top of page

New: Paper and Friends

Learn many of the techniques I use in paper garment making in this series of classes.

Paper Garments

These 3d historic fashion sculptures are made primarily from books, maps, photos and  paper currency.  They range from 1/2 scale stand alone pieces to life sized toddler garments to be hung on the wall.  Commissions open for 2023. The pieces are arranged according to the show they were created for. All pieces not sold are available for purchase. Please contact me for prices and shipping estimates, local free delivery available.

 

All photos courtesy of Susan Wolfe at www.shirkwolfe.myportfolio.com/

A VIEW FROM HERE

Lincoln Art Center

Lincoln, KS 2022

Sonja's Skates

This winter skating coat is made from USGS topo maps of Kansas. The skates are from cardboard and ribbon and the fur is made from finely cut tissue paper

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio Dorothy w ig.jpg

A VIEW FROM HERE

Lincoln Art Center

Lincoln, KS 2022

Field of Dreams

Dorothy's dress is made of USGS topo maps of Kansas and her blouse is made from pages of the Wizard of Oz. The dress also features handmade poppies, gold leaf, embroidered edges and vintage buttons.

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio London Flapper w ig.jpg

A VIEW FROM HERE

Lincoln Art Center

Lincoln, KS 2022

London Interbellum

Made with maps of London, Wales, and Scotland. The trim is made with hundreds of sequins and embroidery on handmade paper. Paper rosettes and ribbon complete the piece which was designed as an homage to the fashion between the two great wars.

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio Welcome to Lincoln w ig.jpg

A VIEW FROM HERE

Lincoln Art Center

Lincoln, KS 2022

Kansas Pioneer

This 19th Century dress is made with USGS topo maps of Kansas, road atlas maps, pages from the 1883 History of Kansas, paper lace, embroidery and velvet ribbon. The bustle features three life sized paper and embroidery sunflowers.

sold

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio Dorothia's Butterflliesw ig.jpg

A VIEW FROM HERE

Lincoln Art Center

Lincoln, KS 2022

Dorothia's Butterflies

This sassy sleeveless number was made with Kansas topo maps, handmade paper, print ephemera, and paper butterflies

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio Marie a vivandiere w ig.jpg

A VIEW FROM HERE

Lincoln Art Center

Lincoln, KS 2022

Marie à Vivandière

This Robe a l'Anglaise was made from notated and embroidered musical pages from the Daughter of the Regiment (La fille du régiment) opera. Painted, stitched and covered with song birds, this piece includes paper lace ruffles and satin ribbon rosettes over the entire surface.

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio Beehive w ig.jpg

DANCE FOR A SMALL PLANET

Jemez Springs Fine Art Gallery

Jemez Springs, NM 2022

A Beehive in my Heart

This three foot tall paper dress is decorated with traditional Ukranian Pysanky designs and has a paper behive floating among the stars in the torso. Inspired by the poem: Last Night as I lay Sleeping by Antonio Machado.  Small lights illuminate the Hubble Telescope images on the inside of the dress.

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio Archer w ig.jpg

DANCE FOR A SMALL PLANET

Jemez Springs Fine Art Gallery

Jemez Springs, NM 2022

Who makes these changes?

This three foot tall paper dress is fashioned as a historic Nomadic Ukranian.  The dress, skirt and blouse are made from the Ukraninan National Anthem sheet music.  The piece was inspired by the poem: Who makes these changes? by Jalal al-Din Rumi.  The beads are made of rolled paper, the "fur" is cut tissue paper and the bow is made of cardboard and ribbon.

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio Moon w ig.jpg

DANCE FOR A SMALL PLANET

Jemez Springs Fine Art Gallery

Jemez Springs, NM 2022

The cool light of the moon

This three foot tall paper dress is made of hundreds of full moon images. Snippets of moon poems peek out on the ribbons. The back bustle is made of handmade silver paper.

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio Winged Victory w ig.jpg

DANCE FOR A SMALL PLANET

Jemez Springs Fine Art Gallery

Jemez Springs, NM 2022

Winged Victory

This three foot tall paper dress is made of tissue paper Sunflowers and Corn flowers - the national flowers of the Ukraine. The skirt and bodice are made from maps of the Ukraine.

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio 32E Merci w ig.jpg

DANCE FOR A SMALL PLANET

Jemez Springs Fine Art Gallery

Jemez Springs, NM 2022

32E Merci

Doll-sized dress made of Paris street maps, embroidery, velvet ribbon and a memorable receipt for two bottles of wine.

NFS

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio Cafe de Floret w ig.jpg

DANCE FOR A SMALL PLANET

Jemez Springs Fine Art Gallery

Jemez Springs, NM 2022

Cafe de Floret

Doll-sized dress made of Paris street maps, velvet ribbon, Bakelite button and vintage cafe photographs.

Sold

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio samedi après-midi w ig.jpg

DANCE FOR A SMALL PLANET

Jemez Springs Fine Art Gallery

Jemez Springs, NM 2022

Samedi apres midi

Doll-sized dress made of Paris street maps, paper lace and vintage Paris street scene photographs.

Sold

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio Between the Alps w ig.jpg

DANCE FOR A SMALL PLANET

Jemez Springs Fine Art Gallery

Jemez Springs, NM 2022

Between the Alps

Doll-sized dress made of a vintage Paris street scene photograph, embroidery, French maps and organza ribbon.

Sold

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio Jemez Hummingbird w ig.jpg

WORDS WITH WINGS

Jemez Springs Fine Art Gallery

Jemez Springs NM, 2021

Jemez Hummingbird

This 3 foot tall dress was made from stenciled maps of New Mexico, maps of the ocean, ribbon and a metal fencing armature.

Sold

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio Space Crow w.jpg

WORDS WITH WINGS

Jemez Springs Fine Art Gallery

Jemez Springs NM, 2021

Space Crow

This 3 foot tall dress with a cape was made of embroidered rocket ship imagery, crow brads and feathers made from Hubble Telescope images. The cape clasp is made from a Bakelite buckle and costume jewelry

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio Interbellum Butterfly w.jpg

WORDS WITH WINGS

Jemez Springs Fine Art Gallery

Jemez Springs NM, 2021

Interbellum Butterfly

This 3 foot tall dress with adjustable butterfly accessories was made with sheet music, dictionary pages, beads, wire and a metal fencing armature.

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomicsStudioWar2020.jpg

WORDS WITH WINGS

Jemez Springs Fine Art Gallery

Jemez Springs NM, 2021

Horsewoman of the Apocalypse; War

This four foot tall dress with adjustable wings is made from prop and foreign currency. It is decoreated with historic weapons and maps of historic battle fields.  red threads adorn every surface, indicating the bloodshed of war.

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio Summer Clouds w ig.jpg

WORDS WITH WINGS

Jemez Springs Fine Art Gallery

Jemez Springs NM, 2021

Summer Clouds

Child-sized dress made with embroidered maps of New Mexico

Sold

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio Robins on the Mesa w ig.jpg

WORDS WITH WINGS

Jemez Springs Fine Art Gallery

Jemez Springs NM, 2021

Robis on the Mesa

Child-sized dress made with embroidered maps of New Mexico. Appliqued robins and vintage buttons complete the dress.

sold

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio Elsie Loves the Bohdi w ig.jpg

WORDS WITH WINGS

Jemez Springs Fine Art Gallery

Jemez Springs NM, 2021

Elsie Loves the Bodhi

Child-sized dress made with embroidered and painted maps of New Mexico. Donated to the 2021 Bodhi Manda Zen Center benefit auction.

donated

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio My Heart belongs in the Jemez w ig.jpg

WORDS WITH WINGS

Jemez Springs Fine Art Gallery

Jemez Springs NM, 2021

My Heart Belongs in the Jemez

Child-sized dress made with embroidered maps of New Mexico. Trimmed with ribbon and embossed wax paper. Donated to the 2022 New Mexico Library Foundation benefit fundraiser.

donated

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio Elsie Loves the Library w ig.jpg

WORDS WITH WINGS

Jemez Springs Fine Art Gallery

Jemez Springs NM, 2021

Elsie loves the Library

Child-sized dress made with embroidered maps of New Mexico. Trimmed with paper skeletons in organza skirts reading tiny books.  Donated to the Jemez Springs Public Library 2022 fundraising raffle.

donated

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio Walking in the Valley w ig.jpg

WORDS WITH WINGS

Jemez Springs Fine Art Gallery

Jemez Springs NM, 2021

Walking in the Valley

Child-sized dress made with embroidered maps of New Mexico. 

sold

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio Ruths Reccolectionsw ig.jpg

COLLECTED STORIES

Theatre Lawrence

Lawrence, KS 2022 

Ruth's Recollections

This child-sized dress made from the play script pages of Collected Stories by Donald Margulies, gouache, glitter, and jewels.

sold

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio Roxanne w ig.jpg

COLLECTED STORIES

Theatre Lawrence

Lawrence, KS 2022 

Roxanne's Decision

Delicately painted and embroidered child-sized dress made from the play script pages of Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand.

