[House Of Gord Dollmaker
Hanne Rylaarsdam
As my girls started reading books and watching movies about mermaids, I sewed them mermaids. When they became interested in dragons, I sewed dragons. My early attempts were often less than works of art, but always well loved. As time went on, my creations became more elaborate. I explored patterns made by fantastic designers; I made up patterns of my own. I combined materials and techniques from many media with more traditional fiber arts. When my youngest daughter was around 16 years old, I had to admit that I was no longer sewing dolls for my children, but had found a niche for my own artistic expression and began to call myself a dollmaker.
If I could choose any mode of transportation that could be imagined, I would really like to fly on a dragon. If I must actually choose a real mode of transport, I would go by sailboat. I grew up sailing on the Long Island Sound , and truly believe as Frog said in The Wind in the Willows, There is really nothing so wonderful as messing about in boats.
I do not make a living from my art. I started selling my dolls when I began to realize they could not all live in my house. I have found that the process of creating each piece is what drives me artistically, not possessing the final product. I cannot begin to cover the time I put into each piece when they sell and I have often said that selling my work is a way to support my habit. I pour any profits beyond materials into taking classes and learning new techniques.
Creative Mood Atmosphere? One of the great things about dollmaking is that after an initial amount of machine sewing, most of the project can be completed anywhere. I take my art on the road and can work just about anywhere.
I used to make Irish soft sculptures then switched to painting ( watercolour and acrylic) Years later I have felt blocked in my painting and somewhat sad about it. Your wonderful work was introduced to me by a friend in Montreal on a card entitled INCIPIENT MADNESS. I am excited by the idea of returning to some form of soft sculpture. Thanks!
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