Opposable

This was a study and part of a collection of large-scale peices that studied the ‘fault lines’ of the human body. The focal point of this piece being to to interpret the opposable nature of the thumb and replicate how it collapses the palm using a solid medium.

Hans Bellmer and Yosida doll are two fascinating artists who used ball joints in their work, but my obsession with this mechanical component started as child’s play. As a kid, I was a doll-loving, Barbie obsessed, little girl and my childhood bestfriend introduced me to Jenny and Licca- The Japanese fashion dolls from Takara. When my beloved friend eventually had to move away I found solace in trying to track down the dolls we played with through the internet. It was the slow dialup version of the 90’s internet, but I eventually sifted through myspace and ebay to find Ball jointed dolls by VOLKS.

The dolls I found blew my mind. when I found out they were not only 6ocm tall but also over 500USD a pop. I decided to try and make my own using polymer clay. Though you can do it that way, my first attempt… was quite disheartening. Since then I’ve learned a few things!