Thursday, January 24, 2019

Sometimes I feel like, someone’s watching me

A Doll from 1505
 On a semi-regular basis, I receive questions about creepiness working in and around antique doll genre.  When it’s in reference to my dolls, I convey the expressions were drafted to be true to the art and also as least creepy as possible. Most of the time, folks do not get uncomfortable around my dolls. Especially when using the portrait and details of the original dolls as points of reference.

Observing that men are more likely nervous then women around old world style dolls.  Taking that into consideration whom is asking questions on the topic. Did have a conversation about the creepiness of the children holding the dolls much more disturbing than the dolls themselves. Which I do agree from an art perspective, about the proportions of children are challenging in general. Adding into previous, children wearing adult like clothing for the time period. There is just something different about the depictions of children in the 16th and early 17th centuries that is slightly unsettling.
Next Doll Project 
I receive comments on the Annabelle (haunted doll) from the recent horror movie. Especially since my second doll Elizabeth Regina which I used my own hair to make the wig. Apparently that was a level of dedication to art that is rarely seen. I do have plans for one other of my dolls to have a wig made from my hair. Made a small discover researching post period dolls from the 17th and 18th centuries. The glass eyes didn’t come into use for dolls till 1700. The information was for comparison of transition of body shape, clothing, techniques and materials used. It’s always good to know more than less especially when in a particular topic specialization.

Close up of upcoming Doll
Project.
Many of wooden peg dolls, some of these colonial dolls seem to have glass eyes. Set in sockets with glue then covered over with clay to make eye lids and then painted to a fashionable pallor. The depth and texture of the glass  making the expression much different for the ending look of the doll. Glass at this later time is more affordable than in the earlier century. So many guilds were able to make small details for these dolls and other colonial goods. The facial expression makes a difference as well, some of these seem angry. Although the placement of the eyes is a large part of the rest of the look conveyed. Some folks eyes err close together others too far apart.  Now some of this is the difference in skill I know what is proportionally correct bs what they were able to produce and the time period.

So when discussing in the future I have more facts to provide for comparison and constrasting the changes in technology. Creepy dolls are officially post period but creepy child portrait paintings are period. Amusing information all in its full glory, also powerful even if creepy.

If you want to read more about the history of creepy dolls. Here is a Smithsonian article that is up your alley.  The History of Creepy Dolls

Never Dull,

THL Marrin O’Kealy

No comments:

Post a Comment

Replica 1560's Venetian Italian Fashion Doll

Replica 1560's Venetian Italian Fashion Doll

Replica 1560 French Fashion Doll

Replica 1560 French Fashion Doll

Tudor Q and A

What is a Tudorosity?

A mashed combination of the words Tudor and Curiosity to create the word Tudorosity. Tudorosities is the plural form and the deffinition is as follows.

Tudorosity- an desire to learn or know anything about the Tudor dynasty associated with years 1405 through 1603.

Most people ask my why I make the Tudor garb ?

I find the clothing of this era not only beautiful but also challenging to sew. There is much more care and purpose put into making garments and wearing garments in the Tudor Era. I love the look of Tudor so much I wanted to explore the way clothes were made back then and the subtle changes in fashion and styles of time.

How did you get started in this interesting hobby?

I started with art first, I love to draw, paint, and sculpt all the traditional fine arts. So being able to draw helps me visualize the looks I want to create in my garb. History has always been a huge interest of mine and I've had a knack for sewing since I was 7 years old. It all started with doll clothes and I learned cross stitch embroidery from my grandmother when I was little. I am self taught sewer, crochet, knitting, embroidery and tatting. My methods are learned from books mainly and there is still so much more to learn.

What is my favorite outfit and why?

It would be like picking a favorite out of one of my future children, its impossible. I love all my gown creations and really like the distinct differences in all the styles clothing I make for the Tudor Era.

Do you make the whole outfit including hat, shoes, and undergarments?

I do have a goal of making a complete Tudor from the skin out. As of right now I make 90% of my gowns and accessories. The shoes and stockings, are bought online and the petticoats are a close reproduction but not made by me. .

How long does it take to make a gown?

It all depends on the type of gown. The making relies on the time period and class of the design. Generally if I work on it 8 hours a day on a sewing machine it will take 3 days to get the basics and another 5 days to do finish hand-sewing details and beading. So a week to a week and a half if working on it steady for that amount of time. I work a full-time job so it does take longer than a week to complete. I put over 40-100 hours per outfit depending on its complexity, its like its own full time job of sorts.

Do you make renaissance clothing for sale or custom orders?

No, due to new employment and changes in my lifestyle. Unfortunately, I have no time to support sewing for others. Though I recommend sewing lessons for those adventurous few. There are many fine folks who make and sell historical clothing. I suggest guidance with sew from many fine historical enthusiastic costumers out on the internet.

How long have you been making these elaborate costumes?

I have been in the Society of Creative Anachronism coming up on my 18th year. Active since 2004 working at demonstrations and volunteering when I could between working and other life's distractions. I really concentrated on Tudor sewing in 2007 and worked with patterns to learn proper fabrics, techniques, fit, and silhouette. I really enjoy the eras transition from a medieval form fitting layered cotterdie to the boned Tudor kirtle and then to structured Elizabethan clothing.

Replica 1490 Milan Italian Fashion Doll

Replica 1490 Milan Italian Fashion Doll
Based on art by Giovanni Ambrogio

O’Kealy Heraldry

O’Kealy Heraldry