Chewing Gum Portrait Project

compiled as a part of World's Largest Things educational division

Betty Milliken was born in Michigan to Hungarian immigrant parents. In her 90s, she was still firey and active, likely to break out into yodeling at the drop of a hat. Her artwork focused on using things other people would throw away, making images of people. She has always had an interest in portraiture, but favors rather unconventional materials: chewing gum, caulking compound, dried grapefruit peel and styrofoam meat trays! Her Chewing Gum portraits are tiny, intricate examples of Folk Art - and, a great way to get kids interested in Art!

 

Chewing Gum Cameos

images from the Grassroots Art Center, Lucas KS

She gave direction in a 2003 interview with the Grassroots Art Center from Lucas, KS, as to exactly how it's done:

"Make Sure you have CLEANED YOUR TEETH!!"

It's important not to have any leftover food particles in your mouth, as it will get transferred into the gum while chewing and making the material hard to work with. So, optimum time to mention dental hygene!

First, chew all the sugar out of the gum.

After the gum is chewed, place it on a piece of plastic.

Put a little baking powder or talc powder on your fingers, so they won't stick to the gum.

"Like making biscuits - work it - work some of the powder in, too, but not too much or it'll lose its stickiness..."

Form your gum. You can sculpt with little tools, press it into things as molds (powder the mold first, or you won't get it out!), or just use your fingers.

Let dry, and paint!

Paint can be nail polish, acrylic, permanent marker. Or, if you're learning about makeup, try some on your Chewing Gum people for tinting!

"See, it's fun! It's made out of something you're ready to throw away"

Betty recommends Cinnaburst for ease of manipulation. "We chewed a lot of Spearmint... I didn't like that too much, it'd get sticky. I don't like Big Red, when I chew Big Red, oooh, it's too much..."

Betty Milliken resources



Interview on KCPT-TV's Rare Visions Roadside Revelations "Back to the Breadbasket" DVD collection from Season 9.

www.RareVisionsRoadtrip.com - look for Betty in Lawrence, Kansas on the big interactive map.

Grassroots Art Center, Lucas KS - has a brief bio and a good collection in their museum in Lucas.

 

For workshops, class visits, or more information feel free to contact us:
World's Largest Things, Inc.
Erika, creator and curator
PO Box 101
Lucas KS 67648
info@worldslargestthings.com

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