Frida Kahlo Papier Mâché Dolls
Learn to create with papier mâché dolls and make / decorate your own Frida Kahlo doll. All materials supplied. ($20).
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Description
Papier mâché - literally chewed paper/pulped paper/mashed paper – is a composite material consisting of paper pieces or pulp and sometimes reinforced with textiles bound with an adhesive such as glue, starch or wall paper paste. This course as offered as a weekend workshop, spread over two mornings or as three evening sessions. In the first sessions you'll learn lots about the process of papier mâché, make your doll, allow her to dry and then on the final session you will decorate her.
Expected learning outcomes
- Learn about the papier mâché method
- Learn about structure within sculptural practice
- Gain knowledge of papier mâché and casting from moulds
- Gain knowledge of the methods where recycled vessels are utilised to create forms/moulds
- Achieve a painted Frida Kahlo doll
Other skills and knowledge
Students will learn about the basic principles of the papier mâché technique. Using everyday materials, students will realise that papier mâché can be an inexpensive art form. Students will experiment with two modes of creating their papier mâché doll, firstly using vessels and casting from moulds, then secondly, creating freestyle forms. Students will learn about structure proportion and balance: structure - within any form of sculpture - the mode of which the sculpture if poised is important for the end result. Application and finesse are fundamental to a successful papier mâché form and students will be guided with this. They will also learn about archiving (preserving) their works using a form of varnish. Students will gain knowledge of acrylic paint application to complete their doll.
What to bring
- Apron or old shirt to protect clothing
- Pair of fitting disposable gloves (optional)
- An old hand towel or rag
- Your phones if you wish to do internet research on Frida Kahlo images for forming and decorating your doll - we'll have some images there too.
- Your own hairdryer would be advantageous to speed up the drying process
We'll be providing all papers, glues, brushes, tape, paints, vessels, handouts and some FK imagery ($20).
About Papier Mâché
This process goes back to 2000BC China. Today, papier mâché sculptures are used as an economical building material for a variety of traditional and ceremonial activities as well as in arts and crafts.
Papier mâché was introduced into Mexico during the colonial period (for church items). In Mexico, cartonería (rigid paper sculptures) are a traditional hand craft. They are made for annual celebrations. We're all familiar with piñatas which are a common form of papier mâché item from Mexico. Mojigangas (giant figures worn by dancers), masks, dolls and other forms are made for varying occasions. There is also a significant market for collectors. Patron Diego Rivera recognised these as works of art. Artisans such as Pedro Linares and Carmen Caballo Sevilla are famous for their forms.
Without any papier mâché knowledge or specialist equipment, it is possible to create beautiful dolls with the papier mâché process. These doll (sculptures) can vary in size using a range of moulds such as plastic bottles or glass bottles and card board. Papier mâché dolls can be archival and thus last for many decades.
