// from the Editor Dorothy Drake Editor-In-Chief
Deborah Hood Co-Editor
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Issue 27 is one you will want to order a copy of! Debbie captured a great interview with Connie Lowe perfectly, and the excerpt from Connie’s book about Stella is fun. I get a kick out of what Stella will get into next, I know mine is a mischievious little minx. By chance I found a news feed about Monika Moskowik’s public display of over 100 dolls and photos in Krakow Poland. The exhibition is named Captured Anxiety, which certainly describes the year we just left behind. The Magic Moments theme has been a lot of fun to put together. The photography captured the things we have been missing and the things we are looking look forward to. Little things are celebrated, like beach time, back flips and binging on junk food. Fashion is alway magic to me, along with medieval times and fairies, fireflies and all of their imaginary friends. Family time, play time, introspective time - enjoy this very special issue! From both of us at STAND, we hope you find a bit of magic in every day!
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Dorothy
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Debbie
Submission Guidelines The STAND is published February, April, June, August, October, & December yearly on
the 15th of that month.
STAND February - March 2021
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.
Cover Photo: Stella by Connie Lowe photographer: Connie Lowe 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.
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: Abbe Lane by Superdoll photographer: Liane Laughlin
doll: Ayumi by Integrity Toys, Repaint by Noel Cruz photographer: Wil Herold
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dolls Gold Bar by Superdoll photographer: Liane Laughlin
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doll: Granado Neptune & Doll in Mind Persia photographer: Niebieski_Kot
doll: 5th Motif Venitu photographer: Natsumi
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CONNIE LOWE
We love showcasing the incredible artists that create the gorgeous sculpts gracing every issue of STAND. In this issue, we talk to Connie Lowe of Marbled Halls who is the creator of an assemblage of quirky characters and beautiful, soulful sculpts. Connie is now working on a book about Stella, her most popular sculpt to date who has captured the hearts of collectors around the world. Read about the inspiration behind Stella and the book as well as enjoy a sneak peak at this much-anticipated project!
All About Stella Interview by Deborah Hood, PhD
Connie’s personal Stella
STAND: Before we talk about the book, let’s talk about the book’s focus, Stella. Who is Stella? What does she represent and what was your inspiration in creating her? CL: Stella is a Depression-era child full of spirit and strength, never giving up. She was inspired by my parents
and others who grew up during the Depression era...the strength and endurance they had and the ability to keep going despite the oddes being stacked against them.
STAND: Once the idea of her was in your head, what happened next? What did that creative process look like? CL: I researched the clothing, the life and photos from the late 20’s to early 40’s. I spent almost a year read-
ing, collecting photos and my thoughts. I sketched how I thought she would look: large eyes somewhat sad but hopeful and a thin body representing the hunger of the times. Her large hands represent strength yet also need... her large feet symbolize her being firmly planted in life. When things were more solid in my mind, I then picked up the clay!
STAND: Obviously, your Mom has been a big inspiration. Tell us about your Mom. Did she share stories with you about her childhood during the Depression? CL: My Mom grew up in the Midwest as one
of 16 children. When she spoke about her life growing up, she would talk about how everyone had to help within the family. The older children would look after the younger ones. Cooking and cleaning and doing what was needed--everyone pitched in. I have always admired my Mom’s strength and candor. She has always worked hard and taken pride in doing so.
STAND: What is your favorite thing about Stella and what has surprised you most about her? CL: What I like most about Stella is that she
has become an extension of myself and my personality. Through her I can express myself in many more ways then just as an artist. She has bridged many friendships in my life and has made my world so much bigger. I have been most surprised by her versatility--more than I ever thought she would be. She can pull off so many different moods simply in how she is painted or dressed...or even by the tilt of her head.
STAND: Stella seems to have taken a life of her own. Tell us about your collectors and their relationship to Stella.
“Real Girl” resin Stella
CL: I think Stella means many
things to many people. Collectors connect with her story and I think the connection to the era is there for many, but there is also a bond between collectors being formed. Many people create beautiful clothes for Stella and handmade shoes and share these to the fan groups. Often I see photo stories and videos created by Stella’s collectors and it makes me smile to see the joy she is partly responsible for. People are coming toge-ther and there is so much creativity being shared as well as fun and laughs....and boy, don’t we all need that in our lives right now!
STAND: Tell us a little bit about Real Girl Stella! CL: This is the newest release
of Stella colors--the final color is what I call “real girl” resin. Stella’s editions are coming to an end soon in the large size and I have had many new collectors contact me to find out if there was a way to keep Stella going. I didn’t want to break the original edition numbers but I didn’t want to just end Stella if so many would be disappointed. So I thought, “How could I keep her going? Give her life? How could I best do that?”. I worked on colors that would match my own skin and got samples until I found just the right color. Real girl resin Stella in 50cm will be produced as long as there is interest. I will do small pre-orders of around 35 at a time.
STAND: We know the book is still a work in progress but can we get a “sneak peek” at an excerpt? CL: Yes, right here, right now! This is just one of Stella’s many “timeout” moments. I chose these because they
are they are typical of Stella. It is still a work in progress and many collectors have shared and continue to share their photographs and stories. More to come later on the publication date and ordering process! thestandmag.com
Photo Story Excerpt
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STAND: Ok, now let’s talk about the book! Why did you want to create a book about Stella? CL: I love writing and have always incorporated it in my doll show events. When Stella started taking on a life of
her own I thought it would be a nice way to keep her going after her edition closed by having a book that shared not only my stories and photos but those of Stella’s collectors. Many people can’t afford to buy yet one more doll but by offering a book it’s like have hundreds of dolls all at once to look at. People can showcase their own stories and be a part of the book because they have been a part of the story...Stella’s story. My goal is to have a photo from every Stella collector that wants to share or a snippet about what makes Stella special to them...or a little story of their own.
STAND: Besides being renowned for your incredible dolls, you are also known for the stories behind them. Collectors love to hear about the back story of a doll, and with Stella and her friends, you’ve delivered with stories that have been rich and fun, usually illustrated. What is your creative process when it comes to writing and how does it compare to sculpting? CL: I love writing. It’s another way of expressing myself . I started out as an art major in college and was told I didn’t have what it takes to be an artist and was told I should change my major. So I did. I changed it to literature. I had always written poetry and short stories and it was an easy switch to me. Of course, I didn’t give up art, I just gave up trying to conform my art. Writing usually comes easy especially the ones for the events. The theme helps set the idea. If it’s something very specific , such as Halloween, then it narrows the process down. I ask myself. “how do I work one of my dolls into that idea. I find this the easiest part. It’s just there in my head..waiting. Sculpting is actually harder for me. I like to work in paper/stone clay and it’s a slow process. Time is my worse enemy because I have little to spare and I don’t allow myself enough of it. I guess I would say when sculpting I feel more pressured .
STAND: So, tell us a little bit about the book….what can your collectors expect to see when they open their copy? CL: I hope when they open the book they see more than just beautiful photos. I hope they see love, and laughter
and an escape from what’s going on in the day. I hope they scour the pages for memories of photos they have seen on the fan pages or memories of a show they attended like a favorite display. I hope they see the world through Stella’s eyes. Perhaps her travels will take them to places they have never been and they can see them through the eyes of youth. I picture them thumbing through to find their own doll’s image there in print. I hope they read Stella’s little stories and laugh at her and with her and it’s my hope they read my notes throughout and get to know me just a little bit better.
STAND: You have a great relationship with your collectors and have asked them to contribute and be a part of Stella’s story. Tell us about that. Why was including your collectors important to you? CL: Without the collector’s input the book would be missing something important..they are a big part of Stella’s story. Without them, Stella is just a doll I sculpted. It is the collectors who have breathed life into her and I can’t imagine not including them.
