Susan and Kelly Nolan, Soft Sculpture/Imposters

Sculptor Susan Nolan and her daughter, Kelly Nolan, create caricatures of people that are so life-like that they practically talk to you. Their life-sized mixed media soft sculptures represent people from all walks of life and no two are the same.
Art imitating people. Each life-like "ImpostOr" is meticulously hand-sculpted creating their own individual personality. Evident is exceptional creativity, workmanship and sense of humor. Costuming is authentic with great attention to detail. Their arms and fingers are moveable and constructed to support objects. Upright figures are free-standing while the seated figures feature poseable legs. These soft sculptures are sturdy, virtually unbreakable and lightweight (approx. 22 lbs). Each life-like character stands around 68" tall. And of course they all wear a smile.
Susan Nolan, a former student of communication and dance, realized her potential in 1990 when she made a life-size soft sculpture mariachi band for a national restaurant chain in California. The response to these whimsical characters, complete with instruments, was remarkable and soon Susan was receiving requests to make sculptures of people from all walks of life.
Kelly Nolan completed her B.A. degree at Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara. Her career in photography lead her to New York City, Los Angeles, Texas and Michigan. She was convinced to move back to California to help Mom who found herself simply overwhelmed with work. The year was 1994 ... and the birth of Impostors.
Needless to say ... "making people" has become their passion. Susan and Kelly work side by side and continue to experiment with new techniques and materials while perfecting their craft. Their shared creativity, sense of humor and attention to detail is evident in their work. They have gained national notoriety winning Best of Show awards at art festivals across the United States. Walk into any hotel, ask the maitre d' for a table and don't be surprised if there's no response, just a glint in his eye, for he just might be an "Impostor".