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio overalls w ig.jpg

COLLECTED STORIES

Theatre Lawrence

Lawrence, KS 2022 

Terry Stands Up

Child-sized overalls made with play script pages from On the Waterfront by Budd Schulberg. Decorated with embroidery, hand painted decorations and photographic stills from the movie.

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio Torvald w ig.jpg

COLLECTED STORIES

Theatre Lawrence

Lawrence, KS 2022 

Torvald's World

Child-sized jacket with a gouache painted and embroidered plaid made from pages of A Doll's House by Henrick Ibsen.

Sold

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio pop w ig.jpg

COLLECTED STORIES

Theatre Lawrence

Lawrence, KS 2022 

Pop Seeks Justice

Child-sized overalls made with gouache painted and embroidered play script pages from On the Waterfront by Budd Schulberg.

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio Nora w ig.jpg

COLLECTED STORIES

Theatre Lawrence

Lawrence, KS 2022 

Nora Decides

Child-sized jacket decorated with embroidery and delicate pointilist dots. Made from gouache painted play script pages of A Doll's House by Henrick Ibsen.

sold

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio Natasha w ig.jpg

COLLECTED STORIES

Theatre Lawrence

Lawrence, KS 2022 

Natasha Takes Charge

Child-sized cape made with the play script pages of the Three Sisters by Anton Chekhov. The cape has been painted in gouache with a herringbone pattern and trimmed with tissue paper "fur".

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio Lyuba w ig.jpg

COLLECTED STORIES

Theatre Lawrence

Lawrence, KS 2022 

Lyuba = Love

Child-sized cape made with the play script pages of The Cherry Orchard by Anton Chekhov. The pattern has been painted on with gouache and black and white inks. The hem and collars have been extensively embroidered. The pom poms are made with tissue paper.

Sold

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio La Traviata w ig.jpg

COLLECTED STORIES

Theatre Lawrence

Lawrence, KS 2022 

Violetta Shines Bright

Child-sized cape made with the play script pages of the opera La Traviata by Verdi. Decorated with embroidery, feathers and handmade tassles.

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio jacket with mittens- w ig.jpg

COLLECTED STORIES

Theatre Lawrence

Lawrence, KS 2022 

Beatrice's Sprezzatura

Child-sized winter coat and mittens made with play script pages of Much Ado about Nothing by Shakespeare. Decorated with embroidery and gouache patterns.

sold

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio Ivan w ig.jpg

COLLECTED STORIES

Theatre Lawrence

Lawrence, KS 2022 

Ivan's Farce

Child-sized overalls made with play script pages of The Inspector General by Nikolai Gogot.  Decorated with stamps, embroidery and copic markers.

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio Flora w ig.jpg

COLLECTED STORIES

Theatre Lawrence

Lawrence, KS 2022 

Flora's Full Moon

Child-sized dress made with play script pages of La Traviata by Verdi. Decorated with gouache, paper lace and satin and grossgrain ribbon

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio Cleopatra w ig.jpg

COLLECTED STORIES

Theatre Lawrence

Lawrence, KS 2022 

Cleopatra Remembers

Child-sized double cape made with play script pages of Caesar and Cleopatra by George Bernard Shaw. Decorated with gouache, embroidery and sewing pattern paper fringe.

sold

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio Clarina makes way for justice 150.jpg

A KANSAS CHILDHOOD

Lawrence Public Library

Lawrence, KS 2021

Clarina Makes Way for Justice 

Doll-sized dress made from aeronautical maps of Kansas, embroidery and beads.

Clarina Nichols first gained national recognition in the early 1850s for her newspaper editorials supporting women’s rights and the abolitionist party in the Kansas Territory. She traveled throughout the progressive territory giving lectures and gathering signatures on petitions, which motivated delegates to the Wyandotte constitutional convention in 1859 to ask her to address the all-male assembly.

sold

Photo by Susan Wolfe

A KANSAS CHILDHOOD

Lawrence Public Library

Lawrence, KS 2021

Eva Sings

Doll-sized dress made from maps of Kansas City, embroidery, velvet ribbon, embossed waxed paper and song birds.

