New Doll
Today I'm making a second, silk wig for this pretty little doll, which will be going up on ebay in November! She will have two wigs. And a special new, metal accessory I'm working on parallel to the doll.
She is keeping the secrets of her final appearance for now, as I don't want to build your first impression of her with bad snapshots of the work-in-progress. I'll be posting more teasers of her this week and next, until finally all is revealed!
I can't wait.
This is the girl. Photos coming soon.
Hey everyone! I'm back from my summer vacation and I'm very tanned! Aaaand, I've finally created the ultimate summer vacation memory of running and jumping off the end of a dock into a lake for the first time in my life. I was only twenty or so years late for that event. It was profound, and pretty awesome.
In other news; I'm super excited to finally be able to share with you the accompanying movie from the photo shoot I did earlier this summer for Vogue Japan and... ta-da! Lux! This image here is a still frame from the movie. Watch the whole thing here. It was directed and shot by Lacey, who also shot my dolls for Vogue last year , while I animated them. The issue with the full spread is coming out this fall! I'll post more info soon. Enjoy the movie and please let me know what your favorite scene is. And then I'll tell you mine!
This doll will be in the 10th Anniversary exhibition at Strychnin Gallery in Berlin, on August 16th! She is already on route there and I'll be out of town until Aug 5th, so please send your inquiries about her price and availability to Elizabetta at Strychnin Gallery.
I was inspired by the Renaissance oil painting traditions in creating this brand new face sculpt. It has characteristically small and puffy lips, delicate chin, gently arching brows, heavy eyelids and golden hair. Sleeping Beauty is nude porcelain doll in a 14k gold-plated bronze crown, set set with 11 faceted Amethyst gemstones and 9 fresh-water Pearls. Her removable magnetic wig is made of mohair as soft and as delicate as a spider web, while her translucent features and complexions are painted with china paint. Joints are lined with leather. She comes with my signature carbon steel stand with a flexible armpit hold and a custom tin box for safe-keeping.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I'm thrilled to announce that I'll have a piece for sale at the 10th Year Anniversary show at Strychnin Gallery in Berlin, called 'All (My) Starts', opening the 16th of August 2013. This is a very special event that celebrates a very special gallery, and though I'm booked up to the gills, I couldn't turn down the request to participate. I even made a brand new head mold to unveil at this exhibition. Sleeping Beauty! This is She! (in progress)Gold crown set with Pearls and Amethysts. (in progress)And my new little home studio all set up for work! (also, in progress). You see, this doll celebrates not just one, but two special events, because she is the first doll to be completed here, in my new work space and my new home. She symbolizes beginnings of things.
"All my starts". August 16th. Strychnin Gallery. More pictures and info coming tomorrow.
Quick snapshot from the set. Had a very long and productive day shooting a spread for Vogue Japan with a great creative team! I can't share any actual photos with you yet, but they are amazing. Ok, gotta go and crash asap. Need to replenish my creative juices for tomorrow.
Here are some additional photos of the Princess and the Frog doll that I haven't posted before. She got sold by Strychnin Gallery in Berlin last month. In the wake of this doll, I've been getting a lot of requests for costumed dolls from collectors, and it upsets me that I have to turn people away, because I don't have any available at the moment. As you know I've been really busy with the resin line orders for the past few months, but I wanted to give you guys heads up that I am cooking up new porcelain dolls, both tattooed and costumed. You know how much I like keeping secrets, wink-wink....So, look out for those. I may even do another ebay auction in the fall. Enjoy these for now.
My friends! I'm afraid I've been keeping a secret from you for a year and now it's time to come clean. I want to show you something I've been developing. This!
Behold: A large, ball-jointed, porcelain doll! And she is going to be beautiful! And, very expensive. This is my first face prototype, with the rest of the body still to be molded. I'm especially excited about the potential for detail this scale will allow me. Just imagine the kind of mind-bogglingly detailed tattoos I can engrave on her body! Or the eyes I could paint! I'm almost dizzy with new creative possibilities.
But there are plenty of challenges too. I still don't know if the large porcelain parts can handle this scale without totally deforming during firing. Even tiny parts tend to sag and warp during firing, and have to be routinely discarded because they no longer fit their respective ball-joints, so I'm very apprehensive about all this work having been for nothing when I fire a torso, or a leg and learn that this doll can not be made due to severe sag.
Face painting too, was more of a challenge than I anticipated. It was a totally different ball game than painting a tiny face. I struggled a lot with eyes and lips, but I expect I will get better and better the more I practice. Quantity eventually transcends into quality.
Unfortunately, I won't find out if the project works a few months from now, until I fire and inspect all the parts for sag. But, I'm going all in regardless; Buying a large kiln, making the parts and having an electrician install install a new plug especially for it. All of that could turn out to be a colossal waste of resources and effort, but that's the price of admission to being an artist.
No risk, no innovation. Wish me luck.
Available at Strychnin Gallery in the Kingdoms of Twilight and Magic exhibition!
Please allow me to introduce my brand new piece: The Princess and the Frog!
A spoiled princess Arabelle learns a lesson in keeping promises and finding true love after meeting and reluctantly befriending a Poison Dart frog, who challenges her self-centered world views and becomes her handsome prince. And she becomes a better person.
Based on the Grimm Brothers fairy tale "The Frog Prince".
Materials and construction:
A porcelain doll with a one of a kind engraving and a limited edition head ornament customized with one of a kind accents.
Conical headdress carved in wax, cast in bronze, plated with 24k gold, enameled and set with 15 faceted blue Topazes and 5 pearls. Pendant is a blue Topaz in 18k gold setting with a 24k gold plated chain. Tattoo of a Poison Dart frog is a combination of engraving on porcelain and china-painting. Veil is soft bridal chiffon, set with 300 Austrian crystals. Doll is ball-jointed, china-painted porcelain, lined with leather and strung with 11 steel springs. Wig is removable, magnetic mohair fiber, permanently-styled into 15 braids.
After months in construction, I'm crazy about how it had turned out!
Inquire at Strychnin Gallery for details.
This wax model is fresh from the CNC machine. I've got about 18 hours to hand carve additional detail and definition, and then it has to be rushed off for molding first thing tomorrow morning. I may or may not get to sleep tonight. My intention with this design was to create a look of embroidered brocade fabric. This project caused a lot of head ache for my CNC specialist, as we've been fighting with it since January. I wouldn't be surprised to learn that he hates me. Although, he probably wouldn't take on this job if he did. :)...
And now it seems like it's finally coming together. I'm so excited about it, that I feel giddy, almost drunk. Or maybe it's all that caffeine I've been guzzling to keep going... I really do hope that it will mold ok, then inject ok, and then cast ok. Still three unknown variables remain, and there is so little time left to mess around with it, that if one of those variables doesn't go as planned, it will seriously jeopardize the whole thing. Having now crossed the point of no return, there is really nothing else to do now, but to plow full steam ahead and hope it wasn't all for nothing.
Friends! I've got some great news for you!
News number One: The 4th edition of the Enchanted Doll book is being released this summer! It's being published by Baby Tattoo Books, in Los Angeles!
News number Two: I will be promoting the upcoming book in person and showing my traveling doll collection with the Baby Tattoo Books roadshow May 13-21st in 6 US cities; Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, Denver, Kansas City, Albuquerque and Phoenix!
Wow, I'm so excited! These are the dates for each city. Exact times, venues and other details will be announced soon. There will be other amazing artists too. Come and see us. On the Baby Tattoo Books roadshow!
Monday, May 13 - Las Vegas ( 7-9 pm at Trifecta Gallery)
Tuesday, May 14 - Salt Lake City (7:00 - 9:00 pm at Night Flight Comics)
Wednesday, May 15 - Denver
Friday-Sunday, May 17-19 - Kansas City (Spectrum Live)
Monday, May 20 - Albuquerque
Tuesday, May 21 - Phoenix
This is a concept drawing for a new doll I'm currently working on. It's been in the works for almost 4 months and I'm very excited about it. This piece is for an upcoming show 'Kingdoms of Twilight and Magic', which opens at Strychnin Gallery in Berlin on May 10th. In just about a month from now.
