I don’t know about everyone else, but my impression of paper mache has always been to make a mess when I was a kid. We would soak newspaper in water with glue in it and whatever came out, we had a good time. As we traverse the world, we find that others have different priorities. Who would have thought that in some corners people take it seriously and create objects of real beauty. Here in Lecce it is an art form. The following are all paper mache, cartepesta, for sale around Lecce.
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That is fascinating, but I’m surprised to see the elephant creation outside? What kind of papier maché can be out in the rain?? Must be special.
They move that piece in and out ever day and I am sure they do not leave it out in the rain. There does seem to be some sort of sealer on all of them (shellac, varnish or something) because they all have a shiny finish.
WOW!
Good timing, Jim. Next week I am attempting a 6 foot by eight foot mask of the Pharaoh ( Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat). I was considering paper machete and was about to discard the idea in favor of foam, but perhaps now, I will swing back. Can you learn any of their secrets to getting such a fine finish? Been following your exploits with perverse vicarious pleasure (as in really glad I don’t have to be dealing with the snafus, but still get to enjoy some delightful insights and perspectives. Thanks for the blog, it’s great.
I will see what I can find out. Glad you are enjoying the blog, I am having a good time with it.