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!

Day 63: 365 self portraits by Susan Komer "...a tunnel book"

Day 63: 365 self portraits by Susan Komer "...a tunnel book"

March 4, 2013

I had to do a couple of tunnel books for class...this one is the one I like best...always cool to do something new!

Day 62: 365 self portraits by Susan Komer "...disconnected"

Day 62: 365 self portraits by Susan Komer "...disconnected"

March 3, 2013

Today has just been one of those days where I feel completely disconnected from myself.  My mind is spinning over several things I need to do, my body just wants to lay around and do nothing.  I did attempt to work on my tunnel books today and ended up with a migraine out of frustration when my measurements weren't lining up...grrrrrrr....the books are challenging but not that challenging...a definite disconnect...best to just hold off and do it fresh tomorrow!

Day 61: 365 self portraits by Susan Komer "...a day late"

Day 61: 365 self portraits by Susan Komer "...a day late"

March 2, 2013

So...had some friends over yesterday...went out to dinner and had a bit too much fun...This shot is from March 2nd, just something random taken during the visit...but I missed out on posting yesterday thanks to my 'over-indulgence' last night so I feel like even though this may be a day late...the photo is still accurate to the correct day...Darn it!  I made it 60 straight days without missing one...GRRRRR....

Day 60: 365 self portraits by Susan Komer "ambiguous"

Day 60: 365 self portraits by Susan Komer "ambiguous"

March 1, 2013

Feeling exactly that...ambiguous...about so many things.  Life is such a mix of good & bad...happy & sad...that's just how it is.

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!

Day 56: 365 self portraits by Susan Komer "...seriously"

Day 56: 365 self portraits by Susan Komer "...seriously"

February 25, 2013

So this morning when I wake up...I can't open my eye...yes...the dreaded stye!  I had an exam this morning, a crit in the midmorning on some of my b&w photo work and I still have my night class to attend while my eye continues to swell, blur and seep..."...seriously" ...as if I need to deal with this little gem!  My work is my art...I need my eyes to do what I do...I'd have rather I had smashed my thumb with a hammer again than have only one good eye!

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 50: 365 portraits by Susan Komer "SUCCESS"

Day 50: 365 portraits by Susan Komer "SUCCESS"

February 19, 2013

Celebrating a little success today!  I had my first completely essay exam a week or two ago in my 500 level art history course which is on the development of sound in narrative film...my first 500 level art history course...which if you're in college/have been to college, than you know these classes are a bit tougher than usual.  I was seriously nervous about this exam, just not knowing what to expect from the teacher or how he graded his written exams...3 questions, 20 minute limits for each and my entire grade rests on 3 of this type of exam...meaning no papers or homework...just exam scores...which in itself can be quite intimidating.  Typically the Professors are known to hand papers back from the highest to lowest scores achieved.  As exams were being handed back...I watched the pile dwindle to a mere 5 test packets...Oh God...I thought I had failed!  When he got to those last five, he announced that though there were other good grades in the class...those last 5 were the only A's!  Yes...one of them was mine!  So I'm celebrating my success tonight....I always work hard at everything I do...feeling like somehow I have more to prove than the others considering I'm old enough to be any one of their Mother's!  Today felt GREAT!  Out of a class of over 60 students, I received one of the top grades in that class...and was asked to read one of my answers aloud so that others could hear what a 'good' essay should sound like!  Holy crap!  Yes...today...no matter what else has or will happen...has been a really good day!

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 42: 365 portraits by Susan Komer "Sunset"

Day 42: 365 portraits by Susan Komer "Sunset"

February 11, 2013

Today as I watched the sunset, my mind drifted at ease with itself. I carry so much stress and self-doubt at times that it nearly eats me alive.  And then something happens, like a sunset that catches my eye, where I can see myself in some new light...making progress that I refuse to recognize until it shines so bright I can't deny it.  I had a moment today, one that all artists long for; a bit of recognition for the work I do...when the sun warmed my face and blinded my sight through the kitchen window, I saw myself for a moment with different eyes and felt content with knowing that all is not for not...I have a goal, a purpose...and if I slow down just long enough I can see that I am making that all happen...and that no matter how quickly I move...it will come to me when I reach it...and that takes time, no matter how much I want it now...there is a process...a time of learning...I might need to slow down a bit and not miss the beauty of the ride.

  

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 33: 365 self-portraits Susan Komer "slip & fall"

Day 33: 365 self-portraits Susan Komer "slip & fall"

February 2, 2013

Oh God!  Major slip & fall...stepped up on my side step to my truck and slipped...fell on my lumbar straight onto the curb and twisted my arm...back & arm hurt like hell right now...I HATE WINTER!

Day 31: 365 self-portraits by Susan Komer "My little buddy"

Day 31: 365 self-portraits by Susan Komer "My little buddy"

January 31, 2013

"My little buddy"...Dozer is our little rescue pup.  We aren't sure how old he is...his teeth have been so damaged along with everything else, that the vets can't really tell us his age...we're guessing he's about 5 but the gray in his face makes me think he's a bit older.  This little guy was left for dead...tied to a tree and abused to the point his little feet pads looked melted off.  Once rescued, a puppy mill got their hands on him making his situation even worse!  He could not breed because of prior abuse but they sure did try...the little guy was just in awful shape when I responded to the ad to 'adopt a rescue' when in truth...they just wanted their money back!  My husband sat in shock as I wrote the check to buy this miserable looking little guy...he couldn't believe I'd pay money for an animal that looked half gone already.  But in my mind...I just couldn't leave him there...NO WAY!  I wrote the check without thinking twice and got him to the vet ASAP...we've had him now for just over 2 years and he's the best little buddy ever! I love puppies as much as the next guy/gal...but there are pups out there like Dozer, who didn't even have a name when we found him...but he has been so loving, so attached & committed to every member of my family and friendly to every person he meets...he didn't deserve that awful start to life...and we've done our best to help him forget...or at least to know that life can be good and he does deserve all the kisses and cuddles in the world!

 

Day 30: 365 self-portraits by Susan Komer "book-making"

Day 30: 365 self-portraits by Susan Komer "book-making"

January 30, 2013

Many of you know I'm a student at Ohio State University, and this semester is flat out loaded!  Book-making is a required course in which we are learning to make art books.  Today I was working on a hardcover pamphlet...which these seem simple enough to do, until you sit down and seek perfection in your edging and board covers.  That's when you realize how exact everything must be to truly achieve a quality piece...today was my first try at board covering, though it was not a complete success; I did find what I need to do differently...so I've learned from my mistakes.  I need to have four different types done, two of which I have successfully completed; but I will be giving this another try!

Day 29: 365 self-portraits by Susan Komer "family dinner, Komer style"

Day 29: 365 self-portraits by Susan Komer "family dinner, Komer style"

January 29, 2013

Today's post is a double feature...that's right folks...two portraits...more family style (though my two oldest boys aren't present)  I have had a pretty stressful couple of weeks, what has gotten me through?  ....my family!  Some people think we can be a bit odd...I think we're great!  Having a group that just makes me laugh and rolls with every moment right along with me is the most awesome thing I have going for me.  Laughs in life...or laughing at life can be hard to do sometimes...that's when you need most to make those moments happen.  We're a pretty fun bunch of people, especially when we're all together...oh goodness...if my older two had been around this could have been rolling on the floor laughter...but they do grow up...sad as that may be...but we're still yucking it up with them close at heart!  Some things will never change...I can just see me & Shawn years from now still doing asparagus fangs over dinner...at least I sure hope so!