And this is a partial 3D model of the cone headdress. It's still being programmed into the CNC machine for carving, and I'm a little apprehensive about how it will turn out. The reason I had decided to use a CNC carver for this, instead of hand carving it myself, was the amount of minute scrolling details, which I did not think I could carve very well.
Next week this cone will (hopefully) be ready for the moulding stage, then casting...and then I can show you the whole doll. Quickly cross your fingers for me, and will this cone to come out ok. Thank you.
I caught a lot of flak from a bunch of people for giving my Rubenesque doll smallish breasts. The argument was that they simply had to be more voluptuous on that body type. I strongly disagree with that line of thought and prefer smaller breasts for my dolls hands down, but still, I decided to make a larger chest for fun and for art. After all, I thought, why not?
And then I made it, and realized why not. I'm afraid it only reaffirmed my initial aversion to this aesthetic. They are not bad, but I can't say I'm interested in pursuing this direction much further than this. However, I will keep this bust around as an option for those who do like it.
What about you? Now that you see them made, do you still like them?
I'm having a really fantastic time at the Pieceno Fashion doll convention and will post some pictures when I have more time. In he meantime here is a picture of the most recent completed doll. You might recognize her face. I made the nude for a Vogue photo shoot this August, but I have just finished the head dress I've been working on for a while. It's another incarnation of my Light series. This one is cast in bronze and plated with Rose gold. I'll tell you more about her later. Now I've got to go.
I am so happy to finally be able to present to you, the long-awaited line of Resin Enchanted Doll! The official launch is in Moscow, Russia on Oct 4-7th at the 8th annual Doll Salon exhibition, along with the launch of the Russian language edition of Enchanted Doll book! This is so exciting!
Also, a big Thanks for all your naming suggestions! So many pretty names. I chose Serafina. I couldn't pick just one though, so I made a short list of my favorites and gave them to the 15 of the first resin dolls going to Russia tomorrow.
Being new at painting resin dolls, I was learning a lot. To experiment with different painting techniques and features, I painted each doll face a little bit differently; tweaking eyebrows, changing eye shapes and playing with boundaries of lips to find the essence of Enchanted Dolls in resin. These dolls are all prototypes from which I will be painting in the future.
After the shows in Russia and Italy, Resin line wait list will go in effect, and those of you who've been on it, will be given priority to order a resin doll.
So, what do you guys think? Any favorites?
I'm running a bit late with the photo shoot of the first resin dolls, but it should wrap up tomorrow.In the meantime, help me name this pretty doll. I'd love to hear your suggestions on what she should be called.
My set up is a lot different than what I would use for painting porcelain dolls; instead of china paint, I've got acrylic paints and pencils. It's weird. I am able to replicated a similar, airbrushed effect though. Still getting into my groove.
Dear Friends, autumn is always a busy time for me. Art shows, fashion shows and doll shows tend to take place around this time and that's when I usually take Enchanted Doll on the road too. Right now I'm preparing for three events in three countries and have some really exciting news for you! Here is the scoop in a nutshell.
Speaking at the Emily Carry University of Art and Design, Vancouver BC, September 28th 2012
Using a compact and dynamic presentation format called Pecha-Kucha (chit-chat), I'll be giving a short (5 min) talk accompanied by 10 slides, along with 9 other Emily Carr alumni about my life and times as an artist since graduation. Anyone can attend this lecture, but you have to register here to reserve a spot. There will be some mingling and drinking afterwards. Come and see me and 9 others of my kind talk about ourselves!
International Doll Salon in Moscow, Russia, October 4-7th 2012
I've got two awesome things prepared for this event. First, I will be there in person to launch the first Russian-language edition of the Enchanted Doll art book! Awesome. Second, I will also be premiering a limited and experimental line of Resin Enchanted Dolls! Awesome, awesome. Only 20 resin dolls will be available at this convention. Also for the first time along with the dolls, I'll be bringing my collection of Enchanted Doll jewelery, such as lanterns, hand and face pendants etc, with me as well. Come and see me and my new projects! More info coming soon.
