BLACK FOLKLORE MATTERS!
Updated: Aug 24
Lack of BIPOC folks in fairytales and throughout American Folklore +
Reclaiming Fairy Tales as a community.
Welcome back FairyFindrs,
In this blog post we will talk with my doll collector and miniaturist friend, Juana, aka D.A.W.L.I.E.S., to discuss the lack of black fairytale art and racial representation through history in folklore, and how it makes her feel to reclaim that through the creations of her own marvelous black fairy tale characters and art! I can only imagine what it feels to be able to recreate such magical and powerful entities in your own likeness and to see the magic in your culture and heritage come to life. It’s definitely not something I ever truly thought about, as a guy who grew up in a middle class white family, until recent years as all of these movies and characters are being remade with powerful and beautiful black lead characters and it has taught me a lot about privilege in more ways than one. I wanted to write this blog and interview a black artist who grew up in the US Virgin Islands with a variety of black folklore or fairy tales to look up to and how it affected them and truly dive into the nuisances of the importance of seeing yourself reflected in the media and artwork around you, especially as a young child.
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Alex The FairyFindr: Please introduce yourself, what’s your name and pronouns?
Juana from St. Croix, US Virgin Islands born and raised with Trinidadian values and Caribbean folklore, she/her. My dawls are them, separate but integral parts of me! I really appreciate all the support love and praises on my dolls from the community. I appreciate all my doll friends and the adult doll collector community!
Alex The FairyFindr: When did you first get interested in fairytales and folklore?
As a Caribbean child folklore and stories of mythical creatures was discussed regularly. I have so many tales of the goat foot woman, dwens and La Jabless…its so much to write! 😸😆 I even have my own Halloween Hashtag, #SpookyDawlSeason where I showcase different folklore not only from the Caribbean but around the world. With my dolls I enjoy creating that mythical/folklore values that I grew up watching on TV and the stories I was told growing up. There is much more folklore to come with my dolls. Stay tuned!
(These witches drank a potion and ended up being goat-like fairies.
I made everything in the diorama by hand, even the horns and ears that they wear.)
( A witch from the dark variety…she enjoys teleporting anywhere,
she is drunk off of her power to invade spaces without invitation.)
Alex The FairyFindr: When did you first gain an interest in dolls, either playing with or creating them or both?! How does creating different black dolls and characters feel? Is it as therapeutic and powerful as it sounds?
I grew up not so middle class on St. Croix…every Christmas as a child the JCPenny Toy Catalog would come to the house and at that time I guess my mom couldn't afford to get us those Barbie dolls. It was when I was maybe in 3rd or 4th grade when I got my first 1/6 scale doll, that was that Barbie look-alike, but it was like the plastic bleach bottles were made of. 🫣🤣. So it wasn't Barbie👀. I had a neighbor who got all the latest toys so I was secretly coveting that. Fast forward decades later…my little sister's daughter, was at the age I wanted Barbies and I bought her a few black dolls because I wished I had one at her age. I bought about 5 black Fashionistas for her, only gave her 3. One day my sister told me that she gave away the 3 dolls to other little girls at church and I was upset. So I kept the 2 that I had left. Then in 2021, one of my older nieces bought Barbies and played with them with her niece who is in elementary school and I brought out the two I had and decided to make an Instagram page for DAWLIES to play and create without judgement.”
Alex The FairyFindr:That’s beautiful 😭🥰 I would love to hear more about Caribbean-specific or Trinidadian folklore or entities that inspire/intrigue you the most, and why?
I noticed that American television did not have a lot of representations of black folks since I was in elementary school. Most of the time in the 80s Black folks were only represented as slaves mostly, they weren't on Dynasty and seldom represented in daytime TV. The US Virgin Islands is part of the US Territory, so we watched ABC mostly. So for a kid, growing up in the Caribbean it is very taboo to talk about interest in witchcraft or fairies or anything in that category. Mostly because witchcraft and religion were the two conversations in the background. I've heard growing up that people putting curses and using magic to get things or have someone obsessed with a person and other things. Also back then they would rep black people being involved in Voodoo and other varieties of witchcraft as negatives. When I say magic, I usually say Majic, making it my own, an understanding that it doesn't have to carry a negative connotation.
Alex The FairyFindr: In what ways do you believe the absence or underrepresentation of black characters in fairy tales and folklore affected your sense of identity and belonging while growing up?
I was raised Catholic so witchcraft or the interest in it is a hushed thing. Its scary, never heard of light magic until I was a grown-up. As a black woman that enjoys horror, majic and suspense, I am ok with discussing the dark moments or things…is still taboo. I can do it more now than back in college but its still hushed to an extent. This is why I created Zhinga and her shop because I wanted to show that it doesn't have to be scary with majic, it can be fun and a way to discover things about oneself.
(Deveraux is one of the featured artists at the Laughing Skull. She reads tarot cards,
and her crystal skull that she also has generational ties to, from birth.)
Alex The FairyFindr: Could you share about a specific time where you felt the need to assimilate into white fairytale culture? How did this impact your connection to your own cultural heritage and folklore?
Well the contradiction between TV world and real life was the only time I felt the assimilation aspect. I also had to assimilate a lot of my culture going to college on the American Mainland mostly because though I am black my Caribbean roots are very strong. So I hate to change the way I talk and even some thought processes and only when I'm among others from similar culture I could be free to be me, culturally. To be quite honest, I had the plan all along to bring my dolls to the point of fairydom and fantasy and horror. That's why I started my doll page on Halloween because it's my very favorite time of the year!🥰 I did this to have all my dolls no matter the color of their skin or where they are from enjoy Halloween not only as a scary thing but a chance to tear through the current reality and create moments of beauty and art. I joke sometimes that I'm goth on the inside. Touch the darkness and it brings light type thing. @D.A.W.L.I.E.S I can freely create my own ideals behind horror and beauty. That's why I ride for Halloween because its a chance to look at the artistic look at horror and darkness in us all. And its ok to touch it sometimes.
Alex The FairyFindr: What motivated you to reclaim fairy tales for black folks and retell those stories in your own way? How does it feel to have the opportunity to reshape these narratives to reflect the experiences of black people, especially African Americans.
I attended a Historically Black University, and because I studied English, I also did more research on Black culture, art and history. And realized that black culture is one of the fundamentals of this country. Some of the most cultural places such as Harlem, New Orleans and others have such rich histories. I am expressing black folklore and retelling as part of my own cultural history and wanting to share what I have learned from it. In their essence those are times of wonderment and mysticism. They play out in much of modern day fantasy and folklore. I know, I know some folks don't feel that way, but the art is what I want to reveal from it all. When I create the Halloween special its me reaching out and saying, hey, isn't this incredibly beautiful? Instead of it being looked at as horrific and scary. Here is the story, here is the origins where storytelling was a direct part of our lives growing up and it's ok to pass down the oral or photographic representation. It is art from the heart.
Alex The FairyFindr: Could you tell us about your own art and miniatures? How do you incorporate black culture, folklore, and characters into your art? What themes or messages do you aim to showcase through your work?
Last year #SpookyDawlSeason I wanted to represent traditions through my doll, Zhinga, who inherited the responsibility of passing on the mystical traction that her ancestors held on to and her shop opening to sharing with her dawl friends. For me, sharing it with the doll community and others gives a bit of where I came from and as a black woman and that majic (I prefer to spell magic as Majíc) isn’t always the source of evil and it’s nature is partof life. That's why I keep my dawl page open. Hoping that others will love the art and beauty in what so many may feel is dark. I created a mini gnome just to see if I can and included it in a post with a story last Halloween.
(Jon Holding a majical gnome at the Laughing Skull Majic Shop)
Alex The FairyFindr: Do you have a favorite doll or couple of dolls that you have made? What strikes you about them? What makes them special in your heart.
I love my mod dolls mostly because I spent so much time cultivating their look based on their personalities I want to present to the world. On Instagram, I like to write the stories but mostly pulled into photography and its ability to tell the story by itself. It has been my main reason for creating my Dawl page. Its about them and not me, though my mini-me is also having her best life on there! I want them to have incredible lives apart from my own. All my dreams and wishes I want to represent in all my dolls but mostly my black dolls. My favorite dolls this month are, Zhinga, Suzi, Dev, Tigre, and a few other dolls I haven't showcased as of yet. I enjoy that they are free spirited and even aspects of my own personality is put into their dawl lives. Tigre is a DJ and he enjoys partying and hospitality jobs. He is not bound by his mininess…big fun loving personality.
(Headshot of Tigre)
(Zhinga - Caribbean Beauty with and African name. She has inherited her
family's legacy and opened her majic shoppe to the community.
