Paige Smurro

Wednesday, May 6, 2026

Fluxus Box

Fluxus Box - Paige Smurro

View #1 - Closed Box

View #2 - Closed Box

View #3 - Box open with objects inside

View #4 - Box open with objects inside

View #5 - Objects outside of box (clear view of objects)

Title: "Hidden beneath the strength"

Materials: Masking tape, wood, spray paint, cardboard, thread, hot glue, paper, ink, wire, Mod Podge

Dimensions: 18" H × 7" W × 8" D

Artist Statement

“Hidden Beneath the Strength” visually communicates the emotional struggle of hiding vulnerability behind an outward appearance of strength and stability. The enclosed forms and concealed objects inside the box symbolize the need for protection, survival, and emotional strength during difficult situations. My intention with this sculpture was to explore the contrast between appearing strong on the outside while still carrying fear and vulnerability beneath the surface.

The silver exterior and wire structures represent strength, resistance, and the fight for survival. The pink and red elements inside the sculpture symbolize women in power, courage, and resilience. The hidden spaces and enclosed objects were designed to resemble places of concealment and protection, reflecting the instinct to hide and survive during moments of fear and pressure.

I designed the interior spaces to feel isolated and confined, so the viewer would have to look more deeply into the artwork to fully understand its meaning. The contrast between the sharp wire forms and softer interior shapes emphasizes the tension between fear and bravery. By separating the objects outside the box in the final photographs, the viewer can clearly examine each component and understand how each piece contributes to the overall message of survival, hidden struggle, and inner strength.

Notes / Process Movie inspiration: The Hunger Games.

During the process of creating this piece, I experimented with enclosed forms, wire structures, and layered materials to create a feeling of concealment and survival. I used masking tape, cardboard, wire, thread, and spray paint to add texture and structure, while the metallic silver finish provided a strong, protective outer appearance.

One challenge during the project was balancing the symbolic meaning of the materials while maintaining the sculpture's visual interest. I wanted the silver forms to represent strength and fighting spirit, while the pink and red details reflected vulnerability and female power. Photographing the sculpture from different perspectives also helped communicate the idea of hidden spaces and survival within the artwork.

In process image #1

In process image #2

Gregor's Room

Gregor's Room - Paige Smurro

Full View #1

Title: Neglected Space

Materials - Paper, ink, water

Dimensions: 7" H × 10" W × 5" D

Full View #2

Title: Neglected Space

Full View #3

Title: Neglected Space

Title: Neglected Space - Detail#1

Title: Neglected Space - Detail#2

Title: Neglected Space - Detail#3

Title: Neglected Space - Detail#4

Printed story notes image #1

Printed story notes image #2

Printed story notes image #3

In process image #1

In process image #2

Introduction:

The three sculptures visually communicate isolation, neglect, and discomfort, inspired by Gregor’s room in The Metamorphosis.

Next, explain with more detail:

While exploring materials for the sculptures, I wanted to create a messy, uncomfortable environment, as Gregor’s room represented loneliness and emotional decay throughout the story.

I decided to include rough textures, dark colors, and distorted objects to create a sense of unease and abandonment.

I felt the work was lacking a stronger emotional impact, so I added more texture, layered paper, and darker details to make the sculptures feel more chaotic and neglected.

Conclude:

I want to keep exploring sculpture techniques using paper and mixed materials.

I want to learn more about creating emotional storytelling through three-dimensional art.

This piece allowed me to explore themes of isolation, transformation, and emotional discomfort.

The making of this work revealed new ideas about how texture, color, and space can visually communicate emotion and narrative.

Make It Roll

Make it Roll - Paige Smurro

Image of me with my sculpture

In process image #1

In process image #2

Experimental Sculpture Collection

Experimental Sculpture Collection - Paige Smurro

All three Sculptures - Full View #1

Title: "Suspended Form", "Structural Tension", "Emergence"

All three Sculptures - Full View #2

Title: "Suspended Form", "Structural Tension", "Emergence"

Sculpture #1

Title: Suspended Form

Full View #1

Sculpture #1

Title: Suspended Form

Full View #2

Sculpture #1

Title: Suspended Form - Detail

Materials: Hot glue, thread, wood, wire, Mod Podge, masking tape, ink

Dimensions:13 1/2" H × 5" W × 5" D

Sculpture #2

Title: Structural Tension

Full View #1

Sculpture #2

Title: Structural Tension

Full View #2

Sculpture #2

Title: Structural Tension - Detail

Materials: wood, hot glue, thread, paint, Mod Podge

Dimensions: 14" H × 20" W × 12" D

Sculpture #3

Title: Emergence

Full View #1

Sculpture #3

Title: Emergence

Full View #2

Sculpture #3

Title: Emergence - Detail

Materials: Masking tape, white spray paint, ink, wire, wood, wire

Dimensions: 13" H × 7" W × 3" D

In process image #1

In process image #2

In process image #3

In process image #4

In process image #5

In process image #6

Introduction:

The three sculptures visually communicate balance, growth, fragility, and transformation.

Next, explain in more detail:

While exploring materials for the sculptures, I wanted to focus on creating unusual forms and structures because I was interested in how fragile materials could still generate strong visual movement.

I decided to include wire, wood, masking tape, thread, and painted elements to create contrast between softness and structure.

I felt the work lacked depth and movement in some areas, so I adjusted the forms' positioning and added more layered details to create a more dynamic composition.

Conclude:

I want to keep exploring experimental sculpture and mixed media construction.

I want to learn more about how different materials interact in three-dimensional space.

This piece allowed me to explore balance, texture, negative space, and structural design.

The making of this work exposed new ideas, such as combining fragile materials with geometric forms to create sculptures that feel both delicate and stable.