WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, & WHAT DO YOU DO? Sharon Blaine Turner is an award winning Doll Artist from the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in upstate South Carolina. She comes from a long line of mountain artists and craftsmen who have left her with a rich heritage; one in which she has developed into her own unique style of doll making.
DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS. My dolls are completely handmade, including the face painting. I let the dolls come to life as I progress in creating, rarely sure of what direction they will take.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU? I get inspired mostly by colors and prints I see in fabric. Growing up I was afraid and fascinated by puppets, especially marionettes. So I’ve always gravitated toward anything whimsical and vibrant.
FUN FACT ABOUT YOU. I cannot pass an animal of any kind without striking up a conversation.
FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA. I love going to dinner and a show at the Miller or Imperial Theaters. The architecture of those buildings is amazing!
WHY DO YOU LOVE TO DESIGN, CREATE + MAKE? I was born with it. I cannot remember a time in my life when I wasn’t creating something. It’s an ingrained part of who I am. It’s what makes me happy.
WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER ARTISTS + MAKERS? I would say….always work your craft. Let it evolve and see where it takes you.