Tiffany Ownbey

My papier-mache sculptures and collages are a combination of the past and the present, nature and consumerism, reuse and beauty .

Early on I discovered an appreciation for flea markets and antique stores. I loved knowing the history of the objects I would find in those magical places, now I love combining all those histories into a brand new story. I live in the woods of North Carolina in a family built cabin with as much history as the papers and objects I find and collect for my work. I have been fortunate to exhibit all around the United States and in Japan.

I fell in love with papier-mâché at a very young age while almost simultaneously realizing that a life making art was for me. I studied art at schools including, Savannah College of Art and Design and Penland School of Crafts. After focusing on ceramics and printmaking during college, I discovered that papier-mâché was still my first love and it quickly became my medium of choice.

Each one-of-a-kind piece I make starts with brown sewing pattern paper. I then add ink drawings, acrylic paint, ink, oil pastels, old book pages with beautiful foxing, many kinds of antique stamps, unused cigar and food labels, maps, blueprints, buttons, ancient magazines, wallpaper and many other interesting found items. The finished pieces are sealed with a matte varnish and sometimes protective coat of sturdy wax. Over the years I have developed my own personal techniques and style that I hope will speak to you in some way.