Featured Sculptor: Bonnie Brown
Meet the Sculptor: Bonnie Brown
In an effort to help promote authenticity, I want to introduce you to the talented artists who sculpt the babies and creatures that make our hobby possible! Everytime your purchase an authentic kit direct from a sculptor or one of their chosen authorized dealers, or a completed doll made with an authentic kit, you are enabling this amazing art to continue! This series will provide an inside look into some of the most talented women in the reborn doll community – those who sculpt the beautiful kits that we as reborn artists get to bring to life!
Each sculptor has been provided with a list of about 20 questions from which they choose to respond. The goal of the interview is to give you as an artist and/or collector some insight into the sculptor, their process and their thoughts on the reborn doll community… I hope you continue enjoying as we learn more about each of these amazing women!
Based in Australia, Bonnie Brown is a highly regarded sculptor in the world of reborn dolls. Bonnie is celebrated for her intricate and lifelike creations, many of which have become highly sought after by collectors.
Bonnie’s work is particularly admired for the fine detail and realism she brings to her sculptures. Her dolls often feature delicate facial expressions and realistic proportions that give them an almost uncanny lifelike appearance. Her skill in sculpting facial features, hands, and feet, as well as the way she captures the soft, natural movements of a sleeping or posed baby, makes her dolls stand out in the reborn doll community.
Some of her most popular sculpts include Twin A and Twin B. The twins have been reborn by many artists and have become highly collectible!
Bonnie’s work has made a significant impact on the reborn doll industry, helping to push the boundaries of what can be achieved in terms of realism and artistry. She has earned a loyal following of collectors and other artists who admire her craftsmanship and creativity. You can follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
The Interview
Let’s start with telling me about what brought you to the reborn doll community?
For years I have struggled to remember the timeline for when I first started, but I have found some photos with time stamps that have helped a lot! I was 13 years old; it was almost the end of the year in 2003, and I was browsing on eBay for cabbage patch dolls and in my search I came across a reborn doll and was absolutely amazed! After learning they were handmade, the following year for me was spent deep in research finding all the information I could to learn how to make one. I was so excited; I loved dolls and I loved babies!
What inspired you to start sculpting reborn dolls?
I have always loved art and babies and in my research of reborn dolls I found the forums that included the incredible artists who sculpted their own babies. With the very limited sculpt options for reborns at the time, I decided I would love to try sculpting my own and I did in April of 2005. I loved that little baby.
Do you use real baby references or work from imagination?
Both! Sometimes I have a vision in my mind and sometimes I use pictures of real babies. .
How long does it typically take you to complete a new sculpt from start to finish?
It depends on a lot of things, but I don’t like to rush. It can take me anywhere from 3 months to 5 years.
What materials do you prefer to work with, and why?
Right now I am really enjoying working with monster clay, I feel it gives me more artistic freedom than polymer clay. I also definitely prefer working with glass eyes, though the imperfection of them can be frustrating as they are never perfectly symmetrical, it makes it extra difficult to place them. Acrylic eyes unfortunately with polymer clay can go cloudy and get scratched easily, and a lot of them can’t be baked, even though they often state that they can
What are the biggest challenges in sculpting a realistic reborn doll?
Knowing that it will be stolen, that in part all the hard work I put in will be profited on by thieves. Accepting this was the biggest challenge for me. The painful feeling is still there, but I choose to focus on those who support me and love the effort I put into my work, those who believe I deserve to be paid for my effort and those who aren’t abusing and exploiting my efforts in this world.
How do you ensure the proportions and details are as lifelike as possible?
For proportions I always sculpt the head first. The face then tells me, how big the hand should be, the forearm tells me how long the foot should be and it circles back to the head for how big the body should be. also have measurements that I have taken from real babies. The measurements of babies are always different, there is not a perfect formula, but having some measurements from real babies is always helpful.
Do you have a favorite sculpt you’ve created? If so, what makes it special?
Twin A is my favourite sculpt of mine, because I really enjoyed the years I spent sculpting this baby, this is also my favourite baby expression and probably won’t be the last one I sculpt.
How has the reborn doll industry changed since you started?
I definitely wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to go back to the doll world in 2005 or even 2006, it was such a special time. I have seen lots of great people come and go, whether they had changed interests or lost their lives.
I feel there is more emphasis and pressure now to sculpt as realistically as possible. People are more open to sharing techniques, so our resources for learning now is fantastic. I definitely feel like the community is stronger than ever in support for one another.
How do you feel about AI-generated faces or digital sculpting tools?
I feel indifferent, it’s just another way of doing things and something else that will evolve over time for those that are interested in it. I will say that holding a sculpted clay baby that someone has had in their hands and worked on for hours and hours, definitely holds a feeling like no other.
Do you ever collaborate with reborn doll painters or other artists?
Yes absolutely!
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start sculpting reborn dolls?
Start! Never compare your work to others, never use the work of others as your inspiration, sculpt for yourself, if you love what you are making, others will love it too.
Do you take custom requests, or do you prefer to work on your own ideas?
I am always open to receiving photos of real babies for inspiration but I don’t take on custom orders. If I ever use someone’s photo as inspiration I will let them know.
Have you ever sculpted dolls based on real babies for customers?
Once upon a time I did, I don’t take custom orders right now as I prefer to have creative freedom with my work.
Are there any dream projects or special themes you’d love to explore?
I would love to make a full silicone baby from start to finish, I have made a few attempts over the years, but haven’t quite gotten to where I would like to be.
What’s the most meaningful reaction you’ve received from someone about your work?
Oh my gosh, so many, I feel so appreciative and grateful for those who love me and my work, I have grown to where I am with people who have supported me every step of the way. I couldn’t single out just one memory.
For a comprehensive overview of Bonnie’s creations and to find authorized sellers of her kits, visit her official website: www.thebonniebrowncollection.com
