t h e d o l l s
For many years these dolls have come to me in my dreams. Only now I have the time to make them. In these dreams, the shapes and forms appear to have body types like Egyptian fresco paintings. In creating the dolls, I use my 30 year background in textiles for the entire process. Everything about the dolls is re-purposed. They are filled with tee shirt off-cuts donated by TSDesigns, located in Burlington, North Carolina. Each doll takes around 2-3 months to create, including the clothing. I do not work from any patterns. I freestyle. This is how I work. This IS my style. Please respect my art. Just because my style is 'free', doesn't mean you can steal from me. The dolls will be available through my store. They come with a certificate of authenticity, numbered and signed.
I share these skills and more with self-sustainability initiatives through Jamaica Naturally in Port Antonio, Jamaica. By supporting the work I do here, you support the work we do there. Check our websites JamaicaNaturally.weebly.com and NZnaturally.weebly.com to see what we do and how you can connect with us.
b e a u t i f u l i n - d i f f e r e n c e d o l l s b y m o n i q u e d e l a t o u r
These two dolls are created for Erykah Badu. Her art/music has been in my life for many years and given me so much, I want to return the favor and share my art. The first doll is very much inspired by Aotearoa my birthplace (New Zealand), and where the universe aligned for me to connect with her. The traditional Powhiri (maori welcome) organized for Erykah was the main inspiration for the doll. This doll helps take that experience and present it in a physical form. The second doll is influenced overall by Africa. In particular, the Berber and Fulani women of North Africa, and Erykah's Bamileke ancestry from Cameroon. The tattoos of the Tuareg and Berber are vanishing as outside influences encroach on their traditions. The dolls purpose is to shine a light on these important cultures.
I share these skills and more with self-sustainability initiatives through Jamaica Naturally in Port Antonio, Jamaica. By supporting the work I do here, you support the work we do there. Check our websites JamaicaNaturally.weebly.com and NZnaturally.weebly.com to see what we do and how you can connect with us.
b e a u t i f u l i n - d i f f e r e n c e d o l l s b y m o n i q u e d e l a t o u r
These two dolls are created for Erykah Badu. Her art/music has been in my life for many years and given me so much, I want to return the favor and share my art. The first doll is very much inspired by Aotearoa my birthplace (New Zealand), and where the universe aligned for me to connect with her. The traditional Powhiri (maori welcome) organized for Erykah was the main inspiration for the doll. This doll helps take that experience and present it in a physical form. The second doll is influenced overall by Africa. In particular, the Berber and Fulani women of North Africa, and Erykah's Bamileke ancestry from Cameroon. The tattoos of the Tuareg and Berber are vanishing as outside influences encroach on their traditions. The dolls purpose is to shine a light on these important cultures.
ERYKAH AT HOANI WAITITI MARAE, AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND APRIL 2014
ERYKAH AT HER HOME IN BROOKLYN NY 2015 photo ©2015ErykahBadu
STORYBOARDS, CONCEPT WORK and DOLLS
all images (unless credited otherwise) and products copyright ©2015 Monique de La Tour and protected under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA)