Fayette artist's work seen world-wide; now she's bringing a show to Atlanta

By MICHAEL BOYLAN
Weekend Editor

“L'shengala” is not a planet in the new Star Wars film.

Fayetteville artist Tonia Floyd was searching for a title for the upcoming doll show she is putting on in Atlanta, so she asked her son for help. She wanted a word that did not exist, and it had to be a superlative to “wonderful.” It should mean “creative jubilee” and “artistic independence.” Her son came to her soon thereafter with the word: l'shengala.

Floyd has dedicated her life to the meaning of the magical word. She has always felt that she was born to be an artist, but that did not stop her from getting a degree from the University of Georgia's School of Business. It may even be her good business sense that has helped her launch her biggest venture yet. The show is the largest of its kind to come to the Southeast.

Floyd and her husband, --, have presented her pieces all over the East Coast, but they noticed there weren't any shows coming south. They have gone as far west as Oklahoma and as far north as New York City.

The focal point of their show is individual artists and their creations. Floyd's creations, T. Riffic Characters, will be on hand, but she will not be able to teach a class during the seminars before the exhibition.

“The biggest challenge is the number of decisions to be made,” said Floyd. “With all that goes into putting on a show of this size, there just wasn't time to teach a class.” Some exceptional artists will offer instruction, though. Ellen Ricksfield, known for her life-size dolls made with a form of soft sculpture, will be there as well as Elinor Peace Bailey, known for her wearable dolls.

Floyd made some of her connections at the Aramat School of Art in Gatlinburg, Tenn. She shared ideas with renowned artists, revelling in their amazing amounts of imagination. She created her first doll, “Eve,” eight years ago and now considers Eve part of her private collection. Floyd estimates she has made well over 500 dolls so far.

Dolls struck Floyd's fancy because of their three dimensional aspect, as well as the colors and the diversity of each doll. “No two dolls are alike and it is just a wonderful mechanism to explore passion of the arts. For every person, a doll can be made,” she said.

On average the time for Floyd to create a doll is around 30 hours, but some of the more intense projects have taken close to 75 hours. Usually, though, she works on several dolls at a time.

“I enjoy the treasure hunt aspect of making dolls,” Floyd said. “There is a period where I am searching for the right button or the right piece of jewelry.” Fabrics are her medium of choice but she has worked with polymer clays and making molds with pecan resin. The colors, textures, and patterns of fabric have a fairly strong hold on her, though.

She has gained a fair amount of notice as well. Her work has been displayed at Tiffany's in Phipps Plaza, the Gift Gallery at Lenox Square, and the Watknov Gallery in Russia.

As for the show, l'shengala will take place at the Atlanta Renaissance Hotel July 3-4. Fifty vendors and artists will be represented, including Floyd's T. Riffic Characters. There will be an opportunity to meet and greet the artists at a preview party July 2 at a cost of $25.

Part of the show over the weekend will include a pin competition/auction. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Children's Miracle Network, as well as Egleston and Scottish Rite hospitals. The show runs 10 am. to 5 p.m. at a cost of $8.

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