Louise was born in Newark, New
Jersey where she lived for the majority of her adult life and since 1990, Louise has been residing in Lawrenceville,
New Jersey.
The artist began has been collecting and
designing black dolls for some years. She was self-taught and it has been over 40 years of continuous learning
through reading doll magazines, books and conducting historical researches that I have mastered the art of doll making and
collecting.
Earlier
in Louise's life, she attended beautician and cosmetology school where Louise learned to style hair and wigs for
several years before making the career change to the nursing profession. This has been a valuable asset to designing
hair-styles for the dolls she makes. Much of my inspiration for designing her dolls comes from a desire to
share the historical perspective of black culture as well as contemporary designed dolls.
Louise wants to reflect the positive images of
black people and also capture the historical aspects.
Fabrics for clothing for the dolls are selected from African print, calico, print, rayon,
silks, batik, and lace trims. Louise embellishs dolls with hats, trims, lace, beads, jewelry, earrings, necklaces,
bracelets, purses, baskets and small stuffed animals to enhance the image and theme she wants to project.
The artist have taken classes
in quilting, sewing, sculpture, knitting, crocheting, and embroidery. All of which enhance the diversity of the doll
outfits for each doll. Louise have exhibited and sold dolls nationally and locally at various conferences, conventions,
luncheons, banquets, dinner, reception, festivals, and brunches for numerous professional and civic organizations, churches,
and schools.
My
doll collection of over 800 black dolls include mammy dolls, rag dolls, folk dolls, and porcelain dolls.
My goal is to continue to seek
venues to have black dolls to educate all cultures and populations of the history of black dolls making and doll collecting.
Louise Ragin
