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 :)

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!

A new paper mache project...

I have two passions that just straight up make me happy...photography & papier mache...thanks to a new camera remote that Santa brought me...now I can do both.

Below you'll find some shots of a work in progress.  Documentation of my work is also something I'm compulsive about...but I do leave certain things out: such as certain techniques that have taken me years to learn...as an artist, discovery is a huge part of the art...I wouldn't want to rob anyone of that fun....ENJOY!

This is one of those for fun type things, a friend challenged me...I've accepted the challenge!