Jane's post today reminded me that I've been meaning to write something about paper maché. She recently had the opportunity to take a workshop with contemporary British folk artist Julie Arkell. I came across some of her pieces in a gallery a few years ago and they are so much fun...click the link and see!
In Japan, small paper maché figures are a common sight in little shops. Usually representative of a creature or character specific to the area, these pieces are hard to resist because they're inexpensive, lightweight (a big plus) and so charming. Here are a few favorites that somehow made it into my bag.
When we visited the Aichi World Expo in Nagoya, my favorite exhibit by far was in the Spanish pavilion. One exhibition room's ceiling was covered with a Barcelona artist's paper maché interpretations of the local food of Spain.
Now that's a Super Eggplant!
Is this http://blackbird17.blogspot.com/2004_11_01_blackbird17_archive.html
(scroll down please)
the same artist?
I love her stuff...
Posted by: blackbird | June 29, 2005 at 02:03 PM
That's a very super eggplant indeed! I love those critters. I have some of the Chinese zodiac ones. I love the owl and the crazy monkey sitting on the deer! I have so many new things to search for next time I go to Japan, thanks to you and that child of yours.
Posted by: Mariko | June 29, 2005 at 03:43 PM
What great patterns on those owls, and that bunny looks like me in the morning - except my moustache isn't quite that bad
Posted by: Lyn | June 29, 2005 at 06:18 PM
Hey, that green owl is mine, isn't it? Just checking. I might have to pencil in some Ms on the bottoms of all those when I'm home this summer.
Posted by: molly | June 29, 2005 at 08:13 PM
Your post brought me back to elementary school and making paper mache.
Posted by: Rebekah | June 30, 2005 at 10:57 AM
Those are fantastic little creatures. I'm sure several of them would have made their way into my bags too... :-)
Posted by: Cordelia | June 30, 2005 at 12:42 PM
They're lovely. Very different to Julie's work but then I am always surprised at how many different styles can be achieved with papier mache.
Posted by: Jane | July 02, 2005 at 01:16 PM
Great post! I love paper mache , especially the ones from Japan! Those are all so cute. :)
Posted by: myra | July 02, 2005 at 09:36 PM