Matryoshka, those Russian nesting dolls. You ever think about them? Sure you do. Ever wonder if they're still made by hand? Well, someone has to ponder things like that.
Actually, the process, if this video is any guide, is still refreshingly physical. Of course these dolls are huge. Real statement dolls.
2 comments:
It was fascinating to watch that master of Matryoshka carve out that doll with such precision. It would have been interesting to see how the painted version looked when it was done.
A master craftsman Belle introduced me to a year or so ago was Bernd Ogrodnik who's made some magnificent puppets and teaches the art to others. Unfortunately there's no video available (imagine that) but it's also fun to read about his work and see some of the marionettes in the background.
https://worldsofpuppets.com/
The Russian mother doll isn't a puppet but it's remarkable how much emotion can be expressed using the format.
Yeah, I'd have liked to see the final painted version as well. It might be another artisan who does that part. On the other hand, maybe not.
Well, I can't say that i blame Bernd Ogrodnik for not putting up videos of his puppets being made. It helps to keep some trade secrets, even if those who watched wouldn't be able to copy what you did anyway, and I'm assuming they couldn't without at least more training. I did look at the still pictures from "The Troll and the Raven" and "The Jungle Book" and they were quite breathtaking.
We've been making representations of other humans since deep in the Stone Age. Some have gotten quite good at it, in a way that even a casual viewer will be able to appreciate it.
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