How did you get started?
I became fascinated with quilts from watching my grandmother and the woman who used to keep my sister and me, Mrs Henderson. I loved all of the pockets of color and how to put things together to make something beautiful. My great grandmother was a quilter too. I don’t remember her but I cherish her quilts. I began making dolls in 1993 really by accident. I was looking for something interesting to do with all of the beautiful fabric scraps I had left over from my quilting and sewing projects. Then one day a friend from graduate school and I were talking about dolls and quilts. She was looking for the kinds of dolls that she could collect and pass down to family and friends but she was dissatisfied with what she found in her searches. I took her comments as a challenge to try doll making as an art form. It so happened that my friend ended up loving what I made. From there, word began to spread about my work and a business was born.
How long does it take?
It really depends on the type of doll I am making and the materials that I am using. Dolls made completely from cloth can take an average of 2 to 3 weeks. Dolls made from cloth and clay can take a bit longer because I work in layers. Also, when I create dolls I rarely make one doll at a time from start to finish. I usually work on like tasks for several dolls at a time. When I get to the point where I am ready to design clothes, incorporate surface embellishments and create hairstyles for each doll – that’s when I tend to zero in on one doll at a time.
Where do you find your fabrics?
I love fabric. I find my fabrics everywhere: online, at antique shops and at my local quilt shop. I also hand dye, print on and embellish many of my own fabrics. Did I mention that I love fabric?
What/who influences your work?
I have multiple influences my work. I am an introvert who loves to make herself invisible in large groups of people just to watch and observe. I keep a sketchbook handy to quickly draw what I see.
Deeply held spiritual beliefs also influence my work. For me making art – especially dolls-is a meditative and prayerful practice. In many cultures outside of the United States dolls are seen more as works of art and/or spiritual objects rather than objects for play. My family – especially my grandmother, my parents and my sister are big inspirations for my work. I am influenced by all of this. I believe doll making to be a serious art form but I also hope that I convey a sense of play in my work. Having said that I want to make clear that my dolls are NOT TOYS; they are collectible works of art.
Deeply held spiritual beliefs also influence my work. For me making art – especially dolls-is a meditative and prayerful practice. In many cultures outside of the United States dolls are seen more as works of art and/or spiritual objects rather than objects for play. My family – especially my grandmother, my parents and my sister are big inspirations for my work. I am influenced by all of this. I believe doll making to be a serious art form but I also hope that I convey a sense of play in my work. Having said that I want to make clear that my dolls are NOT TOYS; they are collectible works of art.
What are the primary materials and techniques you use?
I typically use Kona cottons or cottons and linens that I dye myself for doll bodies and clothes. Whenever I can I prefer to dye my own fabrics because this allows me to try to capture the incredible range of colors, hues and shades that we all come in. To paint the faces I use acrylic and watercolor paints. I have also been known to use pastels and colored pencils. I use beads of all kinds as well as anything else I can find to tell the story that the doll tells me to tell.
As far as techniques go, I sew the dolls and the doll clothes by hand and by machine. Sometimes my work is based on realistic shapes and features of humans and other times my work is more abstract – designed to capture the essence of a spirit, a concept or a thing. Lately I have been experimenting with making dolls as power (or energy) objects. My dolls are typically made from cloth and clay.
As far as techniques go, I sew the dolls and the doll clothes by hand and by machine. Sometimes my work is based on realistic shapes and features of humans and other times my work is more abstract – designed to capture the essence of a spirit, a concept or a thing. Lately I have been experimenting with making dolls as power (or energy) objects. My dolls are typically made from cloth and clay.
Why do some of your dolls have no faces?
Not every doll needs a face. Sometimes it is about the gesture, the shape or the feeling the doll embodies. My collectors who like faceless dolls tell me that they like the faceless dolls I design because it allows them to project what they want to see onto the doll.
Do you work alone?
All artwork is designed and sewn by me, Deborah Grayson, the artist. During busy times I sometimes hire people to help me with basic but important tasks like stuffing.
Do you make dolls for children?
No, I do not make dolls for children. However, some of my clients collect my dolls to pass down to their children, family and friends.
How can I purchase your work?
You can purchase my figurative art/dolls by clicking on the Shop button right next to this post (look to your left or to the bottom of the page). You will find additional smaller items I have designed by clicking on the Etsy link below. If you are interested in my quilts please contact me for a price list.
Do you do custom work?
I occasionally do custom work, usually for long time collectors. If you are interested in custom work please contact me at deborah (at) graysonstudios (dot) com.
