Fluffy Puppers

Expressive dogs made from salvaged papers

Dumpling by Nancy Winn

“Salvaged postage stamps, telephone books, comics, electrical wire, packing materials, bits of fiber, antiquated sheet music, maps, and newspapers become useful again in my papier-mâché art.” Nancy Winn

See

Valentino

Barksdale

Boom Boom

Lola

Vaughan

Say

• Read Winn’s Artist statement below. How is it different from other artist statements you have seen before?

I work in papier-mâché to:

• Keep my balance

• Amuse myself and others

• Create art that is easy to understand

• Explore shape and push boundaries

• Turn unwanted materials into desirable objects

• Both Winn’s sculptures and artist statement are simple in a way. Do you think papier-mâché can be considered a ‘serious’ art form? Discuss with someone.

• What would your own artist statement entail?

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Do

• Which of the sculptures above do you like the most?

• Learn about the history of Paper Mache.

• Get messy! Give it a try!

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About the Artist: Nancy Winn

I'm a papier mache artist living in my vineyard in Sebastopol, California. Lured by the challenge of constructing armature for figures, I studied papier mache techniques for three-dimensional creatures. "I can do this", I said aloud as the first striking shape emerged from the gooey process. Creating these critters is spontaneous, surprising, and extremely pleasurable. My subjects are typically whimsical animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits and fanciful creatures. Armatures are constructed with steel rod tied with wire. As many as five rods may be used for a single figure. Smaller figures use a combination of wire and newspaper for armature. The application of newspaper strips and torn recycled grocery bags adhered with non-toxic glues and pastes adds strength and durability to the pieces.

As an animal artist, I finish these creations with acrylic paints or use more torn paper or pulp paper to achieve textures that resemble fur, feathers, and fleece. Finally, they are embellished with bits of colorful fabric or beads. I know I have captured the expression of the spirit of these critters when I can hear one whisper, "Life is short, chase the cat".

Check out Winn’s webpage to learn more and see her full portfolio.

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