Often the dolls that children of different ages like to play with there attract the attention of adults. Such creations include handmade toys, sometimes representing a real masterpiece. These are the dolls and toys of Teddy created by the famous master and artist Nikolai Pavlov. We will talk about him and his work today.
Brief information from the biography of the puppeteer
Nikolay was born in the city of Kursk. There he lived, grew up and graduated from school number 30. He received specialized education in one of the oldest universities in the city - Kursk State University (KSU), where the future master studied at the faculty of graphic art design.
At the moment, Nikolai Pavlov lives and works in Voronezh. There, in one of the small galleries of the city, he organizes master classes in needlework, and also regularly takes part in various exhibitions and presentations.
How did the creative journey begin?
Upon graduation, Nikolai tried many different creative options. But most of all he liked creating dolls. Then no one could have imagined that a novice artist would seriously get carried away with this occupation. The master made his first doll in 2006. She became a magnificent fairy with angel eyes, which he called Fiona. Photos of dolls by the master can be seen on his VKontakte page and on our website.
According to him, it was not easy to do it. Through trial and error, he first made the face, then the body, arms, legs, feet and hands. And then he combined all this, painted with acrylics and dressed.
The complexity of the work, says Nikolai Pavlov, consisted not only in the fact that at that difficult time it was almost impossible to get any materials, tools and accessories for decoration, but also in the absence of a good instructional video or print. Therefore, the master had to learn the basics of puppetry himself. At the moment, Nikolai has ten years of experience working with polymer materials and has been creating unusual fluffy Teddy creations for over five years.
How it all began: the artist's first doll
The collection of Nicholas today contains his first doll, which he periodically takes with him to exhibitions and simply shows to people. According to his stories, such a demonstration is not only an excellent advertisement, but also makes it possible to compare the level of his skill. “Looking at my first and recent work, I can immediately see what I have managed to achieve in the puppet business for more than 10 years,” the author himself says.
Where can I see the artist’s work?
Many designer handmade dolls by Nikolai can be seen in private collections both in Russia and far beyond its borders. For example, the toys of the master found their home in Italy, France, England, Japan, etc. A talented puppet master collaborates with many other masters, together with whom he arranges personal exhibitions, creative evenings.
Nikolai also has his own page "VKontakte", which presents photos and videos of the master. Here, everyone has the opportunity to order exclusive artist's products at affordable prices, as well as ask questions of interest in personal correspondence.
Sometimes Nikolai Pavlov (artist and puppet master) arranges a prize draw and gives toys to his fans.
What kind of work does the master make?
Among the products of Nicholas you can see articulated dolls, as well as fluffy bunnies, bears, mice and other animals of Teddy. It is interesting that initially the master himself was far from enthusiastic about the hinges themselves used to connect the hands and feet of toys. According to him, they were confused by the visible joints. But since it is the hinges that give the products mobility, in the future the author simply stopped noticing them and focusing on this.
What types of techniques does the artist use?
Nikolai Pavlov is a puppeteer, artist and sculptor, since during his creative process he is forced to use a variety of techniques used in various types of applied art. For example, in his workshop, there is always baked or self-hardening plastic. Most often he uses proskulp and fimo.
In addition, the artist also has to be a fashion designer and a seamstress in one person, because Nikolai makes clothes for his products. Moreover, each doll or animal Teddy selects a specific image. For example, among the author’s ready-made toys you can find blue-eyed angels with snow-white wings, brooding wizards with sad eyes and a sad smile, unusual fairies, elves, huge and kind giants, tiny gnomes and other fairy and mythical characters.
What is the peculiarity of Pavlov’s toys?
Most of the master’s works are not just beautiful toys. They are made with love and warmth in the heart. Therefore, they look so realistic and bright. They have bright and kind eyes, an expressive smile, facial features and other parts of the body are detailed.
Handmade designer dolls made in retro style deserve much attention. These are unusually positive and at the same time mysterious products in hats and top hats, in lace and camisole, dressed in velvet, satin and distinguished by accessories in muted pastel colors.
In addition, many creatures of the author turn their heads and other parts of the body. They can be put, suspended and put on a shelf. They have removable clothes and hair implanted according to the same principle as for wax figures.
What tools and materials does the master use?
During the master classes and when creating new works, Nikolai Pavlov (the dolls of this master received great fame abroad) uses a variety of materials and the following auxiliary tools:
- plastic;
- foam styrene;
- wet wipes;
- sand paper;
- slate pencils;
- cardboard knife or cutter;
- PVA glue;
- acrylic paints and primer;
- flat, thin and wide brushes;
- finishing varnishes for fixing;
- tresses to create a wig;
- special tools for sculpting;
- thread and needle;
- various types of fabrics for creating clothes;
- fasteners for fixing the hinges;
- elastic bands for assembly of parts, etc.
Well, of course, first, the future model must be invented and drawn. Therefore, Nikolai Pavlov first carefully thinks through the image, and then makes a light sketch on paper and only after that creates.
What can you learn at the artist’s master classes?
During master classes by a talented artist, you can learn the basic basics of working with plastic. Everyone will be able to make dolls, bears and other animals of Teddy from scratch.
Participation in exhibitions and photos of dolls
During his developing creative career, Nikolai managed to organize two personal exhibitions. Next year, the master plans to invite everyone to the third event memorable for the artist - an anniversary exhibition, which will present toys that are already beloved by many, as well as completely new characters.
In addition, the artist does not miss the moment and always participates in various events dedicated to the holidays. For example, with his participation, an exhibition of dolls called "Breath of Spring" was held.
At this fair, the works of the most diverse masters of Voronezh, specializing in felting, embroidery, knitting, decoupage and other types of decorative and applied art, were presented.
And recently, another Voronezh puppet show "Moonlight Dream" was held, at which the designer and artist with great success demonstrated their unforgettable creations. During this event, Nikolai showed his dolls and soft toys, made in his unique style, talked with reporters and gave valuable advice to beginner puppeteers.
October 16, 2015 Nikolai - an artist and designer all rolled into one - also took part in a popular project called “Doll House”, where he held a series of exclusive workshops on creating doll hats. Everyone could learn a few secrets from the work of the puppeteer, ask questions, chat with like-minded people online. As a result of the conference, all participants were given a certificate.
Future plans
As Nikolai Pavlov admits, his plans are to open his own school of masters, where he will train and publish real masters of puppet art. At the moment, Nikolai has so far only managed to realize part of his plan and engage in close training in puppetry. However, the opening of his own school is out of the question.