"Coming Through!" multiple-original paper sculpture joins my Etsy lineup

I thought you might like to know I have a new limited edition multiple original listed in my Etsy shop.

I've listed two Artist's Proofs of the image Coming Through!, which features an assertive unicorn powering through a patch of day lilies.

These particular Artist's Proofs represent a very short run of two. The variations are lighter-yellow lilies than I've decided to offer in the eventual edition of 25, and a "floating" oval that is cut out and elevated above the backing.

I originally created the Coming Through! image in 2012, but I've been playing with variations on it ever since. In all its variations, it has been well-received at the science fiction conventions where it has been exhibited, but I'm hoping the Etsy listing will gain me a larger audience. Why not offer something in time for Christmas, right? (If I can get things matted, I hope to offer more soon).

Here's a look at some of the pieces I must cut out and sculpt, to create a Coming Through!

As with any of my multiple originals, each of these pieces is unique. Even when working from a digital output, the cutting, sculpting and assembly process requires individual, hands-on work. No two are exactly alike, although I do try to create a consistent edition once I find a combination that works for me.

The proofing process is the way I find that combination. These two proofs ended up not being practical for an entire edition, but I hope their unique qualities also will appeal to art-fanciers.

I score the back of each piece, then turn it over and work the front, each time I create a piece of paper sculpture.

I was an undergraduate art major with a Printmaking emphasis, so creating these multiple originals is second-nature for me. I spent a good part of my young adult life as a graphic designer (when I wasn't being an art teacher, a mom, or a writer), and I still use the Creative Suite to manipulate my images digitally.

If you count the 2011 Mail Piece Project's five multi-dimensional artworks as my first three-dimensional multiple originals (as I do--click on the links for glimpses of the New Year's, Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter Mail Pieces--dang, I didn't document that series as well as I thought I had!), then Coming Through! is my seventh foray into multiple original imagery. The sixth (or first, if you count stand-alone pieces that aren't part of a series) was Common Cliff Dragon--Male, which I'll list on Etsy and feature here once I've gotten mats and spacers cut.

IMAGES: All images are photos taken by me, of pieces of my own artwork. You're welcome to download and re-blog them, but please include a link back and an attribution. Many thanks!

This Month’s Art Fair Delight: Dawn LaGrave

I met Dawn LaGrave at the Brookside Art Fair in Kansas City, and was immediately blown away by her artwork. As a paper sculptor, I responded to the dimensionality of her work. And as an artist, I found the rhythmic abstractions of the images both fascinating and beautiful.

Here's a detail of LaGrave's Ste. Chapelle piece, showing the 3-D aspect.

I couldn’t wait to get inside her display and take a closer look at the work. These pieces would reward viewing again and again over time. One of my tests for “would I live with this piece?” is how well I think it would reward repeated viewing. I believe these images would stand up to that test beautifully.

LaGrave's Pink Dahlia is an eye-popper for sure.

If you agree with me that this is way cool work, you can see a much larger variety of images on Dawn’s website and her Facebook page. If you’re curious about her technique, she explains her process on her website.

Here's an idea of how she uses source photos. Very sorry--I couldn't find the name of this piece.

Here's what LaGrave did with a cactus photo.

The source photo was pretty interesting, but LaGrave's treatment takes it to a whole new level.

Dawn is one of those aesthetic beings who did not go to art school. She made a practical living in the corporate world of health insurance, until the urge to “do something more creative” with her life became an overriding need. As she explains in her “About the Artist” page, she brings her love of “geometry, angles and symmetry” to each piece, but she also enjoys bringing “a different perspective of actual places and things, to which people may have a strong connection.”  

This piece is based on a photo of the Smith Tower in Seattle, WA.

It’s better to see original artwork in person. Please look for Dawn at an art fair near you! Check her website for a list of upcoming appearances. 

The source photo is of Notre Dame de Paris.

If you’d like to buy some of her artwork, but she’s not scheduled to be at a show near you soon, she offers online purchasing options on her Facebook page, her website, and her catalog on ISSUU.

My friends who are sf fans will recognize the T.A.R.D.I.S. in this image.

IMAGE CREDITS: All artwork featured in this post is the work of Dawn LaGrave, and the images are posted with her permission. These artworks and others may be seen and purchased on her Facebook page, her website, and her catalog on ISSUU. A visit there will be time well spent!