We recently worked with NIADA artist, Reina Mia Brill, on her doll "Jari" (9"), which was the souvenir doll at the latest NIADA Conference in Denver.
In case you are not familiar with the artists' group NIADA, here is a little bit about them:
"NIADA - The National Institute of American Doll Artists is a worldwide organization of doll artists, supportive patrons, and friends whose purpose is to promote the art of the original handmade doll.
NIADA dolls are not copies of an old doll (although an artist may choose to caricature, spoof or make a social commentary on such a doll). It is not a conglomeration of limbs made from molds made by other artists; it is not a beautiful head placed on a stump of a body. It is a complete entity. It conveys a message, usually some facet of culture, which mirrors life and can be a record for future generations. NIADA dolls also depict the past, capture the present and, in many instances, interprets the artist's own version of [other] influences. Each artist has an individual style. Art is a subjective matter and [one] can be objective in evaluating art forms to a limited degree." - NIADA.org
We couldn't be more thrilled to have helped create a doll that is connected to such a fantastic organization, and we truly enjoyed working with Brill on her awesome creature, Jari! We just love what she does and we are sure you will too; check out her portfolio here and if you have any doubts just listen to what she has to say:
"I make creature sculptures that live in a children’s world. Part animal and part human, their lives are filled with mischief, insecurity, fears, and curiosity. Their story begins as a lump of clay which is slowly formed through my fingertips. After being bisque fired, colorful underglazes are painted on the surface. Once all the firing is finished, I pause, change pace and step back in time. Sitting down with my 1920’s and 1960’s knitting machines I decide how to transform the glazed surface with an unexpected texture, knitted wire. Colorful wire mesh is stretched and sewn over the hard clay surface for the actual skins and garments for the creatures. These old mechanical machines are truly precious. I love using them for a renewed purpose, which adds to the story and fabled world where my creatures reside." -Reina Mia Brill
Personally, I love imaging the "fabled world where [these] creatures reside"! Under my bed, perhaps!?!
Pretty In Plastic Inc. is located in Downtown Los Angeles. We are toy couture and do everything from design...sculpt...prototype...limited art runs...to manufacturing...from small scale to large! -Julie B.
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