The Doll's World of the Artist Charlotte Sigurdson

A little golden box on a wooden table has just been opened. It hides a melody that only dancers can recognize, a hand winds it up and the first notes come out of that adorable little box. The atmosphere in the room begins to be painted with fabrics and colors, it seems as if the music gives life to the entire room. The box is no longer alone, a series of pieces of cloth of different colors begin to appear as if by magic. The textures of those pieces are intermingled between scissors, needles and threads. Towards the right side of the table, a small lamp lights up and the musical notes are coming to an end to start a work of art.

This is how the art of Charlotte Sigurdson begins, a Canadian multidisciplinary artist, who has specialized in creating art toys inspired by the dolls of her childhood and various pieces of art.

From what age did you start with your art?

I' ve done art since I was a child but I started working professionally in 2017, when I was... 29!

What is your greatest inspiration when making your sculptures and painting?

 

I find inspiration though history, philosophy, politics etc... Thinks I read about, listen to or see in the news. I’m someone who likes to really think about why human beings do what they do. Humans are the focus of all my work and I look for fundamental truths about the human experience embedded in other subjects.

How do you define your art?

 I would say it’s contemporary art with baroque influence and a touch of the grotesque.

We know that you are a multidisciplinary artist, that you make sculpture and painting with different materials but that you are more inclined to make sculptures of dolls. When did you start making the type of dolls you make?

 

I’ve always loved dolls, ever since I was little. After having my first daughter I decided to try making my own. From there I started a dollmaking business that was more like fine craft than fine art. Over time my dolls evolved into more sculptural expressions of ideas rather than toys. I started working in ceramics and then I decided to firmly position my work in the fine art realm.

Charlotte Sigurdson

Continuing with the theme of dolls, let us tell you that they are incredibly artistic dolls, since their faces and body language evoke many emotions. What is the message you want to convey with them?

 

It really depends on the piece!. I do like to touch on darker subject matter when I’m working with dolls because I find the contrast between a traditionally child like medium and uncomfortable subject matter interesting. I try to put a lot of emotion into the faces and hands.

You use coffee in some of your works, this material is not very common in the art world. How did you discover it and what properties does coffee have that allow you to make works of art?

 

I have done that, yes. I liked it as a stain for fabric when I would paint on raw canvas. I don’t remember how I discovered it, I think I just tried it one day!. I’m not currently working with coffee though and my style has kind of evolved away from that style of painting.

Charlotte Sigurdson

What do you consider has been your greatest challenge in the world of art?

 

I think my greatest challenge in the art world has been trying to reconcile my artistic vision with making money. At times I’ve tried to intentionally make things because I thought I could sell them and it’s never really worked out for me. Not only because they don’t seem to sell that well anyway! but also because I have a hard time making things that I don’t 100% love. It’s hard to be your true artistic self when you also need to eat!.

Which one(s) are your favorite artists and why?

 

Javier Marin is my favourite sculptor. I love how expressive his figures are, they have a sort of rococo feel to them for me. Almost like a dance. My favourite doll artist is Pantolova, I think her work is so poetic. My favourite painter is probably Klimt, an oldie but a goodie!.

You studied law and walked the paths of the world of law practicing as a lawyer for a short time. How does a lawyer discover that her true passion is the world of art?

 

I did do that!. How crazy of me. I’ve always been good at art and loved art but I think I got a little lost in my 20s. I think I felt like I needed some big fancy career to show off, as embarrassing as that sounds. I don’t think I even really knew what a lawyer did day to day so when I started working, I realized it wasn’t for me. I just knew I was meant to do something artistic and my husband was very supportive so I quit and spent the next few years finding my footing.

Charlotte Sigurdson

Being a multidisciplinary artist allows you to constantly explore different materials and techniques, which opens up a world of possibilities when it comes to manifesting your art. Do you have an exhibition planned soon?

 

I have a couple collections I’m working on, but I haven’t committed to any venues yet so nothing is set in stone. I’m just coming off a string of shows so now I’m going to hunker down and make art!.

Charlotte Sigurdson

Charlotte Sigurdson

Charlotte Sigurdson