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In The Spotlight: Jan Wright
We're thrilled to share an exclusive interview with the incredibly talented Jan Wright, one of the doll artists at Paradise Galleries. In this interview, we dive deep into her artistic journey, inspirations, and what makes her creations so special. Join us to learn more about Jan and discover the magic behind her beautiful creations.
How did you first discover your passion for sculpting?
My husband and I were doing jewelry and props for doll companies in the 80’s. Judith Turner told us to come to Herndon, Virginia, and she would show us porcelain production. I fell in love with her ‘Baby Teri’ and that started my love for the dolls. As I was watching her sculpt I realized I was becoming obsessed with the idea that I too could learn to sculpt.
Could you share one fun fact about yourself that you'd love to share?
I've always loved children, when I was young I walked around carrying a cousin on my hip big as me. I had 18 foster children and adopted 2. Some of my foster kids still stay in touch with me. I’ve made friends on Facebook and a few call me 2nd mom.
What inspires you to create such beautiful dolls?
I think maybe the fact that I was not able to have any children of my own is one reason I love creating babies from clay.
In your opinion, what sets Paradise Galleries dolls apart?
To begin with, Paradise Galleries makes their dolls look real and with their soft bodies they even feel like real babies plus their outfits are always beautiful. The dolls are also able to have their outfits changed easily due to the soft body structure as well as position in many different ways.
Your creation, Charlotte, has captured the hearts of many. Could you share the story behind her beautiful sculpt?
I do sculpt many of my babies from photos but with Charlotte as I was sculpting she simply immersed herself out of the clay. When you don't sculpt from photos you never really know what a cute little one you will create. As they seem to come to life when you are painting them, with Charlotte she simply made me smile.
Among all the PG dolls you've sculpted, which one holds a special place in your heart, and why?
One that's dearest to my heart is Piper. While I was sculpting Piper, I was sharing my work in progress pictures with another dear doll artist, Julie Carpenter. At this time Julie was battling cancer and we would talk over coffee most mornings and share the progress we were making on our babies. Her cancer was a hard battle and the days when she didn't even feel like talking she would still take the time to send me a thumbs up on my progress. I had named Piper after Julie, "Retia Rose".
The original baby sculpt, known as “Retia Rose”, helped Jan Wright win two artist awards: 2022 Gold Awards Recipient from the Professional Doll Maker Art Guild; and Lifetime Achievement Award from the Artshack Museum.
For aspiring doll sculptors, what advice can you give to them?
Aspiring artists should just get the clay out and start playing, always make it fun. If they have a particular artist they love it's possible to ask them for tips if they are struggling with something. Always, always just remember it's only clay, if you don't like the way it's turning out just roll it up and start over. The best advice is to always make it fun!
With the prevalence of fraudulent sellers and sites, what advice would you offer to doll collectors to help them avoid falling victim to these scams?
They should always only buy direct from the artist or legitimate companies that are working with the artist. And always use diligence when making any purchase. It's sad that's it has come to this but you just need to be careful.
Explore the Collection of Artist Jan Wright
