Interview w/ Surrealist Dollmaker Alissa Renzetti

It's not often that I use the term "you've got to see it to believe it", but surrealist artist and dollmaker Alissa Renzetti, (www.alissarenzetti.com) is one of those instances. Her handcrafted creations are all unique and one-of-a-kind, from the molds to the cloth work, each has a personality of its own. Let's take a brief look into her creative process and influences.

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MAD: Thanks so much for taking some time with us today! I had the pleasure of viewing your booth at the recent Oddities and Curiosities Expo in Indianapolis, and I have to say that you presented the most whimsical display of the day. Your work is both mesmerizing and memorable. How, and when, did you start designing and sculpting your own unique, one of a kind dolls?

AR: I have always loved to paint, sculpt and sew. About 10 years ago I wanted to incorporate all my favorite activities into a unified work of art so that direction led me to dolls. When I made my first 3 dolls I was ecstatic. I was unsure of my process but was determined there was no "right" way so as not to limit myself in the creative process. The first dolls were such an experiment and being unsure of the outcome but yet having made them anyway and being happy with the end result was very gratifying. Looking back, I am glad I was persistent in trying a new direction (previously, I was mostly a 2D artist) as it has now expanded into more artistic experiments and creations.

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MAD: From surreal to scary, to animals and even dolls with various items of food for heads, you’ve hand crafted dozens upon dozens of one-of-a-kind creations. Where does the inspiration for your bizarre creatures come from, and how long does a piece typically take you to finish?

AR: I have always loved surrealism. I have always loved to read. I like to make art that tells a story. I admire many artists, but I do my best to conjure up my own ideas and methods to be unique. I strive for originality. The dolls are based on what I am currently feeling, observing, interested in etc., they serve as a sort of diary. Each one takes approximately 15 – 20 hours to complete.

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MAD: I know they must all be like your “babies”, but do you have any personal favorites or ones that you regret selling? Are there any pieces that you simply won’t sell?

AR: There are those that I miss, but sometimes I will see the person who purchased the doll, and they will show me pictures of them in their new home, or tell me how much they love it, and that makes my heart happy. The ones I do not sell are not because they are my favorites, but because they are not near perfect enough for me to sell. I really try to only offer my best.

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MAD: Who/what have been some of your personal artistic influences over the course of your life and career?

AR: There are so many artists I admire, both living and dead. I love to look at art of course, but I do try to be mindful of only producing what is true to me and developing and keeping my own style. That being said, it is a very long list of favorites for me, but I feel if we take these artists and mix them together it would make a very “Alissa Renzetti” looking doll; Vladimir Kush, Edward Gorey, Renee Magritte, Nicole Eisenman, Don Hertzfeldt, and Frida Kahlo.

I also want to point out that having an extremely supportive husband has really helped me and being with him has influenced my art greatly. Being with someone so encouraging tends to make me want to do my best even more.

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MAD: Have you ever considered stop motion animated shorts for your characters, or working with a stop motion artist to further bring them to life? You’ve got an entire world of distinct characters!

AR: I think it would be delightful to see my little creations running amok, playing games, and baking cakes. I have thought about stop motion before, but it just seems so daunting to me, and I’m not quite sure where to even begin. Plus, I have many dolls waiting to be created so the time investment would be harsh.

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MAD: You are also a very impressive and accomplished painter. Please give us a little insight into your painting process, and do you have a preference on what creative medium to work in, or do you just go where the muse takes you?

AR: I seldom ever paint anymore. Before I made dolls I painted quite a bit. I liked to dabble in oils and acrylics, and the subject matter was always surreal. It is sweet of you to refer to my painting as impressive. I view it as rather mediocre, especially now it is so secondary in comparison to the dolls. It almost seems it just served as a prerequisite to learn so I could then apply that skill to dolls.

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MAD: Do you have a soundtrack behind you while you work, or certain bands or musical genres? Does music play a part at all when creating specific characters?

AR: I have my iPod set on shuffle while I work and my tastes are all over the place. One moment is The Cure, the next could be Outkast and following that Prince, maybe then Baby Metal. David Bowie, Massive Attack, Portishead, Ghost, Tori Amos, Fugazi. Really, all over the place. Just like my dolls.

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MAD: Our musical tastes are nearly identical! Any personal goals you’d still like to achieve with your art, or new techniques you’d like to explore?

AR: Because I am constantly trying to make the dolls better in every way I am always trying new things. Different doll ideas require different materials. Trying different tools, materials, constructions. Improving on my techniques is an ongoing process.

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MAD: What advice would you give to those artists and creative types out there who are still struggling and trying to find their “niche” and reach their audience?

AR: I’m one of them. I still struggle to find my audience. Being extremely introverted and so focused on just creating, I lack doing those things that others have mastered so well in terms of consistently creating content for social medias. Creating the catchy YouTubes, the TikToks, the endless timelapses of work completed, is something that I know would most likely benefit me, but I just cannot find the time or hold the interest long enough to do so. That is a challenge I face as an artist trying to get exposure for my work. There are so many avenues now to put yourself out there, but yet here I am sitting quietly in my basement making dolls and doing none of those things. So my advice to those artists trying to find their audience; don’t be me. HA!

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MAD: Well, that was a very refreshing (and relatable) response! What has the experience of touring with the Oddities and Curiosities Expo been like for you, and are their any other dates or special events coming up that you’d like to mention?

AR: I absolutely love the Oddities and Curiosities Expos! There is always a fantastic crowd and such a professionally run show. I also love that it is an indoor event. I have done art fairs in the past that have always been outdoors and those shows can be brutal, not just for yourself (summer weather melting in my seat), but for your art as well. I’ll be joining the Oddities & Curiosities Expos for their shows in Michigan (July), New York (August) and Pennsylvania (August).

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MAD: Alissa, we appreciate you talking with us today, and I hope to obtain one of your wonderful creations some day soon! As we finish up, is there anything you’d like to leave the readers with?

AR: Thank you so much for taking an interest in my work.

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Michael A. Dyer is the host of the HORROR TO CULTURE podcast, vidcast, and website.