Paper Mache Buddha with Jo- Working on the face
Hi there. Back to the face. As you can see, I cut eye sockets into the paper mache head and filled them in with masking tape. At this point I got strange. Instead of pretending that this project went straight forward with no twists and turns, I'm going to show you the machinations of a crazy artist. I decided that he needed more flesh under the chin. So I cut a slice out of a paper mache ball and used it for the jowls. Then I had to make the chin bigger (again, used the shell of another extra paper mache ball for this). I wasn't sure at this point that I liked the face at all. As an artist, you have to work until you like something. There is no objectivity to it. It doesn't even matter whether the client likes it. I've sold work under deadlines that weren't exactly what I wanted and it haunted me. I wish I could buy back some of those pieces and use them for parts. Oh well.
I thought that maybe I just needed a few more details so I added some eyes and cheeks (more paper mache shells). In this case I added some masking tape eyelids and lips just to get a feel for the finished face. When I looked at him, all of a sudden I recognized the face. It looked (to me) like the face of the snowman from the children's book "The Snowman" (the kids used to watch the movie of the same name when they were little.). I was mortified. So I cut off the jowls that I added earlier. And then I cut off the head. I wanted it lower on the body. Funny thing, I liked the face more when it wasn't attached. Go figure.
I needed some flashy (fleshy) ears. I cut a piece of paper mache shell into a rough ear shape and taped it to the head. I wanted some really fleshy ear lobes. Rather than try to paper mache some smaller, earlobe balls I just crumpled up some phone book paper.
I fashioned long, droopy ear lobes. I was ready to cloth mache the face and upper torso so I removed the masking tape eyelids and lips. At this point it didn't look very Buddha-like. In fact, he looked terrified. I told him not to worry, that too much caffeine will do that to you.
See you soon.
I thought that maybe I just needed a few more details so I added some eyes and cheeks (more paper mache shells). In this case I added some masking tape eyelids and lips just to get a feel for the finished face. When I looked at him, all of a sudden I recognized the face. It looked (to me) like the face of the snowman from the children's book "The Snowman" (the kids used to watch the movie of the same name when they were little.). I was mortified. So I cut off the jowls that I added earlier. And then I cut off the head. I wanted it lower on the body. Funny thing, I liked the face more when it wasn't attached. Go figure.
I needed some flashy (fleshy) ears. I cut a piece of paper mache shell into a rough ear shape and taped it to the head. I wanted some really fleshy ear lobes. Rather than try to paper mache some smaller, earlobe balls I just crumpled up some phone book paper.
I fashioned long, droopy ear lobes. I was ready to cloth mache the face and upper torso so I removed the masking tape eyelids and lips. At this point it didn't look very Buddha-like. In fact, he looked terrified. I told him not to worry, that too much caffeine will do that to you.
I will show you some of the cloth mache steps in the next post. But I didn't want to leave you with that scary face. So below is the Buddha after I put on the cloth mache skin. He looks a lot better.
See you soon.
Posted by Dan the Monster-man at 8/4/2011 11:14 AM 
Categories: Paper Mache Buddha with Jo
Tags: paper mache papier mache sculpture enlightenment buddha buddhism coffee caffiene paper craft paper mache instructions laughing buddha
Categories: Paper Mache Buddha with Jo
Tags: paper mache papier mache sculpture enlightenment buddha buddhism coffee caffiene paper craft paper mache instructions laughing buddha
I love your sense of humor on your posts! Looking forward to the finished piece.
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Hi Monique,
Nice to hear from you. Thank you for stopping by!
Dan
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I totally agree that the artist must like the results...I think that we sort of know a little more the the client. I have taken a few commissions only with doing my way or no way. I am looking forward to see what type of fabric you use. I use joint compound. Have you heard of Magu (Gilbert Lujuan)? That was what he used..He just died..Wonderful Chicano artist. www.Magulandia.com dee
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Hi Dee,
Hope you are feeling better (I know, you are probably tired of hearing that). My way or no way..... I like that! That's why I let clients off the hook right even after the project is finished. Many times I'll change what I said I'd do mid way through the project. That happened recently with my hippo. They wanted it green. I decided it should be dark purple-ish. It looks much better with my color, but they didn't want it. I'm totally fine with that. I have it in my classroom.
I've only used joint compound in conjunction with white glue. I'll check out the site you mentioned. Thank you.
Take care. Keep making art.
Dan
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Hi Dan,
I found your work some time ago and love it! Last week your book (papier mache) arrived and I'm even more inspired now. I definitely like the explanations for making Piggy (Oink, oink, "oink" oink!). As I'm trying to promote Halloween here in The Netherlands I also use techniques of Stolloween.com. I feel happy about being able to make a mess with a purpose
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Hello Arthur,
Nice to meet you! I'm glad you liked that chapter on the pig. I had a huge fight with my editor over that. I wanted to use only "oinks", nothing else. I figured the photos told the story. But she insisted that I have some instructions, which ruined the effect. Oh well.
