Carving Out Culture

For more than a decade, Floyd Bell has been carving dolls depicting prominent African Americans from various historical periods. On Friday evening, he brings his works to the Los Angeles Airport Westin Hotel for a one-man show.

The exhibit, which includes figures modeled after Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass, continues from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

Since his childhood, Bell has always liked to work with his hands. He learned to sew and make patterns while working at an upholstery company. Then, as a student at Manual Arts High School in Los Angeles, he became interested in woodworking. His father, a carpenter, encouraged his son to learn the craft.

After graduating from high school, Bell followed in his father’s footsteps in the carpentry business. He returned to the classroom, earned a bachelor’s degree and teaching credentials from Cal State Los Angeles, and began teaching woodworking classes at Westchester High School.

It wasn’t until Bell’s wife, Karen, began collecting dolls that he developed an interest in doll-making.

“A lot of people thought it was foolish for a grown man to be carving dolls,” said the 58-year-old Los Angeles resident. “It made me want to make more (dolls) and share my work with people who admired them.”

To produce a doll, Bell studies historical photographs and sculpts clay models. He carves the doll from such woods as mahogany and walnut, sands and oils it, and dresses the doll in clothing appropriate for the period.

Bell’s craftsmanship and style proved successful. Competing in contests, the Westchester teacher honed his doll-making style and has won several competitions. The breakthroughs led him to seek a critique by the National Institute of American Doll Artists, which evaluates artists’ dolls. He is now one of only 50 members of the organization.

Between projects, Bell finds time to instruct his students in woodworking--and he says, in lessons of diligence, responsibility, pride and citizenship.

“I feel like I am filling a responsibility to educate our children,” he said. “Someone has to take the time to contribute and pass on values.”

The exhibit will be held at the Westin Hotel, 5400 Century Blvd., Los Angeles. Hours are 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. A scholarship dinner - dance at 6 p.m. Saturday will highlight the weekend event. Tickets are $45. Proceeds benefit the Floyd Bell Scholarship Fund to further the education of students who are interested in doll - making. Admission is free. Information: (310) 535-7526.