Becky Kemp celebrates cultural icons with traditional Japanese Kokeshi Dolls
Becky carried a sketchbook with her 24/7 since she was old enough not to loose it. And ever since she is interested in everything that has to do with arts or creating beautiful things. Her parents encouraged her to create from an early age and Becky still believes in the idea that if you can’t find what you are looking for simply learn how to make it yourself.
Four years ago when her tiny cottage was bursting at the seams with paintings, sketchbooks and wooden figures, she’d made in her spare time, Becky decided to open her online shop Sketch.inc and start selling her iconic Kokeshi Dolls. Six months later she resigned her day job and concentrated on Sketch.inc full time. Currently Becky is working from her home studio in the South-East of England.
The Wooden Figures morphed into Kokeshis when I discovered a traditional Japanese Kokeshi in a Antiques shop. The paint was chipped and the head wobbled but I loved the simple shape and the effect of painted wood so I took her home with me. Kokeshis traditionally have no arms or legs and are given as gifts of friendship.
The Characters were born from my sketchbook doodles of caricatured Art, Design and Historical icons. I like the idea of celebrating cultural icons who have truly achieved and inspired others against the current appetite for media celebrities glorified for very little.
2 Comments
These are adorable! I was just watching a documentary about their history and how they’re made. So impressed with the creativity!
Seeing all your comments here Corina, I realize how long I haven’t answered any on the blog! Oups… 😉 Anyway, do you remember the name of the documentary? This entire story about the Kokeshi dolls sounds pretty interesting.