From Organic Armor
Press release
Asheville, NC – For years people have been asking Paul Hersey to teach them how to use the unique materials he’s developed to make his sculpted headdresses and gold armored bikinis. He is finally ready to tell his secrets!
Paul and his wife Jennifer run the Organic Armor studio in the River Arts District. The clientele for their custom work are an eclectic bunch – belly dance stars, metal band singers, professional mermaids, comic-con cosplayers, renowned photographers and other creative people from all over the world. The company has a strong presence on social media, including over 300K fans on Facebook.
With their new online course “Introduction to the Organic Armor Arts” they are opening the door for other artists to explore the versatile medium of this unusual combination of liquid rubber, fiber and acrylic.
The course will be an exciting addition to the tool boxes of performers who make their own costumes and props, as well as cosplayers and LARPers and masqueraders of all kinds. It offers a new way to make armor, headdresses, bras and belts and other pieces that comparable methods can’t accomplish without expensive and sometimes toxic materials.
“It works like paper mache but it’s lightweight, flexible and durable.” says Paul. “The tools are basic and the materials are only about 20.00 a quart. The worst smelling stuff you need is a little ammonia. It’s more than a technique, it’s really a new art form. I’ve been developing it for more than ten years and I am still discovering the possibilities.”
The course is being made with the help of local production company Industrious Productions. It’s due out in early October. The website and pre-sale video were launched at DragonCon, a large multi-genre convention held in Atlanta over Labor Day weekend. Paul was a featured presenter there.
The course will take the form of a series of streaming videos, viewable on demand. It will include helpful downloads, an online support forum and a store for supplies. It is being is offered at a pre-launch discount price of 150.00 that will include a supply kit.
“It’s kind of like a low key Kickstarter, to help us with the production costs. The price will be 200 without the kit, once we launch. ” says Paul.
Through teaching Paul hopes to build a community of artists who want to explore the material. He has plans that go beyond the introductory course, for how to engage students, share his process and celebrate their results.
“I’m turning 60 this year and I am shifting my focus toward sharing the creative process that has allowed me such freedom of expression. I have always encouraged people to participate joyfully in life’s masquerade. The course is an extension of that. I am looking forward to seeing what other artists do!”
“Introduction to the Organic Armor Arts” is available at OrganicArmorArts.com
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