It will be their 1st year anniversary in October.)
(Dev has majical aspects that I showcase every now and then. She reads her crystal ball, she tells fortunes with Tarot cards and even has voodoo dolls to sell. I made them from clay.)
(Suzi is down for whatever. I envisioned her hair and physical transformations
months before posing her finished look. It's like the direct manifestation
from my creative mind. She is free-spirited as well, she's a wildcard
and we will show this with her presence. Also one of Zhinga’s best friend.)
(This is my mini me, JuanaDawl, taking on her minidreams and making them big.
She lives the life that I'm not currently living, because dawls have all the fun!)
(Jon Baptiste - one of my favorite mod male beauties. He is Haitian- Virgin Island-born. He loves the Virgin Islands, his culture is very important to him. He is a teacher, philosophy is in his background.)
Alex The FairyFindr: Walk us through the process for creating one of your characters , what comes first? The character? The doll? Is it different for each one?
Its the hair…🤣 before I set up a scene, the hair gotta be right. Its a pet peeve of mine. I style their hair, put hair gel on it then wrap it with saran wrap, then I leave them in my car during work and have the heat and sun do what's natural. Here’s a couple photos…
This process can be a day or two because its outcha! 🤣 and it is less laborious to me since I can be at work while its going on and all I have to do is unwrap and put on their clothing and set up the scene. Sometimes the character comes first sometimes its the doll and then everything is created from the persona I envision. The hair color and everything comes from the persona. Then the stories fall into place. I have a notebook of profiles, down to the friends they befriend…
Alex The FairyFindr: What are some of your favorite OOAK doll creation techniques, products, or tips and tricks?
In the last answer I expressed my hair styling process with my dolls. I used to do it like everyone else and boil heads or pour boiling water to the styled hair but I find that my sun heating process is more permanent…mostly depending on how many days in the intense head of the car. I also make their jewelry because I'm a jewelry designer, too. Yes I sold my original jewelry. But I am learning that the scale is the difference in wire jewelry detail for dawls. Then, if I'm going for a certain look, their clothes gotta be right. I design those also, choosing the material, I go to Hobby Lobby and Joanns Fabrics for that. My mod dolls, for instance my male dolls, I enjoy playing with facial hair, usually from the heads of other dolls. I got a bag of heads…yes if dolls I took off bodies I didn't want. I use doll hair mostly. But sometimes, I go to the beauty supply and look for human hair in the clearance basket and use that. I use synthetics, but I have also used my own hair on my mini me doll wigs, for authenticity. I make wigs which I call wiggies, lovingly. Sometimes I just make the dawl clothes to match the feel of the doll. Like Suzi gotta wear unusual clothing that makes her a sexy bad@ss! Then the photography tools, lighting doll diorama, furniture, atmosphere, and the right camera phone. For my male dolls, I usually flock to the beards by either doing hair transplants from other dolls I have or I buy hair. For the bad a55 beard game I flock or cut portions off a textured hair type so that they look like it grew from their face. I use tacky glue so it stays long but I can give it different looks by peeling it off like a toupee!
Alex The FairyFindr: What advice do you have for new doll creators who feel overwhelmed by the process of making over a doll for themselves?
Your dolls represent you. It says a lot! It shows if you took proper care to take the photos in the right light and atmosphere. It also speaks to what is most important to you to showcase to your audience. Personally, I don't just post pics to post. I work on how I feel about a photo or vid before sharing it to everyone. Hair, lighting, props, atmosphere and clothing is the most important aspects of Instagram storytelling for me.
Alex The FairyFindr: Have you received any feedback from other black folks regarding your art? How do you think representation in your stories and characters impacts others?
I only know the impacts when folks leave comments. I really want the feedback, honest feedback beyond leaving a like. I always post with the intention of engaging. During Halloween I post my black dolls enjoying the season, I hope that people see it that way and not see it as “Oh no its scary to showcase that”…I can't change people's minds but I want them to see the art and hard work and creative thought put into Dawlies.
Alex The FairyFindr: How do you envision your art and the stories you create empowering black children and adults? What positive influence do you hope to have on their lives and sense of belonging?
I want black adults to be ok with creating things for black people but also to share to the world that we are more than what was portrayed in the world through the media for over a hundred years. Being a doll owner, I want to post what we take with us in the future which is of culture and beauty and it can be whatever we like it to be in the doll community. I enjoy doll play and I encourage it for black women and men. Let's all show more than what is expected of us. Let’s blur the lines, let’s make a world we want to see as a reality. Hopefully it will be encouraged for many more generations.
