About
Third Story Studio is the creative practice of Christchurch-based artist Lois Christmas, who creates handcrafted wall-mounted mannequins that sit between sculpture, interior design, and storytelling. Each piece is a one-of-a-kind artwork designed to bring presence, narrative, and emotional resonance into the spaces they inhabit.
After a long career in education, Lois entered this creative phase of her life as what she calls her “third story”—a time where experience, intuition, and perspective converge into meaningful expression. This philosophy underpins both her studio name and her work.
Her practice began with the restoration of a single worn mannequin, sparking an exploration of the form as a canvas for transformation. Today, each piece is built through a layered process using modelling paste, paint, textiles, metallic finishes, and embellishment to create richly textured, visually striking works.
Lois works across distinct collections, including the glamorous Stardust Collection, the romantic Botanical Collection, the refined Classic Collection, and the more experimental Alchemy Collection, each exploring different moods and materials.
Central to her work is the use of archetypes. Each mannequin is named and given a persona—inviting viewers to connect personally and see aspects of themselves reflected in the piece.
Designed as statement works for interiors, her mannequins occupy a unique space between painting and sculpture. Her work is driven by a desire to create art that celebrates individuality and brings beauty and meaning into everyday living.
