Psyche

miniature mythological wire and paper sculpture by Polly Verity www.polyscene.com

 

Psyche

The Greek name for a butterfly is Psyche, and the same word means the

soul. In Greek mythology Psyche was the human bride of Eros, the god

of love. Before she is allowed to marry Eros she is forced to undergo

many difficult ordeals. Apuleius tells the story of Eros and Psyche in

his Metamorphoses. Eros' mother, Aphrodite, was jealous of the beauty

of Psyche. She asked Eros to use his golden arrows to cause Psyche to

fall in love with the ugliest man on earth.

 

Materials

Pure Silver wire, 9ct gold wire, acid-free paper.

 

Technique:

Small pliers are used to manipulate the fine wire, wire is wrapped around wire at every join. Eventually this process creates a wireframe Psyche, the wire describing the contours and the outline. Finally, fine paper is applied sized and wet. As it dries it becomes taut like a drum and forms the translucent skin.

Psyche sits on a paper flower is created using a ancient Chinese modular money folding technique. Hundreds of the same miniature origami pattern are folded up and these are slotted together to make the paper flower. No glue holds the flower together.

 

photo: CS Stevens

Done