Synopses & Reviews
Inspired by the "Dada" notion of making art from materials that would not typically be combined or expected to go together, and driven by a similar sense of irony and humor, this exciting book by Linda and Opie O'Brien shares their unique approach to making mixed-media dolls. It is not only a "must have" volume for anyone interested in found object art and the human form, it is a thoughtful and provocative exploration of the power, symbolism, and cultural significance of dolls and representational figures.
In Mixed-Media Doll Making, the authors share detailed techniques for using surface embellishments, creating faces, heads, and limbs, using molds and molding products, and building and transforming disparate objects into whimsical, inspiring dolls. Starting with a variety of substrates including a wood block, a canvas, a tin can, a book, and a box construction, readers are guided step by step through five types of doll constructions.
Inside, you'll find:
—Complete instructions for making a box construction doll, a wood block substrate doll, a two-sided canvas frame doll, a tin can doll, and a book doll
—Numerous variations on each of the core projects for further experimentation
—An inspiring gallery of mixed-media dolls from leading artists who discuss their methods and share their very personal answers to the question: "What is a doll?"
Synopsis
A technique and project book about creating mixed-media dolls that incorporates various found materials. Readers will learn to create a box construction doll, a wood block substrate doll, a two-sided canvas frame doll, a tin can doll, and a book doll.
Synopsis
Inspired by the Dada notion of making art from materials that would not typically be combined or expected to go together, and driven by a similar sense of irony and humor, this exciting book by Linda and Opie O'Brien shares their unique approach to making mixed-media dolls. It is not only a must have volume for anyone interested in found object art and the human form, it is a thoughtful and provocative exploration of the power, symbolism, and cultural significance of dolls and representational figures. The authors share detailed techniques for using surface embellishments, creating faces, heads, and limbs, using molds and molding products, and building and transforming disparate objects into whimsical, inspiring dolls. Starting with a variety of substrates--a wood block, a canvas, a tin can, a book, and a box construction--readers are guided step by step through five types of doll constructions. Included:
- Complete instructions for making a box construction doll, a wood block substrate doll, a two-sided canvas frame doll, a tin can doll, and a book doll
- Numerous variations on each of the core projects for further experimentation
- An inspiring gallery of mixed-media dolls from leading artists who discuss their methods and share their very personal answers to the question: What is a doll?
About the Author
Originally from New York City, Linda O'Brien and her husband Opie are full time artists living on Lake Erie in Ohio with their cat Angelus and his cat Angel. They teach workshops nationally and internationally. Their work includes jewelry, Dada dolls, artist books, assemblage, collage, masks, music, and more, and has been featured in numerous books, magazines, galleries, exhibitions, solo shows, museum gift shops, and private collections.Originally from New York City, Opie O'Brien and his wife Linda are full time artists living on Lake Erie in Ohio with their cat Angelus and his cat Angel. They teach workshops nationally and internationally. Their work includes jewelry, Dada dolls, artist books, assemblage, collage, masks, music, and more, and has been featured in numerous books, magazines, galleries, exhibitions, solo shows, museum gift shops, and private collections.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Chapter 1: Techniques and Materials
Tools
Techniques
Coloring Wood
Painting
Using Ink
Glazes and Washes
Adding Finishing Touches and Special Effects to Substrates and Surfaces
Crackle Paint
Rubber Stamps
Molding Paste
Metallic Foils and Waxes
Apoxie Sculpt
Altering an Existing Head
Creating Faces and Limbs
Using Ready-Made Molds and Definition Tools
The Apoxie Sculpt Face
The Polymer Clay Face
The Paper Clay Face
Making Your Own Polymer Clay Molds
Using a Mold-Making Kit
The Instant Gratification Limb
Collaging Canvas Substrates
Rusting Paper and Metal
The Found Object Head
Tinkering with Tin
Creating a Dada Diary
The Covers
Diary Variations
The Pages
Binding
Finishing
The Fine Art of Attachment
Chapter 2: Projects and Variations
THE WOOD SUBSTRATE DADA: I’ve Got the Music in Me
THE CANVAS FRAME DADA: Dos Dada
THE TIN CAN DADA: Eight, Skate, and Rotate
THE BOOK DADA: The Story of a Bad Boy
THE BOX-CONSTRUCTION DADA: The Dada Diary
Chapter 3: Gallery of Odd Dolls and Dadas
CONTACT INFORMATION
RESOURCES
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS