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STAND
November - December 2020
Cover Photo: Lichen by Depths Dolls photographer: Deborah Hood All images are owned by their respective photographers and all images are provided with permission. Credit is given on each image according to what is provided by contributor. STAND is not responsible for incorrect information.
// from the Editor Dorothy Drake Editor-In-Chief
Deborah Hood Co-Editor
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2020...finally coming to an end! There aren’t too many people that aren’t ready to bid 2020 a “not-so-fond” farewell. Let’s face it--it’s been a rough and tough year in so many different ways. The pandemic is still raging across the globe and many are struggling to pick up the pieces that fell when the pandemic hit. As we thought about theming this issue, one that is traditionally all about the holidays, we wanted to do something different as this year has been unlike any other. As we tossed ideas around, we thought it would be nice to end the year highlighting “comfort and joy” and explore the comforts and joys that were found despite (and maybe even because of) the pandemic. What you will see in this issue is our contributors’ interpretations of their comforts and joys, and you may notice the emergence of several themes--the emotions during lockdown of solitude, reflection, and the long await of an uncertain future. You will also see the themes of emergence, awakening and celebration. You will see tenderness, love and beauty. We thank our photographers for rising to the challenge with their amazing images. We also thank Depths Dolls creator Aurélien Fravalo-Atallah for sharing his artistic journey with us with an in”depths” interview. We hope you enjoy this very special issue! From both of us at STAND, we wish you a joyous holiday season filled with Comfort and Joy! Happy Holidays and stay safe!
Dorothy
and
Debbie
Submission Guidelines The STAND is published January, March, May, July, September, & November yearly on the 15th of that month.
Contributers: Submit your photos to editor@thestandmag.com for consideration at any time. You will be contacted by the editor for photos that may be used in an issue. Show Reports: Submit within 60 days of the event taking place. The report is limited to 1000 words supported by as many high quality (300dpi) pictures as you would like to send. The editor will contact you with any additional instructions should the report be considered for publication. Sponsors: Contact editor@thestandmag.com for rates and scheduling. All images are owned by their respective photographers and all images are provided with permission. Credit is given on each image according to what is provided by contributor. STAND is not responsible for incorrect information.
doll: Momoko Sugary Cafe Au Lait by Petworks photographer: Kim London
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doll: Guhu by HZBjd photographer: Xatshe
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doll:RosenGarden Pullip Yomi by Groove photographer: Silent Distraction doll: Rui photographer: Niebieski_Kot
doll: Pullip Milk Latte by Groove photographer: Silent Distraction
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doll: Elfdoll Tasha reminisce hybrid photographer: Dolls of Milena
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doll:Amadiz BlackCherryDolls doll: Virginia Aishat photographer: Cyranka
“I actually take all different angles of the same pose...close ups, far away, from the back from the ground. Too many pictures of the same pose sometimes!�
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doll: DollClans Siber photographer: Niebieski_Kot
doll: Ydike sleeping & awake by Marchen Waltz photographer: Cyranka
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doll: doll: Poppy Paris Runway Parker by Giselle Integrity by Integrity Toys photographer: Toys photographer: Dave DollTown Sharon Wright
doll: Isabel by Iplehouse photographer: Nakia Powell-Spencer
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doll: Immortality of Soul CO and Doll Love Evol photographer: Niebieski_Kot
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dolls Elyse Jolie, Agnes Von Weiss & Dasha D’Amboisse by Integrity Toys photographer: Ignacio Morales
doll: Agnes Von Weiss by Integrity Toys photographer: Ignacio Morales
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doll: Phoenix Dolls Neave on Myou dolls body photographer: Kasia Nowak
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doll: Bimong Narae / Fairyland hybrid photographer: Yenna
doll: Bimong Dandelion and Cyclops by Julia Golub photographer: Axelle Perry
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doll: Elfdoll Barbara photographer: Masha
doll: Laurie by Olga Yudintseva photographer: Masha
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doll: Rainman Rene hybrid photographer: Dolls of Milena
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doll: Little Darling Princess Irene BJD by Diana Effner photographer: Deborah Hood
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doll: Tuula Tuulikki by Charles Creature Cabinet photographer: Tyna Verhoeff
doll: Owl by Popovy Sisters photographer: Dolls of Milena doll: Tawny Pullip Nanette by Grove photographer: Silent Distraction
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doll: OOAK Numina Doll by Paul Phamm photographer: Eric De Bastos
doll: Pirate Capuchin by Stevi T photographer: Stevi T
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dolls: Serenadedoll -Suu & Doll Chateau Nicola on DreamValley body photographer: Xatshe
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doll: Chameleon by Joanne Callander photographer: Deborah Hood
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doll: Nightscape Giselle Diefendorf by Integrity Toys photographer: Jennifer Jones
Depths Dolls
We love showcasing the incredible artistry that makes up this wonderful hobby including the faces behind the gorgeous sculpts that grace every issue of STAND. In this issue, we are delighted to share our interview with French artist Aurélien Fravalo-Atallah, creator of Depths Dolls. Aurélien is known for his beautiful creations that inspire imaginations-sculpts that are both fantastical and beautiful that vary from mermaids to vampires to gorgeous humans. His sculpts, both delicate and bold, have attracted fans from around the globe, leaving a smile and a sense of wonder on those that encounter his art. Aurélien, also known as Tama, lives in Montreal, Canada with his huband.
