Paper Sculptures

REMARKABLE ART WORK
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Sculptures of Native American scenes made out of paper
by Allen and Patty Eckman



These stunningly detailed sculptures may only be made from paper
but they are being snapped up by art fans for tens of thousands of dollars. The intricate creations depict Native American scenes and take up to 11 months to make using a specially formulated paper.



Husband and wife team, Allen and Patty Eckman. put paper
pulp into clay molds and pressurize it to remove the water.



The hard, lightweight pieces are then removed and the couple
painstakingly add detailed finishings with a wide range of tools.



They have been making the creations since 1987 at their home studio,
in South Dakota, USA, and have racked up a whopping $3 million selling the works of art.



The pieces depict traditional scenes from
Native American history of Cherokees hunting and dancing.


The most expensive piece is called Prairie Edge Powwow which sold for $47,000.00



Allen said: "We create Indians partly because my great, great grandmother was a Cherokee and my family on both sides admire the native Americans."



"I work on the men and animals and Patty does the women and children" explains Allen.



"I enjoy most doing the detail. The paper really lends itself to unlimited detail.
I'm really interested in the Indians' material, physical and spiritual culture and

that whole period of our nation's history I find fascinating. From the western
expansion, through the Civil War and beyond is of great interest to me."



Allen explained their technique: "It should not be confused with paper mache.
The two mediums are completely different. I call what we do 'cast paper sculpture.'"



"Some of them we create are life size and some we scale down to 1/6 life size."



"These sculptures are posed as standing nude figures
and limited detailed animals with no ears, tails or hair."



"We transform them by sculpting on top of them,
creating detail with soft and hard paper
we make in various thicknesses and textures."



"We have really enjoyed the development of our fine art techniques
over the years and have created a process that is worth sharing.
There are many artists and sculptors who we believe will enjoy
this medium as much as we have."



An Indian mother, holding her baby, is a favorite of many clients.

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