Denise Satterfield

As a dollmaker and sculptor, I am continuously amazed at the emotional connection that I form with the figures that I’ve made. Creating dolls satisfies my yearning to create, to stir emotion, and sometimes, simply to tell a story. I feel a sense of accomplishment when a doll evokes joy, or even when it evokes a sense of discomfort, especially when that discomfort translates to conversation or introspection. My work draws from lived experience, historical fiction, fantasy, mythology, and the simple joy of creating. Whether the idea comes from me or is entrusted to me by someone else, I create each figure with anticipation, care, and a genuine love for the process. My journey as an artist is also deeply connected to the rich history of Black dollmaking. I honor and revere my ancestors—the Black mothers, grandmothers, caregivers, and artists who created figures for many different reasons. The Black dolls they created reflected love, beauty, identity, dignity, and belonging. Their creativity and resourcefulness are part of the artistic lineage that I carry with me. This history is an important part of who I am as a creator and continues to shape the way I see and create figures. Denise Satterfield