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ABOUT
Marina Avci is a Ukrainian artist living in Turkey. From childhood, she knew that creativity was the essence of her life, shaping her world through drawings and stories. She wrote ballads of adventure, collected in her own book of poetry in Ukrainian and Russian, and received awards in poetry competitions. Though she studied at a technical university in Ukraine, her artistic soul led her down a different path. After moving to Türkiye, she searched for a way to express her imagination in sculpture, discovering the art of doll-making.
For over nine years, Marina has mastered this intricate craft, teaching herself through relentless practice and developing her own techniques. At a time when art dolls were little known in Türkiye, she gathered knowledge from the internet, experimenting and refining her skills.
Now, each piece she creates under the MAVCI DOLLS brand is one of a kind—original, deeply expressive, and telling a silent story through form and detail.
Marina’s creations have been exhibited in galleries and art shows both in Türkiye and internationally, and many of her works now belong to private collectors around the world. Passionate about sharing her knowledge, she also teaches both children and adults, helping them discover the joy of this unique art form. Doll-making combines so many techniques—sculpting, painting, textile work, and storytelling—that it is both a technical challenge and a thrilling creative journey. Through her teaching, Marina hopes to inspire others and expand the appreciation of this extraordinary art.
Each of Marina’s creations begins with a spark of imagination—a character born from the depths of her whimsical world. She carefully designs every doll from scratch, shaping their unique personalities before sculpting them by hand, without molds or pre-made parts. Each figure is an intricate fusion of emotions, storytelling, and craftsmanship.
Starting with high-quality clay, Marina meticulously sculpts every detail, breathing life into her characters through expressive features and delicate textures. The faces of her dolls capture untold stories, silent yet vivid, reflecting emotions that resonate with the viewer. Once sculpted, each piece is individually hand-painted using fine layers of color, giving the dolls their soul-like presence.
But Marina’s artistry does not stop at sculpting. She also designs and sews their clothing, using carefully selected fabrics that enhance their character. Every accessory, every stitch, is thoughtfully placed to enrich the doll’s narrative. Some dolls wear ethereal garments, others adorn themselves in elaborate historical or fantasy-inspired costumes—all crafted by Marina’s hands.
Her creations exist beyond the realm of traditional dolls; they are sculptures that embody dreams and mysteries. Through MAVCI DOLLS, Marina brings her vision to life, crafting one-of-a-kind pieces that whisper their stories without the need for words.
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