Keeping an open mind

Although I absolutely love creating traditional teddy bears, I can't lay claim to being a complete traditionalist because I do love to blend colour, rather than restrict my creative outlook by relying on classic gold based teddy bear colours and typical black noses. Currently I'm working on two 20" bears for 'The Winter Bearfest' show, to be held at Kensington Town Hall on 22nd February, both of which will be of classic teddy proportion, but they will also indulge in a little contemporary colourway to satisfy my need to create contemporary classics. The black and off-white alpaca I received recently could have been perfect for a classic panda bear, but I wanted a Paula panda twist, something stylish and striking for my show table; so rather than restrain this bear with reality, my panda bear will incorporate a few spicy red highlights!

My spicy panda twist for 2009!

That said, I certainly don't want to leave tradition behind, because I really do love making traditional bears! So my other bear, whilst classically centre-seamed and of typical English teddy bear proportion, will incorporate my contemporary 'appley' head shaping and a modern palette of soft blues and greys to give him freshness of appeal, whilst retaining a respectful nod to tradition.

Crafting a modern palette of soft blues and greys ...

Artist designed teddy bears are created across a broad spectrum; at one end they take inspiration from a classical history and at the other from wildly creative imagination. There are bears for all tastes and all seasons, each with a rightful place in the artist bear portfolio. If you are new to collecting teddy bears you may be searching for a traditional teddy bear, to remind you of the nostalgia of childhood, but please, keep an open mind and take time to view as many bear artists' catalogues as possible, because only then will you begin to see the creative potential a modern day teddy bear offers. Who knows, you may even surprise yourself by falling in love with a style of bear hitherto unconsidered!