Judy Porter - Judy Porter Dolls

Dolls With Panache

by Pam North

Judy Porter has been a caricature artist for almost 30 years. “When I started sculpting seven years ago, it was my desire to create caricature dolls for different events, venues, and commissions. I was encouraged to try sculpting dolls by my sister, a very talented reborn artist. After soliciting the help of several talented doll sculptors. I was particularly blessed to find award-winning doll artist, Pat Moulton, who has been a true mentor for me in this journey. With her help, I sculpted my first BJD in 2012, Sierra, which won a DOTY Artist Ball Jointed Doll award - truly a thrill! In 2014, I won a Diamond Award  for Annie, and another in 2015 for Ginger. My dolls are resin, and are one-of-a-kind.   I also have had the honor of doing limited edition event dolls for MDCC , two doll clubs, and Teri Lee collectors. Another thrill came at UFDC as my work was embraced by that wonderful group, with representation at www.fabricfriendsdolls.com.
Many of Porter’s latest offerings, such as Little Resin Kids, have been sparked by all the children she has met over the years. “Inspiration is in each little sweet, innocent, or mischievous face! Every missing tooth, freckle, shy or comic personality makes me want to get out my clay and sculpt a new design.” She does many different types of BJD sculpts, including doll customization upon request. Her dolls are sculpted in polymer clay, then cast in resin, with high-quality glass eyes and handmade mohair wigs. 
“Being fairly new to the doll world, having just made my first ball jointed doll in 2012, I have been fortunate to have so many wonderful things happen - awards, special events, and meeting so many wonderful collectors from all over the world. I can't thank everyone enough for making my dream come true of taking my art from 2D to 3D.” 
A position to teach an online class in basic sculpting of art dolls was offered to Porter last year, and this led to her instructing a workshop on-site in Florida. A DVD resulted from that project, which Porter offers at  www.artfulgathering.com. “What a great time we had! Everyone learned beginning sculpting by making an art doll. Much to my surprise, my art dolls, which are made from baked polymer clay and  fabric on a somewhat poseable armature, have sold out to my students and even to BJD collectors. Lots of times they were just studies for my future BJDs, but I have to say I love the creative process of doing everything from beginning to end without the casting process. The good news is that it makes the doll much more affordable as a one-of-a-kind offering. With the art doll, I tend to show my sense of humor by getting more caricature, as my sculpting is never fueled by the high cost of production, but merely by the joy of making an art doll. I tend to offer these for sale quite often, posting them on Facebook at Judy Cauthon Porter or Judy Porter Dolls. I’m so grateful  to be a part of this wonderful group of fellow artists and collectors; it's opened up a whole new world of friendships. I am thankful to them all for allowing my Little Resin Kids to be part of their lives.”
This fall she will be attending the Modern Doll Collectors Convention 2017, with her friend and fellow artist, Pat Moulton. 
Contact Information: 
Website:  www.judyporterdolls.com
Email:  judytoons@yahoo.com