About the Artist
Carly is an artist based in California.
Making papier-mâché art has become her passion.
A lifelong crafter, seamstress, painter and ceramicist, she has turned her focus to creating functional objects made of papier-mâché.
Using very simple materials, she is creating art for the home with a wholly new and whimsical point of view.
What inspires me?
Nature - With all its shapes, colors and patterns.
Magazines - Contemporary and vintage - I have hundreds!
Classic movies (before 1980) - especially any movie that takes me to a far off place (in the world - I'm not a science fiction fanatic).
Folk art - especially in reference to my own heritage: Scandinavian, Filipino, Mexican.
Handmade artifacts - as a lifelong sewer I appreciate the steps in the process of making and the pride of creating something from almost nothing.
Clay Art/ Ceramics - I use to build large ceramic sculptures. And much like the clay, the papier-mâché feels heavenly slipping through my hands
What Is My Process?
My process is highly iterative; meditative.
Each piece I produce is unique and inspired in the moment. Sure, I sketch ideas, but the plan unfolds on the sculpture. I have a rough idea but know that the piece will likely undergo many iterations before completion.
Practically, I have developed a few steps that help me produce items concurrently. Each piece may take anywhere from 20-60 hours to complete as drying layers of wet paper can be the most time consuming. I develop a shape, add pieces of cardboard here and there and then continue until I feel the weight and shape are to my liking.
The vessels can take several weeks to dry before I sand rough edges and add a gesso base coat. Then I begin painting. As I said, I may rework the piece several times until it feels balanced and finished.
Once it feels right I seal the object with acrylic gloss or the ever reliable ModPodge.
What is my Purpose?
"My purpose is to make beautiful things and share the beautiful things I make."
inspired by josef albers
inspired by josef albers
inspired by josef albers
inspired by pattern
inspired by josef albers
inspired by josef albers
in the studio
joyful color palette
joyful color palette