Laura Tuzio Ross

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I have been blessed with a talent and I love that I can share it with all of the world... Born in 1970, raised in New Jersey, I began my life as an artist at age 3. People and especially babies, have always been my passion and my subject matter for all of my art.

I am a graduate of Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia, where I majored in fashion illustration. After graduating valedictorian, I went on to become an illustrator for Campbell's Soup Company where I was an in-house freelance illustrator. I worked there for 12 years, and many of the illustrations of Campbell Soup Kids and Spaghetti-O's that I drew, are still being used today. In January of 2004 I discovered sculpting!! I had left Campbell Soup Company to be at home with my toddler, Isabella, and was looking to take my art in a new direction when I came across the OOAK baby doll category on eBay. I went to the store, bought some clay, and made my first miniature baby. I placed it on eBay and had many inquiries. So every day, for 11 days, I sculpted a mini baby. The 11th sculpt sold for $650 and my new career of creating life-like babies was on its way!!

 

Each realistic baby is sculpted from Prosculpt polymer clay. I begin the head with a tin foil ball and cover it with clay. Then personality emerges from these layers of clay until it becomes a new baby to love! Every sculpture is then reproduced in a variety of mediums: Vinyl, silicone vinyl, resin, and silicone. It has been almost 10 years of doll making and this career path has proved to be extremely rewarding and fulfilling.

In December 2011, I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer and my life branched off into a new unexpected direction. After 5 surgeries, chemotherapy and reconstruction, I struggled through 2012. I am now a survivor and strive to help newly diagnosed women by supporting them through their diagnosis and treatment and recovery. Please see my Breast Cancer Survivor page for more information.

I currently live in Pennsylvania with my husband and - my inspiration for all of my work - my three beautiful daughters: Gianna, Isabella, and Aliya.

Most popular dolls:  Vito, Kodi Bear, & Kylin