Artist Statement
I have been creating and working in the arts and culture industry for about 20 years, but I did not start making dolls from the beginning. At first, I used to make knight’s armor, swords, shields, horse equipment, saddles, tambourines, etc. Between 2000 and 2005, I worked on several major projects of historical importance, which include the project of the Kharkhorum complex, decoration and costumes of 13th century historical park, also costume and accessories for Japanese movie “Genghis Khan” and Mongolian movie “Immortal”.
In 2005, the idea of making dolls first came. At first, I was thinking about how to enlighten people about Mongolia’s nomadic heritage, unique way of living and history. Then I have realized that Mongolian culture is carried by the mongolian “humans” themselves and the best way to express and show it was through “dolls”, dolls that are dressed and illustrate Mongolian nomadic life.
Mongolia has a rich history and culture that go for many centuries, so there were thousands of ideas and possibilities that could be brought out with leather dolls. My dolls are made of natural materials exactly same as the Mongolian nomadic people who live through harsh weathers, four seasons and wild environment. One doll never duplicates. Since then, I started making dolls continuously and improved my technical skills while contributing to the art of doll making. My first dolls were made to mainly show Mongolian nomadic lifestyle and traditions. Then I started to make different types of dolls including master dolls, commercial dolls, animation dolls, fashion dolls and robotic dolls.
I have realized that making dolls is my life-long passion and goal. I have organized my very first independent doll exhibition by making 208 dolls that are completely unique in terms of their shape, clothes, equipment, and the things they show. Whenever I make dolls, I make it with all my heart and spirit, and try to make every one of them one and only. I get inspiration from Mongolian history as well as rapidly changing modern world.
Education
-Graduated in Decorating art at the Mongolian State University of Culture and Arts in 1998.
Artist membership questionnaire
Do you have any doll-related work experiences?
I only make dolls as an artist. I am a freelancer. However, I sometimes make dolls when someone requests or orders.
Have you exhibited your dolls?
Yes. As requested, please see the list of all the independent and joint exhibitions that I have participated.
Independent exhibitions:
– In 2006, organized “Ncoosh doll brand” grand opening exhibition (displayed 208 dolls)
– In 2014, independent exhibition in Hamamatsu, Japan (displayed mostly shaman, hero master dolls)
– In 2017, “Peaceful and Strength” exhibition in Tagata, Japan.
Joint exhibitions:
– In 2006, invited to National Geographic global exhibition as a participant in the United States.
– From 2016 to 2019, “Bronze Deer” joint exhibition with other leather artists (but not doll artists)
Have your dolls been published in any books or magazines?
Yes. Last 20 years, my dolls have been published in many newspapers, magazines and broadcasted through television programs.
Have you won any doll-related awards?
“Cultural leading artist” award from the ministry, “Labour Fame” award from the Mongolian Youth Association
How long have you been creating dolls?
Since 2005
How did you get started in dollmaking?
In 2005, the idea of making dolls first came. At first, I was thinking about how to enlighten people about Mongolia’s nomadic heritage, unique way of living and history. Then I have realized that Mongolian culture is carried by the mongolian “humans” themselves and the best way to express and show it was through “dolls”, dolls that are dressed and illustrate Mongolian nomadic life.
Mongolia has a rich history and culture that go for many centuries, so there were thousands of ideas and possibilities that could be brought out with leather dolls. My dolls are made of natural materials exactly same as the Mongolian nomadic people who live through harsh weathers, four seasons and wild environment.
List any art, dollmaking, or collecting organizations to which you belong?
Member of Union of Mongolian Artists, Board member of “Bronze Deer” association of leather sculpture artists
In what medium do you work?
First, I make the head, hands, and shoes with sculpting clay and the first mold with rubber material. Then take the second mold from the rubber with gypsum material (gypsum – mixed with water). Put any material that hardens into the rubber and makes mold, then put in the glass eyes. The carcass of the body is made of iron/metal.
If you work in reproductive media, do you make your own molds?
There is no certain mold for all dolls. I make every doll unique and always use a different and one-time mold.
What type of paint do you use? (do you have a preferred painting technique)
Acrylic, metal paint, leather paint, etc.
Do you make your own wigs? (please describe your process)
Yes, I do make my own wigs each for the doll. I mostly use yak and horsetail for the wigs.
Do you make your own accessories? (please describe your process)
Yes, I do my own accessories using natural stone, animal feathers, silver, metal, glass, etc.
Do you make your own clothing? (please detail any help you may have in pattern drafting or construction of clothing)
I make my own doll clothes. Since ancient times, Mongolians have used animal skins, cow/ox hides, mane tails, and sheepskin to make their clothes and insulate their homes. Therefore, the doll is dressed accordingly. Wet raw cow/ox hide is mainly used. In addition to livestock animals, Mongolia has good availability of wild animals and raw materials derived from them, and the Ncoosh brand is characterized by always using such natural materials. Cloth, metal, bones and nails, pearls, glass, and animal feathers are used to make doll clothes and decorations. Traditional techniques such as lacing, stitching, sewing, and braiding are used in the making of leather clothes.
Do you have assistants? (what/how do they contribute to your work)
I have one assistant (who collects information, translates documents, writes official letters, etc.) and many students. Most of my students are on a career path on their own.
Have you designed dolls, toys or other work for commercial manufacture?
Yes. I used to do commercial dolls which are 20-30 cm tall and usually similar designs with each other.
How do you sell your dolls? (wholesale, retail, consignment, commissioned work)
I sell commercial dolls at souvenir shops and sometimes people order dolls.
Do you advertise? (if so, where)
No
Why do you want to be a member of NIADA?
As an artist for many years, I have focused only on my art (making more professional dolls) and made it my main goal to improve my dolls in terms of theme and design. Looking back now, even though my skills have improved, I still want to make my artwork known to others, introduce Mongolian heritage and culture through these dolls, sell them and use the income to develop doll-making art in Mongolia as well as get inspiration from the works of other talented artists from all over the world, and learn from each other. It seems that many important things mentioned above have been left out throughout all these years. In my opinion, being a part of the NIADA family is the perfect way to accomplish all these things.
