"I make dolls for the silver and gray foxes," says artist Annie Wahl, a Minneapolis dollmaker whose subjects, and audience, reflect a geriatric slant. Annie began crafting her nostalgic-styled dolls out of clay in the mid '80s. Today, she is gaining a reputation for whimsical creations that possess their own unique flair.
Annie's 10-inch dolls begin with a face sculpted from polymer clay. Using needles and manicure tools, she completes the basic face structure. Next, she creates the hands and shoes, also from clay. The hands, shoes, and head are baked in an over at 225 F degrees for 30 minutes. While the baking continues, she creates a body for the doll using thick hardware wire for the armature. A plastic shopping bag is stuffed inside, along with scrap cloth. This is then wrapped in pantyhose. After positioning the doll, the finished clay parts are joined to the body. Next, Annie creates clothing from polyester fabrics and sews them to the doll. Goat's hair is added to the head with a sewing needle, and black onyx beads provide the eyes. After adding the final touches of make-up and other facial highlights with acrylic paint, the doll is complete. The finished product is a cheerful grandparent whose whimsical qualities are indicative of the artist who created it.
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