I love Scott's work at Stolloween. He's amazing. Good luck on your projects! Thanks for writing.
Dan
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cloth mache much better, you were scaring me with that face! where is my friend Max and the other cat? cheers Cherry
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Hi Cherry.
I'm not exactly sure what happened to Eddie and Max during this build. They weren't around as much I guess. I'm glad you like the face now. It looked really bad before.
Nice hearing from you.
Dan
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Hi Dan! My name is Michaela and i'm from Sweden. You really got me interested in starting to work with paper mache and I'm wondering when lesson number 4 is comming up on your webbpage. I'm really looking forward to get started to make my own creations. Thank you for spreading your wonderful creation and for inspire others to do the same.
Best wishes Michaela
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Hello Michaela,
It is very nice to meet you! Thank you for taking the time to comment. I'm sorry but the next lesson won't be ready very soon. It would take too long to explain why. But I have shown quite a few projects being built on my blog from beginning to end. They all show all of the steps. Between those and my books and videos, I think you can see how to proceed.
You should definitely start a project. You will love this medium.
Take care and good luck.
Dan
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Monster Man Dan!!
I have watched every video and my book is ordered and in the mail! I can't wait for it to get here!! I, too, am a teacher (High School Math) and instead of gearing up for school to start in two weeks I am planning a paper mache project!! I want to make our school mascot (a Saber toothed lion). I can't decide to make the whole cat, or the "trophy" version (is that kinda cruel to the school mascot?) so I will probably make both!! I have my hangers and am collecting all the newsprint paper I can legally lay my hands on. I love your work and can't wait to try my own!! Thank you for the inspiration!
Blair
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Hello Blair,
It's very nice to meet you! Maybe we could start a math teacher/paper mache artist club. Of course you and I might be the only members. Your project sounds great. It will be a bit of a push to get both projects done before school. Drying time is always a problem. But if you have sunshine that is a big help.
Let me know if you have any questions. I'm happy to help out.
Good luck and have fun!
Dan
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Dan,
I don't expect to finish them before school starts, I don't want to rush through the fun parts! Drying time shouldn't be an issue, as Oklahoma is experiencing record breaking heat and drought this summer!! I will keep you posted, and promise pictures when completed (good or bad)!
Do you suppose all math teachers like paper mâché? I haven't touched it for more years than I can comfortably count but have been thinking about it a lot lately. Your dragons are outstanding and I am now completely motivated to get going!!
Wish me luck!
Blair
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Hi again Blair,
Yes, I guess drying won't be a problem. We complain in Seattle about not enough sun this summer. It is partly cloudy and 75 degrees today. But that sounds good compared to triple digits.
You have a great attitude going into this. Again, let me know if you bump into any problems. It isn't a terribly hard process. But it does take patience and effort. It will be well worth it in the end.
Talk to you later.
Dan
PS. Like I said, you and I are the only members of the paper mache/math teacher club so far.
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Dan,
I purchased your Monster book while attending Centerfold 2010, the Midwest's first Origami convention. I had been making paper mache pinatas for about ten years, with occasional none breakable projects. Your book revealed to me a whole new direction in which to create... all I needed was an excuse. I've made two dragons since and the latest won second in a City wide exhibition in Springfield, Illinois. He currently resides at our local public library in Pana, Illinois where he just got done being the centerpiece in a summer reading program for kids. Next project a grotesque (gargoyle that does not spit) for my wife, if you have any advice let me know. After that I've got gators and TV holding dragons in mind. Thanks for the inspiration and humor. And I loved the pig chapter.
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Hello Jason,
Thank you so much for the nice comment! I'm very happy to hear that you are enjoying the medium. Would love to see a photo of your dragons. I would love to post them on my site, with any caption you choose. Just if you are interested. I love gargoyles. I made one myself recently. Here's a photo (below). I think there are infinite varieties of gargoyles and grotesques. It's funny, not many people know about the spit thing. Since you know, you deserve to have a grotesque yourself.
Good luck to you. It's always great to meet another paper mache expert. Keep in touch.
Dan
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Hi Dan,
Excellent work. I often view your work on you tube. I'm a papier mache artist too - i think you may have commented on my video. Its strange to think of another like minded artist working away zillions of miles away. If you were in the UK I'd love to exhibit with you and do workshops etc. If you ever come to England do get in touch .....you never know ??? meanwhile well done you keep up the good work. Hazel
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Hi Hazel,
It's very nice to meet you! I have seen your work. It's great! Love the giant Seahorse. I do think I commented once. I agree, it's strange that we work on opposite side of the planet. I would love to meet you someday. If I ever make it over th big pond, I'll be sure to let you know. Meanwhile, let's keep in touch. Thank you for making contact.
Dan
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