Sarena Mann
In my studio I have a chance to explore new ideas and materials, allowing me to draw from a huge reservoir of creativity waiting to be realized. Because each papier-mâché sculpture is unique, they can be enjoyed as one-of-a-kind or part of a small series.
Reflecting on 40 years of work, each of us as we pass through life, leave traces of the passage. Sometimes, the signs are as slight as a bent leaf, a twisted twig, or a seed dispersed. There are times we leave behind the husks of former selves or castaway restraints. While following these trails, we grow ever more aware of our lives in connection to our foremothers, to the elemental truths of nature, to the selves we hope to become. Woven together, we begin to see the shifting patterns of our intertwined lives. The papier-mâché art represents my journey, my passage.
Movement, form, and texture have been infused into these papier-mâché figures that Sarena loves to create from wire, paper, fabric, paste, and patience. Each one has its own identity and place in the world. These whimsical, colorful, and flighty figures can hang anywhere and lighten your load as they move about with intent freedom, and spirit. In the evening they cast shadows and continue their dance.
Sarena Mann — a sculptor for more than 40 years — became known professionally for her whimsical papier-mâché mobiles, which formed the stable of her crafts business. As a well-known papier-mâché artist, Sarena works on figurative and abstract sculpture in the fine arts venue. Although she has exhibited her works in arts and crafts shows throughout the country, she hopes this online store will make her papier-mâché art accessible to an even wider audience.