Named for: Eva Jessye (1895-1992) was born in Coffeyville, KS and earned international praise as a choral director. Jessye is known as "the grand dame of Black music in America," and was the choral trainer for George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess. She also marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1963.

sold

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomiics Studio Hattie in the spring 150.jpg

A KANSAS CHILDHOOD

Lawrence Public Library

Lawrence, KS 2021

Hattie in the Spring

Child-sized dress made from embroidered maps of Kansas.

Named for: Hattie Anderson Elliott, one of the founders of Lawrence and wife to Robert Gaston Elliott, publisher of the Kansas Free State paper. Strong abolitionists, they helped Kansas transition from territory to state.

sold

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio Butterfly Annie 150.jpg

A KANSAS CHILDHOOD

Lawrence Public Library

Lawrence, KS 2021

Butterfly Annie

Child-sized dress made from embroidered and gouache-painted maps of Kansas.

Annie LaPorte Diggs was a Kansas poet, author, newspaperwoman, temperance worker and Populist advocate.  Diggs wrote articles for several newspapers, including the Topeka Commonwealth, the Lawrence Journal, and the Westminster Review, a British publication.  Over a 20 year period she lectured extensively on the People's Party, prohibition, and women’s suffrage in nearly every state in the union.  Diggs also served as Kansas State Librarian from 1898 to 1902.

Donated

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio Springtime for Mary 150.jpg

A KANSAS CHILDHOOD

Lawrence Public Library

Lawrence, KS 2021

Springtime for Annie

Child-sized dress made from embroidered, illustrated and gouache-painted maps of Kansas.  This dress is also decorated with beads and organza ribbon.

Langston Hughes was raised mainly in Lawrence, Kansas, by his maternal grandmother, Mary Patterson Langston. Through the black American oral tradition and drawing from the activist experiences of her generation, Mary Langston instilled in her grandson a lasting sense of racial pride.

sold

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio Travels with Susan 150.jpg

A KANSAS CHILDHOOD

Lawrence Public Library

Lawrence, KS 2021

Travels with Susan

Child-sized dress made from embroidered maps of Kansas.  

Susan Shelby Magoffin was Only 18 years old when she traveled the Santa Fe Trail in 1846, she was one of the first American women to travel the trail and she also kept one of the most detailed journals of daily experience on the trail. Magoffin is remarkable both for traveling the difficult journey and for the journal she kept. Her journal is a valuable resource for information along the trail. Unlike many male accounts, she takes note of domestic issues and offers insight as to what women’s lives were like during the expansion period. Magoffin’s reports of the prairie and its creatures offer information about Kansas prior to white settlement.

sold

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio Sara's Birthday 150.jpg

A KANSAS CHILDHOOD

Lawrence Public Library

Lawrence, KS 2021

Sara's Birthday

Child-sized dress made from embroidered and beaded maps of Kansas.  

Sara T. L. Robinson was a US writer and historian. She served as the inaugural First Lady of Kansas and is most notable for her book, Kansas: its interior and exterior life; including a full view of its settlement, political history, social life, climate soil, productions, scenery, etc. (1856) during which time, her house was plundered and burned. The book was considered "epoch making" for its time.

sold

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio Meg gives 150.jpg

A KANSAS CHILDHOOD

Lawrence Public Library

Lawrence, KS 2021

Meg Gives

Child-sized dress made from embroidered and beaded maps of Kansas.  The dress is trimmed with gouache painted paper lace.

Although the Ladybird Diner closed March 14, 2020, Meg Heriford and a small number of staff haven’t stopped working ever since. The Ladybird has offered free bagged lunches for anyone who needs them throughout this long year+. Heriford writes about her pandemic efforts and much more in Ladybird, Collected, a book of essays released last fall. Purchase a copy from Lawrence’s Raven Book Store and 100 percent of proceeds go to the diner’s community meal program, with each book purchase funding four meals.

sold

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio Midwestern Childhood 150.jpg

A KANSAS CHILDHOOD

Lawrence Public Library

Lawrence, KS 2021

Midwestern Childhood

Child-sized dress made from embroidered and painted maps of Kansas.  The center panel is smocked.

This smocked dress made with maps of Kansas was made to benefit to the Lawrence Percolator arts space. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the Percolator

sold

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio Lucinda leads the way 150.jpg

A KANSAS CHILDHOOD

Lawrence Public Library

Lawrence, KS 2021

Lucinda Leads the Way

Doll-sized dress made from embroidered and crocheted maps of Kansas.  The dress is trimmed with organza  lace.

