Interview with Artists I Admire: Marina of Romantic Wonders

When I first saw Marina Athanasiadou's work I thought it was absolutely adorable! Now that I just visited her shop again, to prepare this post, I think it is also magical. Ladies and gents, here come Romantic Wonders!

 Katie

Tell us a few things about yourself.

My name is Marina. I live in a small town in Northern Greece. I have a wonderful daighter and a perfect husband. My job has nothing to do with painting nor art in general.

Sophie

When did you start making dolls?

I am very 'fresh' in this area. I made my first doll only 7 months ago. It was a simple little doll for my daughter, nothing much. But I was instantly hooked, and haven't stopped since...

Naila

What are your favorite materials?

Well, linen of course! I handsew all my dolls from linen, and a large part of the clothes, too. I generally prefer natural fabrics, leathers and sheep's or goat's wool. I use artificial fabrics only if I can't find the natural that would do the job.

Claudine

What are the things that inspire you to make a doll?

I find inspiration everywhere! People around me, paintings, photographs, films and especially nature. I can't get enough of natural beauty! Whenever we can, we go with my family to the forest and I come back with my head full of new ideas and my camera full of photographs!

Irene

What are you thinking when one of your dolls gets sold and leaves for another home?

I have mixed feelings. I am anxious because I want my doll to please the buyer and to get there safely, I am very happy that this particular one was chosen among so and so many dolls. And I am grateful from the bottom of my heart that a person appreciated my work, because every doll has a little piece of my soul in it.  Every doll is the result of a week's efforts and countless experiments on the design.


Thank you Marina! Wish you all the best!