Art dolls are such a unique form of artwork. Every creation is full of detail and life, which is why it’s so easy to get wrapped up in each doll’s personality — that’s where Jana Holstein comes in and why her work is so important. Jana is the editor of Art Doll Quarterly, and it’s her expert eye that brings together this fantastic publication. She knows how to read and engage with the personalities of all the wonderful characters that are sent to our office, and more importantly, she knows how to place them within the pages of our magazine so that everyone is happy and comfortable. Today we’re featuring a very special Editor Spotlight on Jana that will give us some insight into her creative mind. This is also happens to be the perfect time to have Jana pay us a visit because our Halloween issue of Art Doll Quarterly — a favorite among doll artists — is now officially on newsstands.  

Please join me in welcoming Jana to Somerset Place.

~*~

I’ve never been a real girly-girl. I don’t strut around in the latest fashion, I hate wearing high heels, and I call for a hair appointment when my gray starts showing. Somewhere along the line, I evolved into just being me; not too terribly worried about radiating femininity or being graceful — I’m actually quite a klutz. Don’t get me wrong, I do like an occasional day at the spa, I took ballet when I was young, and I played with dolls when I was a little girl. My first doll was a Chatty Cathy doll that came out in the late ’50s, early ’60s — yes, I am old. And that’s another thing: I don’t really care. I am proud to a baby boomer, pushing 60, and embracing life. I’ve never been one of those women who doesn’t want anyone to know her age.

 

~Artwork by Marguerite Noschese

But enough about me; let’s get back to the dolls. When I was first approached to take over the managing editor position of Art Doll Quarterly back in 2009, I’ll admit … I was nervous. Art Doll Quarterly was an internationally recognized and highly respected doll magazine. Would I be able to do it justice? I didn’t really know a lot about art dolls, doll making, sculpting, or sewing cloth dolls. But I was certainly willing to learn.

And learn I did. I learned about sculpting clay, how to paint cloth faces, what ball-jointed meant, the importance of costuming, and much more. And I learned it all from the wonderful artists whose work graces the pages of this magazine.

 

~Artwork by Lorrie Rios

And here’s the thing: The longer I manage Art Doll Quarterly, and the more I get to know the amazing artists behind the spectacular dolls, the more I love it. I even tried to make a couple art dolls of my own one time. They more or less turned out to just be shoddily formed lumps of clay, but hey, at least I tried. And it gave me an enormous amount of appreciation for the talent that goes into sculpting.

Along this journey I’ve had the opportunity to personally meet elinor peace bailey, Barbara Willis, Patti Medaris Culea, Norma Prickett, Sheri DeBow, Jennie Bird, Betsy Youngquist, Edgar Shrum, and many others. It’s a thrill for me to meet in person the artists whose work we publish. But even if I haven’t had the chance to meet everyone face to face, I feel like I know so many artists well because of our email correspondence. There’s a special rapport that we share.

 

~Artwork by William Dezek and Colleen Moody

Our Autumn 2014 Issue is just out and I’ve made a whole slew of new friends — Kirsten Stingle, Tanya Marriott, Dixie Redmond, Marguerite Noschese, LeeAnn Kress, William Bezek, Andrei Zavialov and many more. This is our annual Halloween issue and it’s always such a delight to put together. This edition is always hugely popular and one peek between the pages and you’ll know why.

The world of art dolls is truly special. There’s an extraordinary camaraderie among these artists; a community of kinfolk who love and care about each other, enjoy sharing what they learn, and cheer each other on all along the way. I may not be an accomplished doll artist, but I feel like I’m a part of this enchanting group of people and among friends. I couldn’t be more delighted!

 

~Artwork by LeeAnn Kress

Join me in giving Jana a heartfelt thanks for giving us a little glimpse into her creative world. I think it’s safe to say that we’re all very happy that she’s learned so much about this unique art form, since we all get to benefit from the fruits of her labor in the pages of Art Doll Quarterly.

 

Use code BLOG0814 to get $5 off Art Doll Quarterly

If you love all things Halloween, then you simply cannot miss the Autumn Issue of Art Doll Quarterly. In this issue, we’re featuring mini Day of the Dead dolls by Sylvia Smiser, a life-sized witch doll by Dustin Poché, and the oddest duos on the block — William Bezek’s Dead Couples.

For a limited time you can get $5 off this inspiring publication by using the coupon code BLOG0814 when prompted at checkout. But be sure to hurry because the promotion ends on August 31st!

 

 

Bella Grace Blog Hop

The Bella Grace Blog Hop is in full swing! Stop by for a dose of inspiration with Kelly Letky who shares a day in the life of an ordinary artist, and our latest contributor, Jillian Lukiwski, who wrote an insightful piece about becoming part of the wind. Both bloggers are also holding giveaways, so be sure to stop by each blog for more details on how to enter their contests.

Click here to follow the Bella Grace Blog Hop