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The images develop in my head and I seldom put them onto paper, but "draw" with the wire which supports the armature. Sizes range from 12 cm to life size. A large life-size figure is often supported by a 6 mm metal rod and medium ones by 3 mm fencing wire attached to the MDF base. The contours of the body are then built with decreasing sizes of wire. The armature is then enclosed with chicken wire to strengthen the substructure and to give a good base for the paper. Small figures are supported by 2 mm or 1.6 mm wire and do not always need chicken wire. The armature is covered with strong paper strips applied like bandages and pasted with Polycell wallpaper paste; muscles are formed by moulded pulp which is again bandaged on. On larger models parts of the costume (skirts, voluminous trousers, coat-tails etc.) are supported by chicken wire. I use many different kinds of paper; sugar paper and unprinted newspaper for strength, brown paper to represent leather, tissue for old skin, and all kinds of textured papers including kitchen roll and industrial papers, for clothes. When the model is complete the whole surface is covered with a mixture of white emulsion paint thickened with Polyfilla and finally decorated with designer gouache. To protect the model from dust and sunlight, I spray the surface with a matt UV lacquer. Most of my work is speculative and sold through exhibitions but I occassionally accept commissions. |
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