Dream Realm dolls first appeared on an International website last autumn.  The dolls have distinctive sculpts created by Chinese doll artist Li Wei. The company carries a line of 70 cm tall male dolls.  Three new sculpts, Antonio, Mr’k, and Sui Tan, were added recently. Dream Realm has also released a new version of the 70 cm body  and re-designed the heads with a changeable ear system.  Each doll now comes with human ears plus three sets of fantasy ears; pointed, fin, and feathered. The company is now preparing to expand doll and clothing lines, and has many plans for the future.

(Special thanks to translators Yi Li and Lisa Lai.)

BJDcollectasy Interview with Doll Artist Li Wei:

Q: How did you first discover BJDs?  How did this lead to you making your own dolls?

A: I designed and made dolls with moveable joints as action figures.  Later, I found SD dolls from Japan and they’re more delicate, more interesting and I got the idea I wanted to make my own BJDs.  I didn’t think it was difficult because of my background in art.  I convinced my sister and she financially supported my business all the way through from the beginning.

Q: How long has Dream Realm been in business?

A: More than a year.

Q: Can you tell me something about your work process?  What material do you sculpt your original designs in?  Do you have a plan in mind when you start sculpting? Do you make each head and work on it perfecting it, or do you make lots of heads and select the ones you think are best?

A: I have a bad habit that I don’t communicate with other people before I create any dolls. First, I create the doll in my mind, then I sculpt it in modelling material.  Next, I get opinions on the sculpt from my outfit designer and faceup artist to perfect it.  That’s how we turn a new ball of modelling material into a doll with soul.  We sometimes decide to give up on a particular doll mold during production.

Q: Do you have a background in art or are you self taught?

A: I don’t have any formal background in art, however, my uncle on my father’s side is a well-known artist in my hometown and I studied from him.  His two sons are also artists because of him. My father wanted me to be as good as my two cousins so he sent me to study with my uncle.  The only thing I can do is paint and sculpt, nothing else!

Q: Are there many people working for Dream Realm?

A: Not many people working for me.  I’m the main sculptor and have an assistant to help me named Xiao Fan.  The outfit designer is Chunuo.  The faceup artist is Keni. I also have a production manager with five workers.  My sister, Rong Zi, is in charge of customer service, materials purchase, and finance/payroll, etc.

Q: Is 70 cm your favorite size to sculpt?  Will there be future releases in any other sizes larger or smaller?

A: I like all sizes of dolls. I’m their father. I made them. I can’t play any favorites. They’re all my favourites! Actually, I like the process of making each individual doll more.  We are going to produce smaller sized dolls in the future.  Many of my friends like taking their dolls to work instead of just putting them on the bed and only playing and cuddling with them after work.  Smaller sized dolls are easier to carry!

Q: Do you have plans for a female doll?

A: Yes! We will introduce female dolls next month.

Q: Will you be making any dolls in other resin colors? Do you plan to make limited editions?

A: We have four different skin tones for our dolls, currently. They are pink (normal skin), yellow, white (beauty white), and tan. That covers most people’s requests, I think.  I’m also thinking of limited edition dolls but I’m not quite ready right now.

Q: Is there anything you want to add?

A: I always want to create BJDs made by Chinese people.  There are great sculptors, outfit designers, faceup artists. We will continue to present Chinese dolls to the world with our hands.

Dream Realm – Company Website

Dream Realm Dolls will soon be available at Junkyspot.

Sui Tan

Antonio

Rad. Coreco

MR'K

Wu Hen

Xiao Chi

Black Crow

Ear system

Dream Realm 70 cm Version 2 Bodies