In the 50’s in Portland Oregon, the old part of town was neither quaint nor reclaimed except for the storefronts that housed the Romani. Here were rummage sales where my mother and I would buy old fabric. My mom made all my dolls and clothes. When I was 20, I began creating dolls and quirky animals. I still do, and I still use salvaged garments or cast off theater fabrics or stuff with age that I find in my travels. I search for materials that already have a story. My commitment is to reuse, recycle, restore. I want my creatures to walk softly and long on the earth. I want them to last at least one lifetime, hopefully in the hands of a loving family that will repair when needed. Soul-less toys sadden me.

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