This is the prototype of my Russian nesting doll tile series. Whatever you call it-- "babushka" or "matryoshka"--images of these dolls seem to be very popular right now.
I've always thought the dolls a bit sugary, but as I was thinking of winter and how the dolls seem to be in keeping with the frosty season, I thought it would be a good challenge to do my own interpretation.
So here are some newly carved ones with the color underglaze and slips handpainted in. It is somewhat complicated to do (you have to have a very steady hand), but then again imagine painting the dolls themselves, all those little rose designs getting smaller and smaller.
What I want my matryoshka to be is comforting. I like the idea of them cuddled up (maybe that's why they seem wintery to me), hugging quail, kittens or little bunnies.
I'll show you what they look like after the glaze fire.
These are beautiful~ so sweet. I can not wait until they are fired!
Posted by: Teri Nelson | 10/25/2010 at 10:09 PM