Artist Statement:

Dollmaking began for me about twenty years ago in response to my children's need for toys, but I soon discovered that it satisfied the child in me far beyond its original purpose. The doll evokes in me a singular emotional response and I do not stray from that association with play and childlike fantasy. At the same time, the form provides me with a valid artistic canvas upon which all the same elements of other art forms come together--color, line, texture, and form. I use cloth because of its immediate spontaneous quality. Each doll is constructed of cloth and stuffed with polyfill. The hands and faces are made of a fine cotton knit which is hand sculpted with needle and thread. The eyes are embroidered and facial color and shadow added with pencil. The hair is either of natural fiber, such as wool or flax, or hand-painted with textile pigments. Clothing consists of cloth, leather, pinecones, feathers, etc. and embellished with beads, buttons, lace, embroidery and quilting.

I have committed myself to the use of cloth because of its immediate spontaneous quality. Originally, only the most lowly of dolls were made with cloth and I find that the room for innovation in the medium is wide open. I have dedicated myself to that innovation and find the challenge of elevating the concept of the cloth doll to new heights irresistible. The limitations lie only with myself and the changing nature of cloth.

As dedicated as I am to pursuing what is fresh and new in doll making, I am equally committed to what is sound and fundamental in design and craftsmanship. I am committed to excellence, yet I do not want to lose sight of that emotion, fun, and childlike fantasy which dolls inspire in me. I enjoy sharing that with others. In a world of problems, I feel it is important to never be without those elements which seek to connect us with the child within.

Biography - From The Whitehouse Collection of American Crafts Website