Saturday, October 31, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
A wonderment; an interview with doll sculptor-painter, Nancy Wiley - part II
October 27, 6:25 PM
NY Doll Collecting Examiner
Shadows and lights are distinguished through Nancy Wiley’s brush stroke technique and style of painting which she combines with her creation of doll artistry and designs. She sculpts dolls of paperclay with a precision and with intricate detail, which gives life to the dolls she brings forth. And when the dolls are brought to full fruition; an eminent effect seems to take place; an effect of an appearance of which a memory has been captured in time; an effect that she has formed into an innovative path of purpose for her doll making. An effect that can be seen through the pages of the newly released original classic of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland; A classic of which Nancy created a whole new world of dolls as illustrations to aid a timeless and trilling tale.
In part I of the interview with Nancy Wiley, there was an exploration of her work; the study of the conceptual imagery of a dreamy type quality to her doll artistry; And how she applied her artistic skills and abilities in ways that would take doll sculpting-doll painting to a greater level. In addition to her doll making, Nancy is an accomplished painter, Doll collectors will find her work mesmerizing and will see the many techniques she uses to communicate
her style, gift and expertise. In part II of the interview, Nancy explains the challenges in describing her work to others who are new to her artistry and originality, and how the goal is to bring an understanding of her unique type of doll creativity; Also, the interview zeros in on what she thinks and feels about her doll creations and what is important to her when she shares her work for the world to see.
EA: What do find the most challenging as a doll artist?
NW: The most difficult thing as a doll artist is communicating about this art form. I need to have visuals to help explain, because people have vivid preconceptions of what a doll is to them. So if I just say "I make dolls" that could mean anything from Raggedy Ann to Barbie or anything else people associate with the word "doll". However, I haven't come up with a better term. Sometimes I will say "doll sculptures"--I don't know if that is really any better.
EA: What do you demand of yourself, when you create?
NW: The question I ask myself is "How do I make this work"? I usually have an idea in my head and it is always an adventure to see if I can make it work in three dimensions. But also the hardest question is "Is it finished?"--deciding that is always difficult. I guess when I can no longer add or subtract anything that will improve it, I am done.
EA: What thoughts go through your mind when you start to work on your creations?
NW: For me, the face is the most important aspect of the piece. Even if you have a great concept and flawless execution, if the face is wrong, the whole thing won't work. So, that is the first task--sculpting a face that I like that shows some kind of quality that will be important for the whole piece to work.
EA: Do you have a doll collection, exclusive of your doll creations? If so, what kinds of dolls do you collect.
NW: I have a very eclectic collection. I prize my brother William Wiley's dolls that I still have. Also, I like old, folk art type dolls, more primitive looking made of wood or cloth. And also I collect friend's dolls.
EA: What is the most important thing you would like to say to doll collectors who view your work?
NW: I would like collectors to know that I am dedicated to my work and that I always try to create something surprising about each piece. I also like to think most works have a subtext, that if you keep the piece for a while, the more layers of meaning you will notice.
EA: Nancy thank you so much for spending time with us.
NW: Thank you.
Visit Nancy Wiley's website and discover the world she has created with her extraordinary dolls. Nancy has a wonderful video of her work on the Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures In Wonderland. Share this with friends, family and other doll collectors and enthusiasts.
Photos are courtesy of Nancy Wiley
A wonderment; an interview with doll sculptor-painter, Nancy Wiley - part II
October 27, 6:25 PM
Shadows and lights are distinguished through Nancy Wiley’s brush stroke technique and style of painting which she combines with her creation of doll artistry and designs. She sculpts dolls of paperclay with a precision and with intricate detail, which gives life to the dolls she brings forth. And when the dolls are brought to full fruition; an eminent effect seems to take place; an effect of an appearance of which a memory has been captured in time; an effect that she has formed into an innovative path of purpose for her doll making. An effect that can be seen through the pages of the newly released original classic of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland; A classic of which Nancy created a whole new world of dolls as illustrations to aid a timeless and trilling tale.
In part I of the interview with Nancy Wiley, there was an exploration of her work; the study of the conceptual imagery of a dreamy type quality to her doll artistry; And how she applied her artistic skills and abilities in ways that would take doll sculpting-doll painting to a greater level. In addition to her doll making, Nancy is an accomplished painter, Doll collectors will find her work mesmerizing and will see the many techniques she uses to communicate
EA: What do find the most challenging as a doll artist?
