"...We confine art to the adult world & our appreciation is often attached to “experience”; even though we crave that uncomplicated, free expression that often eludes experienced artists, once they lose the child within them..." T.D.
About Taya Doss, founder of Crochikit
"Every stitch & thread in these one of a kind figurines is handmade. I sketch the animals & birds from nature then design their patterns myself. I never repeat my final character . I use batik from the famous Wissa Wassef art centre because the artists never repeat their freehand designs either"
Crochikit made its debut in 2015, inspired by a vision to provide children with the same level of attention that adults receive for their entertainment. This vision came from Taya Doss, who aims to create beautifully crafted, durable handmade treasures. These charming, softly hand-sculpted characters are not only affordable and safe; they also have the potential to become cherished companions for young hearts. In a world increasingly leaning towards mass-produced plastic and expensive children's entertainment, Crochikit's journey began from a personal experience. When she was 12 years old she wanted to buy a very special birthday gift for her younger brother's 1st birthday. Not only was everything on offer too expensive for her, but nothing felt personal or special. This is when the idea of making her own gifts came from. She wanted to offer children not just toys, but a memorable moment between themselves and their gift giver.
As Taya developed her skills, her vision evolved, transforming her lovely toys into imaginative storytelling sculptures that encourage creativity and curiosity in every child. using her art, to engage both adults and children. It provides a shared experience to enjoy artwork together. with her initial dream still driving her, Taya was not moving away from children. Instead, she was adding a line for adults to decorate their homes with the same durable, handmade, one-of-a-kind soft sculptures. If a child happens to play with it, there'd be no harm done. The child would remain safe, and the decorative art would stay intact. In this way, Introducing children to the art world through play & their own imagination.
"In 2010 I was asked by the head of child & adolescent unit ,at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina ,to teach the children toymaking and weaving. Both lessons were a success with the children ,though toy-making proved to require more patience than today's generation would like to put in. Yet ,the results they came up with showed a great imagination! They pleasantly surprised me with their re-imaginings of the patterns i provided. the end of summer exhibition housing their creations, was a great success! packed with loud Squeals of joy ,from both the children and their families & friends of the Bibliotheque".
We're a Family of artists
Taya was raised among a family of artists. They were the founders of Ramses Wissa Wassef Art Center, where she was, in fact, raised. She was naturally inspired by her mother's students of Batik art. This inspiration led her to create figures using their Batik fabrics. This marks the beginning of the collaboration between Crochikit and the Atelier of Yoanna Wissa Wassef. Yoanna is Taya's mother and also her employer. Taya is also the assistant director of RWW art center.
Today she aims to use more mixed medias to have the freedom to sculpt her ambitious imagination freely. Her latest focus is on expressing who she is through her Egyptian heritage. Her current project is called "Egypt." In this project, she tries to represent historical and current-day Egypt as she sees it through her characters. This involves a study of Egyptian history. It also includes its artefacts, characters, and symbolism. In order to achieve this, She examines the general anatomy of both animals and humans as well as researching their habits and histories.
Coptic Lady handmade miniature figurine using fabric and armature by Taya
The portrait of fayoum inspiration behind the Coptic lady figurine created by Taya Doss (see pic. above)
The V&A Coptic pair of shoes inspired the Coptic figure's leather , gold painted shoe
Another project in the making for Taya is to create portraits. Her first was a life size doll made after her baby niece!
Lifesize handmade fabric doll- Taya's niece's lookalike- approx. 75 x 70cm
Taya uses many different techniques to achieve the final look of her chosen figurines. Being self-taught in several art forms, she uses sketching and designing to create patterns. She also employs sewing, crocheting, armature and sometimes batik design. For the features, she does soft sculpturing and embroidery. Additionally, she creates her own curly hair by wetting, curling, and drying wool. Taya's constantly on the lookout for new art forms to learn. She is currently learning illustrations to add to her written stories, which led her to her other newfound passion--painting.
"A soul's yearning for home"- Gouache painting by Taya Doss- 17 x 12.5cm
Artist Statement
"I create these figures to honour life, and life is most obvious through its creatures’ expressions. Be that creature human or animal, our expressions are the loudest testament to being alive. We, with our millions of individually unique faces and bodies, are what make earth exciting, dramatic, passionate, miserable, ecstatic, gentle, hateful, beautiful and so much more, just by resting our head this way or looking at each other that way, closing our eyes or opening our mouths to Roaar or howl at the moon! And then... there are our offspring…watching, learning, imitating and aspiring to become us until their old enough to love who they are. This is where my creations come in. To teach children at a young age to love their childhood and bring them into the art world through their own world of storytelling and expressions. We confine art to the adult world and our appreciation is often attached to “experience”. At the same time we crave that uncomplicated, free expression that often eludes experienced artists, once they lose the child within them, and with the child, their un-judged freedom of expression. Nature is where I find my freedom. My child. And that is where my figures, along with a story written up for each one, is inspired from. To be a reminder that there remains much to love about life." T.D
