23 November 2015

Recast or not to recast...?

My girls - Zipporah, Noomi and Esther, all from Dollmore.
Yesterday was the 22nd November, a day to show the support you have for BJD-artists. The world of Ball Jointed Dolls can in a way be seen divided in two camps - those who say no to recast and those who are recast-friendly. Just the information about different shops, sizes and molds can be a lot to handle in the beginning of the hobby, but then the question about recast comes along. When I started to read about the hobby and BJD's, I could see that some of the dolls I liked could be found for a lower price. That made me wonder and I made a search and stumbled over the word recast.

I will only buy dolls from legit companies. I mostly worry about the second-hand market and the dolls that are sold there. It is hard to see the difference because the dolls that are recast, are so well made.

Other thing that worries me is the hatred. On some sites the comments are harsh between the visitors and their opinions. I would not buy a recast, for my own reasons and one is that I support the BJD-artists and the work they put in the making of a new doll. But if you want to buy a recast, of some crazy reasons, you do so - as long as you know that you can get in some kind of trouble when trying to sell the doll on the second-hand market. This is where you should be honest with the buyers and let them know that it is a recast doll you are selling.

But just a tip - why not save a bit longer for the doll you really want and pay for good, honest and legit work?
What is your opinion when it comes to recast dolls?
Would you buy a recast?
Would you buy something else that was a copy? 

11 November 2015

Black/White or Color?

Black and white
Color, with bright light

Are you one of those who have a deeper appreciation and understanding of color than most? Can you see colors in a more advanced and nuanced way - well, then (it is said) you are a lucky one. This indicates that you are highly abstract and are a creative thinker who is able to imagine and think through scenarios in a sophisticated way.

A more grayish Gooliope
Gooliope with her pinkish appearance














I have always liked the art classes when I went to school. As long as we had vibrant colors, brushes, acrylics and some water. When it came to kroki, drawing postures and the human body, I was totally off. I remember one time when our teacher took a chair, put it high on a table, sat on the chair and said to the class to sit around him and paint him. You must be kidding me! To fly without wings sounded much easier. 

My artistic side has its ups and downs. Right now it is mostly off - have not been painting in a very long time. Hope to do so soon. I have helped the kids with their projects in art class, nothing more.

Esther 
Esther not so colorful














I got my first camera in the early 1980's. It was my grandmother's and I know nothing about to take photos. Since then I have been experimenting. And still do. When it comes to photography, I have been wondering about black and white photos compared to color. When I do a search on dolls (any kind) I mostly find photos in color. Bright colors, pastell, taken in daylight and with details. When you look at an image - a painting or a photo, what to you focus first on? Probably on the point of the greatest contrast, even when it comes to black-and-white art. I have learned that truly wonderful photos have a light and dark element that converge and there is great contrast in those photos or paintings. I enjoy both, black-and-white and color photos.
How do you think when you take photos of your dolls and/or paint?
Which do you prefer, color or black-and-white?

01 November 2015

Autumn vacation....

....is over. Tomorrow is a normal Monday and a new week ahead. The girls had a week off from school and hubby had some days off from work, so we took a trip to mother-in-law and our cottage. I took along Fayanna and thought that if I have time and a chance, I can take some photos of her. She needed some fresh air, I think.
The lake and a sunset, so beautiful.
Hellou! Fayanna at the cottage!
The week was nice, sunny and the change of scenery was well needed for us all. Mother-in-law was really happy that we could come and she really enjoyed her days. She is born 1919 and it is amazing that she is in such a good health as she is. She lives alone but has home help several times a day. But when we are there, we all pitch in when ever it is needed. 
Many years ago we could sit here
and eat as we enjoyed the nature
Sun is setting and Fayanna
is ready for a walk in the woods
One day we took a trip to the cottage, to check things out and visit my husbands aunt and uncle. We had som "fika", as it is called in Swedish. It means to have coffee, tea or some other beverage with something good to eat like cake, sandwich and cookies. You eat, drink and talk. So we did that. It was nice and I think that we all got something great out of it.
Work in the woods.
My oldest daughter took this photo
Fayanna amazed by the magical woods
I took a walk from the lake to the cottage and took some photos while I was there. It is really beautiful in the fall. I really wanted to stay there, do some gardening and just enjoy the crisp air, the darkness, the stars...and listen to the workers in the woods. 

It was lovely to be back in South Sweden and enjoy the nature. It is so easy to take photos there, in some way. You always find the right light. And I think that Fayanna had lots to tell to the other dollies when she came home.