Gary Sowatzka | Louise Sowatzka
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When I buy a gift for someone else, or even for myself, I want quality, and uniqueness. What is more unique than a hand painted porcelain doll by a well known artist? A gift from the heart is one that will be treasured for many years. Limited Edition Dolls are made specially for the buyer so those who receive the doll have a treasure that will only increase in value over time. Each doll is signed and numbered by Stephanie.
The limited edition dolls made by Stephanie Sowatzka are much different than other so-called limited editions. Each doll is made lovingly by the hands of Stephanie. These dolls are not made on an assembly line or mass produced. The number of each doll made is truly limited to 100, not thousands like many popular dolls. So, when you purchase a limited edition doll from Stephanie Sowatzka, you are truly buying a rare doll. The Sowatzka's use only the finest supplies when making their dolls. A limited edition doll from Stephanie is not only a unique gift for yourself or someone you love, but it is also a doll of the highest possible quality.
About the Artist: Stephanie Sowatzka has been making dolls ever since she was seven. Over the years she has mastered the art of doll making. She has won numerous awards and has earned the honor of becoming a Master Doll Artisan through the IFDM. Not only does she have the natural talent needed to become a master craftsman, but she also possesses the patience and the determination to be one of the best painters in the country. Her dolls are works of art born from the loving care only a true doll artist has. Many people would agree that Stephanie gets her artistic talent from her parents. Her mother, Louise is also a Master Doll Artisan and a nationally known instructor. Her father, Gary is a Master Doll Doctor known throughout the country for his knowledge and ability to restore dolls to almost their original condition. So you see, when you purchase a Stephanie Sowatzka Doll, you are also buying a piece of family tradition. Stephanie has a Bachelors degree in art and American Indian studies from the University of Wisconsin at Green Bay.
Stephanie is producing a number of modern reproduction dolls. These dolls are her interpretation: Jade as Native American dancer in jingle dress, native American new born on hand made native American baby carrier. The costumes are sewn by native American seamstresses who create outfits exclusively for Sowatzka's. The dolls are painted by Stephanie, and only Stephanie. There are no assembly lines, and no mass production. The porcelain has a high quality sheen so that the faces of the dolls glow. Many customers make the comment that they expect their dolls to start talking to them because they are so lifelike.
Antique Reproduction: Because Stephanie has studied porcelain doll making since she was seven, she is able to accurately reproduce antique dolls made by Germans and French artisans over a hundred years ago. The art work is copied from original dolls. Since there were no synthetic fibers or fabrics available when the original dolls were produced, Stephanie uses only mohair or human hair wigs, glass eyes, and cotton, silk or wool fabrics. The clothing is made using techniques used in the late 1800's. French seams, metal closures, and fine laces are used to make the reproduction as accurate as possible. Stephanie is now working on the famous French Bleuette, circa 1905.
Portrait Drawings: Because Stephanie has researched many other mediums with her art degree she is now offering her very special talent of reproducing portrait drawings from your favorite picture of your child, grandchild or beloved pet. These are done with charcoal/pastel chalks. Other mediums can be used also, acrylic or oils. These will be beloved portraits to hand down in your family.