Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Artist - Maker - Crafter
Based in California, Carly crafts unique pieces of art made of paper-mâché.
Paper-mâché is one part nostalgic, one part utilitarian and simple. I was inspired during the Halloween season of 2020 to make calaveras-like masks and hang them outside my front door.
Like many of us during the early phase of the pandemic, I was retreating to a simpler practice and transporting myself to a less complicated time - 4th grade art!
Papier-mache being a relatively simple process using recycled and non-toxic paints, I am free to experiment with and have a low impact to my environment.
I love what I'm making and feel lucky to be able to share it with others!
ABOUT THE ART
On a Mission to Make Beautiful Things
My purpose is to make things and share the things that I make. It brings me joy and helps me find connection.
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, whimsical and inspired in the moment and a plan is rarely part of my game plan. I have a rough idea but know that it may undergo many paths before completion.
Practically, I have developed a few steps that help me make many 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 dry for several weeks before sanding rough edges, prepping with a gesso base coat.
Then I begin painting.
Sometimes I'm inspired a color I saw someplace then I start making marks and build layers, sometimes I layer over and over again.
I may rework a piece several times.
Once it feels right I seal the object with acrylic gloss or the ever reliable ModPodge.