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My first experience with papier mache was when I was nearly entombed in a Minnie Mouse head made by my mother. Thankfully, I developed no phobias from the experience, and promptly got involved in my own way. Through the early years, the recipe of flour, water and newspaper strips never varied - nor did the results - soggy, bulbous masses drying on heat registers or sunny windowsills. But, somehow, I usually managed to create something recognizable.
The love of the whole process - especially the messiness of it all - flourished. Flour and water has long since been replaced with industrial glue, and "just about anything" is used for the armatures that support the final form. Outer coatings are applied and manipulated to achieve the desired texture and detail, and fabric is often incorporated - resulting in papier mache / mixed media creations. Completed pieces include dogs and cats, roosters and chickens, rabbits and bears, chefs, butlers and dancing divas - and a life size sea captain who welcomes visitors to a waterfront cottage on Vancouver Island's west coast. |