Forced to give up her teaching career because she married, Lucinda Todd turned her focus toward advocacy, serving as the secretary of the Topeka Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) beginning in 1948.  Todd fought to advance educational opportunities for African American students and played a key role in the Brown v. Board of Education lawsuit, which resulted in the U.S. Supreme Court decision striking down school segregation.

sold

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio Mamie teaches us 150.jpg

A KANSAS CHILDHOOD

Lawrence Public Library

Lawrence, KS 2021

Mamie Teaches Us

Child-sized dress made from embroidered maps of Old West Lawrence Kansas.  The dress is trimmed with lace.

Lawrence native born in 1874, throughout her career Mary J. “Mamie” Dillard was an African American educator, clubwoman and suffragist who was involved in promoting rights and votes for women and civil rights and leadership for African Americans. She taught and encouraged a young Langston Hughes and continued to support him in his career. She remained active throughout her life in numerous women’s organizations that focused on leadership, suffrage, and literature.

sold

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio Lucy's Long Summer 150.jpg

A KANSAS CHILDHOOD

Lawrence Public Library

Lawrence, KS 2021

Lucy's Long Summer

Child-sized dress made from embroidered and gouache painted maps of Kansas.  The dress is trimmed with vintage ribbon and milliner flowers.

Lucy Hobbs Taylor was an American school teacher and a dentist, known for being the first woman to graduate from dental school in 1866. She moved with her husband to Lawrence in 1867 and trained him in the dental arts.  They had a successful practice and after her husband's death, Taylor became more active in politics, campaigning for greater women's rights. In her time as a dentist, Lucy Hobbs Taylor opened up brand new doors to many women in the future, especially the medical field doors. She believed that her journey was complete by "making it possible for women to be recognized in the dental profession on equal terms with men”.

sold

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio Hanna's River 150.jpg

A KANSAS CHILDHOOD

Lawrence Public Library

Lawrence, KS 2021

Hanna's River

Child-sized dress made from embroidered and guoache painted maps of Kansas.

Increasingly interested in the abolitionist movement and the westward expansion, Hannah H. Ropes and her daughter moved to Lawrence Kansas in 1855. During this period she was increasingly politically active and well connected. She wrote a novel, Cranston House and also published Six Months in Kansas. Later she served as a nurse in the Civil War beside Louisa May Alcott.

sold

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio web IG Luttie's Rose Garden.jpg

A KANSAS CHILDHOOD

Lawrence Public Library

Lawrence, KS 2021

Lutie's Rose Garden

Child-sized dress made from embroidered and gouache painted maps of Kansas.  This dress is trimmed with velvet ribbon and jewels.

Luie Lytle was the first African American to be admitted to the Kansas bar.  After attending college in Nashville, TN she returned to Topeka in 1897 to practice law.

"I conceived the idea of studying law in a printing office where I worked for years as a compositor," Lutie said during an interview 1897. "I read the newspaper exchanges a great deal and became impressed with the knowledge of the fact that my own people especially were the victims of legal ignorance. I resolved to fathom its depths and penetrate its mysteries and intricacies in hopes of being a benefit to my people."

Donated

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio web IG Nanon.jpg

A KANSAS CHILDHOOD

Lawrence Public Library

Lawrence, KS 2021

Nanon Puts on a Play

Child-sized die-cut maps of the ocean and maps of Kansas.

Nanon Lee Herren, born in Lawrence in 1879, was the only female instructor, out of 600, at Beaune University, an American University located south of Dijon, France. 

After the war, she had her own theater/studio in Topeka to give instruction in drama.  She created the Legal News, of which she was the initiator, owner and publisher.  She received first prize from Kansas Press Women for her play to promote the sale of war bonds. 

sold

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio web IG Helen's Neighborhood.jpg

A KANSAS CHILDHOOD

Lawrence Public Library

Lawrence, KS 2021

Helen's Neighborhood

Doll-sized dress made of maps of Old West Lawrence, Kansas and trimmed with lace and milliner flowers

Helen Rhoda Hoopes was the first woman to edit the University Daily Kansan in 1914. After she received her master’s degree Hoopes taught English at KU until 1947.  During her time at KU Hoopes helped establish the Gamma Phi Beta sorority chapter, the KU Quill Club, Pi Lambda Theta–a national teacher’s honorary society, and Theta Sigma Phi–a women’s journalism society.

sold

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio web IG Kathryn.jpg

A KANSAS CHILDHOOD

Lawrence Public Library

Lawrence, KS 2021

Kathryn Forges Ahead

Doll-sized dress made of maps of Kansas and oceanic currents. This dress is embroidered and trimmed with fringe.

