I was born in November 1959 in Santurce, Puerto Rico. I have been creating figurative sculptures since the age of nine. At the age of 14 I studied fine-art painting with the renowned Puerto Rico artist Bartolome Mayor, and also pursued animation drawing. I created my first porcelain limited edition in 1975.

In 1979 I moved to Orlando, Florida, to join Walt Disney World and in 1980 became an ice skater there. I worked at Disney in different positions for 25 years while studying electronics, with the idea of incorporating electronic components and mechanical movements into my artwork. In 2008, after I retired, my husband David Newhouse and I opened our automata and figurative sculpting business—Joe McPhale Fine Arts Studios.

I have been creating dolls for more than 40 years. My inspiration comes from fantasy, Holly wood and everyday life. I have been featured on the covers of seven magazines, have written sculpting articles and actively teach and provide services in silicone moldmaking and resin cast.

I’ve been awarded the 2011 and 2012 Doll of the Year, the Artist Choice Award from the Professional Doll Makers Art Guild and, in 2016, the prestigious Diamond award of excellence for my automaton rendition of Marilyn Monroe. In 2016 I have finally realized my dream to become a member of NIADA. My goal together with NIADA is to educate the world about art dolls and to pass the torch of knowledge to anyone interested in creating this wonderful art form!