A Conversation with le Tama Aurélien Fravalo-Atallah
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Jeanne
photographer: WennieBJD
STAND: Tell us a little about your life growing up! DD: I’m from the South of France and the youngest of 4 children. I grew up in the countryside in a small town with dogs, cats, chickens and geese! I tried the usual sports for little boys like Judo and soccer, but it never felt like it was my thing. I always loved to read and draw. By the age of 6, I started dancing and did that for 11 years. I came out at the age of 16, but I think nobody was surprised in my family. I had an understanding and loving family who accepted it without any problem.
STAND: Were you interested in dolls or play with dolls when you were growing up? DD: Yeah, I was always interested in dolls when I was little and used to play a lot with my big sister’s Barbies. I was so obsessed with mermaids that I managed to receive some mermaid Barbies for Christmas. I had a gorgeous blond mermaid Barbie with a silvery blue tail and I also had an Ariel Barbie. I used to play with them a lot-- in the bath, in the pool--and poor Ariel suffered my early attempts to customize dolls! I cut her hair shorter and shorter, then I removed all the hair and rerooted her with red wool. Eventually I trepanned (bore a hole) her head with her eyes open to put eyes inside... poor Ariel!
STAND: What did you study in school and what is your work history? DD: I have a Masters degree in Paleontology as well as a Masters degree in Scientific Communication. After my studies, I worked for almost 7 years in a zoo in the South of France as part of the education team. My job consisted of educating the public, children and adults on biodiversity and what we can do to try to save it. Through the spectrum of climate change and overexploitation of the biodiversity by human activity, I think we want to protect what we know and what we love. Since I moved to Canada with my husband, I created my own company and I started making dolls more intensely. I still have a part time job for the moment, but my husband is very supportive and pushes me to realize my dreams.
STAND: What inspires you? Why do you do what you do? DD: I always been obsessed with mythical creatures and with fantasy. I never was a huge reader of Japanese
manga but I do love comic books from Europe and the U.S. I’m a huge fan of mermaids from when I was very young probably due to the movies The Little Mermaid and Splash. I spent all my free time drawing mermaids! I always loved dolls too, and when I went to the university I started to collect Barbie and Tonner dolls. I discovered BJDs through the Korean company Luts when I was 15 or 16, but never thought I would have one...I sold all my dolls to buy my first BJD. After a few years, I started to create my own dolls, and now I can’t stop creating new ones. My creations are always a little inspired by myths, legends, creatures and mythology. And of course, always with this love for mermaids. I just love the process of creating a doll, and the moment when the doll stands by itself, and you start to see the possibilities of customization. But I think what I prefer most is to see what my customers are doing with their dolls. To see my own creations through their eyes, with different makeups, outfits, photos... that’s really one of the most exciting parts for me.