Kathryn O’Loughlin McCarthy was the first woman from Kansas in the U.S. House of Representatives.  Born and raised in Hays, KS, Kathryn obtained her law degree from the University of Chicago and passed the Kansas bar in 1929.

During her campaign for Congress in 1932 she defeated eight men in the Democratic primary, traveled approximately 30,000 miles, and gave as many as 12 speeches per day.  As congresswoman, McCarthy was active in influencing New Deal agricultural policy.  O'Loughlin continued to help others after her political career ended. She paid tuition at Fort Hays State University and housed many low-income African American students. She also advocated for better treatment of women in the state's prisons.

sold

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio web IG Lucy's Lands.jpg

A KANSAS CHILDHOOD

Lawrence Public Library

Lawrence, KS 2021

Lucy's Lands

Child-sized dress made from embroidered maps of Kansas and soil survey maps.

Lucy Tayiah Eads was the first woman to serve as principal chief of the Kaw Nation, Lucy Tayiah Eads was born in 1888. Orphaned at 5, she and her brother were adopted by Chief Washungah. She later was trained as a nurse at Haskell Institute in Lawrence.  In November 1922 the people elected Eads the first female chief of the Kaw.

In 1924 Eads delivered a petition to the Commission of Indian Affairs in Washington, D.C., to reestablish the Kaw Agency. She was invited to the 1929 presidential inauguration for Herbert Hoover and Charles Curtis, vice president from Kansas, and fellow Kaw.

sold

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio web IG Florella's Forest.jpg

A KANSAS CHILDHOOD

Lawrence Public Library

Lawrence, KS 2021

Florella's Forest

Child-sized dress and pantaloons made from gouache painted maps of Kansas and dictionary pages.

Florella Brown Adair, was John Brown’s half-sister. With her pastor husband, she built the first congregational church of Osawatamie.  Her home was a station on the Underground Railroad and served as John Brown’s headquarters.

sold

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio web IG Elizabeth.jpg

A KANSAS CHILDHOOD

Lawrence Public Library

Lawrence, KS 2021

A new home for Elizabeth

Child-sized dress made from embroidered maps of Kansas and aeronautical maps.

Elizabeth Evans Rivard was the first woman at KU’s  Architecture Department and in 1922 graduated with honors.

During her career, Evans specialized in moderately sized homes for first-time home buyers and young families.  She commissioned more than 200 buildings over the course of her career including ones from Mission Hills to Paseo Boulevard. Her work was featured in The Saturday Evening Post in 1924.

sold

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio web IG Esther.jpg

A KANSAS CHILDHOOD

Lawrence Public Library

Lawrence, KS 2021

Esther Remembers

Doll-sized dress made of vintage maps of Lawrence Kansas. Embroidered and trimmed with velvet ribbon and doll buttons.

As a student at KU Esther M. Clark Hill

wrote for the Lawrence Journal.  In 1907 she wrote the acclaimed poem, "Call of Kansas.”  In addition to working for the Coffeyville Journal, other Kansas newspapers, and a St. Joseph newspaper, she worked in the extension department at the University of Kansas. Hill was a charter member of the Midland Authors club and she published three volumes of poetry during her life.  

sold

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio web IG Carrie has faith.jpg

A KANSAS CHILDHOOD

Lawrence Public Library

Lawrence, KS 2021

Carrie has faith

Child-sized dress made of embroidered maps of Kansas. 1970's image transfers from Landscape Architectural drawings applied to the skirt.

Carrie Langston Hughes wrote for the Atchison Blade advocating for woman’s suffrage and equal women’s rights in society.  In Lawrence, she was active in the Saint Luke A.M.E. Church and helped to organize the Inter-State Literary Association. She entered the University of Kansas in 1894 and was appointed deputy clerk of the Douglas County courthouse in 1895.

sold

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomics Studio web IG Rising with Mamie.jpg

A KANSAS CHILDHOOD

Lawrence Public Library

Lawrence, KS 2021

Rising with Mamie

Child-sized dress made of embroidered USGS topo maps of Kansas. Smocking, paper lace and photos of Kansas children for decoration.

