Savannah Fugok/ by black dog bone

Savannah Fugok/ interview by black dog bone

are there a lot of people making dolls and other things like you?

I think there are a lot more than most people are aware of! I have many amazing friends that make dolls, and all of them are so incredibly talented. I had no idea most of these artists were out there until about a year ago, and I’ve always loved dolls. I’m sure there are many more amazing artists out there who’s work I’ve not yet been lucky enough to see.

what other things do you make? are you like a artist too?

I am an artist, mainly a painter. I’ve been painting for about 4 years, whereas the dolls are a relatively new thing for me. I made my first art doll last summer, but tried to keep most of my focus on canvas. Lately, though, I find myself more driven to doll making. It takes much less of an emotional toll on me, and is so much fun.

you’re from where?

I live in Loveland, Colorado. I moved here about 2 years ago and don’t foresee myself ever wanting to leave. This town is perfect for me. It’s home.

How was your childhood spent? Were you happy, mischievous? cos I see that the dolls you make are sweet but they look real mischievous, like there up to something.

I grew up in the country, in a home with no running water or electricity. We hauled water from the creek in gallon jugs and took baths in water heated up on a wood stove. To this day, the sound of water swishing back and forth in a milk jug is like music to me, and one of my very favorite songs.

I was a very ornery child, and the stories I could tell you about myself back then would probably have you laughing and recoiling at the same time! I’ve always been headstrong to a fault, and I think that quality has served me well over the years. That’s just my opinion, of course, and probably not always the general consensus of those around me, haha!

I grew up in the country, in a home with no running water or electricity. We hauled water from the creek in gallon jugs and took baths in water heated up on a wood stove. To this day, the sound of water swishing back and forth in a milk jug is like music to me, and one of my very favorite songs.

I was extremely shy, which is something I’ve never managed to grow out of. In a crowd of people, I’ve always been the quiet girl that dresses like a weirdo and avoids eye contact. Around the people I love, I’m the extremely talkative dork that dresses like a weirdo and has a ridiculous affection for puns.

around what age did you start to make the dolls?

I was 29 when I made my first doll. A bit of a late bloomer, perhaps, but better late than never, right? ;)

I was extremely shy, which is something I’ve never managed to grow out of. In a crowd of people, I’ve always been the quiet girl that dresses like a weirdo and avoids eye contact. Around the people I love, I’m the extremely talkative dork that dresses like a weirdo and has a ridiculous affection for puns.

is there some name you call to what you make?

My dolls are called Vampy’s Handmade Friends, but I also showcase them from time to time on my painting art page: By, Vampy.

what do you make it out off. do you make it all by hand?

My dolls are completely handmade. I sculpt them with air drying clay, usually onto a wire armature, and then I paint them with acrylics. I sew clothes directly onto the doll, which is honestly the trickiest part of the whole process for me.

I want my dolls to be pose-able, so I try something new with each one. I’m still learning and experimenting with different techniques, basically just figuring out what works best. I have a feeling I will never really stick with one specific style, because each doll is completely unique, and I can’t imagine making them all the same way.

do you sell your dolls ? are they in stores?

I sell my paintings and my dolls. I always hope that my artwork will find a home :) I have an online Etsy store, called ByVampy, where I list all of my available work, and am able to take commissions, which I love!

what is the most important moment in your career as an artist

I have had many amazing moments as an artist and I am so thankful for everything that I have experienced on this path. I can’t say that any of them are more important than any other. I am tremendously honored knowing that so many of my paintings are decorating walls, and that my little dollies have happy homes. It is the most amazing feeling!

are there are certain artist that you are influenced by. or that you really like?

Jen Musatto was my inspiration to begin making dolls. I’d always loved her work so much, but had never thought about making a doll myself. The first time I saw one of her dolls in person, however, I knew I had to try. I started creating my sock monster Baby Buddies. I still love making those little guys. They always make me giggle.

I didn’t consider making a doll out of clay until I discovered Anima ex Manus. I immediately found the expression and beauty of her work captivating. It opened a whole new door for me. I walked through it, and haven’t turned back.

do you think art is giving expression to our feeling. or what is art to you?

Art is my soul. Every piece holds a chapter of my story, my memories, my emotions, my thoughts, and my heart. Everything I have that is a part of me, I pour it all into my art. If I wasn’t an artist, I don’t think I would survive. I would explode from holding it all inside.

I want my dolls to be pose-able, so I try something new with each one. I’m still learning and experimenting with different techniques, basically just figuring out what works best. I have a feeling I will never really stick with one specific style, because each doll is completely unique, and I can’t imagine making them all the same way.

do you like to read? What is the books you like most?

Oh my goodness… Don’t even get me started on how much I love to read! We’d be here all day! From Stephen King to Alexandre Dumas, all the way to Harry Potter, and everything in between.

do you like music? what music do you like?

I would say that I listen to metal more than anything else, but I love it all. Music is art. Art is a brilliant mosaic of souls. Nothing could be more beautiful than that.

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