Wire and Paper Sculpture: Gryphon
As the lion is the "King of the Beasts" and the eagle the "King of the Air", the gryphon (as combination of the two) was thought to be an especially powerful and majestic creature. They would find gold in the mountains and built their nests of it and instead of eggs they laid agate.
15cm tall
Materials:
Silver wire, acid free tissue paper, acid free tracing 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 creature, 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. For this particular gryphon paper feathers are attached, each one having been scored and folded to add dimension.
More sculptures by Polly Verity
photo: CS Stevens
Wire and Paper Sculpture: Gryphon
As the lion is the "King of the Beasts" and the eagle the "King of the Air", the gryphon (as combination of the two) was thought to be an especially powerful and majestic creature. They would find gold in the mountains and built their nests of it and instead of eggs they laid agate.
15cm tall
Materials:
Silver wire, acid free tissue paper, acid free tracing 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 creature, 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. For this particular gryphon paper feathers are attached, each one having been scored and folded to add dimension.
More sculptures by Polly Verity
photo: CS Stevens