document updated 1 year, 8 months ago, on Feb 13, 2023
paper mache
I'm interested in more functional paper mache, maybe more rugged, or maybe more quick-drying. Quick-drying would allow me to prototype things quickly.
I strongly believe that fabricating ⟺ ** crafting ⟺ ** artwork is a continuum, and that it's impossible to draw neat-and-clean dividing lines. I am happy to borrow ideas from across the aisle.
people who are using paper mache in ways that I'm interested in (who have built a knowledge base that I might be able to leverage)
parade floats are sometimes made of paper mache [google images]
the military has used paper mache, to assist with projectiles in a cannon tube, and as temporary aircraft fuel tanks (the largest tank being 200 gallons)
quite a few astronomy domes have been made
A list of astronomy domes through history. It includes a 29 foot dome that contained 1000 lbs of paper, and a 30 foot dome that contained 2000 lbs of paper.
a scaled-down (6 foot) astronomy dome created by one individual
TODO — the author mentions that it was shown off at an astronomy conference... are any photos of it available somewhere?
She clarifies further: "One problem with crumpled paper as an armature is that you will have lots of bumps and edges that you didn’t really want, unless you use lots of tape. I use tons of tape, so my crumpled paper sculpture is as close as possible to the shape I want my finished project."
Jonni says that paper mache armatures can be temporary: "Once several layers of paper and paste have dried you can easily saw it in two, remove the interior form, and then put it back together with more paper strips."