About me
I designed my first doll at the age of 12 after attending a porcelain doll making class for kids. I had always made “things” out of Fimo, so the whole dollmaking process didn’t daunt me. My first doll Robin Hood was bug-eyed and jaundiced and horrified my tutor, but I kept at it, and gradually improved.
I gained my Gold Seal of excellence in original Sculpture at the age of 15 and became a regular at all the New Zealand Doll Shows. My mum used to get congratulated for my entries, they never knew how young I really was, and thought my mum was the sculptor. In 1997 I went to University to study for a Bachelor of Industrial Design, this inspired me to look into a career in film or toy design, my doll work supporting me as I went. I have worked for Weta SPFX and been credited for the Fellowship of the Ring, my sculpture greatly improved during this time with the help of the weta designers. In 2003 I packed my bags and headed overseas. In Canada I worked in the SPFX, and also as a stop motion puppet maker before moving on to the UK. I worked for Aardman Animation in Bristol ( of Wallace and Gromit fame) for a while before settling into toy design with various companies in London.
I am now back in New Zealand, living in Wellington, and lecturing Design at Massey University. After a two year break from Dollmaking, I am back an inspired to create again. In particular I am focusing on my animal dolls and a range of New Zealand inspired creations.
Where to buy my work?
Dolls- Currently I am developing new dolls for sale and will post them to this site, so check back soon.
Toys- My Toys are available for purchase at http://www.cleverbastards.co.nz/profile/tanya-marriot/15409
Tanya it was so nice meeting you in Chicago with NIADA!
‘Allo, my darling kiwi! Just wanted to say it was great meeting you and your lovely critters in person. Keep in touch! And watch out for amorous kakapos…
Hi Tanya
I am the Gallery Assistant at Papakura Art Gallery in AUckland and we are compiling a database for our next annual Small Packages exhibition in the month of December.
If you would like to recieve information on being a part of this cash n carry exhibition could you please forward me your postal address, email address and phone number to aimeebearda@xtra.co.nz
Kind regards
AImee Bearda
092977510
where can you purchase toys etc?
Hi Philip,
Currently my your are available for sale at this site- http://www.cleverbastards.co.nz/profile/tanya-marriot/15409
I currently have no new dolls for sale, however if you like any on the site, please let me know and I’ll see if they are still available.
Tanya
Hi wow you do some amazing work. I am in the process of opening a gallery and gift shop in the Wairarapa. If you are ever interested in displaying any of your work for sale then I would love to hear from you.
All the best
Ashlea
Hi wow you do some amazing work. I am in the process of opening a gallery and gift shop in the Wairarapa. If you are ever interested in displaying any of your work for sale then I would love to hear from you.
Ashlea