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BLACK DOLL-E-ZINE

Vol 1, Issue 1                               February 2002


Profile of an Artist - Jean Henderson


Index ||| Welcome ||| About the Editors ||| Collecting News ||| Profile of a Collector ||| Profile of an Artist ||| Doll in the Spotlight! ||| Doll Care Basics ||| Resources ||| FAQ ||| Closing Words



In this issue we feature Jean Henderson  who, along with her husband, Henry, operates Expressions of Color.  They are also the promoters of the Black Doll Expo which takes place in Hunt Valley, MD in September.  The year 2003 will mark it's third successful year.  Our interview with Jean follows:
Q: How long have you been a doll artist?
A: I have been an artist for almost 7 years.
 
Q: What influenced you to become one?
A: I made a rag doll for a friend and in doing so, I incorporated my own ideas into the doll so that it became my 1st completely original creation. I began making dolls for my friends and family, who encouraged me to market my dolls at shows. I have been making my soft sculptured dolls ever since. My husband and I did our first doll show together in 1997 and Expressions of Color has continued on since then.

Q: Do you have a "day job"?
A: Yes, I work full time for the federal government and "full time" on my dolls. 

Q: How did you acquire your doll-making knowledge?
A: I began sewing as a little girl and discovered that I liked to design. I began to limit my work to bridal gowns, evening wear and prom dresses. After making a rag doll for a friend, I realized that I enjoyed getting the opportunity to exercise my freedom of design in dollmaking. I used every book and article that I could find on dollmaking to teach myself the art of soft sculpting. I also learned a lot from other cloth doll artists who were willing to share their knowledge and give me pointers. 

Q: Where do you get your inspiration (people, places, dreams, music, etc)?
A: My inspiration comes from a lot of different things. Sometimes it’s people that I meet at shows or something that someone says or does. A lot of times I "see" images of people from my past in my dolls, often before I begin sculpting . Using someone's own personality or events connected to that person gives me the inspiration for the concept of the entire doll. I often say that I communicate with my dolls and they "tell" me what they like/dislike or want me to change about them. 

Q: What's your favorite material/medium to work with?
A: I am a cloth doll artist, specializing in soft sculpture. 

Q: How long does it usually take to make one of your dolls?
A: Usually a couple of weeks to complete 2 dolls. I work on more than one at a time. 

Q: When you begin, do you have an idea of what the completed doll will look like or does that come later?
A: I have no idea what the completed doll will look like until it is finished. 

Q: Do you also design the clothing?
A: I design all aspect of my dolls. 

Q: Do you have a favorite doll? If so, why that one?
A: I really don't have a favorite; each one means something different to me. 

Q: Do your dolls tell a story?
A: Some of my dolls tell a story. For example, I created a male doll named Hank Henson, which looked like, and reminded people of, my husband, Henry.  I sculpted it while Henry was asleep and the two were a perfect match! 

Q: Do you have your own personal style? 
A: People say that a lot of dolls resemble their artists. I guess I am no exception. All of my dolls express part of me---my thoughts, ideas or perception of a family member or friend.  

Q: Do you teach your art?
A: I do plan to teach soft sculpting, because I have been approached by several people who are interested in lessons.

Q: Where can collectors see your dolls?
A: My dolls can be seen on my website at www.expressionsofcolor.com or at one of the doll shows that I participate in on the East coast. My husband and I were also featured in the February 2001 edition of Dolls Magazine.   

Q: Have you done any shows recently?
A: I participated in the Philadelphia Black Doll Convention, Show and Sale, the Metropolitan Exhibitors Show and Sale in Alexandria VA and Doll and Teddy Bear Expo in Washington DC. I will be in all of these shows again this year.  My husband and I also hosted the Black Doll Expo in October 2000 and 2001.  I also did shows in New Jersey and here in Maryland.

Q: How many do you do a year?
A: I do between 5-8 shows a year. 

Q: Do you have any tips for aspiring doll artists?
A: Find out all that you can about dollmaking. Don't be afraid to ask others to help you if you run into a problem or if you need advice. And be sure that when you are asked for help, return the favor. Always give back what was given to you. 

Q: What was your most recent doll?  Please describe it.
A: My most recent doll was a black Oriental doll (unnamed). She is dressed in a pink kimono with matching pantalets and shoes. Her hair is piled on top of her head with ringlets of curls around her face. She kneels and sits on her feet. She retails for $375.  

Q: What's next for you?  Do you see yourself creating dolls long into the future?
A: What's next? The sky's the limit. I want to advance in my dollmaking and teaching, expand my website business, and increase in show promotion. Along with my husband's upholstered doll furniture, we plan on making Expressions of Color a full time "labor of love". 

Below are photos of some of Jean's cloth dolls.


A Day on the Farm


He and Me


Miss Turquoise


Shelae


Baby Girl


In a Dolls World

 

 

Thank you Jean!  
It's been an honor to have you as the first artist to be profiled in Black Doll-E-Zine
 
Below is information for collectors who wish to get in touch with Jean.

Expressions of Color 
23 Benwell Road 
Reisterstown MD 21136

410-526-4333 
Web Address: www.expressionsofcolor.com 
E-mail address: expofcolor@aol.com