CodyThompson's Profile

Bio

Interview with Playtimes Magazine

This issue we bring you into the world of dolls by Cody Thompson. You will always be amazed at his wide variety of plush creations that shows a sharp attention to detail that could only be fuelled by passion.

Your biography states that you are quietly creating a world of your own with your unique creations. Can you please take our readers on a tour of this world?
From an early age I have been fascinated by the human form. The world I am currently creating is an extension of this early fascination. Full of nudes, manimals and other anatomically (in)correct creatures, my world is an ever evolving menagerie of beings born of everything I have ever seen, experienced or imagined.

You also state that you've been creating dolls since you were 12. Can you give us a glimpse into your childhood experience that prompted you to start a career in your art? Who taught you to sew doll 'right'? Or are you self taught?
I was a typical latch-key kid, I didn't have a guitar or a skateboard like the normal kids, I had a sewing machine and a knack for using it. both my parents worked and from the time we got home from school to the time they got home from work me and my two brothers were to stay inside and we could not have any friends over. This solitary confinement was only made worse in the summer as we would be locked in the house all day due to school being out of session. While my older and younger brothers would engage themselves in their normal day to day activities, usually consisting of them hurling toy wooden blocks at each other until blood was drawn, I would be quietly designing and creating my own playthings and friends. In the early years I would mostly day-dream up toys and dolls to play with but after a while I would have my mother make dolls for me and watch her. Before long I was designing, sewing and stuffing dolls myself.

Your label is called Felt Good so we assume that felt is the main fabric that goes into your creations. What other materials do you use?
I do use felt; vintage wool felt is the best if you can find it. I also use a wool blend felt I get from a local fabric shop. I use a lot of vintage printed fabrics as well; a lot of my inspiration for making a doll can come from these printed fabrics. I use hand embroidery, silk-screening and pretty much whatever I find lying around.

How important are the materials used in your dolls?
Materials are a big deal, like I said before; many times I will make a doll just because I want to use this rad fabric I just got or some feathers I got from the swap meet. Quality is also very important; I spend a lot of time making sure my pieces will last so I try to use materials that will last as well.

Are all your dolls handmade by yourself?
All my dolls are 100% hand made by me.

Describe your creative process?
First I smoke some weed, then I start cutting and sewing and, voila, I have a doll made.

Which part of that process that you like most?
The first part.

Where do you get your inspirations for your characters? And which character do you most relate to?
My inspirations can come from anywhere, television, my childhood, a dirty dream, a book, a cool pattern; lots of things can plant that seed.

Which pieces and projects have been your personal favourites?
My most recent creation is usually my favourite.

What's on the horizon for you?
Hopefully a sunrise and probably a bunch more dolls.

If you weren't creating dolls, what would you be?
I would be a pool man like my father and my father's father.

Male, Born on December 2

Favorite Materials

wool felt, gravity