STAND: Can you describe the time when you first realized that creating was something you absolutely had to do? And why dolls? DD: Creating was always something I loved and did, and when I was a teenager I hesitateda long time between pursuing an artistic education or a scientific one. I picked the scientific one because I always have been attracted to science and wanted to understand the world, the biology of plants and animals. But, I always had this need
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Works in Progress
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to make something artistic with my hands, like there was something missing. I started as a doll collector initially, and was looking for a mermaid BJD but I never found a doll with the joints or the shape I wanted. At this time, I was already part of the French doll community and on the Matériel Céleste forum. I became friend with Enaibi, one of the first ones to create her own BJDs in France. She pushed me to make my own mermaid BJDs as I wasn’t satisfied with the ones I could find online. At that time, most of the current companies didn’t exist yet, and the choices weren’t very big. So I started sculpting my little Abyss, a small mermaid sized 16.5 cm. I made silicon molds, cast a few in resin... and that’s how everything started. I realized dolls were the perfect artistic support for me as it combines several things : sculpting, painting, photography, sewing, making accessories, and drawing as well. And, it allowed me to meet wonderful people all over the world including my best friends.
STAND: What do you want to communicate through your doll sculpts? DD: I mostly sculpt dolls that I would like to have. The reason I started creating dolls was for me. So, I sculpt thin-
king about how I’ll customize my own doll--what I would like for this one, her size, her makeup, etc. I’m always looking for smooth and elegant lines on the body and as I come from the “French school” for BJDs: large hips with a smaller thorax. Enaibi and later other French artists started those shapes, and even with the huge diversity in the doll community in France, you find those shapes very often. I try to make stable dolls that can stand and sit without lots of problems, even if it means more traditional joints rather than multiple jointing systems. I started with very exaggerated shapes, but I’m going more and more to realistic bodies with more realistic proportions and faces.
STAND: What is your preferred medium in sculpting? DD: I tried different clays, like air drying clays and polymer clays, but I prefer to work with apoxy clay. I use the
Aves brand apoxy sculpt clay, and I know lots of people who sculpt dolls are using it, too. This clay is very hard once it’s cured, and can be sanded very smooth. It’s so hard that it can be quite painful to drill or remove large chunks of it, but it’s also very good for details and small parts. I originally sculpted only by hand but for a couple of years I’ve been sculpting in 3D with Zbrush. I like it a lot, but I’m using it the same way I would work with a regular clay, only on a computer instead. I had to learn by myself with the help of some artists that I questioned when I didn’t understand how it worked. I like both methods equally--both methods (sculpting by hand and by 3D with a computer) have their pros and cons but they can be complementary. I have several prototypes made in 3D that I’m working on right now, but the prints always need adjustments and modifications by hand. You can modify on the computer and print a new part, which is quite expensive... or you modify by hand. I personally prefer to modify by hand sculpting directly, adding clay to the printed parts and modify everything by hand. I want my dolls to be played with and customized, so I’m looking for feet compatible with some existing shoes, heads compatible with standard wig sizes. I also try to have some clothes compatible but I admit it’s often a coincidence, as I find easier to make custom clothes than custom shoes.
STAND: What is your favorite thing that you have created? DD: I have a special place in my heart for my very first sculpt, Abyss. I also love Deilf, the second small mermaid I made after Abyss. Right now, I’m very, very, very fond of my SDs prototypes. I can’t wait to finish them and to be able to paint my own dolls, and to create outfits and wigs for them. I have lots of projects for those SDs!
STAND: Your dolls have been gaining in popularity...tell us about that experience! DD: I admit it’s a pleasure to have some visibility and to see people enjoying my creations and create something
new with it. That’s what I enjoy the most--when people take my dolls to their own worlds. At first I only started to make dolls for me, but now to be able to have my own doll company and to have customers all over the world is amazing. I wouldn’t be there without the support of my customers, and they encourage me to continue and to do my best. thestandmag.com
photographer: Lucilia
STAND: What is your advice to doll artist? DD: I think the most important thing
you do. It’s fun to create dolls, but you h as a personal pleasure. I see lots of peop start a company and make money with even trying to finish a doll first. Enjoy s something you’re proud of. Enjoy work rent clays, tools, make mistakes and sta Start from scratch and see a doll come t content with it. It’s good to want to mak and to sell dolls, but never lose the plea something. Ah and something very imp if you take inspirations with other dolls original artists first. And at the end, cre tions. Crediting other people won’t red your creation :)
Merrow STAND: You have a characteristic style to your face-ups. How would you describe that style and what techniques do you use? DD: I love to paint dolls but I don’t think I’m
a makeup artist. I like to paint my dolls very feminine, always with a very thick eyeliner like pin-ups, with blush, lots of pearl powder or glitter. I love gold or silver hints in makeup. I usually go for strong eyes and natural lips, but my face-ups are always kind of natural. I work with brushes only, and I use liquid acrylics, pastels, watercolour, and lots of different pearl powders. I love to make eyes in resin also, but mostly for my dolls and I don’t intend to sell tons of eyes only.