Pieceno Fashion Doll Convention in San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy, October 26-28th 2012
I feel very honored to have been invited as special guest to show my traveling porcelain collection at the new Pieceno fashion doll convention in Italy! And as a special treat to my Italian collectors, I will be premiering twenty Resin dolls there too! Alongside with Enchanted Doll jewelery and souvenirs. Come and see me and my dolls there!
Although it's going to be a jam-packed autumn, I am very excited about being a part of these events, as they represent a fulfillment of long time goals, dreams and projects.
Stand by for more info.
Salome is up for sale on eBay starting RIGHT NOW! The auction will last for 7 days. Click here for the auction page.
Here's the description from the listing:
Salome is a doll â„–2 in my Rubenesque body type series. I, Marina Bychkova, am the creator of this doll.
1.Sculpted with 18 points of articulation
2.Cast in fine porcelain
3.Painted and blushed with permanent, ceramic china paint
4.Strung up with 11 steel springs
5.Stands 14.5†(37.5cm) tall
6.Enchanted Doll™ Salome is sold with a floral tiara of sterling silver and mother of pearls, 2 magnetic mohair wigs (red and blonde) and a flexible custom stand. Any other accessories seen in the pictures are for composition only and are not included in the auction.
Like all Enchanted Dollsâ„¢, Salome is built for playing. Leather lines her joints for smooth and even rotation while the unique jointing mechanism allows for a wide range of natural and sensual movements and poses. Her silky porcelain complexion and intricate china-painted features are completely resistant to UV radiation, scratches, cleaning chemicals, moisture, or dirt from extensive handling.
About your Enchanted Dollâ„¢
Due to the remarkable nature of fine porcelain, all Enchanted Dolls share strength and resiliency and require very little maintenance. However, a reasonable degree of care must be taken in handling any and all porcelain objects gently to prevent impact with hard surfaces, which may result in a fracture. Always use the doll stand for safety and support when standing this doll. Due to the aesthetically small feet in relation to the rest of the body, Enchanted Dolls don’t balance well.
The surface of the doll can be safely washed repeatedly, but it should never be submerged in water so that the spring mechanism stays dry. If the water does get inside the doll don’t let it sit, blow-dry its joints as soon as possible.
Should the doll suffer a fracture in the fingers or extremities through an unfortunate accident, I offer a free repair policy for up to five separate parts (head not included), where the owner is only responsible for the shipping charges. As long as you handle your doll with reasonable gentleness, you are likely to never need my repair services. This doll will be your companion for many years to come.
Please feel free to ask me any questions about this doll or this auction. Thanks for looking and Happy Bidding!
This composition was put together exclusively for a photograph. These accessories belong to me and will not be included in the auction. The idea came to me spontaneously while shooting the lovely nude Salome. When I momentarily looked away from the camera to stretch my back, my eyesight slid distractedly across some loose doll heads on my desk and then instantly shot back to them, this time focused and alert, as a light bulb went off in my head. I thought: "Ah, but of course. So obvious!
"The lantern crown is the third installment in my ongoing Light Series. I made it as an experiment 2 months ago but didn't have time to make a doll to wear it, so it sat in the drawer as if it was waiting for Salome. I think it works really well aesthetically and contextually, because for all we know, real Salome could have actually performed the traditional Middle Eastern Candelabra dance for King Herod.
It is a very heavy piece, borderline hazardous to the doll unless its center of gravity is perfectly balanced and that's why it's staying in my collection. Having said this, if somebody were just dying to have this piece for their doll to wear on display, I might be able to replicate it again.
Salome's tears were made for the photograph with quick drying jewelery glue. I dripped it on her face and then flaked it off after the shoot. It doesn't bond permanently to porcelain. I'm not sure why I made her cry. Felt right. So did putting electrical wires into the severed (originally John the Baptist's ) head. Make of it whatever you will.
Perhaps my Salome is a specter of the past and the future both, as the history always repeats itself.
Well, there you go folks. The auction starts tomorrow afternoon. See ya there.
