Jo Ellen Thomas Coulson (a.k.a J etc........get it?)
I’ve been headed down this path since I was 6. My grandparents lived close to the Toledo Museum of Art. I spent many hours at the Museum absorbed in the vast collection of art and artifacts. I played “house” in the Swiss Room and “wedding” in the Cloisters. My favorite exhibit was the historical doll collection. I was fascinated by their delicate features and especially their costumes and I desperately wanted to touch them.
I’m a self-taught artist and have painted, drawn, sewn and created art with fabric since I was very young.
I am probably best known for my varied interpretations of Santa Claus—everything from St. Nicholas (the first Santa) to Olde World Father Christmas to the Jolly Old Elf of today. I love to incorporate personal items and messages into the piece and often work with my clients to create art with special meaning to them.
In addition to the Santas I also create character pieces— well-known characters like Charlie Chaplin, Laurel & Hardy, and Mr. Magorium; lesser known characters like the Sweetgrass Basket Makers of South Carolina; and those from my imagination, like Zingaro (the Italian gypsy) and Betty—the old ‘50s teeny bopper.
I am on the board of the Professional Doll Makers Art Guild and my work has been seen in numerous doll collector publications.
If you have questions or wish to purchase a piece, please contact me at jocoulson@comporium.net or call me at 803-517-2011.
