Using watercolor pencils to create primary-colored focal scenes that contrast against a softly blended monochromatic background.
Paper mâché is a centuries-old art form with roots in ancient China and later widespread use in Europe, where layered paper and adhesive were shaped into masks, decorative objects, and sculptural forms. Traditionally made from recycled paper and simple binders, paper mâché has long been valued for its accessibility, lightweight structure, and ability to be molded into expressive forms without specialized tools. Over time, it became a practical medium for artists interested in experimentation, storytelling, and reuse, allowing ordinary materials to be transformed into dimensional artwork.
Historically, paper mâché and clay have also played an important role in early animation and visual sequencing. Before digital tools, artists created characters by hand, repositioning them incrementally and photographing each movement to simulate motion. This stop-motion approach relied on physical materials that could be adjusted repeatedly, capturing narrative progression through still images. Paper mâché, like clay, offered flexibility and durability, making it ideal for creating characters that could evolve scene by scene.
The Process
Paper Mâché Man with Boy and Bird sculpture was created using newspaper and paper towel tubes as the primary materials. Tape was used first to establish the internal structure and posture of each figure, helping to stabilize the characters. A paper mâché mixture was then made by mixing flour and water together, and strips of torn newspaper were submerged into the mixture before being applied in overlapping layers over the tubes. Once the forms were fully covered, the paper mâché was left to dry and harden, after which the figures were refined and painted. Decorative rocks from the dollar store were painted in silver and gold to serve as the base elements, while a found wooden block—cleaned and scrubbed thoroughly—became the stage. Each character remained separate so they could be repositioned freely. After completion, the sculpture was photographed in 37 individual shots, documenting the shifting interactions between the figures and transforming the physical sculpture into the sequential digital collection, Raw Image Scenes of the Collection, Digital Collection of Scenes 1-37. These were then made available for instant download individually and as a digital collection.
Inspiration & Meaning
The Paper Mâché Man with Boy and Bird sculpture was inspired by artwork featuring a tall, narrow figure holding an umbrella that appeared simple enough to reinterpret in a similar format. As the forms developed, the paper mâché naturally took on its own character, expanding into multiple figures and an unfolding story. The man chasing the boy, and the boy chasing the bird, reflects discipline and uncontrolled chaos or panic pursuing a free-spirited sense of movement rather than structure or order. Spontaneity, youth, and curiosity are set against pressure, maturity, and expectation. The bird represents peace between the man and boy as the chase occurs. Positioned on the wooden block stage and surrounded by painted gold rocks, the figures were moved repeatedly, allowing the narrative to evolve with each adjustment. As the scenes were photographed, the story extended beyond the sculpture itself, resulting in 37 raw digital images that can be edited, reimagined, animated, or placed into new visual environments.
