Deb Mackie
Deb Mackie
Biography
- Formally trained as a graphic designer and illustrator, artist Deb Mackie also brings to the art of miniature dolls a background in theatrical set and costume design. The journey into dollmaking began with her desire to include realistic figures in her award-winning 1:12 scale dioramas. Not satisfied with the limited poses and facial expressions of available commercial molds, she began to look for alternatives.
Attending a workshop with renowned doll artist James Carrington gave her the confidence she needed to begin creating her own dolls. Jamie continues to be a major inspiration to her, as well as Fern Vasi, Mark Dennis, Eneida Rosa and Natasha Landerer, to name a few.
Each doll is individually hand-sculpted in 1:12 scale of polymer clay over a wire armature, then heat-cured to exact specifications. They are washed with a transparent blush, then meticulously hand-detailed with Genesis heat-set oils. The inset eyes are specially handmade by the artist and glazed to enhance depth and reflected light. Each is dressed in a hand-made costume of the finest fabrics and trims, and finally crowned with English Viscose fiber or hand-dyed Tibetan Lamb hair.
Deb Mackie is a member of the Professional Doll Makers Art Guild, the International Guild of Miniature Artistans (Artisan member), and is a past president of the First State Miniature Club. She is also guest curator and exhibitor for the Delaware Art Museum’s annual Masterpieces in Miniature exhibition.
Her work has been featured in American Miniaturist magazine, and has won numerous awards, including First, Second, and Best in Show in the Philadelphia Flower Show miniature settings. Her dolls have been purchased by private collectors worldwide. Although she may repeat a character, no two are ever alike. Each is a unique work of art.
Awards
- Philadelphia Flower Show Miniature Settings
2003 Second Place, Chester's Wake
2004 Best in Show, Fountain of Peirene
2005 Best in Show, The Neighbors
2006 First Place, Legend of the Water Horse
2007 First Place, Aoibheal of the Grey Rock
Publications
- American Miniaturist, featured contributor
Shows
- Expo 2008, Washington DC
