Texas Commission on the Arts has accepted me into their program,Texas Original (TxO) . Some of the " goals of the TxO program are to promote original work by Texas' craft artists ........ and preserve traditional methods for creating hand-crafted work to ensure those methods are passed on to future generations." It's an honor to be associated with this program and with the approximately 40 outstanding craft artists chosen throughout the state.
Photograph by Anita Donaldson
INSTRUCTION
Even though self-taught, I have studied with Jack Johnston at his three day seminar in Tulsa, Ok. in November, 2006.
In October of 2006, I participated in a hand sculpting and wig making class with Diane Keeler.
In August, 2007, I spent an inspiring three days sculpting with Misha Malpica in Ruidoso,NM.
April, 2009 - I have just returned from a 5 day session with Ankie Daaken and Marlaine Verhelst from the Netherlands. I learned so much from these two, remarkable artists.
I live in Paris, Texas with my husband, Bill, our two dogs, Cappy, a 'Westie' and Gus, a 136 pound German Shepherd.
About the Artist
903.784.0241
I've felt driven to create as long as I can remember. At any given time, it could have been redoing a landscape at a newly purchased home or redoing the interior. Usually my husband, Bill, and I did most of the work. And....we still do-our current home is an on-going redo. It has been, at times, making Santas from salt dough and dressing them elaborately or carving figures from basswood and painting them. I was taught to sew, knit, and crochet by my precious mother, Sally Rains, who passed away on Nov. 17, 2007. Our hearts are filled with grief, but we are blessed with beautiful memories of this exceptional woman. She was an accomplished artist, so whatever talent God gave me came through her.
To call myself a doll artist is to say I have entered an area that is filled with challenges, using clay, fabric, and paint to explore the possibilities of ideas and visions. I've always known that I was an artist and after exploring several paths of self expression I found my way and am now consumed with the desire and the need to create. This is still considered a relatively new art form, and I am honored to be a participant with so many extraordinary artists.
My small Santa sculptures are on display for viewing and for sale at Reasons to Believe in Monroe, Washington and others at The Plaza Art Gallery, in Paris, Texas, and here online.
I am a member of:
Professional Doll Makers' Art Guild
Artists' Guild of Lamar County
Texas Association of Original Doll Artists
Texas Commission On the Arts'
TXO
Paris,Tx. visitor's guide
AWARDS
In January, 2006, I bought two of Jack Johnston's art doll books and began to teach myself how to create art dolls from polymer clay. Six months later I won first place in the Beginning Doll category in the Nat'l Prosculpt Scholarship Contest that Jack sponsors. I was so excited!
In early February, I was notified that my doll, 'Summer', pictured above, had won the Industry's Choice 2007 DOTY (Doll of the Year) award. This is such a prestigious win for me that I am still in shock.
August 07, 2007, 'Winona' was a 2007 winner in the Nat'l ProSculpt Scholarship Competition. I love her, and I am so proud of her.
William Cody, aka Buffalo Bill, won two rosettes, one blue ribbon and two Crystal Awards at the Les Belles Poupee Doll Show in Grapevine, Texas in June, 2008.
Bill always loved winning awards and giving awards at his Wild West Shows.
And now, Cody has been awarded the coveted DOTY Industry's Choice Award for 2009.
He has been selected as a Dolls-Award of Excellence Nominee! Such an honor, both for Cody and myself.
Cody has now won 2009 1st Place in the Advanced division of the International ProSculpt Scholarship Competition.
I am bursting with pride. He is so special to me. And, wouldn't he be proud of himself?
I've written and had published an article about faux finishing (see article page). Two feature stories have been published about me in two leading doll magazines. Most of my dolls have been showcased in the major doll magazines. The Paris News has done numerous articles about my doll sculptures. I feel very fortunate to have so many wonderful people interested in my work.
I am now a Texas Original Artist. so designated by the Texas Commission on the Arts. See above box for information.
Original Art Dolls by Lynda Dunham-Watkins
Powderly, Texas
Copyright © 2008
Photo by Anita Donaldson
"What beautiful work! Congratulations on your Texas Artist award. Any state would be proud to claim you and your work" Quote from Guest Book signing
Currrent Awards
January 31,2011 at IDEX in Orlando,Fl.
'Amelia' was awarded a coveted DOTY award.
