Website: Mann Gallery
Comany Name: Character Dolls by Bill Nelson
Location: Richmond, Va....USA
Birthdate: 9/30/46
Married: 27 years
Media Used: Super Sculpey, mixed media
Type of dolls: fantasy dolls, elves, gnomes, dwarfs, AUTOMATA
Length of time in dollmaking: 12 years
Professional Credits: Member National Institute of American Doll Artists, and serve on its standards committee.
My dolls have found their way into many private collections including those of Demi Moore (she owns 54), David Copperfield, Whoopie Goldberg and Richard Simmons.
Comments on dollmaking: I never dreamed in a million years that something could take the place of drawing, which is what I do for a living, until I discovered dollmaking. Sculpting has become my therapy. As I sculpt and a little face begins to look up at me the stress of the day just melts away. The people I have met in this world of dollmaking have been and are the friendliest, most caring and helpful people I know. Beginning with my dear friend Bob McKinley who so unselfishly taught me everything he knew, and I find I am still learning from him, to my dear friends Jodi and Richard Creager who continue to inspire me with their degree of professionalism. And Gloria Winer who knows absolutely eveything or can find out fast, and Nanci Mann who is trying so hard to make the public believe that what we do is art...all dear people that I am so fortunate to know. My dolls and my art grow and improve because of the support and love of others that understand this wacky way we try to sculpt a living out of clay.
We need each other.