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"The Grand Father Claus is the burgeoning dream of artist Lisa Fronek. My love of Santa making began with a class taken at a friend's home. Along with my mom and other friends I created my first Santa doll using a porcelain head and hands set. After his completion, I had, what seemed like, a million ideas for more Santa dolls rushing into my mind. I quickly got started making more as gifts for friends and family and still the ideas were coming…
In honor of my grandfather, I gave many of my Santa dolls "comb-overs." This hairstyle was his trademark (much to his dismay) and a family tradition my father is begrudgingly carrying on! I often feel the guiding presence and spirit of my Grandpa in my life and art, and it was out of his memory that The Grand Father Claus was born.
Soon, the "ready made" faces and hands were not varied enough to allow me to express all that I wanted to with my creations. I found more earthly guidance in the form of Santa artist Audrey Swarz who taught me to make one of a kind, sculpted faces and hands from polymer clay. She has become my mentor and teacher along with countless other Santa artists, many of whom I have never met. As a group, these are some of the most sharing and open people I have ever encountered. They truly embody the giving spirit that their Santa creations represent.
I live in Northwest Indiana close to family and friends. The small town feeling of the growing Chicago suburb where I live provides opportunities for finding antiques and unique pieces to use as accessories for my Santa creations.
I share my Santa studio with my mom and our friend and neighbor Judy, who hosted our original Santa class. Working along side other artists, bouncing ideas back and forth, and taking way to many snack breaks, certainly keeps things fun and interesting!
When not in the studio I can be found designing flowers at our family owned flower shop, reading, or spending time with family and friends. That group of friends includes my 2 English Setters who I also show in AKC competition.
I hope you will enjoy looking at my Santa figures even half as much as I enjoy creating them! Thanks you and Best Regards, Lisa Fronek"
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