Mamie L. Williams graduated with honors from Washburn University in 1915 as the only African American student.  Mamie taught and was Principal in the Topeka Public School system for 42 years and in 1956 traveled around the world with the National Education Association promoting educational values.  In 1965 she was appointed to the Kansas Commission on the Status of Women, served as a delegate to the 1971 White House Conference on Aging.

In 1996, the Williams Science and Fine Arts Elementary Magnet School, named in honor of Ms. Williams, opened its doors.

donated

Photo by Susan Wolfe

1910 paper dress made from painted pages of a French language primer and french stamps.

ANNUAL ARTS AUCTION

Lawrence Arts Center
Lawrence Kansas 2019

MADEMOISELLE PRINTEMPS

Mademoiselle Printemps dress and coat are made from pages of a French language primer.  The lapels of the jacket is edged with French stamps.  This piece also includes a watch from Kathryn.  The skirt is painted with stylized trees and clouds from the Buford M. Watson Park in Lawrence Kansas.   It has a metal fencing armature and is approximately three feet tall.

DONATED

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomicsStudioAusten2011.jpg

ANNUAL ARTS AUCTION

Lawrence Arts Center
Lawrence Kansas 2011

JANE AUSTEN

Jane Austen's dress is made from vintage maps of states printed in pink.  The shrug is made from painted maps of the ocean.  The piece is embellished with pages from Pride and Prejudice and painted origami roses.  It has a metal fencing armature and is approximately three feet tall.

DONATED

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomicsStudioItalian Purple2018.jpg

LA SIGNORA VIOLA

Private Commission
Lawrence Kansas 2019

LA SIGNORA VIOLA

The skirt is created with vintage Italian handwritten and typed letters and deeds with tissue paper pleats.  The bodice is made with a finely pleated map of Italy.  The dress is embellished with miniature flowers made with cardstock and beads. There is a chipboard armature.  This piece is sixteen and a half inches tall.

SOLD

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomicsStudioMary Shelley2019.jpg

FORMIDABLE WOMEN

Percolator Arts Space
Lawrence Kansas 2019

MARY WOLLSTONECRAFT SHELLEY

Mary Shelley is made from painted and textured pages of Frankenstein.  She is embellished with satin ribbon and embroidery stitches.  There is a metal fencing armature.  This piece is approximately three feet tall.  This sculpture has been created for a solo show at the Percolator Arts Space opening September 27th 2019.

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomicsStudioTax form Antoinette2018.j

FORMIDABLE WOMEN

Percolator Arts Space
Lawrence Kansas 2019

MARIE ANTOINETTE

Marie Antoinette is made from 2016 tax forms and dollar bills.  There is a metal fencing armature.  This piece is approximately two and a half feet tall.  This sculpture was created for a solo show at the Percolator Arts Space in Lawrence KS.

Sold

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomicsStudioMadame CJ Walker2019.jpg

FORMIDABLE WOMEN

Percolator Arts Space
Lawrence Kansas 2019

MADAME CJ WALKER

Madame CJ Walker's skirt and blouse are made from pages of On Her Own Ground: The Life and Times of Madame CJ Walker.  The full length 1910 coat with pockets, buttons and frog clasps was made from "fabric" digitally designed with MCJW's business advertisements.  There is a metal fencing armature.  This piece is approximately three feet tall.  This sculpture was created for a solo show at the Percolator Arts Space in Lawrence KS.

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomicsStudioCurie2019.jpg

FORMIDABLE WOMEN

Percolator Arts Space
Lawrence Kansas 2019

MARIE CURIE

Marie Curie's dress is made from X-ray film.  Her cuffs, belt and ruffles are made from rice paper with chemistry equations printed in white. There is a metal fencing armature. She is best seen with a light within.  Approximately two and half feet tall.  This sculpture was created for a solo show at the Percolator Arts Space in Lawrence KS.

NFS

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomicsStudioMary Sidney Herbert2019.jpg

FORMIDABLE WOMEN

Percolator Arts Space
Lawrence Kansas 2019

MARY SIDNEY HERBERT

Mary Sidney Herbert's skirts are made from digitally-composed handwritten and printed documents from the Elizabethan era, large scale printed and then embellished with gold ribbon and wax seals with an impression of a bird from her coat of arms.  Her bodice and shoulder-to-floor cutaway sleeves are made from stenciled and painted pages of her poetry and prose.  The ruff is made from quilled strips of cardstock.  The cuffs are made from tracing paper and she has a metal fencing armature. This sculpture was created for a solo show at the Percolator Arts Space in Lawrence KS.

