ARTIST BIO

Deborah A. Mullins, Eastern Cherokee, Bird Clan from Red Clay, TN. Born in Pikeville, Kentucky, grew up in Queens, New York in the early 50's where she attended the High School of Fashion Industries and majored in fashion design gaining knowledge in both pattern making and sewing.

She is a self taught doll-maker who currently works in both soft sculptures of cloth and leather. Each doll that Deborah creates is unique. Although the body itself is made of cloth, detail is given to style of dress. Using natural dies from different plants to color her fabrics she accentuates their persona with beadwork and accessories. She has created dolls that range from an Indian cowboy to a Native American traditional in Southern Buckskin.

In 1998 she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a focus in Early Childhood Education, from the College of New Rochelle. With a certification to teach "Common Sense Parenting", she uses her dolls to teach children. She has facilitated workshops in Doll-making, Traditional American Indian Clothing, Beadwork, Leatherwork and other crafts. Deborah has conducted workshops for with Cooper Hewitt Museum, New York Board of Education, Environmental Protection Agency and American Indian Education Program.

Besides making dolls, Deborah is also a painter, needle worker, leather worker, and wood carver. Deborah has been an artist for over 40 years. She credits her talent to her late mother Catherine who was also an artist.

Currently, Deborah works as a family advocate and consultant at the Family Awareness Network (F.A.N.), a support program for American Indian families in New York City. She is avid reader, enjoys nature, and traveling. She has four adult children whom are all talented artists and doll-makers.