Dawn McLeod

 Interview by

MacPherson Arts & Crafts

1. Where are you from and where do you live now?
I was born in New Mexico USA but was raised in Canada. I currently
reside in the beautiful town of Paris, Ontario.

2. Have you always been interested in dolls?
As a child I loved baby dolls. I always had my favorite one tucked under
my arm, in a stroller or in a carrier.

3. When did you first become interested in sculpting?
It was the love of my own children that made me want to learn how to
sculpt babies out of polymer clay. With much research, patience and
perseverance I discovered that I loved creating them.

4. How did you first encounter reborn dolls?
After a few years of sculpting mini one of a kind dolls I discovered reborns

5. Have you sculpted dolls from the time you started sculpting, or
did you start off with something else?
I have always loved playing with clay. I use to make miniature food and dishes for my dollhouse. Professionally though, it has only been the sculpted baby dolls.

6. How long have you been sculpting?
I started sculpting in September of 2006. Only 4 months after the birth of my second child.

7. What medium do you use to sculpt your babies with?
I use prosculpt baby to create my one of a kind dolls as well as the sculpts for reproduction.

8. What inspires & motivates you to sculpt?
My love for art and of course babies! It brings me so much joy when customers tell me how much they love my creations. It is the support of my wonderful friends, family and customers that keeps me going strong.

9. Do you sculpt full time & do you have other hobbies?
I sculpt as often as I can. When I'm not creating babies with the clay I am spending time with my friends and family. I also enjoy quilling and colouring.

10. Do you only sculpt for kit production or do you do custom ~
portrait orders too?
I have done several portrait sculpts over the years. They are usually in the 6" range. I just started sculpting for kit production in July of 2018.

11. When did your first kit come out and what was the baby's name?
Approximately 10 years ago I sculpted a preemie named Rhea. She was made into a vinyl kit by someone else.
The first kit I produced myself was Annaliese. She was released in January of 2019.

12. How many kits have you produced to date?
So far there is Annaliese and Baylor. I have 3 more coming out in 2019.

13. Do you have a list of names of all of your kits you have
produced as we would love to have an archive directory for your sculpts?
1. Annaliese 13" micro preemie
2. Baylor 19" (kits are being sent out from the factory this week)
3. Dallas 20" ( will pre-order at the end of July 2019)
4. Zori 16" preemie (will pre-order in September)
5. Hiromi 19" Asian (will pre-order in November 2019)

14. Which baby of yours has been your all time favorite and why?
So far Hiromi is my favorite. There is just something about this little face. Also, he resembles my family on the Japanese side.

15. Do you plan to continue sculpting babies for kits?
You will be seeing a lot more of me and my art as I am just getting
started! My focus has shifted from the mini ooaks to the larger babies
for kit production, however I do intend to continue creating the small
ones as well.

16. How do you feel about the reborn doll industry? What excites
you and what upsets you?
Since I am so new to the industry I only have positive feelings so far. I love this community and all of the wonderful reborners and collectors.

17. How do you feel about the progression of the art of reborning
over the past 10 years?
I have always been interested in the reborn process but have not been overly involved until recently. I think the vinyl has improved greatly as have the choices and techniques when it comes to painting and rooting.

18. Do you think that this industry has a long term future or do
you think its just a fad that will blow over?
Reborning is here to stay! So many people love reborns and the artistry that goes into making the kits. From the sculpt to the finished reborn, it is simply magical.

19.What are your plans and hopes for the future?
I feel I have found my calling. My plan and dream is to continue creating babies (and other things) for kit production. With each one I hope to learn more and improve my skills.

20. Do you have something new in the works?
Dallas, a 20" full limbed kit will be pre-ordering in July of 2019 and
I have just sent my Zori sculpt (a 16" preemie) to the factory.
Currently, I am sculpting the limbs for a sweet Asian baby named Hiromi