Maya Portner

Maya Portner’s work begins with a clay sculpture. The sculpture is in relief, with a detailed, raised pattern of lines covering its surface. From this prototype she forms a plaster mold, into which she casts sheets of handmade paper. She uses a brush and water to stipple the fibers into the details of the relief mold. Then she brushes bee’s wax on to augment the fibers. Once covered with wax, she removes the sheet of paper, revealing a thin, relief form covered with an intricately embossed pattern. The paper is now ready for carving. Using a sharp knife, she cuts out a lace that follows the pattern of raised lines. Finally, the paper lace is rewaxed to unify its surface.