Figurine Artists

Figurines embody art, culture, and storytelling in miniature form. Whether sculpted from porcelain, glass, wood, or metal, these diminutive marvels encapsulate artistic expression and cultural heritage. Oftentimes, they also serve as talismans and amulets, conveying emotional sentiments and healing properties. These small wonders can be crafted with immense attention to detail, often instilling characters with lifelike personality. The following figurine artists—Alex Bostic, Helen Bouchard, Margaret Dyer, and Emiliya Lane—each bring a unique perspective and technique to the practice of figure painting.

In the earliest examples of portable art, figurines were used as symbols of fertility and life. These earliest figurines—known as Venus figurines—were found in parietal (cave wall) art, and are thought to represent a female caricature that represents the multiparous Venus character in classical Greek art. They can be dated from up to 27 000 years ago, and they were probably used as ritual or ceremonial objects.

The process of creating a figurine starts with a design and concept. This can be achieved through sculpting with clay or drawing with pen and paper, or by using digital design software. Then, a prototype is created, which may be further refined through various handwork and sculpting techniques. In the case of ceramics, glass, and some metal figurines, the prototype is then molded in order to reproduce multiple copies. Then, these copies are painted or decorated in order to achieve the desired aesthetic and coloration. Depending on the type of figurine, a final firing in a kiln is required to set the paint and glaze.

Some plastic figurines are produced through injection molding, in which molten plastic is injected into two-piece molds. Once the molded plastic hardens, the mold is opened and the individual components are ejected. This is the most common method of making a plastic figurine today. Other types of figurines are made through casting, slip casting, and lithography.

For some figurines, like those crafted from clay and glass, the finished product is further polished to create a smooth surface and glossy finish. This is known as gilding, and it adds a depth and sheen to the figurine. It is a common technique for many high-end, collectible figurines.

The figurative arts have long been a favorite medium for human artists, who have intimate connections to the world of three-dimensional form. All humans learn from birth to recognize and respond to the structural and expressive properties of three-dimensional forms, a sensitive response that is sometimes called a “sense of form.” From this understanding and sensitive response, people develop unique responses that they express through the figure in art.

Whether created in clay, glass, wood, or plastic, each material offers its own distinctive characteristics and aesthetics that contribute to the overall look of a figurine. For example, a wooden figurine can evoke a warm, rustic charm. Or, a glass figurine can capture the translucent beauty of light and color. While each material has its own inherent qualities, the overall appearance of a figurine is dictated by its sculptural and ornamental details and artistic composition.