Reclaimed latex and enamel paint blend, balloon remnants, mod podge, poplar
45” x 40”x 6”
This piece reimagines the process of paper mâché by replacing paper with thin sheets of reclaimed house paint. The sheets are applied over balloons and plastic using mod podge. Once a skin is made, the balloons are deflated and removed, then the final skin is stretched and stapled onto a poplar stretcher.
With this piece specifically, I ran out of paint. I blended reclaimed house paints to a total of one gallon, but ran out towards the bottom. The balloons release better when there is two layers of paint “paper mâchê.” Since the balloons near the bottom only received one layer, I was unable to successfully remove them which caused them to create shriveled protrusions.
Untitled 2023 formally showcases fragility by displaying both thick and thin skin, and how that affects the overall body of the form with time.
Reclaimed latex paint and faux metal paint, mod podge, poplar
39 x 27” x 6”
This piece reimagines the process of paper mâché by replacing paper with thin sheets of reclaimed house paint. The sheets are applied over balloons and plastic using mod podge. Once a skin is made, the balloons are deflated and removed, then the final skin is stretched and stapled onto a poplar stretcher.
Being the second iteration of a large scale paint “paper mâché” I was continuing to test different methods for creating the skin. This time, I covered the balloons prior to attaching them to the plastic. The back of the piece didn’t have the clear skin holes I was hoping for.
Reclaimed house paint, poplar
49” x 35.25” x 4.5”
This piece was created using reclaimed house paint that was poured, spread, dried, stretched, and stapled to a poplar stretcher. Then it was activated further using a heat gun and applied pressure to exaggerate the appearance of gravity affecting the material.
Reclaimed enamel house paint, poplar stretcher
39.75” x 37.5” x 3.5”
This piece was created using reclaimed house paint that was poured, spread, dried, stretched, and stapled to a poplar stretcher. Then it was activated further using a heat gun and applied pressure to exaggerate the appearance of gravity affecting the material.
While hanging on the wall, the heat was applied to the front facing side of the piece and stretched down towards the floor.
Reclaimed enamel paint, poplar stretcher
40” x 35” x 3.75”
This piece was created using reclaimed house paint that was poured, spread, dried, stretched, and stapled to a poplar stretcher. Then it was activated further using a heat gun and applied pressure to exaggerate the appearance of gravity affecting the material.
For the second heat test exploration, the piece was placed horizontally on stools to face down. Heat and pressure were applied to the backside to stretch the piece towards the floor.
After the heat was applied, it was hung back on the wall. With time, the piece reacts to gravity and sags until it’s settled.