Well, today was the big day! Paper-making intro/orientation, followed by 3 hours of studio time, and 18 sheets of paper. The space was very intimate, and yet did not feel enclosed. I was also struck by the amount of recycled materials used in the paper-making process. For instance, I spent most of my scooping time with a Stonyfield Farms yogurt container; I am referring to scooping up the pulp, and pouring it into the muck bucket (pictured below).
Between Dara's orientation and studio time, my overall concept has begun coming full-circle. Outrageously large broadsides anyone? Paper offers an unlimited amount of possibilities. For instance, laminating was my favorite technique that Dara explained. First, you create one sheet of paper, laying it out on the couch. Next, place ribbon, string, flower petals, etc. onto the paper. Finally, create another sheet of paper, using it to sandwich the materials placed on top of the bottom sheet. Once dry, the paper embodies more than just pulp. What is so special about this process? Consider for a moment that I am attempting to, at some capacity, incorporate 3D and 4D elements. Laminating could be exploited in the cross-section between the second and third dimension. Instead of hanging Barred Owls from the ceiling, I can scale down, and have the Barred Owls extend from the broadside via wire; the wire would be hidden and stabilized by the sandwiching of paper fibers. In addition, hand-made paper offers unique characteristics that will cater to letter-pressing my voice.
As of now, my project has evolved into a culmination of 2D, 3D, and 4D, with a strong emphasis on the broadside (2D) itself. Ladies and gentlemen, are you ready for paper? Ready or not, here it comes!
Here is a bit of documentation from my studio time today:
The muck bucket...Each piece fits into the other...
Top: Brown paper pulp = newspaper, paper bags, vellum, and wax paper; Bottom: White cotton fibers, from a fashion design/textile mill...the portion of fabric that is not usable
Couches hanging to dry...
The Press: squeezed out the water, presses the pulp together until it adheres and the fibers interlock...
Pile of 17 hand-made papers...#18 was created using the "pour" method, and is drying via open air...
The "pour" method of paper-making...
The "pour" method, continued...
Between Dara's orientation and studio time, my overall concept has begun coming full-circle. Outrageously large broadsides anyone? Paper offers an unlimited amount of possibilities. For instance, laminating was my favorite technique that Dara explained. First, you create one sheet of paper, laying it out on the couch. Next, place ribbon, string, flower petals, etc. onto the paper. Finally, create another sheet of paper, using it to sandwich the materials placed on top of the bottom sheet. Once dry, the paper embodies more than just pulp. What is so special about this process? Consider for a moment that I am attempting to, at some capacity, incorporate 3D and 4D elements. Laminating could be exploited in the cross-section between the second and third dimension. Instead of hanging Barred Owls from the ceiling, I can scale down, and have the Barred Owls extend from the broadside via wire; the wire would be hidden and stabilized by the sandwiching of paper fibers. In addition, hand-made paper offers unique characteristics that will cater to letter-pressing my voice.
As of now, my project has evolved into a culmination of 2D, 3D, and 4D, with a strong emphasis on the broadside (2D) itself. Ladies and gentlemen, are you ready for paper? Ready or not, here it comes!
Here is a bit of documentation from my studio time today:
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