An Interview and Studio Tour with Prim and Whimsy Girl

Flora Thompson

of

Bone*Head*Studios

Flora is a lifelong Texan, she lives in Houston and you can visit some more with her on her Bone Head Studios Blog.

How would you describe your work?

I like to say that my art is “whimsical with a bit of an edge” , or more like “creepy cute?”  all OOAK and original.

How long have you been creating art?

I have been an artist all of my life.  That sounded so pretentious when I first started the actual process of doll making, and I felt rather odd about saying it…. now I embrace it.  I think I made my first art doll in 2005, ” The Great Pumpkin”, named after the “Peanuts Halloween Special”, I still have the doll.  I wanted to sell him, but I don’t think people wanted to pay the asking price, so he is safely tucked away in storage.

Describe your studio/workspace:

Chaotic!!!- Seriously, it is usually very messy and disorganized!!, I sometimes have a hard time remembering where everything is!!  The “studio” is a converted bedroom with all of my “stuff ” in each corner and my 2 dogs keep me company in there.

How much time do you spend in your studio each week?

Oh my! It is actually the only room I ever spend time in, so everything is neglected in my home!! If it wasn’t for my husband Bill, I don’t think any chores would get done.  I honestly couldn’t tell you, but it is A LOT of time!

What is the one tool you could not live without?

I would have to say 2 tools….paper and pencil!

Do you listen/watch media while you work?

Not really, unless you count the computer binging when I have email??

If you had an unlimited budget, what would you buy for your studio?

The time of a personal organizer. Once done, I’m certain I could keep up with it! A Mac, a top of the line printer, and a personal cutter.  I would also love to have a home that has a separate studio - to invite people to come over and create with me… I don’t want much do I?

What is your favorite time of day to work?

I’m an evening person, but I can work until the early morning, I used to work the night shift - there is something very comforting about the night.

How do you stay organized in your workspace?

I don’t. I try and keep it clean, but I pull things out as I’m working and before you know it… it’s a bloody mess!!!

What kinds of inspiration do you have in your workspace?

I’m a very visual kind of  person so I have to have things where I can see them, I used to keep my dolls out - but the dust bunnies liked them too!  So the only real inspiration is my propped up drawing notebook with whatever new design I’m working on.  I had thought I had lost it once, well one of them (I have several now), I almost went crazy when I couldn’t find it!! ( I eventually found it and remembered that I had put it up where I could find it easily…)

What are your creative plans for the future?

I will keep creating as long as I can, and hope that I can become as prolific as other artists. (so that I can get ahead, instead of always trying to keep up).  The OOAK dolls I make, will have to make way for dolls with simpler designs.

Flora’s work can be found:

 on her Bonehead Studios Blog

At Spookytime Jingles

her ebay id is Bone*head*studios

Tags: Bone Head Studios, Flora Thompson, pwgl featured artist, pwgl studio tour, Sculpted Doll