What is Paper Clay Sculpture?     

Spirit Seeker by Dee Schaughnessy.

Since my work always starts with a "story"...it seemed delightful to bring my characters to life as what I refer to as "3 dimensional paintings". Loving the ethereal look of watercolors, I had to find a medium that would allow me to achieve my vision. I choose the delicate and wonderful medium of Japanese paper clay. Although extremely time consuming to work with on such a tiny scale, paper clay allows me to use watercolors on the finished sculpture just as if I were creating a painting, and so I do...a 3 dimensional watercolor on paper.

Paper clay has been used for centuries throughout the world in fine art. The Japanese have used it in many art forms, from air dry pieces called Washi "Ningo" (meaning human figure) that are inked or painted to Raku and kiln fired incredibly delicate pieces that are glazed or bisque. Also a three-dimensional art referred to as "hanji"...similar to paper mache and clay as the sculptural objects stand unsupported.

The Russian used a form of paper clay to make lacquered icon art paintings before the collapse of Imperial Russia, the icon painters, previously employed by churches along with people's homes, then turned to the art of making decorative boxes and panels of paper-mache, lacquering and hand painting them, often with scenes depicting folk tales to make a living. This still goes on...in practice since 1795,  Fedoskino is one of the oldest villages and one of the four art centers of Russian lacquer miniature painting on  paper-mache today. It stands apart in that they use oil paints used rather than egg tempera, the style of Fedoskino painting is largely realistic in composition and detail.

I find the varied "ART of PAPER" and it's history fascinating! Such a pleasurable medium to create my finished work, although I use many others, it continues to be my favorite. With particular series that are "stories", such as my beloved "COSMO & TWINK" it seems to magically bring them to life for me... and I so hope my collectors agree!!!!

Article by Sharon Dee Schaughnessy.  

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