Papier-mâché had a long history in the Middle and Far East for making small items such as boxes and platters. In Europe during the eighteenth century it was used as a low cost alternative to wood first for architectural decoration and then for furniture.  For the latter it was formed over a sturdy base, such as wood or metal, and then it was smoothed and lacquered.

In America during the nineteenth century papier-mâché was used to make canoes.  Lightweight observatory domes were made of papier-mâché into the twentieth century.  Today it is used for carnival floats, theater sets and parts of costumes.

Though I have worked in many media since art school in the 1960’s, during the past ten years I have used mostly paper in the form of papier-mâché.  It is light weight, non-toxic, and versatile.  Best of all it uses a material of which the quantities entering my home through the mail box has become a flood.  Through much experimentation I have been able to give my papier-mâché sculptures finishes which suggest metal, concrete and even polished stone.

The picture of me with Windows was taken during the reception for Minding the Gap at Art Saint Louis.