“They induce a rapture in this viewer. They say: I am black and comely in all conceivable ways. I am varying shades of black, brown and beige. I am decorous, impish, fearsome and wise. They say: I have my vanity. (Gaze on my dark, lustrous eyelashes and smartly-coiffed hair.) They say: I have my griefs. (Count the tears on my cheeks.)”
– Margo Jefferson, Black Dolls

I am beyond delighted to return to blogging to share that I have been enraptured by all things doll.

Through a series of fortunate events, I was asked to teach a series of doll-making workshops at BLUE: The Tatter Textile Library, in Brooklyn, New York. This offer to teach has turned into a renewed passion for dollmaking and Black doll history.

Born out of the lecture I gave on the Legacy of Black Dolls at BLUE: The Tatter Textile Library I have reaffirmed my deep attachment to dolls – making and researching their history. I am already deeper and more confident in my making practice and am exploring research facilities, libraries, museums and archives and delving into monographs and collection catalogs to see what doll-related goodies I can find.

This academic year has been busy and promising. But I am mindful to continue thinking of this specific avenue of inquiry not only in box checking career terms, but remaining clear in my purpose to learn and make for my own joy and edification. As well as the joy of sharing with others. Nothing quite does that like the handling of teeny limbs and garments and uncovering the beauty of a well-worn doll, exclaimed over with like-minded folks.

It is my hope to return to sharing here on this blog. To spend time drafting posts and sharing knowledge. To provide a place for us to connect and share. To share updates and news. To post about dolls in all their expansive glory.

I will return to share more about my work at Tatter and what’s coming up for me and the dolls.