Hi everyone! Here’s the 3D printed (prototype) Miss Georgia painted. I like the result although I did have some problems with her eyebrows. At first, I used a brown dry pastel, then added thin lines with a semi-dry pastel brown pencil. To finish, I drew more fine lines with a bit of black acrylic paint… And that was a mistake. The bristles of my brush were too long, and by the time I removed the excess paint, it was already too late because the acrylic had dried. I could have done it all over again, but I was worried about damaging the pink layer on the surface. Anyway, I’ll make up for it next time with a better technique and I already have an idea of how to do it. An important detail to add is its color which is a dark peach tone. However, since she is mixed-race, I plan to choose slightly darker shades such as bronzed caramel, hazelnut and peanut for her realization. How do you find it? I’m curious to know what you think.”
Good evening! I start my creation with painting to bring Miss Georgia to life. It’s incredible, but, despite my attempts with dry pastels, I couldn’t resist the urge to paint Miss Georgia with acrylic paint. It’s my material of choice. I feel comfortable with this medium because I know how to use it. I appreciate the end result it provides. A natural look that is the result of the application of several thin and translucent layers of paint, helped by the use of small make-up sponges. If I can offer a little advice to any artist, it’s this: if you appreciate an art material and it adds value to your work, keep using it.”
Hello everyone! How are you? For my part, I didn’t stop for a minute. I made several 3D resin prototypes of Miss Georgia. It was a daunting task, but it was worth it. I had to check several small details, including the knuckles, hands, feet and especially the eyes. The eyes are an important issue since I have to test several styles of glass eyes. I’m going to try several brands and I’ll share with you my opinion of each brand, once I’ve finished cleaning Miss Georgia.
Hello everyone. In order to celebrate Miss Georgia, what could be better than to photograph her prototype which will be accompanied by several photos and proverbs. I hope you like it and see you soon.
I did more resin color tests, but this time with Miss Georgia’s friends. The first results will be released soon with the real colors offered by the doll production company. But for this post, I mixed my own resin colors. These colors range from brown tones (chocolate, coffee, cinnamon, and caramel), to lighter shades (cream, vanilla, almond, and peach). One thing I have to mention, no eyelashes have been added to these faces. Only makeup for makeup has been added. In fact, I had a lot of fun experimenting with these colors.
Surprise! Let me introduce you to other faces! In fact, let me introduce you to Miss Georgia’s friends. Just like Miss Georgia, their names and personal stories will be revealed in a little while. As you can see, I have a soft spot for childish women’s faces: big eyes, round noses and a luscious mouth. However, I always have ethnic beauty in mind. I like the fresh and mysterious diversity from which we can question the origins.
Hello! I’m happy to tackle painting. It will take several coats of acrylic paint for each of the dolls. I plan to finish everything by Friday and start making the wigs.
Hello everyone! As I promised, here are the eleven colors of polymer clay I produced. You can see the color of the clay is darker once it is cooked. It is for one of these reasons that I often do paint tests with my cameos (heads). These tests allow me to avoid being disappointed with the result.
What is the current state of black dolls and their future? Well first of all, it’s important to be aware that we currently know that dolls are display objects that can be deeply upsetting and offensive. But generally speaking, dolls are representation of are society in a smaller scale which can tell a lot of the current state of the world were living in. To add that statement, is the feeling of abnormality comes when you don’t find yourself represented in society whether in TV, literature or in dolls. The doll market has always been saturated with the usual blonde and white dolls.
Doll by doll artist Ping Lau (Photo: Doll Collector May 2013)
As many Black kids growing up in the 1980′s, they will tell you, has my self, finding beautiful Black dolls was difficult. Which was ashamed since according to the Toy Association Americans spent billions of dollars on dolls back then and the numbers kept growing for the next two decades after.
This resulted with several complaints from consumers to doll companies like Mattel by their lack of diversity. Today, we’ve seen Mattel’s Barbie line evolved with dolls of various skin and eye colors, different shapes and sizes. It was considered one of the biggest changes in their doll line which also made its way to a special cover story in the prestigious Time magazine. They didn’t have the choice since they’re the biggest doll company in the world as this current date. They needed to lead by showing the example to follow.
Adele Makeda (GoldStrocke) The Glamorous Collection / Fashion Royalty by Jason Wu) for Integrity Toys
To end this small black doll history post, it’s important to ensure her future, and for that to happen we have a responsibility as adults. We must teach our children, whether their Black or Hispanic have to see themselves in the black or ethnic dolls, from their hair, their skin complexion and distinct body and face features. It will help them to build their self-esteem and that beauty comes from different angles and aspects.
Also, to ensure that black dolls are well presented and fully respected we need to support Museums and Art Galleries who represents doll diversity. It will help general public to appreciate community groups to embed independent doll makers and small doll companies work into future developments across both museums and halls.
Thank you all for your interest for the small black history posts.
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