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| Boy and girl dolls by Svetlana Lukina were inspired by the works of nineteenth century doll artists, Ella Smith and Martha Chase |
Russian doll artist, Svetlana Lukina’s
doll making is inspired by nineteenth century dollmaker, Izannah F.
Walker. Some of her dolls have been inspired by other nineteenth century
dollmakers, such as Martha Chase, Ella Smith, and others from that period. Having recently donated her first two black dolls to the
National Black Doll Museum of History and Culture, Svetlana agreed to share her
inspiration for making that pair with the readers of Ebony-Essence of Dolls in Black.
She also shared information about her most recently made black doll.
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| US postage stamp, released in 1997, features dolls by Ella Smith and Martha Chase. Ella Smith designed the cloth Alabama Baby doll with molded and painted features. These dolls were originally named "The Alabama Indestructible Doll" and were made from 1900-1925. The second doll was created by Martha Chase and is an all-cloth doll made between 1890-1925. |
“I have been a fan of the early
American dolls for many years. I was inspired by the black dolls of
Martha Chase and Ella Smith, whose dolls are depicted on the US postage stamp. I
made a girl with a red apron and a boy in a sailor's suit. I love these
dolls. They are my first black dolls made to sell. Unfortunately, these children could not find
a home for a long time. After learning about the National Black Doll
Museum, I wrote a letter to the director. I’m glad to know about such museum,
because I’m sure every nation must know its history, culture, and traditions. I
am happy my dolls now live in the American museum. Of course, I
would like to sell my dolls, but I'm very pleased they will be seen by many
people! It is an honor, very exciting, and I appreciate the
exposure."
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| Before traveling to America, Svetlana's Martha Chase-inspired girl sat quietly in her chair. |
“My dolls range from 17-20 inches. I
use natural fabrics (cotton, linen, silk). I make the body of the dolls from
fabric. They are stuffed, gessoed, and painted. The heads are made of
paper-clay, papier-mâché or gypsum (it depends on the kind of doll, because I
try to repeat traditional old technology). My Izannah Walker
dolls’ heads are made only of textiles (layers of silk knitting and
cotton fabric)."
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| Although he traveled from Russia to America by airplane, Svetlana's Alabama Baby-inspired boy remained ready for a nautical adventure. |
“At first I was a student of Dixie
Redmond (2012). Later in 2013, I was a student of Paula Walton and
bought lessons from her. The technology of the head is the know-how of Paula
Walton. First I must make a sculpture of a head of plasticine (wax) or
plastic. The mold is removed from gypsum. Then I lay the fabric (cotton
and silk) in the mold. For each doll, I
make personal clothing patterns. The
dolls’ clothing can be removed and washed."
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| Each doll receives great attention to detail in keeping with traditional dollmaking styles. |
“I have a textile and art education and
try to make my dolls qualitatively and professionally. Time spent on each
doll is very extensive, between 90-100 hours of pure time. Therefore,
such dolls cannot be inexpensive. They are made for the adult collector.
My dolls are all different. No two
are the same.”
Svetlana’s New Black Girl
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| This sweet girl is approximately 18-inches tall. She wears a colorful lined dress with sash, matching head wrap, pantaloons, beaded necklace and anklet. |
“After my first two black dolls were
sent to the National Black Doll Museum of History and Culture, I wanted to make
more. My newest sweet black doll is about 17-18 inches, also
made of fabric and paper clay. Inspiration for this doll came from dolls
of Martha Chase. It was very difficult to find the fabric for the dress,
but I found it! The hair is made of natural sheepskin. She is currently available in my Etsy shop."
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| The newest girl poses without her head wrap to illustrate the texture of her natural sheepskin hair. |
Where to Buy
“I sell my dolls on Etsy. The first reader of this post to purchase an in-stock doll from my Etsy store will receive a 50% discount. I
also make dolls by request, but the sale to the first blog reader only extends to dolls already made and shown on Etsy. I can be reached by email, through my blog, or on
Facebook. I take into account the wishes of my customers and I am always happy to customize dolls for them."
Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/IzannahRU
Email: izannahru@gmail.com
Additional Links: