My first doll

Welcome to PazzaBella Dolls!

I am an artist/crafter living in Chicago who has taken a very long time to feel comfortable calling myself an "artist". I have no formal training- I've just dabbled for years in various artistic endeavors from painting (and repainting) my house, then to painting furniture and wine glasses (while drinking wine, of course!) to wheelthrown pottery (LOVE) to interior design school. I guess you could say I was exploring. During this time I discovered the portrait work of Amedeo Modigliani and hung these prints all over the house. There was something about all these women that spoke to me- I found them oddly beautiful in their imperfections and frankly, a little crazy (even more so after reading about Jeanne Hebuterne- the woman depicted in many of Modigliani's paintings). Perhaps it was a reflection of how I felt about myself at the time (more of the imperfect than beautiful and definately crazy!!)

I then came across another dollmaker who inspired me with her folk dolls and, after several very helpful emails about materials, I dove right in. I had no idea what I was doing but I was determined to create what I was envisioning in my head. I drew a rough outline in muslin, hand sewed it and began sculpting with paper clay. I spent hours engulfed in her creation. And, as she began to take form, I found myself ceating her story. (picture: my first doll).

After many inspirational talks and brainstorming sessions with my friend Katie (the most fearless person I know), we settled on Pazza (crazy) Bella (beautiful) as the best description for the inspiration and the creations. Since then, I have created several dolls, each with their own story. Each are a bit strongwilled, unconventional and, I believe, seemingly confident in their beautiful imperfections.