SOLD

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomicsStudioMary Todd Lincoln2019.jpg

FORMIDABLE WOMEN

Percolator Arts Space
Lawrence Kansas 2019

MARY TODD LINCOLN

Mary Todd Lincoln's 1860 dress is made of photos from the Civil War, rice paper, buttons and satin ribbon with a fencing armature.  Approximately three feet tall. This sculpture was created for a solo show at the Percolator Arts Space in Lawrence KS.

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomicsStudioFridal2018.jpg

BLOOMING FIGURES

North Park Center Flower and Garden Show
Dallas, Texas 2018

FRIDA KAHLO

This is an interpretation of Frida Kahlo's Tehuana style.  The skirt is made from hand painted Spanish language novel pages, the ruffle is made of maps of Mexico and her shirt is created from pages of Karl Marx's Communist Manifesto.  She also has a paper sash, cardstock bead necklace, and tissue paper flowers.  There is a metal fencing armature and ribbon embroidery.  This sculpture is approximately four feet tall.

SOLD

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomicsStudioJoanl2018.jpg

BLOOMING FIGURES

North Park Center Flower and Garden Show
Dallas, Texas 2018

JOAN OF ARC

Joan of Arc's skirt is made from French roadmaps, her armor is made from photos of castles from the Loire Valley and photos of Joan of Arc statues, her broadsword is made with foam core.  The piece also includes a leather belt, faux leather shoulder and armor plate straps, origami iris and cardstock leaves and stems.  There is a metal fencing armature.  The sculpture is approximately three feet tall.

SOLD

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomicsStudioAusten2018.jpg

BLOOMING FIGURES

North Park Center Flower and Garden Show
Dallas, Texas 2018

JANE AUSTEN

Jane Austen's Regency-era dress is made from pattern painted pages from Sense and Sensibility, pink cardstock flowers, vintage ribbon, paper lace, tissue paper and a metal fencing armature.  It is approximately three feet tall.

SOLD

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomicsStudioTitania2018.jpg

BLOOMING FIGURES

North Park Center Flower and Garden Show
Dallas, Texas 2018

TITANIA

Titania from Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream.  Made with pages from the play, flowers made from dictionary pages, tissue paper, and wire, Kansas topographic maps, faux flower stamen, stenciled butterflies, stick-on jewels, hand-made rice paper, metal fencing armature.  Approximately four feet tall.

SOLD

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomicsStudioVictorial2018.jpg

BLOOMING FIGURES

North Park Center Flower and Garden Show
Dallas, Texas 2018

QUEEN VICTORIA

Queen Victoria is made from Victorian-era vintage floral illustrations digitally composed into "fabric".  Tissue paper and faux flower leaves and stamen, metal fencing armature.  Approximately 3 feet tall.

SOLD

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomicsStudioJuliet2017.jpg

BACKSTAGE
AT THE GLOBE

Jemez Springs Fine Art Gallery 
Joint show with Jim Forcier-Call
Jemez Springs, New Mexico 2017

JULIET

From Shakespeare's play: Romeo and Juliet.  Made with stenciled pages from the play, beads, tissue paper, and a metal armature.  Approximately 3 feet tall.

SOLD

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomicsStudioDesdamona2017.jpg

BACKSTAGE
AT THE GLOBE

Jemez Springs Fine Art Gallery 
Joint show with Jim Forcier-Call
Jemez Springs, New Mexico 2017

DESDAMONA

From Shakespeare's play: Othello.  Made with stenciled pages from Othello, faux pearls, brass cross, velvet ribbon, Christian Romanesque Icon paintings, and a metal armature.  The contrast between the Christian Icon images and the Middle Eastern painted patterns reflect the marriage of Desdamona and Othello.  Approximately 3 feet tall.

Photo by Susan Wolfe

MacKomicsStudioOphelia2017.jpg

BACKSTAGE
AT THE GLOBE

Jemez Springs Fine Art Gallery 
Joint show with Jim Forcier-Call
Jemez Springs, New Mexico 2017

OPHELIA

From Shakespeare's play: Hamlet.  Made with stenciled pages from Hamlet, tissue paper "fur", quilted pages of the DSM-4, beads, chain and fencing armature.  Ophelia's underskirt, made with the DSM-4 reflects her mental illness and the cut flowers and branches reaching off the back of her skirt represent the reeds and plants catching at her in the water.  Approximately 3 feet tall.

SOLD

Photo by Susan Wolfe