I've launched
I just finished my first, experimental outdoor project. I now have a dragon in the apple tree in my front yard. It will be interesting to see how long It lasts in this Seattle climate. Then again, I'm turning 60 years old soon. It just might out last me.
In any case, I was able to start my new project. For now, I'm calling it the "Paper Mache Dragon Project." Pretty clever. But here's a little hint about the project. It's going to involve two dragons, not one. And if you've been watching the new Discovery series, "Life," I can tell you that there is a certain line in the show that keeps recurring, and it applies to this project. It goes, "Never before has this been seen!" I'm pretty sure that this particular theme has not been explored in paper mache.
I fully admit that these first few entries, and the photos that accompany them, will not be hair raising. And while I'm not going to use this build to teach any techniques, I am going to add some of the dialog that goes through my head as an artist as I make an art project. So thanks for tagging along. If you want to skip the boring stuff, come back in a few weeks.
Day 1
Since I'm making two dragons I crumpled two bodies, two heads, two tails, two necks, four back legs, four arms, four more wing arms (I haven't decided whether to make these dragons with just a set of wings for the arms, or whether to have arms along with wing arms. Did that make sense?) I also crumpled a lot of smaller balls of various sizes to cut up for details. Total work time so far, 2 hours.
In any case, I was able to start my new project. For now, I'm calling it the "Paper Mache Dragon Project." Pretty clever. But here's a little hint about the project. It's going to involve two dragons, not one. And if you've been watching the new Discovery series, "Life," I can tell you that there is a certain line in the show that keeps recurring, and it applies to this project. It goes, "Never before has this been seen!" I'm pretty sure that this particular theme has not been explored in paper mache.
I fully admit that these first few entries, and the photos that accompany them, will not be hair raising. And while I'm not going to use this build to teach any techniques, I am going to add some of the dialog that goes through my head as an artist as I make an art project. So thanks for tagging along. If you want to skip the boring stuff, come back in a few weeks.
Day 1
Since I'm making two dragons I crumpled two bodies, two heads, two tails, two necks, four back legs, four arms, four more wing arms (I haven't decided whether to make these dragons with just a set of wings for the arms, or whether to have arms along with wing arms. Did that make sense?) I also crumpled a lot of smaller balls of various sizes to cut up for details. Total work time so far, 2 hours.
Posted by Dan the Monster-man at 4/10/2010 10:17 AM 
Categories: Paper Mache Dragon Pair
Tags: paper mache dragons monsters sculpture papier mache art technique art
Categories: Paper Mache Dragon Pair
Tags: paper mache dragons monsters sculpture papier mache art technique art
I was told using marine laquer would make any sculpture completely sealed and waterproof for full time outdoor life. I have never tried it but I imagine it really works since boats are covered with them. Your work is fantastic, thanks for sharing them with us here.
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Hi,
I appreciate your work and you have right about artist and what is our mind. I like to read you anyway
Lucie
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Hi Lucie!
It's always nice to hear from you. I hope you are working too. Yes, I choose this particular project because it might not work at all the way I want it to. Some projects are easy. I wanted to show one that is hard (well, it is going to be hard for me).
Talk to you later.
Dan
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Sounds good, looks great, can't wait lol.
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I just found your page yesterday and I've already bought everything I need to get started making my own paper mache art! The last time I paper mached was in high school in my sculpture class, it's going to be great revisiting this medium. I can't wait!
Also, since I'm so out going (ha ha), I've decided to make my first project ridiculously difficult. Instead of a one headed dragon, I'm going to model my first project off of a 5 headed dragon incense burner that I have. Wish me luck!
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Hello Lindsey,
Nice to meet you. There is nothing wrong with setting your sights on something big. I do it all the time. Go for it!
Good luck. And I love to post photos of work on my site. So when you finish, if you are interested, send me a photo.
Dan
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Oh gosh, thank you! I will definitely send you a photo of the finished piece.
I also have a question for you: The dragon(s) that I'm attempting to make all have long serpentine necks that bend and swirl in every which direction. Using your method, how would you suggest I go about making them? From your videos, I figured that maybe I could take a wire coat hanger and bend it so it's one long straight piece and then model the newspaper around it like a tail with out a tapered end. Do you think that would work?
Thanks for you reply, it's so nice to see artists that reply to their fans!
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Hi again,
Yes, I use clothes hangers inside necks like that. I just stretch out the hanger and use the double piece. But as long as you have the hanger in there somewhere I'm sure it will work.
Dan
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I just ordered a KU pinata from you-med.sz. and was nervous because there are no phone numbers listed and nothing came back to me when I ordered(and you have my credit card!)
Hopefully it will be here SOON..our party is Thur April 29th!Thanks, Jenny
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SHUTUP!! You are not going to be 60!
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You are too kind! Yes, I wonder how I stayed alive so long! I figure I've got another ten years. Better get to work!
Take care
Dan
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Hi Dan,
I'm absolutely fascinated by your work. I'm a papier mache artist in India. I'm trying to work at making it an art as opposed to a craft, which is what people look at it as. I stumbled on your website while researching the field and I tihnk you are one of the very few people, who has such a sophisticated way of looking at and making paper mache sculptures.
I would love to have a longer conversation with you regards this. Could you email me on the address that I've given?
Thanks!
Sharwari
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I love paper mache, it brings back memories from my childhood. To me it still seems like a legitimate form of sculpture.
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