Janet's multi-cultural corn dolls reflect their roots in Hispanic, Native American, African, Asian, Mexican, and European cultures.
Although nobody knows the exact heritage of the corn doll, children from every culture recognize the anthropormorphic shape in an ear of corn. Homemade "dollies" of corn were a common toy in colonial and frontier America before modern manufactured dolls were available. Primitive corn dolls were wrapped in blankets, and cuddled like infants, and of course dragged along on all of childhood's myriad adventures. From the imagination of these children, the tradition of the corn doll emerged.
When Janet was first introduced to corn dolls, her own imagination was ignited by the creative potential of exploring such a rich and symbolic form. Her very special contribution to the art of the corn doll has been the addition of colorful handmade clay masks rather than the traditional blank face of corn dolls. Janet's masks are often inspired by stones that she has collected on visits to the ocean or to New Mexico's mountains and rivers. She forms the clay over these stones and feels the masks become an expression of the elemental face within the stone.
The corn dolls themselves have been very happy about this undergoing this significant rebirth, and Janet has lots of fun creating them, which is evident in their exuberant spirits. While she used to make her own clothes in a former life, now she puts all her sewing energy into making high fashion garments for her dolls. Janet collects and recycles vintage fabrics, and even men's ties into unique garments for her corn dolls. Then she accessorizes with vintage jewelry, beads, milagros, crystals, buttons, and a wide variety of found objects to make the dolls complete.
The corn in Janet's dolls is treated with shellac to make it insect proof and so the dolls will enjoy a long and healthy life after they are adopted. Janet hopes that they will find a special place in your home and heart.
Click on each image to see a full length image of doll and read more about it, or follow the link at the bottom of the page to see more dolls. Please Note: you may also purchase an artist-signed color print of any doll that strikes your fancy!
