Judith Sotriffer

Judith Sotriffer’s workshop in Ortisei is filled with the scent of paint and Swiss stone pine. Everywhere, on the large workbench covered in wood shavings, chisels, files, chisels, and brushes, her dolls smile surrounded by Pinocchios and Fortunellos, Harlequins and rocking horses, ducks and jewelry-carrying rabbits. All made of wood.

Since 1985, Judith has set herself the mission of reviving the ancient tradition of the Gardena doll, flourishing throughout the valley in the mid-19th century, only to fall into oblivion.

“My mission in this world is to make people understand that art always begins with play. And, in the end,” confides the toymaker from Ortisei, “we live better if we continue to play, even as adults.”