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Noel CruzFilipino artist and puppet maker
Country:
 Philippines |
Content:
Biography of Noel Cruz
Noel Cruz is a Filipino artist and master of doll making. He is known for his incredible attention to detail in his portraits and dolls. What sets Cruz apart is his ability to bring a unique spark to his creations, making his dolls come alive. Despite the fact that the majority of Cruz's works are based on the works of other famous doll artists, he is highly respected among doll enthusiasts.
Expanding the Artistry
Cruz strives to bring something new and groundbreaking to the world of dolls. His process typically involves purchasing a new doll, such as a traditional Barbie or a doll from well-known doll artists Robert Tonner or Franklin Mint, and then removing the existing paint layer to start fresh. Cruz then paints the faces of celebrities, stars, and fictional characters on these standard models. However, his work doesn't stop at just repainting the dolls. With the help of his wife, he also outfits the dolls with suitable clothing and necessary accessories. The list of celebrities that Cruz has depicted is extensive and includes Angelina Jolie, Cher, Meryl Streep, Elizabeth Taylor, Charlize Theron, characters from the popular "Twilight Saga" by Stephenie Meyer, and even Harry Potter.
Unique Artistry
Each of Cruz's works is unique in itself, as he does not engage in mass production. Most of his well-known pieces have found homes in private collections, but Cruz continues to create to this day. Cruz's journey into the world of art began at the age of 12. Growing up in a poor and relatively large family, Cruz faced many challenges. However, his passion for art remained strong, and no life difficulties could silence it. Over time, his hobby began to bring him additional income, as he started painting commissioned portraits at the age of 16. Interestingly, Cruz never received any formal education in art.
The Path to Doll Artistry
Cruz did not become interested in doll painting until much later, after he moved to the United States. His wife played a significant role in this newfound interest. She actively collected dolls, and it was in her collection that Cruz first saw dolls with hand-painted faces. The idea of painting on such atypical "canvas" intrigued him, and soon he almost completely stopped painting on conventional canvases. Of course, mastering this unique art form did not happen overnight. Cruz relied on his innate abilities and persistent work to achieve his goals. In the process of perfecting his craft, Cruz focused on two main criteria: aesthetic beauty and resemblance to the original subject. Through constant practice and improvement of his technique, Cruz developed his own unique style. Today, there is no doubt that Noel Cruz is a self-made artist who has become exceptionally talented in his field.
