By Jill Jackson
There are few people who would not instantly recognize Anne Geddes' unique photographs of infants. Geddes' style is unmistakable. The mesmerizing faces of the babies she has immortalized through her art greet us virtually everywhere we go. It is conceivable that Anne Geddes has single-handedly compiled the largest body of photographic works of babies in the world. They are her passion; and, she is a master of her art.
Laura Tuzio-Ross, whose sculptures of babies may be best known in the doll arena, is also considered by her ardent admirers as a master of her art. Representing the ultimate in realism, Laura's one-of-a-kind dolls are highly prized by collectors around the world. Her passion for babies matches that of Anne Geddes.
In January of this year these two like-minded artists joined together to bring collectors a unique product. The vision was to create the essence of Anne Geddes' two-dimensional photographs of infants in three-dimensional art pieces, as interpreted by Laura Tuzio-Ross. One can hardly imagine a more perfect partnering. Anne Geddes tells us that even as a child growing up in Australia, she was aware of "some sort of calling," a sense that the future held something important for her. "I loved images of people," Anne recalls, "and was fascinated by the concept of a single, still image capturing an exact moment in time that could never be repeated."
At age 18, while traveling through New Zealand, Anne took literally hundreds of photographs. It proved to be a valuable experience. "I observed and learned to appreciate the different qualities of natural light," explains the artist. The knowledge she gained became the basis on which she founded her photographic abilities and lifelong career.
"When I was married and in my mid 20s, I finally had the courage to take the plunge and endeavor to establish a small portraiture business," says Anne. "My intent was to capture not only a child's image at a young age, but also the child's wonderful, individual character. I adore babies and everything they stand for, [babies] represent our future, absolute promise, and potential, so pure, so perfect, so innocent. Since I first picked up a camera professionally, I never wanted to do anything else." Asked if she uses a modeling agency to locate the tiny infants which are her trademark subjects, Anne explains, "I have worked in the same studio in Auckland, New Zealand, for years. I have a large number of contacts in twin clubs and other multiple birth associations, and a strong network of midwives in the Auckland area who have been very supportive and helpful. New parents often call us or send photographs. I recall one very excited and proud new father phoning us only half an hour after his baby was born."
In order to achieve the peaceful images Anne captures on film, the atmosphere within her studio is carefully designed to put both mothers and babies totally at ease. The pace is quiet and flexible. A fully equipped "mother's room" offers new mothers and their infants a feeling of comfort. "We want parents to feel comfortable, pampered, and important," says Anne. "They deserve it."
Photograph sessions are often done when the babies are about six weeks of age, "when infants tend to sleep most of the time." The lighting and staging are done before the babies arrive so camera time is lessened. "Once the babies arrive, everything needs to revolve around them," says Anne.
Laura Tuzio-Ross has been a fan of Anne Geddes since her first daughter was born in 1993. "My husband gave me a Geddes calendar and date book each Christmas," says the artist. "I loved the creative ways she photographed the babies and appreciated her artist's viewpoint. I never imagined then that I would be working with Anne some day. It is a dream come true."
In January 2007, Laura received an unexpected call from the Anne Geddes Group inquiring if she would be interested in sculpturing dolls for a new project Anne was developing. The two artists met in person and got to know one another. They discussed the look and feeling that Anne wanted these interpretations of her photos to invoke. They shared their mutual passion for babies and each gained an appreciation of the other's ability to inspire emotion through their artistic styles. It was decided. Together they would form a team that would allow collectors to at last cradle a Geddes-inspired baby in their arms, creating an added dimension of enjoyment.
MasterPiece Dolls, the well-respected brand name of Blackall Associates Inc., was entrusted to take the project to its next phase: the execution and manufacture of this very special collection.
The Woodland Fairy was the first doll in what was named the Anne Geddes Collectible Doll Line. It previewed on the MasterPiece Dolls Web site on Aug. 1 of this year and is due for release in retail stores by mid-November 2007. The Woodland Sprite, second in the series, will preview on Nov. 1 and is due for release in February 2008. Both are inspired by the images in the gatefold of Anne Geddes' new autobiography, A Labor of Love. The dolls are produced in soft silicone vinyl, with outfits personally designed by Anne to closely match her original photographs. The fairy comes with a specially sculptured log to replicate the woodland motif.
Each doll will be packaged in an Anne Geddes-style gift box with a certificate of authenticity, a hand tag, and a numbered tag sewn into the doll's cloth body. "The sculpts are incredible and the outfits are breathtaking," says Shirley Blackall, president of Blackall Associates Inc. "The colors and textures perfectly emulate the babies in the original photos. Our goal is to bring collectors a unique look that will capture their hearts."
For more information, visit www.masterpiecedolls.com or contact 401-331-4684.
Buy this Issue: November 2007
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