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Thursday, May 1, 2014

Papier-mâché Artist Alycia Matthews


© Alycia Matthews


Newburyport, MA artist Alycia Matthews has a gift for seeing the creative, charming, and just plain fun side to seasonal holidays.  She hand sculpts these whimsical characters in papier mache / paper clay, plus oddments of dowels, etc. then paints them with bright and heart-warming colors.  I'm guessing here but I suspect her of tapping a wand over their heads to give them that cheerfully alive expression.


© Alycia Matthews


Her work is so incredibly diverse in subject matter.  Chirpy chicks to fairytale wall-sitting eggs to patriotic firecracker guys.  Some of her figures are part of a small treasure box lid.  To fill or not with jellybeans or candy corn or peppermints. You know you want one for your office desk. Or tuck one in among your teapot collection at home. Wherever you find a place, these are handmade, one of a kind art pieces. Not toys for children, make sure to put them where tiny hands can't reach!


© Alycia Matthews


Although right on target with themes of Halloween, nothing ho-hum or predictable in her art. Little uncommon creatures made to give joy to the viewer.


© Alycia Matthews


Her work is available online at Etsy and at many seasonal events. This summer she will be at The Vintage Bazaar in Salisbury MA. The dates are June 21 & 22 at Pettengill Farm.

Then there is Flukes & Finds & Friends in Salisburyport MA. That is at 70 State St. running from June 28 to July 4th.  

A wonderful opportunity to see these unique and wonderful pieces up close. No matter the holiday, this artist brings a colorful and unique flavor to the season.  (Personally I find myself considering one of her birds or fish.) Which do you like?




For browsing Alycia's little creatures:

http://www.alyciasart.blogspot.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/alyciasart







12 comments:

  1. Arrrrrgh! Too late again!

    But seriously, love her work, especially the cats :)

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  2. Fantastic imagination. It was so much fun to see Alycia's whimsical expressions. It's nice to see such talent so close to home in New England!!!!

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  3. I adore them all, very whimsical. Makes me want to give this art form a try. My thanks to the talented artist who shared with us all.

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  4. ... And we have a winner! Anna it is - congrats :)

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  5. wow, another amazingly talented artist. Thanks for bringing her to our attention Golders.

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  6. Congratulations Anna.

    Alycia's pieces are fabulous. They remind me of some of the wonderful mechanical toys, from the 1940's, that my Aunt collected

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  7. Thank you Golders for the wonderful article on your blog and thanks to all for the comments about my art work. I love making happy little whimsical characters that will put a smile on your face.
    Thank you again!
    Alycia

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  8. Lovely work and lovely article :)

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  9. Wonderful work will have to visit her shows.

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