Native American Paper Sculpture by Allen and Patty Eckman

Allen and Patty Eckman create detailed cast paper sculptures inspired by Native American culture, using a special technique they themselves invented, a proprietary trademark registered as the Eckman Method®.

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They first mix an acid -free paper pulp in the studio (“hydro-pulper” from two raw stocks, cotton and abaca), then cast it into silicone rubber molds taken from original sculptures created by them earlier.

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The paper is then pressed under vacuum pressure—or by hand—in the mold, where most of the water is extracted at the same time. The drying process is completed by evaporation while the paper is still in the mold. After the dry and hard casts are removed from the molds, the exclusive process of chasing, cast additions, cast alterations, sculpting in paper and detailing begins.

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It takes a great amount of time and experience to create each piece. Some works are so painstakingly detailed; they can take many months to complete.

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The cast paper process is similar to the cast bronze method in many ways. Of course, the finished cast paper product is white, lightweight, and can have an enormous amount of detail due to its properties and the artists’ own inventiveness.

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Allen Eckman is fascinated by his Indian heritage. His great, great, great grandmother was a Cherokee.

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“I really am interested in the Indian’s materials, physical and spiritual culture and that whole period of our nation’s history, which I find fascinating. From the western expansion, through the Civil War and beyond is of great interest to me.”

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While Patty is inspired by wildlife, birds and flowers.



“Ever since I was a child I have had a great appreciation of wildlife. I can sit for hours and watch the birds come to my feeder. When I look at a flower I don’t see just color, I see form and grace. Wonderful shapes that the color tries to overpower.”

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Patty also has a deep interest in the Native American culture, and since has been sculpting beautiful Indian women and children.

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All images are © Copyright of Allen and Patty Eckman

Check their website: http://eckmanfineart.com/

Source: http://eckmanfineart.com/