Hanging Dragon ,paper mache, 40"x28"x22"

Ward Morgan
Paper Mache’ and Polymer Clay

Hello and welcome to my world! I have been creating paper mache lizards and other large and small subjects for over 20 years! Many of my works are have been commissioned for business owners from chiropractors to restaurant décor adding that extra something coolness that brings attention from lands afar!

Now, a little bit about the process. The small pieces (lizards, frogs, nudes etc.) are completely hand-sculpted in polymer clay using minimal tools from polymer clay, fired, and painted with acrylic paints and wood stain depending on the piece. The eyes for the creatures are generally small beads of various shades as I think it gives them realness and yet an other-worldly and surreal look.

The larger pieces are first sculpted in chicken wire (or poultry netting to be politically correct). The wire armatures are then stuffed with newspaper and wrapped in tape. I then apply paper pulp clay called Cellu-Clay that must air dry. It must be done in stages so it does not crack therefore it takes a couple weeks for this process. After the initial coat of clay is essentially dry, I apply a second coat of clay for detailing - getting all the features fine-tuned and for adding the finishing touches. I also sometimes use Magic-Sculpt, which is a two part clay consisting of a resin and a hardener that also air dries and is much smoother than the cellu-clay. In addition, I use polymer clay for things like teeth and claws, which are made separately and then added to the piece at the appropriate time. Once the piece is finished, it is also painted with acrylic or latex enamel paints and wood stains. Pieces that are to be hung outside would have to be coated in a water seal before painting and painted with outdoor paints.

I like the surrealism of making something small large, such as a huge starfish or other tiny creature, or something unexpected real. Most of my pieces hang either from the wall or ceiling and I enjoy the oddness of seeing something you wouldn't expect crawling up the wall. I also like the 360 degree view one can get from a ceiling hanging piece such as a dragon or huge skull.

I also like making things that are extinct. I try and add a bit of whimsy and other-worldliness to many of the pieces so the viewer can get their own sense of personality from it. Most of all, I want to slightly startle people, make them smile, entice them to walk closer, and then have them walk back and forth in front of the piece admiring it from all angles…And then to walk away smiling, carrying one home with them, for a lifetime of enjoyment.