doll: Ardyn by Meadow Dolls photographer: Deborah Hood
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doll: Superdoll Sybarite Gen X ‘Vivir’ photographer: Kim London
doll:s Adele Makeda by Integrity Toys photographer; Deborah Hood
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doll: Fidelia Firefly Faerie by Charles Creature Cabinet photographer: Torisaur
doll: Giselle by Integrity Toys, Repaint by Park photographer: Wil Herold
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doll: Adele by Integrity Toys, repaint by Park photographer: Wil Herold
doll: Dragon Empress by Mattel photographer: Silent Distraction
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doll: Isabel by Iplehouse photographer: Annie’s Wonderland
doll: Bluemary Toys photographer: Pure Embers
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doll: Ginny by JAMIEshow Dolls photographer: OwenSu
doll: Mars by Superdoll photographer: Liane Laughlin
doll: Integrity Toys Darla Daley repaint by Park
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Editor Note: Being recognized as an artist of note by successful doll makers and the doll industry
is an important and coveted milestone. Being asked to put a large display of your work in a public setting becomes one of the Magic Moments of life. These exerpts are from an article written by Alex Weber who writes for The First News, Polandand and are published with permission.
Incredible lifelike photos of dolls capture a hauntingly eerie beauty, by ALEX WEBER Harnessing an aesthetic more in line with the unsettling works of Edgar Allan Poe, a new exhibition at the Howa Hutas Cultural Centre looks set to change and challenge the public’perception of dolls. The work of author and photographer Monika Mostowik, the dolls she photographs represent a distinct departure from the pretty-in-pink world of Barbie and instead capture something altogether more emotive and ethereal. Promoted by the exhibition’s organizers as an aesthetic and psychological adventure, such is the doll’s detailing that it becomes immediately apparent that this is more than just hyperbole. Visually stunning, they posses an uncanny ability to tap and tease the human soul. Monika said: “There are those who are unsettled by the dynamic nature of my models - although they are static, they create an illusion that they can move at any moment.” “As an author, I build stories with words,” she says. “As a photographer, I do exactly the same with these dolls, only without vocabulary.”
The display includes 25 dolls from Monika’s personal collection along with 57 Large pictures and 25 ambrotypes. An ambrotype is made with old victorian method of applying the hoto on glass plates with wet collodione. Exhibition name: Captured Anxiety Location: Nowa Huta Culture Centre Krakow, Poland Monika is a regular contributor to the STAND. More of her work can be seen at: https://www.instagram.com/dollsofmilena/
doll: Uma Marmite Sue Angel Egg Doll photographer: Dolls of Milena
doll: Phoenixdols Orla photographer: Kasia Nowak
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doll: OscarP by Mimo_Marina photographer: ShairaStar
doll: Mystic Kid Francis photographer: Niebieski_Kot
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doll: Fiddlestix by Charles Creature Cabinet photographer: Nicolette Peppinck
doll: Aurelia by DoDollsDream photographer: Cath/gentlybeaded
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doll: Ilehouse JIDs “I” Owen, Kids Lonnie & Lisa, BIDS Naias, Serca, Coco & Bono and Suia Doll Baby Sena photographer: Martha Boers
doll: Laughing Baby by Doris Wang photographer: Barbara Richards
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doll: Ovk Studio Dolls / Bear by Squirrel Red Handmade photographer: Pure Embers
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doll: Pullip Karin by Groove photographer: Silent Distraction
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doll: Dollshe Amanda Beauty hybrid photographer: Dolls of Milena
doll: Elfdoll Emma photographer: Kasia Nowak
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dolls: Dasha d’Amboise as Annika Luxottica photographer: Nacho Morales
doll: Veronique Perrin by Darling Peces photographer: Nacho Morales
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doll: Iplehouse Faline photographer: hoe-nir
dolls: Myrtle Snow a Walk in the raveyard photographer: Nacho Morales
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doll: Smartdoll Serenity & Volks Rin photographer: ROKUTA
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doll: Mystic Kid Francis & Owls Moor Mary photographer: Niebieski_Kot
doll: RosenGarden Chocolate Cookie photographer: Niebieski_Kot
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Your BEST SHOT
Deborah Hood, PhD
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 talk about using my "Rule of Three " to enhance your images.
