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The Artists
The
unique handmade nature of Gifina figurines require both a mastery of
artistic technical skills as well as a refined eye for beauty.
Because of the traditional faceless hallmark of the figurines, the
personal expression of each work must be in the details - the
textures, colors, and patterns of a dress, the myriad colors in a
flower bouquet, the elegant hairstyles, and the accessories
befitting that figurine's demeanor. The individuals responsible for
each Gifina creation have an unparalleled patience for the
time-consuming process while maintaining
intact their singular artistic vision. Many talented craftspeople
have tried to duplicate the Gifina style and process, but the subtle
details and personal touch are lost, which is what continues to make
Gifina figurines so original, authentic, and beautiful.
In
this section, we highlight some of our principal artisans because it
is through their dedicated and skillful hands that their imagination
is literally formed in texture, style, and color.
Ines and her daughter Maria
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Inés - With over 15 years
experience, Inés has been with the company since the early
days. She is expert in every aspect of the process, although
her favorite part is the creation of solid and mixed color
porcelanicron for sculpting. Without the use of machines,
she mixes colors completely by hand. Fortunately, she has an
impeccable eye, and has been known to color match to exact
specifications. Her favorite figurines are the
Gardeners and the
Brides. When she's not making
figurines, she enjoys cooking, interior design, and spending
time with her family. Inés draws inspiration in her
sculpting from her curious and beautiful young daughter, and
she is enchanted with the fact that Gifina figurines
represent a more simple and elegant time.
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Yomaira |
Yomaira - With
over 18 years experience, Yomaira (pronounced Jo-my-ra) has
been with the company since the very beginning. She has an
attention to detail second to none, and is generally
responsible for the final inspection of all products to
ensure they represent the beauty and style Gifina is famous
for. Yomaira works on all aspects of the creative process
and has been training other young artists for years. Her
favorite figurines are the Carlitas
and the Flower Vendors.
Specifically, she loves the innocence and childlike poses of
the Carlitas. When she's not making figurines, she channels
her creative impulses into furniture design and pattern
upholstery. Yomaira also enjoys spending time with her
family and vacationing at the many beautiful beaches in the
Dominican Republic. The principal inspiration in her
sculpting comes from her own three children, and she is
committed to creating products as unique and special as they
are.
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Yomaira shapes the porcelanicron
into arms and legs. |
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Doris - With over 6 years
experience, Doris has both seen the company's traditional
Victorian designs and has brought much creativity to the
current product offerings. She is principally responsible
for the design and structure of each figurine, and she loves
the challenge of creating new patterns and dress styles. Her
favorite figurines are the Damitas
and the Victorian Ladies
because the different size of each type creates its own
challenges in dress design. When Doris is not making
figurines, she enjoys spending time with her family and
visiting the beautiful Dominican beaches. She has one small
child, and she says his active and boundless imagination
helps to inspire her in her own creative designs.
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Marjolis - With
nearly 3 years experience, Marjolis (pronounced Mar-ho-lees)
is one of the younger artisans, but she has been a natural.
She is principally responsible for the structure and
placement of the figurines, which is incredibly difficult
considering the malleable nature of the porcelanicron and
the natural humidity of the Caribbean, which keeps the
figurines from setting for some time. Her favorite figurines
are the Gardeners and the
Nativities. Specifically, the
Nativities have three characters to place, and she enjoys
the challenge of creating an impression of both holiness and
intimacy surrounding this event. When Marjolis is not making
figurines, she enjoys cooking new dishes and spending time
with her family.
We honor all of our incredible artists, and we welcome
your feedback, compliments, and ideas!
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