NW: The most difficult thing as a doll artist is communicating about this art form. I need to have visuals to help explain, because people have vivid preconceptions of what a doll is to them. So if I just say "I make dolls" that could mean anything from Raggedy Ann to Barbie or anything else people associate with the word "doll". However, I haven't come up with a better term. Sometimes I will say "doll sculptures"--I don't know if that is really any better.
EA: What do you demand of yourself, when you create?
NW: The question I ask myself is "How do I make this work"? I usually have an idea in my head and it is always an adventure to see if I can make it work in three dimensions. But also the hardest question is "Is it finished?"--deciding that is always difficult. I guess when I can no longer add or subtract anything that will improve it, I am done.
NW: For me, the face is the most important aspect of the piece. Even if you have a great concept and flawless execution, if the face is wrong, the whole thing won't work. So, that is the first task--sculpting a face that I like that shows some kind of quality that will be important for the whole piece to work.
EA: Do you have a doll collection, exclusive of your doll creations? If so, what kinds of dolls do you collect.
NW: I have a very eclectic collection. I prize my brother William Wiley's dolls that I still have. Also, I like old, folk art type dolls, more primitive looking made of wood or cloth. And also I collect friend's dolls.
EA: What is the most important thing you would like to say to doll collectors who view your work?
NW: I would like collectors to know that I am dedicated to my work and that I always try to create something surprising about each piece. I also like to think most works have a subtext, that if you keep the piece for a while, the more layers of meaning you will notice.
EA: Nancy thank you so much for spending time with us.
NW: Thank you.
Visit Nancy Wiley's website and discover the world she has created with her extraordinary dolls. Nancy has a wonderful video of her work on the Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures In Wonderland. Share this with friends, family and other doll collectors and enthusiasts.
Photos are courtesy of Nancy Wiley
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Nancy Wiley Doll art Slideshows
View the entire slideshow at
http://www.examiner.com/x-18713-NY-Doll-Collecting-Examiner~y2009m10d27-Wonderment
Monday, October 26, 2009
D & C Ontario County Life October 23, 2009 MATT WITTMEYER staff photographer
Nancy Wiley, an artist in Canandaigua, hand paints "Alice" dolls from her new book, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
From the Democrat and Chronicle, Rochester NY
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
new website
In conjunction with the release of Nancy Wiley's new illustrated book "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland", I (with lots of help from Chris Chomick) built a new website www.WonderlandBook.com.
Alice fans will be able to purchase the book and companion dolls my wife created to accompany her new book. The website also has a YouTube embedded video in which she discusses the making of the book illustrations. A sample of the illustrations are also viewable in the "peek inside" tab. Another useful feature is the "about" pages from which web visitors can link to relevant web pages about Nancy Wiley (www.NancyWiley.com) and Carroll, the author of the book.
"Alice's Adventures In Wonderland" can be purchased directly through the website using Paypal which accepts all major credit and debit cards. The book is $35 and will be signed by the illustrator for a limited time. The companion dolls are also available for purchase.
Our new book is out
Nancy and I just released "Alice's Adventures In Wonderland". We worked on this book most of the year. The book is a deluxe full color illustrated book of the unabridged classic by Lewis Carroll. The "photo-illusrations" bring to life all the favorite scenes.
My wife and artist Nancy Wiley is known for her art dolls and her painterly style. She paints heavily on her doll sculptures, treating them as “three dimensional canvases" adding light and shadow for drama and perspective. Nancy takes her viewers further into the Alice's world by creating stage sets in which her original dolls act out the story. Her beautiful scenes incorporate her talents of painting, sculpting and storytelling.
The book will transport you back to that dreamy afternoon on the River Thames when Carroll first told Alice his story. Every two-page spread includes spot and/or full page illustrations to draw the reader in. The typeface is Lewis Carroll's original lettering from his first published book and the page borders have an aged look of an antique book - like an artifact recently found from a bygone era.
Parents will enjoy re-reading this unabridged classic to their children who will be captivated by the colorful and charming pictures and Carroll's clever wit. Share the joy of reading.
The book measures 9.5 x 11 inches. 83 pages full color. Dust jacket and printed color cover. ISBN 9780615294926
The book is available at www.wonderlandbook.com Order now.
