Have you wanted to work in clay but firing your sculptures is impossible or impractical?
Handmade paper clay is rougher than kiln clay, but it can take detail, and unlike kiln clay, it
can be used over a wire armature. It hardens into a very solid object that does not need to
be fired. All sorts of materials can be added to it (sticks, sand, string, fabric…) to create
figures, creatures, or objects with a raw and primal energy. The clay can also be tinted or
darkened by mixing in acrylic paints. It has the same sort of immediacy in its expression as
something made by layering plaster, except that it allows time for modeling as it does not
harden quickly. In this class, you will also have a chance to experiment with using a
packaged paper clay, which is smoother and allows for more detail.
We will start with learning how to make a sturdy armature for sculpture. I will go over the
ingredients for making your own paper clay and how to effectively apply it on both a solid
form and an open wire structure. Since paper clay works so well with wire, we will also
create a more detailed wire sculpture out of a dark annealed wire, adding paper clay into
specific areas for emphasis and contrast. Any student who wishes to explore making
sculptures solely with wire is welcome to do so. I will go over connecting wire, making things
stand up, and creating variations in the lines; those who would like to can play with wire
sculptures while paper clay sculptures are drying.
The subject matter for your sculptures will be up to you, but I will offer structured
assignments for students who want a starting point.
Notes: Water-based materials only; no oil paint or water-based oil paint.
