Where I come from (Lancashire) the word Critter is an informal, and often affectionate, name given to any living creature especially ones which we find endearing and cute.
The idea behind this latest papier-mâché model was to create an creature which was appealing despite its wrinkles, crooked teeth, and lumps . A 'critter'.
As with all my models, the basic shape is molded from aluminium foil. Since this one is human size I used a football as a base for the head. It needed a heavy solid body to support the head and a ceramic plant pot was just the job. Both were then wrapped in aluminium foil.
The wrinkle effect on the skin was created by using layers of paper handkerchiefs for the papier-mâché .
The arms, legs and feet were formed completely out of foil and covered in papier-mâché and finished with Gesso before being painted. Sprouting clumps of hair (hessian string) were I inserted between the toes and in other areas of the body.
Quite a transformation!
As you can see it was more practical to make in two sections.
As I wanted it to have huge, but strong hands I firmed fingers from foil then glued them together and inserted into latex gloves. They were then covered in Gesso and painted.
From start to finish it's a 9 staged process.
Design
Forming and wrapping the basic parts of the body in foil.
Covering with masking tape.
Applying the layers of papier-mâché
Gesso
Base cost of paint
Final Paint lauer
Details like hair and teeth and nails.
Plastic coating to finish.
It sounds formidable but it isn't. I find myself absorbed in every stage as each one is creative demanding complete my concentration I love working with my hands. They are more accurate in 'seeing' the shapes and textures than my eyes.
If you enjoy working with clay then you will love modelling with aluminium foil. It can be molded into virtually any shape and has the advantages of being unbreakable. It doesn't dry out like clay so is great to work with in hot weather plus you can leave half finished models unattended and they are just the same when you return.
I always have some foil in the car ready for long journeys as a passenger. Body parts like arms and legs can be easily made saving time on returning plus passing the time away in the car.
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