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 :)

Rock Climber photo documentation, Susan Komer

The Rock Climber's Adventure

While hiking in Hocking Hills State park yesterday I had stopped to let the kids swim in the falls.  While they were enjoying the water, this nice guy started climbing the rock.  I decided to document the journey.  I did warn him ahead of time that if he fell, as a photographer my first instinct would be to take pictures first, call for help after.  One of the things about being a photographer that I've noticed...somehow, when one is behind the lens, there is a certain amount of disconnect.  It's not malicious, just a zone one goes into.  Considering there was no cell service, I'm really glad this ended well! https://www.flickr.com/photos/123441024@N03/

I love you Danny!

Life is changing:

So my life is insane right now.  My youngest, the twins, have started high school...holy cow! My second born is moving down near me after being away for over 3 years....and my oldest is about to relocate for work to California...the exact opposite side of the country!  

I'm engrossed in my junior year of college...learning color film & studio lighting...along with a bunch of other must do type classes, such as art history & color studies.

It's crazy...and I never know what is going to change from one day to the next.  For example...my older brother was diagnosed with bladder cancer a month ago...it was give & take there for a few weeks as he underwent 2 surgeries within a two week period of time....but he's up for chemo now...he'll start that in a few weeks, he lives 3 hours away from me, so seeing him is hard since I'm back to school....but he's worth it...I'll find a way...somehow...

So to keep myself sane I'm engrossing myself in film...not so much digital...though I do play with it all the time...its the darkroom time that allows me to disappear...and that's what I'm doing.  

But for today...I want to post some pics of my brother...my love for him goes beyond reality...cancer just SUCKS!  We've seen so much of it in our family...but I don't think it ever occurred to me that it could hit one of my siblings...my heart is in torment...the selfishness of my own...as I can't bare to live in a world where I can't call him and know that he's going to be just who I need him to be....and my thoughts of his son, wife & grandbaby who are his world....and I consume myself in pain over how Danny, himself, must feel.

Please forgive the rant...and soak in my big brother...an amazing man, Father, husband, son; and the most EXCELLENT big brother a girl could ever ask for...I love you Danny!

MIA

Whoa! Where I have I been!?!

So its not that I've truly disappeared...just been really busy getting things done.  Over the past few months I've been busy, busy, busy doing art & acclimating myself to life in the city.  

But for the few of you who do follow my work, here's a few shots of what I've been up to!

So yes, I'm still working & going to school...life is busy, but I wouldn't trade it for anything!

I also have joined tumblr and can be found there under http://susankomer.tumblr.com/ where you can find me almost daily!