Cracked and Crazed with a Story to Tell


Quite the image isn't it?

Five years ago, kind of without a plan, I started a blog dedicated to talking and sharing about antique dolls from the perspective of those of us who make antique inspired folk art dolls.  Five years is something to celebrate...so be sure to check out MAIDA Today on the 28th of February for a cyber celebration.

Recently I added an antique papier mache doll to my revolving inspiration collection.  Right now, I am into dolls which have carved and textural hair. I buy them, study them, and then send them along on their journey.  When I saw this doll I thought, "She is cracked and crazed with a story to tell."  The word "crazed" means that the surface finish of an object has fine-line separations in it.  Well, cracked means just that.  There is a crack.

The texture of the wear in her is something that artists like Nicholas Wilton try to emulate in paintings.  She's been around the block a time or two, and may have had a body replacement at one time or another.  It looks like maybe her bottom body and top body have been joined together. Is this an old make-do joining or a later one?  It's hard to tell with these old dolls.  Those of you who are longtime collectors will have a better idea.  I think she is interesting despite her rough condition. 








4 comments:

Martha said...

She is pretty. She is pretty in her old worn paint and straight ahead blue eyed stare. I don't know much about these type dolls, except they are usually very charming and straight forward with a no nonsence look about them. Very peaceful and bold as they look at you. I like this doll a lot. Lucky you to get her.

Unknown said...

She's a beauty!

Jan Conwell said...

I love her sweetly placid expression. She looks like she has enjoyed her life and is ready to sit and be quiet for a while.

Sherri Farley said...

She's a pretty doll. I especially like those curls. The dress has lovely fabrics and looks old. I would love to see a photo of the back and some interior photos of how the dress is made. Is it hand stitched? I see it has piping along the collar, I just did that yesterday on a dolly's neckline. I wonder if I did it correctly!!


"Do not let what you cannot do
keep you from doing what you can do."

John Wooden