photographer: Shimiro
o an aspiring
is to enjoy what have to see it also ple who want to dolls without sculpting, make king with diffeart all over again. to life, and be ke a doll company asure in creating portant for me, s or art, ask the edit your inspiraduce the value of
photographer: Lucilia
Ume
STAND: Where do you feel your art is moving to? DD: From stylized dolls with weird proportions I’m moving towards realistic dolls, but I don’t want to go to the over-realistic dolls...I want my dolls to always have an aspect of fantasy. I’m interested in traditional sculpting too, and working on some sculptures / figurines that I plan to cast in resin. I bought the equipment to cast my dolls myself-- a pressure pot, a compressor, a vacuum chamber and a pump for it, and I want to make some one of a kind dolls again, where I’ll do everything--shoes, clothes, eyes, wig, makeup... to have fun with my creations and make something 100% by my hands.
STAND: In your opinion, how do you see the doll and BJD industry evolving? DD: The BJD industry is evolving fast with lots of new creators (including me) who started to create dolls and
their company. It’s not an obscure hobby from Japan or South Korea anymore where you don’t know how to buy the dolls, with only a few companies and very limited dolls. Now, you have TONS of dolls, a huge variety of styles and bodies, and you can find almost everything you are looking for. That also means lots of competition, and it can be hard to be seen as a new company. BJDs are popular... lots of people came to this world with time.. but it had also brought the problem of counterfeiting or illegal recast of dolls. This is a serious problem in the BJD industry, and has disastrous consequences on companies... we have to think now of ways to protect our Quetzal thestandmag.com
creations, spend lots of money for that, and hope everyday that your work won’t be stolen. Collectors need now to educate themselves about legal and counterfeited dolls, how it could kill the BJD industry, and realize that BJDs are collectible items made with love, time, and lots of investment.
STAND: Do you have any hobbies? What do you do for fun when you are not working? DD: I would love to read more. I used to read a lot
but I get caught by work and everytime I tell myself “you should start reading again!”. I also love movies and TVshows, (fantasy subjects are my favororite, and science fiction). I love gardening-- I can’t wait for next Spring to try new flowers and new vegetables. I also LOVE costume parties and playing with makeup. I’m very impatient for the next one as all parties are forbidden for the moment due to the pandemic situation. I do that maybe once or twice a year only, but always at 100% (like that if nobody can recognize me I’m not shy!)
Giorria
We thank Aurélien for sharing his artistic journey with STAND and look forward to seeing that journey continue. Want to see more of his work? You can find Depths Dolls here:
Deilf
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ depthsdolls/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ DepthsDolls Email contact@depthsdolls.com or depths.dolls@live.fr
Rose
doll: Integrity Toys Darla Daley repaint by Park photographer: Deborah Hood
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doll: Integrity Toys Veronique repaint by Noel Cruz photographer: Wil Herold
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doll: Youpla Dolls Zenji and Dollzone Merlin photographer: Niebieski_Kot
doll: Rita by Elfdoll photographer: Cyranka
doll: Doll Family-A-Damien photographer: Niebieski_Kot doll: Doll Family-A-Damienphotographer: Niebieski_Kot
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doll: photographer: Frankenwah doll:Dollshe BritishDiana Invasion Poppy Parker by Integrity Toys photographer: Wil Herold
dolls: Tobias Alsford from Integrity Toys photographer: Doll Diva
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doll: Isabel Boys by photographer: Agata Zimna by Iplehouse photographer/author: Nakia Powell doll: dolls: Nabarro Annora byDoll Tonner; HarChateau photographer: Violet, Owen, Ilona Stella Kalinowska and Lahela
doll: Iplehouse Sierra and dog by workshop_of_alen photographer: Hoe-Nir
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doll: Integrity Toys Ayumi Nakamura repaint by Park photographer: Wil Herold
doll: Marmite Sue BJD photographer: Pure Embers
doll: Integrity Toys Erin repaint by Noel Cruz photographer: Wil Herold
