(Lisa Hovenkamp) 

Droll, Delightful, and Oh, Those Eyes

by Pam North 

Lisa Hovenkamp is a relative newcomer to bear making. Simple teddy bears were what she initially attempted in 2013, but as time went by, she followed her instincts to evolve into making something more unique and artistic. She researched tirelessly to learn more about creating patterns and effectively using fabrics. Past experience with needle-felting from a previous hobby started her thinking about a way to pair that with her newfound hobby. The discovery that she could make faces, snouts, and expressions using this combination of techniques was a game-changer, and she focused on refining that. “Initially I discovered needle-felting on Facebook by seeing it on other artists’ websites. so I created needle-felted animals first, but I wanted more and discovered the world of teddy bears. Later on, I  combined the two crafts.” 
She started posting some of her creations on Facebook, and received many positive reactions from people. Their approval prodded her to seek other sites where she could put her creations up for sale and also increase collectors’ awareness of her offerings. The instant success of that action fired her passion for her craft, and her work improved even further. “As I keep photos of all my creations, I can see how my techniques evolved and become better.” she explained. “In early 2015, I started my own company called Lies & Lot Art Bears.”
Much of the charm of Lisa Hovenkamp’s furry fantasies and comical critters lies in their large, soulful eyes and their beguiling expressions that convey an irresistible plea for instant adoption. Subtle shadings enhance their appearance with added dimension. She makes her creatures in a size range of 9 cm to 20 cm, with most at about 13 cm standing height. The spectrum of her delightful handcrafted animals includes teddy bears and their assorted friends, such as monsters, cats, dogs, bats, ducks, elephants, bunnies, and whatever else Lisa wants to add to the array. All have disc and pin  joints  so that they are poseable. The smaller sizes nestle in one’s hand as if to ask to stay there forever.

The Netherlands is Lisa’s home. “I live with my great love, Gerard; we’ve been together for almost 12 years. There is also our black cat, Shadow. My son, who is 20 years old, is now grown and living on his own.” 
Bear making is quite different from her previous career. “I always worked in shoe stores before, but I find bear making is much more creative!” Oddly, it was doll collecting that led Lisa into making her critter creation, as she explained, “I started collecting ball-jointed dolls, and what is nicer than taking pictures of dolls happily together with their pet bear friends? So I began creating my own bears.” Her formal training in the craft consisted of making one bear with someone who was kind enough to share her own skills. “A really nice lady, who has been a talented bear maker for years, taught me how to make them, and after that I continued on my own. My bears all are handmade, with no machines involved.” The bears are made from a variety of materials: wool, cotton, faux fur, viscose, mohair, glass eyes, clay, etc., and she likes using natural materials whenever possible. 
Like most artists, Lisa finds some aspects about bear making more challenging than others, the most difficult she named as, “the ability to give every creation its own unique expression and personality.”
While some artists have the luxury of having their own studio, Lisa’s needs are more simply met. “I work in my living room at a large wooden table, next to a big window so I can look outside, and next to me is my cabinet where I collect dolls and bears from other artists.” 
Teaching workshops, an avenue for many bear artists to share their craft, is not appealing to Lisa. “No, I don’t have the patience to teach others,” she admitted, “I love to work alone in my own world and space, with no one around me.”
Inspiration comes easily to her. “I find it everywhere,” she said, “in my imagination most of all. 
Sometimes I lie in my bed in the dark, with my eyes closed, and I see the most wonderful creatures, and sometimes I have to get up and draw what was in my mind.” 
Asked what she loves most about her craft, and what gives her the most satisfaction, she responded, “When a little one is ‘born’, and I’m holding this little creation made out of practically nothing. I also enjoy the reactions from customers who have adopted my little ones. Some are so overwhelmed and full of joy, and their reactions and compliments are so precious to me.” 
Marketing her products is accomplished through Facebook, Etsy and are featured at the Bear Center website: https://www.bear.center.
She has an optimistic viewpoint on the future and direction of her endeavors, “I hope I can create these little ones until I’m very old, and that I will continue to get inspired with new ideas over and over again.”
As for what’s next for her and her  creations, she is keeping an open mind. “I really don’t know yet. I just let things come to me, and I’m always open to new ideas. Bear making is the greatest hobby I have ever had, and I absolutely love it!”

Contact Information:

Lisa Hovenkamp - Lies & Lot Art Bears 
Email: liesnlot@gmail.com
Website: https://liesnlot.bear.center