Papier-mache sculpture in progress: Susan Komer art

My last post showed the process of building the armature for this piece.  The photos that follow are first layer process photos.  During this phase, I'm working to get the first layers done to provide a more stable surface for shaping the form.  The plastic & tape armature I've used is something new I hadn't tried until now.  I think that its great to get the proportions right, but it does have a tendency to lose its form.  I'm doing a lot of shaping on the backside as when I did the front, the weight seemed to collapse the form.  A bummer for sure, but something I can work with.

We've had some rain and windy weather for the past two days, so I was forced to move inside which slows the dry time.  Drying layers before moving on is crucial or you'll have collapse in structure...while I know this full well...I still tend to push it a bit which only adds more work.  Patience...something my creative flow has a tough time dealing with!

Papier-mâché armature process photos by Susan Komer

For those of you who follow my work, you know I'm very interested in sculpting...particularly papier-mâché. Yesterday I finally started one that is to represent myself.  It will end up being a  part of a much larger project, but I've noticed an interest in these sculptures so I thought I'd share something new that I'm trying out as an armature.  I've never done this before and only recently discovered the wonders of it.  I'm going to include a few photos but the process is basically to wrap yourself in tape, cutting it off and reassembling it to create a shell that can be used as is or as an armature for other things.  Its been interesting to say the least.  I'll keep posting as it progresses so stay tuned :)

Acrylic on panel sculpted painting by Susan Komer

So I have two paintings to share, one is a 22"x22" acrylic on panel...it is based on the other sculpted piece which is mixed media 16.5"x17.5" also on panel.  I began the smaller piece first, experimenting a bit with my medium.  As any artist knows...sometimes an experiment works...sometimes it doesn't.  In this case, my sculpture cracked...I kind of thought it might, but I went with it anyway and yes...cracks!  But, rather than toss the cracked piece in the 'never to be seen' pile, I decided to keep working it.  The painting is just about complete, the 3D sculpted piece is still being worked...but I thought I'd share them both on the same post so that you can see the two together.

The idea behind it...facing ones fears.  While I've been pursuing my dreams of art school and an art career for the past 5 years, I had spent the previous 20 as a stay home mom & wife.  Going back out into the world to pursue my own dreams was a terrifying thing to do...especially attending OSU where my peers are all younger than my own children.  Now, I'm one semester from graduation and more happy than I could have ever imagined.  Fear, what a thing...you either have to face it head on or let it hold you back.  I chose to face it, a choice I will never regret!

If you like what I'm doing, please feel free to find me on Flickr and instagram as well...work in progress is often posted on instagram and my Flickr account features lots of my photographic work.  If you like to hear my thoughts...this is the place to be!  Don't forget to follow me so don't miss my updates and to hit the google + to share my work with others.

Thanks for stopping by!

A new mixed media abstract painting by Susan Komer

For this painting I was doing a lot of experimentation with different mediums to see what would happen.  I was playing with glazing, modeling paste, wax, wax paper, newspaper, plastic wrap, packaging bubbles...you name it, I think I tried it.  I'm a very process oriented painter...thinking more about the materials and how I apply them.  Part of the fun for me is in constructing something new.  I did this painting to test out some things and now I'm going to work a new one based on some of what I've learned while doing this one.  The next painting will deal mainly in glazing with paper...I've started it, but only have the base down.  I'll post a progress pic once it gets a little further, but until then, here's the one I finished...enjoy!

Mixed Media abstract painting in progress by Susan Komer

Mixed Media has always been my favorite form of abstract painting.  I've been working on this one for a bit as I've been using it to experiment with modeling paste, glazes and different found materials.  This one is almost done, though after working my way through it, I've found a few new processes I plan to use for the next one.  

Enjoy :)

New works by Susan Komer

New works...

It has been a very busy year as I'm finishing up my last year at OSU.  While trying to complete works for class, I've also been trying to build up work for my personal portfolio.  This past year I've done several new and exciting things including building my own pinhole cameras (the one pictured is a papier-mâché pig where the snout is used as the shutter, images shot onto 4x5 sheet film) and a slit cam (featured with a full length 120mm image) which were featured in a show at the beginning of this year called the Great Camera Build Off.  I've also been working on abstract paintings ( the acrylic paintings in red--relating to my own fathers battle with alcoholism) and some new sculptures which just aren't quite ready to share. The first six images were shot in Mount Sterling Ohio as well as at Deer Creek State Park in Ohio and the double image with me sitting between them began as a class project but have become a growing series of work.  Enjoy!

Thanks for stopping by!  I encourage you comment on my work and if you're interested in making a purchase, please contact me via my Facebook link through a private message or Google+.  https://www.facebook.com/1.Sue.z.que

365 portrait failed......

365 portrait failed......

So, I have failed at the 365 self portraits I started for the year.  Not by choice as much as by overload.  When I took on the 365 challenge I knew it was going to be tough, but my school work this semester just has to take priority over my fun.  While I did enjoy some of the task at hand, I found that I was being pushed to publish portraits that lacked all that I had in mind for the project.  I hope to continue publishing my photography and other art forms, but the series is on hold for awhile.  I have a few weeks of the semester left, very important weeks, and then I hope to have more time to spend shooting.  I've met an area photographer who has a studio close to my home, with a little luck, I'll find myself an avenue to distribute my work.  

As a new and up & coming artist, its time to start selling my work and I honestly have no idea where to start.  If anyone out there has advice for me...please feel free to comment or contact me as I could use all the advice I can get!  Outside of photography, I really enjoy sculpting and painting...though painting is something I'm still trying to grasp!  

I plan to post photo's of a few pieces I'm currently working, so please, keep watching for updates!

Day 59: 365 self portraits by Susan Komer "SCORE!"

