Sugar Skull Girl

In my twenties, I spent a lot of time in Mexico, sometimes staying with a family in the Mexico City suburb of Coyoacan, sometimes travelling around the country. I was lucky enough to join the family during the Day of the Dead festivities some years, and have fond memories of visiting the family ofrendas (an altar with offerings to ancestors and deceased family members) nearby as well as visiting the amazing exhibits organised by museums for the event.

Here is a 'sugar skull' themed piece with a mini wood girl inside who is wearing her cempasúchil (marigolds) in her hair and dressed as a calaca on the reverse. What's great about this piece is that it does double duty as a decorative object - you can have it turned to the monotone side or to the riotous colour side (or just mix it up).

Artist notes:
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. Finished in a top coat of matt acrylic.

Pieces of yellow poplar are turned to my design by a production turner and then hand painted by me, a British artist, exploring patterns and scenes encountered by me on my travels and in daily life.

Total 12.5cm high with girl inside.
Please note: THIS IS NOT A TOY and should be kept out of the 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.