We begin! WIP ~ Fiber Sculpture ~ Day One!

This is how my day started out.  Foggy and no sun!!  What a day to be working outside...chance of rain!!  Sigh!  But I have to get the paper started so it will be ready to use.  I ordered paper pulp from Twinrocker and they sent me some fabulous pulp.  Clean and white....tooth whitened white!!!

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Isn't it beautiful.  They also sell sheets of already made paper in many different textures and styles.  It is just a blast to visit their site....cool stuff!  Anywho...there is the pulp.  Now to make the form.

I laid down a sheet of 3/4 plywood, exterior grade, so that it would hold the weight of the pulp.  Then I used two by fours to make the form.  The clamps secure the form to the plywood so it won't shift during the drying process.
I usually make paper indoors but these sheets are 4 feet by 8 feet and I just don't have the room inside for that.  Not to mention the water that will be dripping out...what a mess that would be.  When I ordered the paper, I had them put in extra stabilizer so this large sheet would hold together.  We will see!!

As you can see, I laid twigs and branches into the form.  I also covered the plywood with black plastic.  There is one draw back to using plastic on the bottom of the pulp.  It will make the paper somewhat shiny on one side.   But that will be the side I glue down to the piece, so I am not overly concerned.  I also keep the plastic bunched up to give more texture.

Now to add the pulp.  I colored one batch with Burnt Sienna and a touch of Red.  Then I layered the different colors onto the form.   Burnt Sienna and white!

I just used my hands and a scrap two by four to settle the pulp down into the form.  The form is two inches higher on one side to facilitate drainage.  The rain keeps threatening, so we have a tarp standing by.  I am not sure how long this will take to dry.  Since I live in an arid climate...it shouldn't take too long. 

These are some close ups so you can see the branches being held by the pulp.  You can also see the colors and how they flow one into another.  When this dries...it won't be as bright.  Right now it glistens because of the water.

As predicted, the rains did come.  So we covered it securely with the blue tarp and now I have to wait.  I will keep you posted.  Tomorrow I make the undulating tubes that will give the piece it's movement and depth.
I will take pics along the way.

I have two canvases.  Both are four feet wide by eight feet wide.  They will sit, one on top of the other.  So to speak.  There will be a space between them.  Just wanted to remind you of how big this piece will be.  I have my studio reorganized so that I will be able to work on each canvas, one at a time.  Ought to be interesting.

Thanks for stopping by and viewing this work in progress!

Have a magical and blessed day!
Hugging you
SueAnn