Day 59: 365 self portraits by Susan Komer "SCORE!"

February 28, 2013

This may not make sense to most of you...but for me...a crazy hat or get up is a major score!  I was searching around in the basement today and found this little gem...OMG!  I am so wearing this to class tomorrow!

Day 57: 365 self portraits by Susan Komer "...time to medicate"

Day 57: 365 self portraits by Susan Komer "...time to medicate"

February 26, 2013

So...the stye is already out of control...totally swelled my eye shut today.  Yesterday my sociology teacher was afraid of me...acted like I was contagious...so today was a sick day...which really bothers me!  I've resorted to meds in the eye in a hope that this will be better by morning...the kids on the campus bus are already looking at me like I'm abused...for pete's sake...its just a bad stye!

Starting up another blog...

Starting up another blog...

Because of the 365 series I've been working I have decided to start up another blog for other types of work...if you enjoy what I'm doing here...perhaps you can look me up http://susankomer.tumblr.com/ This one started out for a class I'm taking...it will provide more variations of my current & past work...hope to see you all there!

Day 49: 365 self portraits by Susan Komer "OUCH!"

Day 49: 365 self portraits by Susan Komer "OUCH!"

February 18, 2013

Today has been a busy day as usual...early morning debate, exam in my Photo 2 class, 2 readings & 2 papers to write, but this little gem happened while stretching my canvas for tomorrow.  We had to do two, by the second one my hands were cramping but I still didn't use my tool...no I risk it and win the prize...OUCH!

Day 47: 365 self portraits by Susan Komer " a big F you"

Day 47: 365 self portraits by Susan Komer " a big F you"

February 16, 2013

This is a big "F you" day!  F you to the person who has stolen my identity and my images and placed them on a lesbian russian dating site...for your information...I've been married for over 20 years and have worked very hard to establish myself as an artist...so F you for stealing what is rightfully mine, including my privacy and exploiting me as if my children, my husband and my own person have no value!  I've also wasted an entire day on the demands of a teacher, along with a lot of money, trying to satisfy a demand that completely makes the point of an assignment being time and money efficient only to go back to my own original plan....which she didn't think was 'good enough' but completely falls within the boundries of the assignment...NEVER AGAIN...and F you for stealing the time I should have had with my family and to accomplish other things that needed done today...I'm sorry you have no life...but I do....and I resent the fact that my grade has to suffer for it!  Right now...its a big F you to the world...I've struggled for so long...just ONCE I would appreciate it if just one thing could go right for me without a struggle!

Day 36: 365 self-portraits by Susan Komer "flowers in her hair"

Day 36: 365 self-portraits by Susan Komer "flowers in her hair"

February 5, 2013

Most people get flowers for some special occassion or as a pick me up after a rough week...my hubby brings them home for disection!  That's right, the kids need to disect flowers for science today...so these beauties will be meeting their fate a bit early.  But I couldn't help notice the colors in my favorite hat happened to match the bouquet...perhaps that's why I love this hat so much!

Day 34: 365 self-portraits by Susan Komer "Doing what I love to do"

Day 34: 365 self-portraits by Susan Komer "Doing what I love to do"

February 3, 2013

While I love to work digital, I'm fascinated by shooting film and truly love spending time processing in the darkroom.  Yes, digital makes life a bit 'easier' I suppose.  But there is just something completely magical about creating images that work in the darkroom.  I have the advantage of having access to the university darkroom this semester and the opportunity to improve my skills in this area.  My first few rolls of film were practice in focusing as I tend to have a bit of camera shake fear, this time around I'm just going to town shooting everything and anything just to see what I can capture...I'll be processing two new rolls this afternoon, can't wait to see what's on them!

Day 25: 365 self-portraits by Susan Komer "why? why not!"

Day 25: 365 self-portraits by Susan Komer "why? why not!"

January 25, 2013

I did this one because so many people say things to me like, "I wish I could..."  My question...why not? We all have it in us to be whoever we want to be...for me...each day is a surprise.  Its not about if I can...its more about if I feel like it!  I am not so easy to read...not just one face, feeling or level of human being...I am anything & everything and being able to just dress, look or be however I feel on any given day is my freedom and yours.  So let it roll...feel it...be it...embrace it all...we only have one life and I'm planning on living mine as I am..no more restraints on who I am...hell...I'm not even sure who that is which is the complete beauty of it all!

Process photos of a new clay sculpture

I'm working on a new clay sculpture...thought I'd post some pics of it in the process stages.

The further I get...the more you'll get to see:)

Ceramics work in progress: Ingrid Hendrix replica by Susan Komer

This piece is now almost finished.  I've gone through the bisque fire, added glaze & under-glaze for affect and details...my change up will be using a metal axle with wooden wheels as I'd mentioned before.  I'm quite pleased with how this piece is turning out....and have become a HUGE fan of Ingrid's work.

Be sure to check out my past blogs to view a variety of work I've done.  All pieces, if available can be purchased, please contact via email for information regarding the purchase of any piece or photography print...Thank You!

My version of an Ingrid Hendrix ceramics sculpture

I know it has been awhile, but I've been half crazy with my transfer to main campus.  This is my latest sculpture...it is a replication with minor modifications for my ceramics class...the original artist is Ingrid Hendrix...as soon as I saw her work I made a connection....LOVE HER!

Below you'll find some process photo's...it isn't complete just yet...but I think it's ready to slip:)

The original piece is by Ingrid Hendrix...my assignment was to take a piece and replicate yet differ from the original...when I saw her work...WOW...I felt an immediate connection. I have since carved in the feathers...but tomorrow I will add the slip and then fire.  This is my FIRST ceramics piece...hope you all enjoy it:)