Mother’s First Victim

I am thrilled with today’s post because it features this blog’s first artist interview.  Beth Robinson, creator of Strange Dolls, was kind enough to answer some questions about her craft.

Where does the inspiration for your unique characters come from?

Oh from the usual places… the incessant chatter in my head, from dreams, nightmares, anxiety, phobias. 

Do you work from sketches or paintings?  Do you know what the doll is going to look like before you start?

My creative process involves words more than anything. Usually a phrase will come to mind and I will write it down in my sketchbook or tape it on the wall.Sometimes I will do a few sketches of things I would like to try with the idea, sometimes I will attach the fabric I want to use if it is something special. 

Once I start working on the doll, I am experimenting with how to turn the words I wrote down into a 3D piece of art. Once I start working on the doll I will experiment until it comes out the way I want it to. And sometimes it will take a turn and leave the phrase behind. It is more of an organic process than a regimented one.

How do your materials inspire you?  Why use real human hair, teeth and cat whiskers?

Organic items add a personal touch that can’t be duplicated or manufactured. Who wouldn’t love a commissioned doll made from their own hair or favorite animal’s teeth? It is a new twist to the idea of a voodoo doll. Or a very customized piece of art. 

Doll artists are quite lucky to be able to use such personal items in our work. I love the idea of a piece of art with history that is particular to the person who owns it.  

Two Headed Fauna

Can you describe your typical client?

I have always been amazed by the variety of people that I encounter through my dolls. I hear from every one from the S&M community to the Quilting Club. Men and women. I think the one thing they all have in common is that they are all creative in some way. I am just putting into tangible form, things that are going on in my mind.

What kind of commissions do you take?  If someone wanted to commission a one of a kind doll from you what’s the collaborative process like?

The client will email their idea – which is usually a concept. I won’t re-create Tim Burton dolls – it is foolish to ask for something like that. I also don’t do likenesses of people so it is usually an abstract idea that someone will send. It seems most recently people will find a doll they like on my site but want to add something personal to it.

Is it difficult to part with your dolls once they are sold?

I have a healthy collection of my dolls that I can’t bear to part with at the moment.

Whose work do you admire?

 Virginie Ropars, Marina Bychkova’s “Enchanted Dolls,” Gail Lackey’s “Ghosties.”  Their dolls are quite different than mine but what I really admire is their total dedication to their craft and their careers as artists.

Virginie Ropar's Wasp Queen

Marina Bychkova's Agnetha

Gail Lackey's French Victorian Gothic Ghostie

Do you have any collections?

I really don’t have many possessions except for the materials I use to make dolls. As far as collections.. hm… I guess some art and a few dead things. 

How do you celebrate Halloween?

 By giving candy to children.

Thank you Beth Robinson for sharing with us!  See more of Beth Robinson’s stunning creations on her website.

Mother's Day Purple #2