Debbie’s Rule of Three: 1: Main Subject 2: Secondary Subject 3: Object of Interest
You may have heard about the "Rule of Thirds" in photography...a very fundamental rule about composing your photograph in a way that your main subject is off-center to the right or left (or up or down). It is a rule I both use and break based on what I am shooting. Today we are discussing something different...my "Rule of 3's" is a exactly what it sounds like....a bit formulaic but it works! • First, pick a primary doll that will be the main subject of your image (1). • Next, choose a secondary subject (2). This can be a doll....I also like to use bjd pets or even plastic toy animals to represent the main subject's pet/companion. • Last, find an object that ties the two together (3) and creates a sense of interaction or realism for your image. In the first image, you can see Tiffany by Demuse Dolls (1) has been interrupted in her martini (2) break by her cat (3). The cat, seemingly interested in what she is doing has her attention. The interaction between the two dolls is evident, and the martini serves to further tell the story. In the second image, Frazzle by Connie Lowe (1) is about to throw a ball (3) at her Airedale (2). The direction of the dog and the tail at attention lend to this playful interaction. In the last photo, we have two adorable baby Trikes by Joanne Callander (1 & 2) playing with their own toy dinosaur (3).
Sculpts: Tiffany by Demuse Doll and bjd cat by Eve Dolls
When photographing dolls, it is tempting to use tons of props and even many dolls in an image. But by keeping it restricted to the Rule of 3, there is less "clutter" and more obvious interaction in the image which results in better storytelling. I should say that the Rule of 3 is not really a rule....it's really more of a technique I use....and yes, I break this rule too!
Remember, your images can be whatever you want them to be. Experiment with your dolls to practice the Rule of 3. Pose them in a way that shows clear interaction with each other and the object to enhance the story you are telling. Last, have fun which is what this hobby is all about...it's as easy as 1-2-3! Happy shooting!
Sculpt: Frazzle by Connie Lowe
Sculpts: Baby Trikes by Joanne Callander
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doll: Iplehouse FID Miho w/ OOAK cloth dragon by Martha Boers photographer: Martha Boers
doll: Anja by Integrity Toys, Repaint by Park photographer: Wil Herold
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doll: JamieShow Demi Couture ‘Grace’ photographer: Kim London
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doll: Stella by Connie Lowe photographer: Connie Lowe
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doll: Elfdoll Yuan hybrid photographer: Dolls of Milena
doll: Ginny by JAMIEshow Dolls photographer: OwenSu
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doll: Sartorial Jude photographer: Martha Boers
doll: Lady Aurelia by Integrity Toys, Repaint by Park photographer: Wil Herold
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doll: pOink and Babi Jempols by Charles Creature Cabinet photographer: Deborah Hood
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doll: Willie & Ben by Dream High Studio photographer: NIcolette Peppinck
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doll: Tiny Taylssa by Kaye Wiggs photographer: Martha Boers
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doll: Ayumi Nakamura photographer: Nacho Morales
doll: Full Speed by Integrity Toys photographer: Jennifer Jones
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CONTRIBUTOR CONTACT LIST Annies_wonderland Barbara Richards
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.
云☁️ ོ (@annies_wonderland) • Instagram photos and videos
sbmoto2@charter.net
Cath/gentlybeaded
https://www.instagram.com/gentlybeaded/
Deborah Hood
https://www.instagram.com/deborahhoodphoto/
Dolls of Milena
https://www.instagram.com/dollsofmilena/
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_/
Liane Laughlin
https://www.instagram.com/liane_agram
Pure Embers
https://www.instagram.com/pure_embers/
https://www.antiquelilac.com/
Rokuta
https://www.instagram.com/rokutadoll/
Natsumi Nicolette Peppinck
https://www.flickr.com/photos/-natsumi-/
ShairaStar
https://www.instagram.com/shairastar7186/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/dilly1109
Silent Distraction https://www.instagram.com/silentdistraction1978/
Niebieski_Kot
https://www.instagram.com/niebieski.kot/
Torisaur
www.MoontreeTrading.com
OwenSu
www.JAMIEshow.us
Wil Herold
https://www.flickr.com/photos/7507084@N07/
Martha Boers