Miss Macy Dons Paper Hole Punch Couture

Title: Miss Macy Dons Paper Hole Punch Couture
Artist: Denise Holguin
Materials: Hole punched paper, wire
Artist Statement: Progress on this artwork felt like a drop in the ocean. Insurmountable. Over-whelming. Never-ending. But just as in life, every “dot” of effort counts toward the final goal.

This artwork took 1 year to make from concept to completion.

It is made of hole punched paper from books.
All the hole punches are hand-punched.
The bodice, hair, bracelet, hat, ring, anklets are made of hole punches strung on wire.
I broke 4 hole punches while making this artwork.
The skirt is made of the leftover paper from the hole punches.
The skirt is attached with snaps.
The hat is made of a 12-13 foot-long wire of hole punches.
I accidentally stabbed my fingers 4-5 times with a heavy-duty sewing needle while making this artwork. (The needle went directly UNDERNEATH my fingernail.) The first time it happened my finger was throbbing for a day. One of the times, the needle got stuck and I had to calmly pull it out.
I started this artwork in 2024, but it was January 1, 2025 that I started keeping a (rough) estimate of my time. It was during this time I tracked myself working 7 days a week (with a few exceptions) until I was finished.
I averaged 30-35 hours a week working on this art piece.
Hole punches explode when they are overloaded (not emptied out frequently enough).
I naively thought 1 book would be enough for the bodice. I had to scour my home for old books that were the right shade of cream/off-white.
The mannequin came from Macy’s in Fairview, Texas. The department store was closing and I rescued “Miss Macy,” who was definitely not ready for retirement. She has a lot of spunk left in her. Sure, she has some scratches and other blemishes. But those add character. They are proof of a long and successful career as a model from a well-known department store. I dare not cover her “scars”. We all have scars and blemishes. Perfection is not real.

Why would anyone endeavor such a time-consuming project?

When I finished Miss Ethel Gladys Antoinette Dons Paper Couture in the first quarter of 2024, I had “free time.” I needed to fill the “hole” with another labor-intensive artwork. (If you missed Miss Ethel, visit my Instagram. Miss Ethel won the Strictly Abstract Exhibition and the Materials Hard + Soft Exhibition.

I didn’t have a plan, a goal or expectation when I started. I just wanted to make something interesting. So this project happened.

It was insanity.

It was also heartbreaking – because progress was GLACIALLY SLOW.

I didn’t think I’d finish this artwork in a year. In January I decided to set goals – make 2 strands a day. That sounds easy but it turns out it isn’t. I set new goals to make 20 strands a week.

I would “trick myself” by making half a strand before going to bed. Then I’d be ahead for the next day. This was an exercise in MIND GAMES to keep me going.

I found a way to “invent” time. I would stay up on Friday nights and wrap up my work at 5 am on Saturday morning.

It was absolute foolishness.

When the artwork was finished, I moved my furniture out of the living room and set up a paper sweep to photograph Miss Macy. That is when I saw Miss Macy for the “first time”. She brought tears to my eyes. This was the culmination of all my effort and perseverance.

I am an artist. It had to be done.

The lesson for you:

Take heart that every bit of effort adds up. Every time you hit the gym, it counts as progress. You won’t see improvement when you do a set of jumping jacks on Day 1 of your health journey. But the repeated effort counts toward the goal. No effort is too small.

Not into the gym?

It applies to any worthwhile endeavor: improving your education, developing new skills, saving money, exercising discipline, etc.

The process can be discouraging.

Few people will know the grit, determination and sacrifice you made to achieve a goal that is important to you. They weren’t with you in the wee hours of the night or the early morning as you studied for a final exam, went for a jog… pursued your dream. But you were there. You put in the work. It will be your victory. Your accomplishment.

Celebrate those moments and let no one dim your light.

View the artwork at the Lewisville Grand Theater: 100 N. Charles St, Lewisville, TX 75057

Exhibition: Fresh Ideas 2025

Exhibition Dates: August 16 – September 13, 2025

I will be gallery sitting on the last day of the exhibition, Saturday, September 13, from 10 am – noon. Stop by and say hello to Miss Macy. She’d love to meet you.

Below are photos from the opening reception. My necklace is made of wire and hole punches to match Miss Macy.

Miss Macy and I made new friends!

Tore is wearing a paper bow tie to coordinate with Miss Macy. It is has stuffing inside for added body. It also features wire with hole punches to go around the collar. No shortcuts.

Miss Macy is available for gallery exhibitions, public displays and for purchase. Her hair can be styled straight or curled depending on her mood and the setting.