 Cecilia
Rothman
Cecilia Rothman
passed away at her home, in February 2007. She leaves her
family, many friends and fellow artists with wonderful memories
of her kindness and her creativity.
Cecilia was known for her exquisite dolls. Both her beautifully
crafted Sojourner Truth, who sits in her rocking chair holding
her knitting and her bible, and her John Muir portrait dolls reside
in the Smithsonian collection.
Born in San
Francisco, Cecilia spent most of her life in the area. As
a teenager growing up in this cosmopolitan city, she was already
making jointed figures of wood. Later, she developed an
interest in marionettes, both the figures and the plays.
In 1970, Cecilia started working in porcelain and found it her
most challenging, but also most rewarding, medium.
By
1974 she had made a number of beautiful and unique figures and
was encouraged to take them to the International Doll Maker's
Association Convention. There, her work was awarded several
ribbons, and the International Gold Cup went to her Princess Lovelia.
Much encouraged, she continued to make exquisite dolls, primarily
in porcelain. NIADA invited Cecilia to join in 1976.
Over the years,
Cecilia worked with materials such as paper mache and sculpy,
making dolls from 2" to 27". But her favorite
method was to cast a generic head in porcelain, and then carve
and model directly in the porcelain clay until she had exactly
the character she had in mind. All the work on the doll
was always Cecilia's. She did not produce dolls in large
editions; each one is truly a thoughtful work of art from her
own hand.
Cecilia's
warmth and dignity flowed into the dolls she made. Her porcelain
figures of historical people were carefully researched and you
can see their personality and character in their poses, costumes,
and the small 'extras' Cecilia often made for them. Teddy
Roosevelt stands in outdoor gear, head up and arms akimbo; an
older Sojourner Truth sits with her knitting and her bible; Mephistopheles,
in his red and black silk, eyes you thoughtfully while he strokes
his beard.
Though best
known for her portraits and characters, Cecilia also made smaller
dolls, such as her 7" State Flower series. The California
Poppy is a freckled red-head girl with the most delicate hands
and elfin smile. Cecilia was generous with her talents and
made several porcelain items for events sponsored by her doll
club, the San Francisco Doll Club. Included are the small
Victorian Lady plaques and the Porcelain teddy bear faces for
special Halloween bears.
The SFDC honors
Cecilia's memory; we will miss her.
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So-So
1976 |
Gnocci
the Clown 1976 |
Baby
in Cradle |
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Salvation
Army 1976 |
French
Fashion 1993 |
Magnolia
1993 |
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Bust
of Ishi |
Sacajawea
Holding Pomp |
Chief
Joseph |
Chief
Truckeee,
a Paiute Indian. |
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