As I have been talking about my “Charming Victorian Country Garden Retreat” installation in the Paper Works show at the Mansion at Strathmore, there are several questions that I have been asked often. From how much paper I used to my inspiration for the paper sculpture, here are answers to 12 of my most frequently asked questions.

1.     What was your inspiration for this piece?

I want to use my art to bring families together, creating three-dimensional habitats that remind people to look for the little everyday moments that happen all around us that bring us joy and serve as a reminder of what is really important in life. 

2.     How long did it take you to make this paper sculpture installation?

I was asked to participate in the Paper Works show in October 2018. In April 2019, I had my first in-person meeting with the curator, Lesley Lundgren. After that meeting, I began working on the installation in earnest. So, about 1.5 years working full time, beginning with the sketches, then continuing on to create each individual paper sculpture element for the installation.

3.     How big is the final installation?

“Charming Victorian Country Garden Retreat” measures 12 feet high, 18 feet long and 30 inches deep.

4.     How much paper did you use to make this sculpture?

That is a difficult one to calculate. I will have to get back to you on that one. 

5.     How did you get the full installation to the Mansion at Strathmore?

I created everything in smaller sections and individual pieces for two reasons. First, it was easier to transport. I also wanted each item to be saleable so it could be sold as one large installation piece or as individual pieces. I rented a truck to take the larger pieces to Strathmore on the first day, and then on the second day, I took all the furry critters in the car. The pets seemed to like the drive because I didn’t hear a peep out of them the whole way down! You can read more about the journey on my blog here and here. 

6.     Is the entire installation really made out of paper? 

Yes, everything you see in “Charming Victorian Country Garden Retreat” is made out of paper. I used a variety of different types of papers. Some are very thin papers and some are thicker papers. The paper siding and painted brick walls are attached to a narrow wood frame, using the same concept that an oil painter uses when they attach their canvas to a frame.

The flower stems are paper covered wire so they will stand up straight and tall. Originally, I thought I would try to make the flower stems out of paper too, which I have successfully done in the past, but I quickly realized it would take too long to make that many paper stems for all the flowers I needed for this installation. It would have added a couple more weeks or months to the project of this size. So, I covered the wire stems in paper.

7.     How many flowers are there total in the installation?

There are 80 wisteria flowers, over 75 tulips and more than 100 roses. The rose trellis has over 75 roses.

8.     How long does it take to make one paper sculpture wisteria flower?

It takes approximately 2.5 hours to make each wisteria because there are so many petals to one flower and each petal is attached individually to the stem.

9.     Is the grapevine wreath really made out of paper?
Yes, even the grapevine wreath is hand-sculpted using painted papers.

10.  How long did it take you to make the large dog?

It took me about 5–6 weeks to make the large golden retriever, Rusty. All of my furry animals are made out of paper. There is no wire armature or structures hidden inside their body. I bend, fold, cut, twist the paper into the necessary shapes to create the skeletal and muscular structure for each animal.

I want to keep these signature pieces authentic and made entirely out of paper and paint, with of course some adhesive to hold the sculpture together. The animals are all very sturdy. Rusty weighs about 10–15 pounds! Each animal is made out of the finest art papers that are then painted in watercolor and gouache.

11.   What is your favorite type of paper sculpture to make?

I really like making a variety of different things, but my favorite would have to be the furry animals. I like the challenge of creating fur from just paper and getting the paper sculpture to a life-like appearance. One of my favorite critters in “Charming Victorian Country Garden Retreat” is the last one I made — the little bunny rabbit.

12.  Is any of “Charming Victorian Country Garden Retreat” for sale?

Yes, absolutely! The entire installation is for sale as one piece and each individual item within the installation is for sale as well. I also have individual framed pieces available for sale or you could order a piece or purchase a commission. If there is something you are looking for, you can find my contact information here.

There’s still time to see “Charming Victorian Country Garden Retreat” in person at the Mansion at Strathmore, now through Oct. 31. To learn more about planning your visit, head here.