Featured Artist Tuesday Winslow

Artist Tuesday Winslow handcrafts striking one-of-a-kind papier-mâché mirrors influenced by Mayan and Japanese cultures. Visit her website to see more of her work.

 

papier-mache framed mirror by Tuesday Winslow

“Wheel, Green Color Study” papier-mache, colored paper and glass mirror, 19″ diameter

 

Because paper is made from a natural resource that is renewable, recyclable and compostable, it is one of the few truly sustainable products. Many visual artists have a heritage of sustainable practices—from dumpster diving, using found objects from the side of the road, to finds in secondhand stores and from the forest itself.

 

paper mache framed mirror by Tuesday Wells

“Petal, Blue Color Study” papier-mache, colored paper and glass mirror, 16″ diameter

 

Whether such techniques are used for economic reasons or because of the artists’ godly nature to make something beautiful from what others have used and rejected, the results can be amazingly innovative.

 

papier-mache framed mirror by Tuesday Winslow

“Wind, Spring Green” papier-mache, colored paper and glass mirror, 19″ diameter

 

My name is Tuesday Winslow, a Washington, DC papier-mâché artist. I am pleased to be a participant of this sustainable heritage. After my service to United States Marine Corps, I decided to become an artist.

 

detail of papier-mache framed mirror by Tuesday Winslow

“Wind, Spring Green” (detail) papier-mache, colored paper and glass mirror, 19″ diameter

 

Cash poor but creatively rich, I discovered papier-mâché and developed my own unique technique of turning trash to treasure.

 

papier-mache framed mirror by Tuesday Winslow

“Wind, Orange Color Study” papier-mache, colored paper and glass mirror, 19″ diameter

 

I do believe my passion for using recycled paper began before I was in my mother’s womb. I began by using the cardboard sheets from my father’s dry-cleaned shirts (back when men’s dress shirts were folded and boxed.) Ironically, this cardboard, my first artistic medium, was received from a father who told me I would never make it as an artist.

 

papier-mache framed mirror by Tuesday Winslow

“Petals, World Stamps” papier-mache, international stamps and glass mirror, 16″ diameter

 

My mirror designs are original but are inspired by the Mayan and Japanese cultures. I make my papier-mâché from 100% discarded paper and a water-based glue. The work is creatively decoupaged with new and recycled materials. The recycled design elements include, but are not limited to, stamps from the around the world, maps and colored paper.

 

papier-mache framed mirror by Tuesday Winslow

“Petals, Green Color Study” papier-mache, colored paper and glass mirror, 16″ diameter

 

The papier-mâché is also used to secure the mirror, signature label and the hanging apparatus to the decorative frame. For me, this is probably the most innovative and interesting process involved in creating my pieces.

 

detail of papier-mache framed mirror by Tuesday Winslow

“Petals, Green Color Study” (detail) papier-mache, colored paper and glass mirror, 16″ diameter

 

For me, the papier-mâché becomes a 3D canvas. It is up to me to explore its potential for beauty and utilitarianism.

 

Artist Tuesday Winslow in her studio

Artist Tuesday Winslow in her studio

 

The most thrilling thing about being a papier-mâché artist is I’m sure I have just scratched the surface of all the possibilities. I hope there will never be a “paperless” society.

 

Artist Tuesday Winslow invites you to follow her on Instagram.

 

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