The World of the Doll Artist

Major corporations, like Mattel, employ untold numbers of designers, marketing professionals, and factory workers to create their products, but the seven subjects profiled in James Seligman's documentary The World of the Doll Artist go it alone. Olga Roehl describes every doll she makes as “a kind of self-portrait,” while Nancy Wiley feels that each finished figure has its “own sort of personality or character.” Suffice to say, these artists don't make the kinds of toys found in chain stores: largely non-pliable, the featured creations here work better as decorative objects or collectibles than playthings. With her background in sculpture, Reina Mia Brill crafts “devious little children” from out of her own strange mythology, while Gail Lackey constructs sad-eyed Victorian dolls that recall the pen and ink illustrations of Edward Gorey. Rounding out the group are Shelley Thornton and couple Jodi and Richard Creager, who also offer thoughts and share their works. The World of the Doll Artist is neither a how-to guide nor an expansive documentary (at just over a half-hour), relying primarily on talking-head interviews set against a black background. But these dedicated artisans and their detailed creations will surely interest arts and crafts enthusiasts, as well as doll aficionados. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)