Alex The FairyFindr: Have you come across any challenges or obstacles while reclaiming folklore for black folks? (Ex: Black Ariel from The Little Mermaid) How do you navigate those challenges and maintain authenticity in your storytelling?
About the black Ariel…while I feel like it was a beautiful retelling of the original I would like us to create our own original stories with black people. I still enjoy the telling with the black characters. For instance the retelling of the “Interview of a Vampire” by Anne Rice which is one of my favorite authors. I watch and I appreciate the differences that they add pertaining to race and history.
Alex The FairyFindr: How do you think your art to contributes to preserving and revitalizing black folklore for future generations? What legacy do you hope to leave through your art work?
Acceptance is what I appreciate not only as a black doll collector but as a human being, spiritual being that is trying to show that it is alright to use dolls to create a work from your very own perspective.
Alex The FairyFindr: What advice or message would you like to share with other black artists or folks who are passionate about reclaiming their cultural heritage and folklore through creative expression?
Let us keep on encouraging and praising each other’s art and encourage more personalized story telling. Let's talk about it, let’s show it!
Alex The FairyFindr: How do you approach the process of researching and incorporating authentic African and African-American folklore into your fairytale art? Are there specific resources or cultural references that inspire you?
Sometimes I do research Caribbean, African and African American folklore to portray in my doll posts. There are a lot more books and blogs and resources than they were in the past. I want everyone to be comfortable with folklore representation but I also understand the stigmas about it as well. I always want to approach with positivity, love and light.
Alex The FairyFindr: Can you share any stories where you witnessed the impact of representation in fairytales on young black children or adults? How did it make you feel?
This is why I wanted to introduce my youngest niece to play with black dolls, so that she can have an image to boost positive self image. Society still provides media that tells black folks that they have to take away to be inclusive. I wanted her to know that there is more. Love those images within and on the outside. Gaps in tooth and all! I have witnessed another niece loving to choose the darker skinned doll over any other because it looks like her.
Alex The FairyFindr: Have you encountered any misconceptions or resistance from others regarding the portrayal of black characters in fairytales? How do you address those challenges and foster understanding?
So far most of the people I come across either in the doll community or black people I know as friends, have been encouraging and supportive, but I was told by someone that dolls are scary and they wouldn't like for anyone to make a custom doll of them because of their ideas about voodoo and majic. I expressed that that's their ideals and other black folk see this as a way to have someone that looks like you as a symbol of hope and beauty.
Alex The FairyFindr: Do you believe that reclaiming folklore and creating new narratives for black characters can help bridge the cultural gap between different communities? If so, how?
I hope that my portrayal of black characters in skits and such raise awareness or make others comfortable with culture but understand that generalizations aren't the real deal. I love the doll community because most of my experiences with my dolls in all their variety has been taken positively. The real world I get looks or odd questions when I bring up my dolls. “Well my grandbaby plays with dolls often, or What kind of dolls,” with a horrifying look…im aware of their perceptions of what a doll is for but a few times I've changed a mind or two, where as they want to see my doll page and are in awe by my art.
Alex The FairyFindr: Have you collaborated with other artists or storytellers who share a similar mission of reclaiming folklore for black communities?
Yes, their are a few black people that has reached and I have reached out to collaborate on projects. Some are Christmas gift exchanges, family photos with one of my nieces, who is also an adult doll collector. We are collabing on the HEROcon event which is (TODAY) August 22-27, 2024.
(HEROcon 2022, Doll comic con)
Alex The FairyFindr: How do you balance the preservation of traditional fairytales with the need for cultural adaptation and inclusivity in your own storytelling? Do you incorporate elements from multiple cultures?
Yes! Dawlieland, I have made sure, will have dolls from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds. Some of the stories tell aspects of their lives and history. Also their cultural differences have a lot to do with their interaction and the personality quirks and ideals.
Alex The FairyFindr: In what ways do you see your fairytale art contributing to the larger movement of representation and diversity in the arts? How does it intersect with other forms of creative expression?
