Paper Sculpture

The process
- from sketch to sculpture | More...

Many clients call with a specific idea and offer their own rough sketch to provide me with some direction. Others may have subject matter established but request that I present my thoughts in the form of preliminary drawings. The most challenging and often most rewarding assignments are those which begin with a simple theme or message that is to be represented.

In all cases my client and I work through a series of sketches and then agree on the final detail before the sculpture process begins.

The technique
-adding texture and form

Initially a rigid form is constructed which establishes the contours of the subject and provides a stable base upon which the detail pieces are attached. Each component is cut and textured through the use of a collection of wooden and metal tools. I monitor the interaction of light and shadow on the sculpture as I work and with its completion, I create a more elaborate set with sophisticated studio lights. Final enhancements are made at this stage prior to photography.

Photography
- the full effect

I have never felt that my work is complete until I have photographed it. In most cases this is out of necessity as quite often my images are reproduced in prints or corporate campaigns. The photographic process occurs within the studio as a natural progression on my schedule. This allows me to shoot a 4 x 5 polaroid and to consider adjustments in the quality or positioning of light sources. When I am satisfied that the detail and form is at its absolute optimum, it is captured, through a series of bracketed exposures, on several sheets of 8 x 10 colour transparency film. These are then sent to a Kodak Q- in Toronto for professional processing.

Archival Originals
- durability and permanence | More...

The inherent strength and archival quality of my monochromatic paper sculptures assures an extremely high degree of permanence. The fine art papers and adhesives used are chemically stable. The papers that I select are either 100% cotton rag or pH neutral, lignen based papers which have been buffered during the manufacturing process through the addition of calcium carbonate or magnesium carbonate. These papers are as a result able to resist the effects of air bome acids over time and prevent the yellowing and embrittlement which is common in newsprint and other everyday papers which are highly acidic.

Methyl cellulose or polyvinyl acetate adhesives are used in the assembly of my sculptures -and are also both considered pH neutral and permanent. These products are often used in the production and restoration of fine books.

Framing
- focal point for home or office | More...

Classic or contemporary wooden moldings of between two and four inches in depth are used with double mats and glass. As stable as my paper sculptures are, considering display conditions remain crucial as with the display of any artwork or care of fine furniture and fabrics. Extremes in humidity and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight should always be avoided. Regular glass is appropriate in most situations however uv reflecting glass can be considered in areas of high sunlight exposure. Corporate clients often specify plexiglass which is uv reflecting and shatterproof making it ideal for artwork which is often transported and displayed at trade shows and events.

Shipping
- arriving safe and sound

My paper sculptures readily tolerate rough handling however their safe delivery is assured through careful packing. Plywood crates lined with two inch upholsterer's foam are used to deliver one of my paper sculptures to your door. This prevents any twisting forces on the frame itself and guards against impact or puncture.

Memberships

Society of Animal Artists (New York) - juried into membership April 1996

Initially this New York based group of wildlife artists sought fellowship and the sharing of ideas. Since its inception in 1960, nearly 300 painters and sculptors from five continents have been juried into membership with the promotion and development of the genre becoming its collective cause.

Each year close to one hundred artists apply and are considered for membership with only three or four being accepted into the ranks of internationally acclaimed artists such as Bacon, Bateman and Dumas.

CAPIC - Canadian Association and Photographers and Illustrators in Communication

Awards | More...

• Society of Animal Artists - Award of Excellence 1996
  - Red-tailed Hawk "Hawkeye"
  - initially selected for display from two hundred and fifty submissions for the opening show at the Witte Museum in San Antonio Texas
  - selected for national art museum tour of Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Louisianna and Delaware
  - awarded the prestigious Award of Excellence October 1996

• Three Dimensional Illustrators Awards (New York)
  1991 silver, 2 merits
  1992 bronze
  1997 silver, 3 bronze
  1999 gold, 3 merit

• CAPIC Awards
  1990 bronze, 2 merits

Shows and Exhibits

• The Nature of Black and White - Hiram Blauvelt Art Museum, Oradell NJ March - June 11, 2000 telephone 201-261-0012
• Follett Library Resources - McHenry Illinois - private collection of over 75 of my large wildlife paper sculptures - work continues on this series
• Nesting Site Canada Geese - Newmarket Public Library - Newmarket, Ontario
• Geese in Flight - head office OTIP/RAEO Waterloo, Ontario
• Spirit of Giving - centre piece for donour recognition wall - Ross Memorial Hospital - Lindsay, Ontario

Questions? feel free to contact me via e-mail at info@CalvinNicholls.com

Framed Prints | More...

My collection of wildlife "limited" and "open" edition prints are all available framed with optional remarques. The miniature paper sculptures that I position in the matting as a remarque provides an actual sample of the technique. These have been very popular with those who want an original for the price of a framed print. My first editions were launched in 1990 at the Buckhorn Wildlife Art Show in Ontario. Since then many images have been added to the series with sales directed through the studio.

My new Port Folio print series includes all of my recent images from the past several years and are available framed to 12 x 16. Visit the Port Folio section of this website and simply e-mail your request

Commissioning | More...

Corporations are finding my products to be terrific conference gifts and employee recognition awards. I offer my images framed with engraved plates and remarques. Customers include - General Motors, State Farm Insurance, Hewlett Packard, Ford Motor Company, Duracell, Hummingbird Communications, Northern Telecom, Stock Transportation and Ross Memorial Hospital to name a few.

In 1992, I created 15 sculptures for National Trust with a series of limited edition prints being reproduced and presented to individuals who opened a new account with the trust company. Forty thousand prints were signed and distributed across Canada during this very successful campaign.

...... we opened more accounts during this campaign than in any other 6 month period in the company's history". - James H. Lutz - Senior Product Manager, National Trust.(1992)

Similar programs have been completed recently where an original is commissioned and reproduction prints are framed and packaged for distribution to foreign dignitaries executives and staff to mark a significant event or achievement within a corporation. In many cases the subject matter is related to the activities of the firm while in other cases wildlife subjects are chosen.

To discuss these concepts further, feel free to contact me via e-mail at info@CalvinNicholls.com