around the world generously
shared their knowledge and "secrets" with new
artists and NIADA Patrons.
Among them were the exquisite porcelain miniatures of NIADA's
new president, Jane Davies. Tennessee's Akira Blount incorporated
twigs, vines, and other finds from Mother Nature to create
her intriguing fantasy figures. The realism and feeling
of movement expressed by the cloth sculptures of Atlanta's
Antonette Cely defied the imagination. The breadth and variety
of the dolls on exhibit inspired new and experienced doll
lovers alike.
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Doll by Marlaine Verhelst
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Programs
were outstanding. An opening program, titled "NIADA
Show & Tell", gave updates on the latest directions
being taken by a dozen different NIADA artists. "New
Artists, New Directions: The Changing Face of the Doll"
by Lillian Hopkins, reflected on the contributions of 42
artists who have become NIADA members over the last decade.
Marlaine Verhelst presented a fascinating program on doll
making "the Dutch way", and Jane Davies shared
her personal journey on the road to porcelain doll making
through slides and stories.
In an
afternoon of rotating demonstrations of studio techniques,
artists shared their tips for creating wefted wigs, using
mixed media over cloth foundations to create figures, shoe
making for both child and fashion dolls, basic beading techniques,
using alternative fibers in doll making, using tools from
other disciplines, and methods for working with woods, furs,
fins, and feathers.
A highlight
of every NIADA Conference, The Visiting Artists Critique,
gave visiting artists the opportunity to bring a doll and
review its strengths, merits, and possible techniques for
improvement with NIADA member artists. Following the critiques,
a display of these pieces allowed all those attending the
conference to view the exciting and diverse pieces created
by these up and coming artists.
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Newly
elected artist Natalia Pobedina
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Focus
Groups provided information and discussion on a broad range
of issues of concern to professional doll artists. Topics
covered exhibiting at craft shows, creating a web site,
publishing ins and outs, packing and shipping, marketing
and manufacturing opportunities, and NIADA standards.
A special exhibit, "The Figure In Cloth", brought
to the conference an acclaimed touring show of the works
of many of today's finest cloth artists.
The
NIADA Show & Sale on Saturday gave the public, as well
as conference goers, a chance to view and purchase an incredible
range of figurative and doll art.
One
of the most exciting events of the conference for attendees,
the Helper Drawing, was held at the Saturday night banquet,
and new NIADA artists were also introduced that evening.
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Annie
Wahl signing "Scruggs"
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course, the high point of any conference is the presentation
of the conference souvenir. At luncheon on Thursday, attendees
were delighted with the winning and whimsical 2001 souvenir
doll designed by NIADA artist Annie Wahl. Manufactured by
Goebel of North America, "Scruggs" is cast in
resin and is 5 ½" seated. A "moth man", he
has hand-painted fabric wings and fuzzy brown hair circling
his bald pate. His brown velveteen "jump suit"
with a "peek-a-boo backside" had the crowd laughing
out loud. "Scruggs" is able to hold a business
card, a recipe card, or a small photo. Produced in a limited
number for the conference, the remaining "Scruggs"
can be purchased through the NIADA website.
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