About the artist

I was born and raised in Milan, Italy. Attending college in Germany, I majored in Linguistics and Cultural Anthropology - my passions to this day. Married in Europe soon after graduation, my American husband and I moved to Ohio to raise our family.

I started making dolls in 1979 as a hobby. From the beginning, I was determined to create real characters rather than saccharin-faced dolls. My Characters soon became popular and my hobby expanded into a full time vocation. Each Character is meant to make you smile. All my ethnic and historic Santas start with a thoroughly researched history reflecting my passion for anthropology.

I personally design and execute every detail of my figures in my studio on beautiful Daniel Island, SC. Each character is different, unique and, I believe, has its own story to tell.

My Santas attract collectors from all over the US, Europe and Australia. In 1993 and 2002, I was honored with a commission from the White House to create a special Santa to fit into the Christmas theme chosen by the first lady. Both pieces were displayed in the blue room during the Christmas season. I also travel the country displaying my work in well-known juried art shows. And yet the best compliment I receive is when somebody tells me that one of my characters looks like somebody they know!

Charleston, S.C. and I and fell in love in 1997! I moved here and stay enthralled with the vibrant low country life. The rich history of the Gullah people is especially fascinating to me, and I knew I had to represent them. My vivid Low Country Characters, all based on real personas, have developed into an important part of my artwork.

All my dolls, cards and paintings are featured at the South Carolina State Museum in Columbia, and many of the galleries and plantation museums in the low country.

Please know that my Characters are made with a lot of love and passion. I hope you'll enjoy them.

Marina Cantlon