DeMolding the Heads

Demolding of slip-cast porcelain heads. One step closer to painting, but still two firings and a wet sanding to go before the porcelain matures enough for china paint. Wish me luck with all the kiln firings and as always, pray to the old fire gods!

Time to Open the Molds

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It’s time to open my molds, and see how the parts turned out.

This process, takes place about 2 hours after casting. Plaster molds absorb the water from the slip, and the doll parts harden, shrink, and detach themselves from the molds.

In this stage, the parts are fragile like eggshells, so I have to hold them with a feather touch, or they will get crushed.

I open the molds one at a time, and work quickly to cut away the sprues, open up sealed cavities with a scalpel, and pierce holes for the pins with drill bits.

 



Once exposed to the air, the parts start drying quickly, so time is of the essence here.

But despite the need for speed, I find this to be the most relaxing and enjoyable part of the whole process, because at this point, I don’t need to worry flawless execution. That will come later, but for now, without the pressure of perfection, or the need for extreme concentration, I can just enjoy the flow of my work and get lost in the process.

Hello Again

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Hey guys! You’ve been asking me where I’ve been, and if i’m ok, and I wanted to let you all know that I’ve been here in my studio, working on my special doll orders the whole time.

 
Marina Bychkova sitting at her desk in her studio, working with porcelain doll molds, surrounded by plants
 

I just needed a long break from social media, because the News is giving me nightmares these days.🤯😱😵 I can’t even believe what’s going on in the world… Art is the only refuge. Whoever said that beauty will save the world… I hope they were right. And I hope my art can help even a tiny little bit. So I’m back.

 

Glowing Gisèle

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This glowing creature is Gisèle, she is one of my favourite custom orders from last year. The flower in her hair, is an antique 18k rose gold and glass-enamel pin, with a genuine diamond in the centre! Her delicate complexion beautifully captures the unique translucency of white porcelain. To achieve this look, I gradually built up her skin tone by blushing on several nearly transparent layers of China-paint between multiple kiln firings.

 

How Old Is This Doll?

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How old is this doll? This pretty little porcelain face is from one of my last year’s special doll orders. I named her Gisèle. I was afraid I made her look a bit too young. How old does Gisèle seem to you?