Renowned Visual Effects Artist Creates Stunning Sculptures from Discarded Gum Wrappers
Lyndon J. Barrois Sr. is a master of visual effects in the film industry, having worked on blockbuster movies like “Happy Feet” and “The Matrix: Revolutions.” But in his free time, he indulges in a unique and nostalgic hobby – sculpting intricate figures out of discarded gum wrappers.
Barrois’s journey into sculpting began at a young age, when he used various materials like clay, aluminum foil, and even old chewing gum wrappers to create tiny figures. Eventually, he found that his mom’s Wrigley gum wrappers were the perfect medium for his art, as they allowed him to sculpt and color with ease.
Now, nearly five decades later, Barrois has honed his craft and established It’s a Wrapper Studios, where he creates one-inch-tall sculptures of iconic moments and figures, such as Colin Kaepernick and Kobe Bryant. Using stop-motion animation, he brings these sculptures to life, capturing the essence of sports and dance.
Each sculpture starts with a single gum wrapper, carefully twisted and shaped to form legs, arms, and a torso. Barrois adds intricate details like helmets and accessories before coloring the figures with watercolors and acrylic paint. The final touch is a clear matte acrylic coat to preserve the sculpture.
Despite his success in the film industry, Barrois remains dedicated to his passion for sculpting with gum wrappers. His upcoming project, “Groundbreakers,” will feature 800 portraits of Black historical figures mounted on shovels, serving as “standing history books.”
For Barrois, sculpting with gum wrappers is not just a hobby, but a way to preserve history and celebrate the beauty of movement and emotion. As he continues to push the boundaries of his art, he hopes to inspire others to explore unconventional mediums and find their own unique creative expression.
