Alexandra Okatova is a trained cartographer (Map maker) and her dolls on definitely on the dolls map since 2002.
After visiting several courses to learn the fine art of porcelain doll making she has gone from success to success. Her dolls presentations have been celebrated throughout the world and she spares no effort or expense when finishing her creations. Gold, pearls, silk and satin often are used to enhance the beauty and refined nature of her presentations.
We met up with Alexandra to find out more about her fascinating art pieces.

Colliii.com: Alexandra, why don´t you tell us a bit about yourself.

Alexandra: As long as I can remember I have been fascinated by fairy tales and their characters. I grew up with stories from the Grimm brothers and have several of their older books. I used to love drawing the figures that I read about. I also loved the works of Hans Christian Anderson and Christian Pineau.  

Colliii.com: Why did you get into making Porcelain dolls, why not another medium?

Alexandra: Porcelain is such a delicate material and it keeps for a lifetime. The porcelain dolls recreate a certain beauty, for example a beautiful woman is said to have a "Porcelain dolls face" 

Colliii.com: How did you progress. Did everything work out as you expected it to? 

Alexandra:  I would have to say that I found out quite quickly that porcelain dolls were the right artistic medium for me. I had a wonderfull teacher in Aleksej Spakov and I am very thankful to him. The year that I started I was included in an encyclopedia for doll makers and at the 5th Dolls Salon show I was awarded the "Pearl of the Salon" award. I am very thankful for the way things have worked out for me and I believe that my passion for the art has helped me a lot. 

Colliii.com:  Thats wonderfull for you! Why dont you tell us a little bit about the doll making process, how you create your dolls.

Alexandra: I think a lot before I start making a doll. I ponderc. I then make a doll out of sculpting clay and I work on it until I am happy how it looks, this sometimes takes a long time and meditate about how the doll should be, what it should express etc. Porcelain dolls keep for a long time so that is why I take my time to perfect what I am creating. After finishing my original sculpt I re-create it in plaster after which the porcelain is poured into the plaster form and then put in the oven. The finished porcelain parts are then put on a "skeleton" of copper to hold it all together and then I finish by making the body out of sponge and material.

Colliii.com: Why do you get your inspiration from. What things inspire you?

Alexandra: I love my work. I feel that I can really express myself through the dolls and this art form. I dont make the dolls with the direct intention of pleasing people, but when the do please people then  I love it. Its a wonderful thing that people appreciate and also understand my art. I get inspiration from a number of sources including the people that buy my dolls. I take time for them too, for example when I create the clothing for my dolls I do all of the sewing by hand and add all of the extras such a s the pearls and things to each doll individually.

Colliii.com: Where can people find and buy your ?

Alexandra: You can reach me email aokatova@mail.ru

Colliii.com: Do you also give courses and lessons in doll making?

Alexandra: No at the moment not. My head is still so full of ideas that I would like to realise first. To be honest I would find it hard to "think" myself into the students and teach them as it is a very emotional thing to create these dolls.

Colliii.com: Do you often exhibit your dolls at shows and conventions?

Alexandra: I have displayed at the Doll Time in St Petersburg and the Doll Salon and Mosfair in Moscow

Colliii.com: What things have you got planned for the future?

Alexandra: I want to keep on making dolls that move people emotionally.

Colliii.com: We are sure that you will! Thanks for your time Alexandra!