Resin Life: Snapshots of Asian Ball-Jointed Dolls Library Binding – December 5, 2008

Stunning photographs of Asian ball-jointed dolls in varying costumes and settings made this book fascinating and filled with personality. The shots illuminate the love of the author for the subjects. I would recommend this book to any doll enthusiast. I would fully agree with the following information taken from the author's website:"The term "Resin Life" is used in the title, because once the dolls have arrived, are painted, eyed, wigged, and clothed, each one takes on a spirit, soul, and identity of his/her own. Often, the doll's personality evolves to become completely different from what was initially envisioned by their purchaser. Many who collect these addictive dolls realize that not only do they exhibit an Asian aesthetic in their appearance, they also seem to embrace more of an Asian attitude toward dolls and objects in general. That being, to most of their owners, the dolls become "real", the 3-D interpretation of virtual life."

A few weeks ago, I saw for the first time, a picture of the most beautiful doll I have ever seen. It was my friends magazine and she told me the doll is called an Asian Ball-Jointed doll. I was in awe, my mouth dropped and I fell in love with ONE picture. I wanted to know more and see more of these dolls. I searched for some information about the dolls and wanted to see more photos and I found "Resin Life". This book and photos are absolutly amazing. My daughter also enjoys the book and shows it off to her friends and family. I am so pleased to have purchased this book to share with others.

I was so disappointed in this book! Nothing exciting unique or new. Very expensive for what you get. Spend your money on something else!

I have recently fallen for BJDs.

In her Forward, Ms. Bailey states, "I don't pretend to be a photographer. My training is as a fine artist...Nor is this book presented as any kind of definitive tome on Asian Ball Jointed Dolls...It is meant to be looked at as if you had picked up the family album".With that in mind, Ms. Bailey has treated us to a candid glimpse into the world of her dolls; not an A to Z catalogue of manufacturers and types or a collection of over produced art gallery images. This is a book of snapshots mind you, quiet personal, family pictures. I half expected to see hand written captions penned by the photographer or the subject on each page. Every image subtly speaks volumes: a moment relaxing in the garden, an interrupted group luncheon, daily violin practice, a sunset at the beach. Many an activity one might expect a family member to be partaking in. But these are not members of a human family; these are dolls, wonderful, beautiful dolls given thoughts and lives through Ms. Bailey's simple unguarded images. Many pictures left me guessing what may have happened in the frame before the shutter was pressed and what was to come in the moments afterward. In group photos and intimate close ups, a variety of synthetic figures with pensive smiles and bright eyes silently withhold the secrets of these moments.This is after all a family photo album and as such its contents may not please everyone. At a retail of $24.95 on quality stock, library quality binding, and with the multitude of stories playing out over its 80 full color pages, Resin Life is well worth the asking price.

My husband bought this book for me as a Christmas gift. I was delighted with its elegant, simple design: its full-page photos and a short introduction to ball-jointed dolls.The author introduces herself as a BJD collector and fine artist and not as a photographer, which I find interesting, as the photographs are truly remarkable. The photographs are complex and inspiring, full of life and colorful details. I can really see the love the author has for her collection in her work!The basis of the book are these wonderful photographs--there is very little text. A concise two-page introduction to ball-jointed dolls starts the book. Then, after credit for the dolls is given, some photographs contain captions, and others don't. Other than that, there is no text. As a reader, I find the photos really do speak for themselves. I find myself going back through the book, time and again, searching each photograph for details I missed the first, second and third time through. Cirquemom has taken indoor and outdoor photos, scenic shots, portraits, family photos, travel photos, action shots, fantasy shots, and even some quirky ones, as well.For more seasoned BJD collectors, this book features Asian BJD sculpts: those manufactured by Angel of Dream, Bobobie, DollZone, Elfdoll, Obitsu and Souldoll, in case you're curious.I'd highly recommend this book to those interested in Asian ball-jointed dolls, and also for those interested in miniatures.

First off, the quality of the book itself: heavy, glossy paper stock, nicely printed & bound. Very good quality, not too big or heavy to handle easily.The contents: beautiful. The author says she's not trained in photography, but if so, then she's got to be one of the most talented "naturals" I've ever come across. That she is an artist is obvious. Her photos are outstandingly lyrical, well composed, balanced, and detailed, with a good deal of hidden wit or little surprises where you least expect them, touches of whimsey. They certainly are able to set some very evocative moods. It was almost like a Zen session to peruse her book & emerge calm & refreshed. The dolls themselves are lovely, charming, & engaging; altho inanimate objects, they manage to project their own specific personalities & quirks - also a result of her excellent photography & ability to draw forth the very best of her subjects & wonderful surroundings.A very highly artistic, lovely book, outstanding for the coffee table, the guestroom bedside, or within easy reach of your own favorite deep comfy chair when you need a dose of sheer Beauty to look at & ponder in a quiet way. I can foresee many happy times with a pot of hot chamomile tea & this book as I snuggle in my favorite chair of a cold winter evening, just soaking in these wonderful photos. Poetry without words.