'Homespun Mythologies and Magical Imaginings'
In the ephemeral realm between dream and reality, Forgotten Spirits drift through time in a mystical landscape under a Blue Moon.
Wolf Witches roam there at dusk whilst the Moth Faeries conjure dreams for us to dream.
Pantovola brings these beings to live through her hand stitched dolls, sculptures, miniature theatres and paintings.
Using mixed media including antique textiles, clay and paper-mâché,
small worlds are created in which one is encouraged to dream once more of an enchanted, private place.
Each creation a relic of a memory, a fragment of a forgotten world, shared with those seeking magic of an otherworldly charm.
Through her art Pantovola builds on the symbolism of the old folk- and fairytales,
creating her own mythical universe and legends, spinning and stitching the age old tapestry of storytelling.
"Since early childhood I have loved the old fairytale books and their beloved illustrations telling mysterious tales of witches and faeries,
inhabiting enchanted forests where animals speak in riddles.
Stories shrouded in symbolism in which some kind of struggle must be overcome often leading to a transformation of the tale's hero.
With my art I am building on similar themes and ideas, creating a universe with my own mystical creatures and landscapes,
emerging from old world nostalgia and mysterious childhood memories, timeless and ancient.
As I create I connect to a tradition of storytelling that is deeply and uniquely human.
Many of my pieces hold small worlds within;
a butterfly or beetle may be hidden in the belly of a doll, or a miniature theatre might hide a secret behind the drapes of its curtains.
To create my dolls and sculptures I use a mix of materials and techniques such as antique and upcycled
textiles, embroidery and handmade lace, feathers and hair, crystals and all kinds of beautiful or interesting bits and bobs that I collect at markets and secondhand shops.
I also love working with clay and paper-mâché for its directness and versatility.
My Art Dolls, Textile Art and mixed media Sculptures are held in private collections and exhibits worldwide.
If you would like to purchase art then please subscribe to my Blue Moon News Letter for previews and release dates or take a look at what is available now in my shop
I also make small handmade fabric figurines known as Pantovola Petit
These little dolls are released in small collections every so often, and have their own dedicated page where you can follow and adopt them.
On some occasions I create commissioned pieces.
Feel free to contact me if you have interest in this via the contact form
