I am not ashamed of my body, but I didn’t always feel that way.  In fact, when I was younger, I did struggle with some image issues after my surgeries. 

Part of this was the nature of a few of the surgeries. I was not prepared of the mental toll they’d take on me, though I was aware of the decision-making impacts they’d have.

I do see scars as something not to be ashamed of, but I can only speak for myself.

I came across this artist recently & am now a fan of her work.   I love her philosophy on doll making and body image.  These dolls are expensive, but I think based on the labor of love they are, the asking price is reasonable because the artist actually puts her heart & soul into each one.

I can’t imagine the level of detail working on these for months or years as she does.

I think what’s she’s doing is important.  One of them is even modeled after the late Eva Markvoort (from the documentary 65 Red Roses) a transplant recipient with cystic fibrosis but I love the fact that her dolls confront social taboos & she brings them to life fully.

Marina Bychkova’s Enchanted Dolls

Marina’s gallery can be found on her website.  Her twitter handle is @Enchanted_Doll & she can also be found on Facebook.

Thank you Marina for your artistry & gifts & for confront issues that many may be afraid to face or talk about, even sometimes within ourselves.