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 :)

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

Part 3: Plaster Pea Pod Sculpture

This sculpture is turning out to be a heck of a lot of work, a huge learning experience (in that I'm working with a new medium) AND quite time consuming.  After another 3 hours of work today, I think I may finally be ready to change the pieces direction to try applying plaster to another area of the work.  After today's application of plaster I believe I have the one side thick enough to bare weight without worrying that it will crack.  Most of the progress made today was on the inside, ends and the peas themself.  

When I worked on this piece a few days I ago I discovered that as the studio warmed up...solely from the sun shining in the windows, the plaster began to set too quickly, leaving me either in a hurry...or wasting medium (which I only prepared up to about a gallon at a time).  Today the studio was FRIGID...not by choice mind you, but the plaster seemed to set less quickly; allowing me a bit more time to make choices about where and how it would be applied.  

Not quite as many images this time as most of the work was layering: but documentation has become a huge part of the process while I work.

Part 2: ceramic sculpture ready to slip

Part 2: the piece is ready to slip

This piece is about self...in a way...a self-portrait.  For me, it is symbolic of a long struggle to reach my goal...the brass ring so to speak.  Though I've overcome many things (climbed the proverbial mountain) and reached that ring; I have yet to completely acquire it...but I'm still working on it!  My ultimate goal, being in possession of that ring, is to be able to support myself through my artwork.  

Taking photos of the process is a neat way for me to mark progress, document the process and to learn from the work I'm doing.  Below are photos of the process up to the point it is now ready to slip.  That part of things will have to happen at school, in the studio, to which I will hopefully be able to snap some shots for a Part 3 for this particular blog. I am also working a plaster sculpture and hope to have a process blog for that posted soon as well.

Thanks for taking an interest!

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:)