Lyndon J. Barrois Sr. is a man of many talents. By day, he uses high-tech software to create visual effects for blockbuster movies like “Happy Feet” and “The Matrix: Revolutions.” But in his free time, he turns to a decidedly less sophisticated medium: discarded gum wrappers.
Barrois’s journey with gum wrappers began at a young age, when he used them to create tiny sculptures of drivers for his toy cars. Over the years, he honed his craft and eventually founded It’s a Wrapper Studios, where he creates one-inch-tall sculptures of iconic moments and figures using gum wrappers.
Despite his success as an animator in the film industry, Barrois always finds himself returning to his gum wrapper sculptures. His latest project, “Groundbreakers,” will feature 800 portraits of Black individuals who have shaped American life, mounted on shovels to serve as “standing history books.”
For Barrois, working with gum wrappers is not just a hobby, but a way to preserve history and pay tribute to those who have made a significant impact on society. As he continues to push the boundaries of what can be achieved with this unique medium, he remains committed to carving out space for the wrappers in the art world.
Through his innovative and nostalgic art form, Barrois is not only creating visually stunning pieces but also inspiring others to think outside the box and find beauty in unexpected places.