In posting my fantasy and fairy art with gnomes and others folklore creatures, I have encouraged others to be inspired to create things beyond the norms and post them and share those aspects of themselves. Sometimes when I scroll I'm absolutely in awe of the many creations that inspire me. I have inspirational posts saved so that they can open my mind to other ideas to create on my own page. Sometimes I would give a shout out to the one that inspired my art in the community.
Alex The FairyFindr: Have you encountered any challenges in terms of finding an audience or platform for your fairytale art? How have you navigated those challenges and found opportunities to share your work?
Many people understand my fairy play is art. So far I haven't had anyone come at me in a negative way, as to how I WISH to portray my Dawlieland characters and stories. I have mostly positive experiences. I did have a doll collector steal some money for items I provided payment for that she never mailed to me. That was a big revelation to me. It makes me a little leery. I won't do that again.
Alex The FairyFindr: Do you believe that retelling fairytales with black characters can help challenge societal stereotypes and biases? How can storytelling be a powerful tool for social change?
I think that it's important to understand that everyone has their own views on the black experience and only we can tell that story, but there are times that I have seen black stories told in a positive, qualitative light by non-black people. What I have seen in the doll community is mostly positive representation. We, as black people would like to see more variety of facial features such as the many varieties of our lips, nose and eyes. Hopefully, the black folks at Mattel will guide the industry to provide further accurate representation.
(Voodoo dolls made of clay)
Alex The FairyFindr: Have you observed any shifts in the industry or society's reception towards diverse and inclusive fairytales? How do you think this progress can be further encouraged and sustained?
I really really appreciate how Barbie has evolved with the Fashionista and Barbie Signature Looks lines and the variety of the complexion and sizes of the dolls. I enjoy the hair textures as well with braids, locs and afros! Even the dolls with different handicaps, disabilities and doll image positivity. I enjoy seeing customized dolls for those who dare to go on the custom doll creations and repaint, recreations. This is the art that I enjoy within the community. It is so beautiful seeing what people come up with and share. So inspirational!
Alex The FairyFindr: Are there any specific fairytale characters or stories from African or African-American folklore that you feel particularly connected to or find inspiring? Why?
Anancy is a trickster deity that hailed from Africa and it is freely shared through oral tradition throughout centuries. My mom and other community elders told us tales of Anancy. We were told of African folklore and mythical creatures such as Jumbies, Goat Foot Woman, blood sucking old ladies that trick men into thinking she is a beautiful woman, children who die a horrible death and are brought back as trickster spirits, their feet are backwards and many more tales were shared.
Alex The FairyFindr: How do you think your art can contribute to promoting cultural pride and a stronger sense of identity among black folks? Have you seen this impact in your own life or the lives of others?
I support my black doll community by engaging with the many extraordinary doll friends I have met in my almost 4 years with my doll page posts. Support by messaging, commenting on posts and expressing interest in more than just the physical layers of Barbie Collecting. There is a story with everyone that I encourage them to share, give an understanding as to how they see this doll community. I enjoy the stories and banding together to encourage positive imagery, adult doll stories and freedom of speech and posts and well as an supporting and encouraging community.
Alex The FairyFindr: Can you share any upcoming projects or future aspirations you have regarding your art and the representation of black characters in folklore?
I currently have a schedule for the rest of this year and I am working on next years doll projects. Upcoming event is the HEROcon (doll comic con) which is my original project/event. I did the first run in 2022, thus year we will have an original Hero costume competition with prizes. We will also have Panalists.
The next event will be Halloween #SpookyDawlSeason all are encouraged to join in as well.
25 Days of Christmas and 5 Christmas themes which the dolls will have 5 traditional/nontraditional decor.
Next year we have many other original events and projects planned! Stay tuned!
Let's thank our friend Juana for joining the FairyFindr Fam and sharing her art and stories with us! We loved learning about your heritage, fairytale dolls, and storytelling. Your work is truly captivating and inspires me all the time, I just know it will inspire everyone else here! Don't forget #BLACKFOLKLOREMATTERS
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Social Links
D.A.W.L.I.E.S. - @d.a.w.l.i.e.s on Instagram
Contact: Hetheru.djehuty@gmail.com
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Please leave a comment or message below and let us know how YOU got started in your magical or fairy related artwork or creative avenues! We can’t wait to hear your stories!! If you want to be a part of the blog and do your own magical interview of your dreams. Please feel free to find all our links on our LinkTree or connect on our FairyFindr Website, OR email me at FairyFindr@gmail.com
May the fae bless you,
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