I became utterly fascinated when gathering these images. Dolls aren’t “just dolls.” They’re sculptures-with-attitude! Sure, some are cute, but in unexpected ways (see werewolf babies below). Others are funny or provocative. In short, they’re even more varied than people. Why? Because dolls are only limited to what we can imagine, and imagination has no limits!
Click on any image to enlarge it, or to begin slideshow. (And don’t miss the quotes below!)
“I never shoot for perfection or symmetry in doll making. It is our lovely flaws that make us each special.” ~Gayle Wray (doll creator)
“Nothing real is pretty. Only a doll is pretty. And a pretty doll drinks out of a tiny cup forever. A woman wants a big cup.” ~Catherynne M. Valente
“It is an anxious, sometimes a dangerous thing to be a doll. Dolls cannot choose. They can only be chosen; they cannot ‘do’; they can only be done by.” ~Rumer Godden
“Mary was bigger than Laura, and she had a rag doll named Nettie. Laura had only a corncob wrapped in a handkerchief, but it was a good doll. It was named Susan. It wasn’t Susan’s fault that she was only a corncob. Sometimes Mary let Laura hold Nettie, but she did it only when Susan couldn’t see.” ~Laura Ingalls Wilder
“Growing up, my dolls were doctors and on secret missions. I had Barbie Goes Rambo.” ~Zoe Saldana
“Since too few Americans go to the polls, I say what this country needs is a bobblehead election, where voters will get free bobblehead dolls of their choice when they show up and vote for president.” ~Frank Deford
“There are two kinds of people, those who love dolls and those who don’t yet know that they love dolls.” ~Gayle Wray
Well that was…interesting. I have the same reaction to dolls and clowns—fascinating and a little disconcerting.
Wow those are great, Mitch. Loved looking at the pics, but I sure would not want any of them in my home, lol.
Not even the little mouse, or the puppies?
Yikes! When I first read your title, I expected different pics, lol.
Lol
It depends on the dolls but some are scaring me. I never liked those puppets on strings. They used to scare me and still give me an uncomfortable feeling.
There are going to be some nightmares tonight!
I’ll stick with my Baby Dear and Tiny Thumbelina dolls. No creepiness factor for me!
Awesome 👍
Yep, dolls can be cute or creepy. They can be funny or freaky. I doubt they use alliteration.
;>)
Some are cute and some ewww.. is the first picture a doll? That looks too lifelike.
The first picture is considered a type of doll. It’s a giant marionette.
Oh okay… it could be creepy too if they’re not cute 😁
Great doll photos, Mitch
Thanks, John.
Most of these dolls would make a chilling Halloween post. 🙂
I’m kinda terrified by that giant doll in the living room!
“Barbie goes Rambo,” haha, love Saldana’s quote.
Great doll photos, Mitch. 😉
I enjoyed gathering them, T.
Very interesting post, Mitch, especially after seeing the first Megan movie. (The 2nd one wasn’t as creepy and more like a terminator feature– somewhat disappointing.) But what diversity in the creation of dolls.
Art
I liked the first Megan movie too, Art. Didn’t see the second.
These dolls are truly amazing. I’ve looked at each of them slowly several times trying to take in all the details & ‘personalities.’. And each one, to me as an observer, seems to have a special story to tell.
The quotes are also delightful.
Thanks for sharing
My pleasure, Linda.
Thanks for the nightmares! 😂
;>)
why when i am still pray nothing happens
God knows what’s best, Rudy.
i need someone to redo the counting please
This is a fascinating collection of art! It’s incredible to see the boundless imagination of these artists. Personally, some of the dolls make me feel a bit uneasy, but I respect the unique vision behind them. It’s a powerful reminder that art can be challenging as well as beautiful
Exactly, Livora.
I collect Dolls. I also love the idea of a Free Bobblehead of the Candidate when you vote. The only issue would be those like me who vote by mail. They would have to mail me one upon receiving my Ballot.
What a stunning collection !
Oh wow!
Very creative images. Though some are a bit hideous.
Very creepy, Mitch. The only ones I would allow in my house would be the dog and maybe the wolf.
What a fabulous collection of dolls, Mitch! Makes me wonder, is there a doll museum anywhere in the US?
Actually, I think there are quite a few, Lori.
Weird and creepy!
wonderful selection!
⬻𓂀ღ☆∞♡ 🔺 𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓅𝓎 𝒻𝓇𝒾𝒹𝒶𝓎 🔺 ♡∞☆ღ𓂀⤖
You too, Graham!
🙏
🙇♂️
Mitch, you nailed it when you said imagination has no limits. Those photos prove it. I liked the tiny babies. I used to make soft-sculpture dolls that were hand puppets and were supposed to look like tiny babies–not as tiny as these ones, of course. But I did make one tiny one in soft sculpture. Wish I had taken a photo at the time. I sold hundreds of those puppet babies.
I liked the Jack Russell too.
Me too, Diane.