BONNIE FERRILL ROMAN
NATURAL SCULPTURE

WOMB, 1999
Found Branches, Handmade Abaca Paper,
Encaustic, Twine, Cloth, Light.
36" X 40" X 42"





My sculptures are constructed from a framework of found branches tied together with waxed twine, then covered with handmade abaca paper. The paper is applied wet, then allowed to dry, shrinking and stretching into place. Then I apply different surface treatments, such as colored varnishes or beeswax, and I occasionally incorporate other natural elements into the compositions, such as round river stones, birdsnests, seedpods, or soil, to enhance the visual and conceptual aspects of the piece. I occasionally illuminate the pieces from within, using cool burning nightlight bulbs.