Val Bembenek 'Naked' Paper Maché

For more about anything on this website, contact Val

paperlady@iinet.com

PO Box 5084, Oracle, AZ 85623

Naked: without covering, in the raw, exposed. When I layered paper strips over river rocks to replicate every bump and bulge, and when I let my pulp paper objects go unpainted so the botanicals mixed within were fully visible -- a contemporary adaptation of paper maché emerged. Like all schoolchildren learn, it is only ordinary paste and either layer after layer of thin paper strips or a blenderized mush of recycled paper set out to dry in the boiler room. But creatively crafted, minimally embellished, and given a clear acrylic finish for durability, the unremarkable becomes collectible. Display these sturdy, lightweight pieces at home or office holding trinkets, potpourri, dry snacks, or (sh-h-h) "bare."