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Your BEST SHOT As part of an ongoing article series, STAND presents tips, tricks and best practices to help you “STAND out” in your photography. In this issue, let’s discuss using props to enhance your images. What is a prop? A prop can be any visual aid that adds meaning to your photography to help tell the story you are trying to tell. A prop could be furniture, something in the background, food, animals, accessories and other objects. Most doll enthusiasts pay close attention to the outfit a doll is wearing in a photo (which is important), but a good prop is something that can add context, help illustrate a message, and even add a sense of realism to a photo. As a doll photographer, I am always on the hunt for a good prop. Where do you find good props? Many artists and doll companies produce great quality props and furniture. You can also make your own if you are crafty. Personally, I love looking for props and this time of year, I love examining Christmas ornaments for their potential in a doll photo. Here are some key points to remember as you work with props: • Keep the props relevant to your message. If the prop does not enhance the image, don’t use it. In the first image at right, I used a miniature snowglobe to enhance my goal of conveying a sense of wonder in the two dolls. To make the image more magical, I added small christmas trees with LED lights in the background. • Make sure your props are at the right scale. Barbie®-sized props may work great for fashion dolls and YOSDs, but are too small for SDs. Conversely, American Girl®-sized props are great for many SDs, but would not work for smaller subjects. In the second image, I used a Christmas ornament that I found in the shape of a mailbox that was perfectly scaled for a tiny YOSD. Dollhouse props and Schleich® figures added to the story. • Don’t overuse props or allow them to overpower a photograph. Remember, the prop should enhance the subject, not be the subject. In the third photo, although I placed the Menorah in the front of the the setting, the focus remains on the doll as her focus is on the Menorah. Remember, your images can be whatever you want them to be. Try experimenting with different props to see how they enhance your photos and help you tell your story. Look for props in unexpected places...you never know when a great find may inspire an idea for your photography. It happens to me all the time! Last of all, have fun!
Deborah Hood, PhD Examples of Props Sculpts: Tuppance & Winnie by Rose BBflockling
Sculpts: Little Ted and Tiny Ted by Liz Frost
Props: Christmas trees and lights, snowglobe and table found at a hobby store
Props: Mailbox Christmas ornament, Scheich raccoons and miniature dollhouse packages and letters Sculpt: Stella by Connie Lowe
Props: Menorah, Dreidel and Hanukkah Gelt by American Girl
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dolls: Natalia Make Me Blush and Tajinder Chowdhury by Integrity Toys photographer: Deborah Hood
doll: Mad Love Rayna by Integrity Toys photographer: Dave DollTown
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doll: Dominion Doll Aura photographer: Kim London
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doll: Pullip Romantic Alice by Groove photographer: Silent Distraction
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dolls: Creatures Dolls Novgorod photographer: Deborah Hood
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doll:Chalita Guhu by photographer: Xatshe doll: byHZBjd Deva Doll photographer: Kin London
doll: Agent Kimiko Gunn by Integrity Toys photographer: Sharon Wright
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CONTRIBUTOR CONTACT LIST Agata Zimna Axelle Perry
https://www.instagram.com/frigida_/ https://www.instagram.com/solfiloux/
Cyranka https://www.flickr.com/photos/cyranka/ Dave DollTown
https://www.facebook.com/dave.dolltown
Deborah Hood
https://www.instagram.com/deborahhoodphoto/
Dolls of Milena
https://www.instagram.com/dollsofmilena/
Eric De Bastos
https://ericdebastos.myportfolio.com/projects
Hoe-Nir https://www.instagram.com/hoe_nir/ Ignacio Morales
https://www.instagram.com/_royal__badness_/
Jennifer Jones
https://www.flickr.com/photos/grizzlies_dolls/
Kasia Nowak
https://www.instagram.com/kasia_nowak_kattie/
Kim London
https://www.instagram.com/kimlondon_/
Masha https://www.flickr.com/photos/bubbastudio/ Nakia Powell Spencer https://www.facebook.com/tamika.spencer.9 Niebieski_Kot
https://www.instagram.com/niebieski.kot/
The STAND Lookbook is not possible without these incredibly talented people. Show them some love and let them know you appreciate their talents. Supplementary images are used with permission by photographers or sourced from various CC0 platforms.
Silent Distraction https://www.instagram.com/silentdistraction1978/ Tyna Verhoeff
tynathebitch@yahoo.com
Wil Herold
https://www.flickr.com/photos/7507084@N07/
Xatshe https://www.instagram.com/xatshe/ Yenna
https://dimensiondolls.com
doll: Poppy Parker by Integrity Toys photographer: Dave Dolltown