www.teddybear-news.info - THE ONLINE MAGAZINE - Teddy Artists Worldwide - Artist bears by Danni Whatford

Home

Fairs/Events

Portraits

Recommendations

Bear makers and teddy artists are always welcome to contact us for a portrait. We're looking forward to hearing from you.

Read portrait in German

artist bears by Danni Whatford, Delartful Bears

Danni, when and why did you start making bears?
I started making bears in 2004. I have had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for the last 10 years. I am unable to work due to my health, so I started trying different arts and crafts to keep me occupied. I tried making a bear, and I was hooked.

Do you recollect the first teddy that you made yourself?
The first bear I made was from a kit put out by an Australian artist. His name is Grisby and sits on top of my wardrobe.

How do you get ideas or inspiration for new creations?
The inspiration is mainly taken from my huge collection of mohair. I go through my stash and find the piece that inspires me on that particular day and work from there.

What do like most when making bears?
I just love making the faces. Each bear turns out to be it's own individual with it's own personality, it's great! I love when the bear is finished, and I can sit back and think "ahh, I made that!"

artist bears by Danni Whatford, Delartful Bears

Do you have a personal great dream regarding the bearmaking?
I would for artist bears to be gaining in popularity, rather than decreasing which seems to be happening in not only Australia but all throughout the world.

Please tell us something about the place where you live. What's your place of birth?
I live in Canberra, Australia, which is the capital of Australia. It has a population of about 300,000. I love it here, lots of open space and bushland. I was born in Victoria, but have lived in Canberra most of my life.

artist bears by Danni Whatford, Delartful Bears, Australia

Is there a teddy bear scene in Australia (regular fairs, competitions, magazines ...)?
Australia has many bear shows and fairs, a fantastic magazine. There are different competitions artists can enter usually held in conjunction with the shows. Although the Australian magazine is starting an international competition which I'm personally excited about.

Do you think that your bears are influenced by your place of residence / country or would they look the same if you lived elsewhere?
I think my bears will look the same no matter where I live. I make the type of bears that appeal to me, and that I would collect.

See Danni Whatford and her bears at: http://bears.delartful.com

Copyright: Danni Whatford

Adverts: