Bear Pop Vending (have a drink) (Favourite Things #142)

Artist's notes on style, materials and inspiration:

Anyone who has followed my work for a while (and sees my company name) knows about my love for vending machines, especially the Japanese variety. They are to be found everywhere, particularly the drinks kind, making sure that everyone has access to a beverage (and sometimes many other things) in all kinds of places.

They are often found in alleyways or seemingly out of the way places, where you might also find lots of other things going on. This vividly coloured wood girl shares some of what you might find - an aircon unit, cute signage and a lucky bear welcoming you to enjoy some fizzy pop - all under an orange tiled roof which continues as her hairstyle. The vending machine at the front is under a wooden signboard that invites you to 'have a drink' - and the catcher tray is the mouth of a blue bear. Atop her head is a big can of Bear Pop.

My 'favourite things' wood girl series share the places and things I love, a favourite motif, object or theme, or are inspired by a microseason. Turned from American Tulipwood, a sustainable and interestingly grained timber, the pieces are turned by a production wood turner in the UK to my designs, then added to and painted by me, a British artist. They are finished in a clear matt acrylic protective top coat.

Favourite Things girls are numbered on the base, this one is #142.

This girl is approximately 29cm in height.

My pieces are painted in a naïve and simple style, with visible brush strokes and differing paint consistencies. It is important to note that these dolls are made from real wood which will have naturally occurring markings and grain, and sometimes there will be small amount of bleeding along the grain, or knots, which is to be expected when using untreated wood - please make sure you consult the pictures carefully before purchasing.

PLEASE NOTE: This is not a toy and should be kept out of reach of children. Wood girls should be kept away from water which can damage the wood and painted surface, and also away from direct heat/ sunlight which also can affect the surface colour and the timber itself.

US CUSTOMERS: Please be aware that new import fees (tariffs) will apply to all imported goods from 28th August 2025 - these fees are 10% of the declared value when manufactured in the UK (as for wood girls) but there are two different systems in place until February 2026, so please get in touch with me via the store contact form if you would like to know more.