Debra of American jeZebel

By Lisa A. Lawrence & Sara Miller

A striking woman who looks eerily like the dolls she repaints, self-taught artist Debra Beckley has a natural instinct for the creative. It has also influenced the way she looks at life.  A native New Yorker, Debra defies the stereotype of the brash, curt Easterner. Instead, she is friendly, mellow and easy-going.  Born in Flushing, Queens, Debra grew up in a neighborhood rich in diversity and culture. 

This early exposure to so many different types of people and ideas has allowed her to view the world from a broader perspective, a talent which expresses itself through her unabashed painting style.   Her beautiful dolls well reflect the name of her repainting persona: “American jeZebel.”  They are sexy and individual, a bit wild, yet sweet and good natured.  Much like Debra herself.

A former nail artisan and beauty consultant, Debra began collecting dolls nearly 8 years ago, beginning with Annette Himstedt's Enzo®.  She continued to only buy artist dolls for three more years before discovering eBay®.  Suddenly, an entire nostalgic journey into her past opened before her!  She began collecting all of her childhood favorites: Ideal's Play 'N Jane®, Crissy®, the Topper Dawn® dolls, and (although she never had her own) Patti Playpal®. 

By sheer chance, while browsing eBay for more childhood treasures, Debra discovered the work of repaint artist Deb Sprouse of “Panache”.  Enchanted, she sought out other repainters on the web and was rewarded by a dearth of beautiful doll repaints. Intrigued that a mass marketed fashion doll could be taken to the level of fine art, she decided to try her own hand at repainting. Being highly artistic herself, it wasn't long before Debra's lovely work began to attract attention.

Unsure of what to expect, she offered her first Gene® repaint, “Eleni,” to fashion doll collectors in January 2002.  The doll was immediately snapped up!  Delighted that collectors were taking pleasure in her work, yet not entirely confident in her abilities as an artist, Debra continued to practice and grow as a repainter. 

When, 6 months later, the same collector who had purchased her first Gene repaint also purchased her latest doll, a Madame Alexander 'Alex'®, she offered to repaint 'Eleni' for free, fearing that the doll was not up to par with her improved skills.  The offer was declined; the collector still loved her first repaint!  This just goes to show how much Debra values and appreciates her customers.  She truly wants them to be happy!

It takes Debra nearly two days for her to complete a doll.  Although she does 'sketch in' a face before applying paint, the process is very spontaneous. The final result is always a fun surprise.  She mentions her favorite part is painting the doll's gorgeous, liquidy eyes. Her least favorite?  Photographing the dolls!  Many repainters agree whole heartedly with her there.  It can be very tricky and difficult to take pictures of such a small face!

 

Currently, Debra prefers to work solo but does enjoy dressing her creations in outfits made by other fashion doll artists.  Her current collection includes work by Jody of Ragdazzle and 'goth' inspired gowns made by Becky Martinez of Spooky Chicks.  These form fitting, black lace confections look great on her dolls and complement her intense style.

 Having now repainted several Gene and Alex dolls, Debra also soon plans to tackle dolls from Robert Tonner’s Tyler Wentworth® line.  This will, no doubt, thrill repaint collectors!  So far, her favorite doll to personalize still remains Gene, a sentiment shared by many other repainters because of the doll's  versatile sculpt and high quality vinyl and hair.

 

Debra doesn't do any advertising, but her feedback on eBay speaks for the quality of her work.  She remains on friendly terms with many of her collectors and is always interested in any opinions they may have.  She also encourages them to proffer ideas for future
creations they would like to see from her. 
 

When asked what her biggest stumbling block to selling her work is, she humbly replies that her dolls may simply get lost in a field chock full of talented artists.  Not so!  Her dolls are so full of beauty and personality that collectors will only continue to discover them as time wears on.  We will be seeing 'American jeZebel' around for a long time!
 

Debra does accept commissions for her repainted dolls as well as offering them on eBay.  She can be reached via email at American_jeZebel@worldnet.att.net and her work can be viewed on her website at http://americanjezebeloriginals.com

Besides repainting, Debra has a busy life and, at this point in time, has no intention to become a full time artist.  Repainting for her is a joy and an expression of her creative nature. She would prefer to keep repainting as her hobby, instead of as a more intensive career.  This allows her to enjoy herself, yet also have time for her family and friends.

Except for a few years in New Orleans (which to this day is her favorite place in the world) Debra has remained in New York and currently resides in Long Island with her husband, teenage son, two Yorkshire terriers and a grumpy Cockatiel.

  
Debra is very grateful for the opportunities being a repainter has opened up to her.  Not only has she grown creatively, she has also learned more about herself as a person and feels much more confident in her daily life. 

She is also thankful for all the kind artists who have so willingly shared their tips with her, including Deb Sprouse and Juan Albuerne.  She remains honored and sincerely touched that collectors have embraced her work.  Their enthusiasm keeps her inspired!