Featured Sculptor: JoyLynn Wong

Meet the Sculptor: JoyLynn Wong

Next up, let’s meet an up an up and coming artist in the world of reborn sculpting – JoyLynn Wong!

JoyLynn is a California based reborn artist and sculptor operating under the nursery name Schattebout Art Dolls. Relatively new to reborning, this busy mom of two young children jumped into sculpting only one-year into her reborning journey – She is a natural born artist!

What we know as her debut kit, “Chardon,” was produced by TruBorn as a limited edition kit, comprising only 700 pieces. What I learned in my research is that Chardon wasn’t her first sculpt, but her third! The first two were purchased for exclusive use in a silicone painting class offered by master reborn artist, Susan Gibbs. 

Joy’s work has quickly become highly regarded, with her kits being reborn by artists worldwide. Her attention to detail and commitment to realism have made her rise to stardom among collectors and artists alike. ​She continues to inspire the reborn doll community with her exceptional artistry and dedication to the art!​

For those interested in learning more about Joy’s journey and insights into her artistry, she was recently featured as a special guest in Episode 11 of the Reborn Rap podcast, a series dedicated to reborn artists and sculptors.

The Interview

What brought you to the reborn doll community? 

I was introduced to reborning by my neighbor, Gina, the incredibly talented artist behind St. Cloud Nursery. Gina found out I was an artist, as well, and promptly deposited a box of random kit parts on my porch. She was convinced I would enjoy painting dolls and I absolutely did! This past year I also began sculpting and am loving the process more than I ever thought possible.

What inspired you to start sculpting reborn dolls?

About fifteen dolls in as an artist I decided that it was my ultimate dream to create a reborn from scratch. I thought about it for months but couldn’t find the courage to give a try until Bonnie Brown created an online sculpting group on Facebook. Being in the Sculpt Along group gave me the push I needed to get started.

How do you decide on the facial expressions and features of your sculpts?

I only decide to a degree, the clay often takes me places I wasn’t quite expecting. I always start with a general idea of how I want a face to look and use my kids’ baby photos as inspiration, along with reference photos from newborn photographers. And then I go with the feel of the clay and let it take me on a little creative journey.

Do you use real baby references or work from imagination?

Definitely a combination of both. I use references for the more technical aspects of my babies’ features (proportions, especially), and then I use my imagination to create things like the eyelid and nostril shape, dimples, creases, etc. which can vary so greatly from baby to baby.

How long does it typically take you to complete a new sculpt from start to finish?

About 3-5 months.

What materials do you prefer to work with, and why?

I enjoy working with Super Sculpey. I’ve tried other mediums and always come back to it.

What are the biggest challenges in sculpting a realistic reborn doll?

The proportions are most difficult for me, but I am always learning and improving!

How do you ensure the proportions and details are as lifelike as possible?

I use proportion charts that were provided in Bonnie Brown’s Sculpt Along group- they’re very useful! I also spend time studying newborn photos on social media.

Do you have a favorite sculpt you’ve created? If so, what makes it special?

My upcoming kit, Bep, has an extra special place in my heart. She is named in honor of my Grandma, who we called Beppe, and I feel like the peace I experienced while sculpting her truly showed up in her finished expression.

What’s your process for creating limbs and body parts to match the head sculpt?

I’m still developing my process, but since all of my sculpts have been sleeping so far, they all have had fairly relaxed limb positions.

How has the reborn doll industry changed since you started?   

I started in 2022, and I’ve definitely seen the impact of counterfeits on the industry. My hope is that sculptors and artists can continue to band together to keep creating authentic, beautiful art in spite of growing challenges.

What trends do you see emerging in the reborn doll world?        

Collectors really seem to be enjoying bigger babies!

How do you feel about AI-generated faces or digital sculpting tools?

AI has its place in the world, but I do wish it had less of a hand in the art community. Digital sculpting is a unique medium and one that I’m not very familiar with. As long as an artist starts from scratch in their creation I don’t see an issue with it. However, as someone who adores the tactile experience of working with clay, I don’t think I would ever try it myself.

Do you ever collaborate with reborn doll painters or other artists? or digital sculpting tools?

I have collaborated with Susan Gibbs, who produced my first two sculpts exclusively for her silicone painting group. I also collaborate with prototype artists selected by Truborn for my kits.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start sculpting reborn dolls?

Join Bonnie Brown’s Sculpt Along on Facebook! It’s an invaluable resource and full of helpful people who want to see you grow and succeed.

Do you take custom requests, or do you prefer to work on your own ideas?

I don’t take on customs. I’ve found in other creative ventures that I lose my joy and burn out quickly if I’m working within parameters set by others.

Have you ever sculpted dolls based on real babies for customers?

No, I wish I were a portrait sculptor but it’s just not my forte. And I prefer to use my imagination freely when sculpting.

Are there any dream projects or special themes you’d love to explore?

I would love to help bring more ethnic representation to the reborn community through my sculpts.

Where do you see your sculpting career going in the next five to ten years?

I’m hoping to stay steady with producing two or three kits per year. As a sculptor with two young children and chronic health issues (POTS/dysautonomia and early heart failure) I have to manage my priorities carefully, and two or three kits seems the most doable for me while taking care of my health and my wonderful little family.

What’s the most meaningful reaction you’ve received from someone about your work?

I have the sweetest, most supportive parents, and their reactions to my work are so precious and sweet. Their words of encouragement mean the world to me! I’ve also had collectors reach out to me with the most wonderful reactions to both Chardon and Camellia, and it blesses my heart greatly.

Follow JoyLynn Wong on Instagram !

Check out Bonnie Brown’s Sculpt Along Group on Facebook!

You can find Joy’s sculpts & all your other reborn supplies at https://www.truborns.com