I carved a Hitty size of based on a childhood photo of Dr. Maya Angelo. I made the doll a quilt reflecting on highlights of the life of Dr. Angelo. Using various Hitty prints and a quote from Maya: " I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them "feel". A lady who surmounted tremendous adversity to be a phenomenal woman indeed. Dr Maya Angelo was an author, poet, actress, artist and teacher who's personal journey still touchs our lives through the pages of her many books, I Know Why the Cages Bird Sings, Still I Rise, Phenomenal Women, Wouldn't Take Nothing For My Journey Now ......to name a few. We can transform our suffering into strength, love and healing as women of all races & cultures. Obviously Maya is a Phenomenal Woman has survived tremendous odds to a inspire others and to tells story's about her life that gives hope and a smile in a world filled with adversity.
Dollmaking is so deeply personal for me because when I was a child in the 60's the dolls I liked and wanted to own were not made in a ethnic version. I had to "settle" for a doll that didn't look like me or represent my beauty or heritage. Being left out is the driving force behind my learning to sculpt and carve doll faces. As an black dollmaker I wanted to be able to express a voice that for centuries had been silenced. I have learned so much being a minority. It made me stretch! To reach for higher highs and be the best I can be. Today I have doll that reflect "ME". True i had to make them but they are blessing other people lives as well.
