Miniature Wire and Paper Sculpture: The Gryphon
The
Gryphon (or Griffin)
As The lion is the "King of the Beasts" and the eagle the "King of the
Air", the gryphon (as combination of the two) was thought to be an
especially powerful and majestic creature. They would find gold in the
mountains and built their nests of it and instead of eggs they laid
agate.
Animal
blazonry
At
this moment the gryphon is standing passant (far foreleg raised and far
hind leg moved slightly forward).
Dimensions
17 x 15 x 8cm (not including glass dome)
Materials:
Silver wire, acid free tissue paper, acid free tracing paper (vellum)
Wire Sculpture Technique:
The
wire is built up into a 3D wireframe using the wire and this describes
the contours and outline of the gryphon. The wire is joined to itself
by tight wrapping of wire around wire using pliers, there is no hot
process involved. Then a the fine paper (sized first with glue) is put
on wet. This paper skin then dries taut. The individual creatures are
usually kept in an antique glass dome or perpex box for protection and
display.
Gryphon
in wireframe before covering
Work
in Progress in the Artists Studio - just beginning to apply the paper
feathers
griffin, griffon or gryphon sculpture by Polly Verity. Created in wire and tissue paper, the works are exceptionally delicate and miniature.