Have you considered handmade paper as art itself? What is it about the paper that makes it so artful?
Do you create with it? Do you create your own paper?
What paper artists do you especially feel drawn to?
|
When you think of paper, what immediately comes to mind? Something you make notes on? A thin sheet for your printer to print on? A thick sheet to paint or draw on? A decorative sheet for wrapping a gift? You wouldn't be wrong, of course, but there's so much more to paper. Handmade paper is often art itself. Seven years ago, while traveling in Bhutan, I visited Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory in Thimphu to write an article. [For videos of the process: click here.] I was surprised to learn that the Japanese government had provided training for the owner, Norbu Tenzin, for Bhutan has its own long history of traditional paper making. At the same time, I wasn't surprised because Japanese paper makers are renowned for their high quality and design. I was already familiar with the gorgeous washi that they've been creating for so many centuries. Even simple letter paper, not the kind that you pull out of a ream from an office supply store, is beautiful in its texture and subtle neutrals. Other papers are colorful and used for origami. The different papers are made from a variety of fibers, depending on what's available: for example, mulberry bark, mitsumata bush, hemp, and more. When I go to foreign countries, I generally pick up textiles to work with and also buy items made from them to give as presents. Textiles are easy to fold and carry. However, during my recent travels in Korea and Japan, I fell in love with the handmade paper that I came across and decided to bring a few sheets home. The first two are from the Pungsan Hanji Factory in the Andong area of Korea, with close-ups below them. And farther down are details of paper made with hemp that I chanced upon at Kamiji Kakimoto, a famous paper store in Kyoto. When held up to light, these ecru-colored sheets look like gossamer. But now I face a dilemma: I can't bring myself to cut through the paper, which has as much texture as many textiles. Maybe if I gaze at them long enough, appreciating their beauty, I'll eventually be seized with an idea and have the courage to wield a pair of scissors or rotary cutter or to tear by hand. While in Seoul, I saw the many things that can be created with paper. I visited the Jong Ie Nara Paper Art Museum. When I first stepped into the building, I was disappointed, for the first-floor gallery had an exhibit of colorful flower arrangements and cut-out designs. It was skillful handiwork, but not what I had hoped to see. As I climbed the stairs, I noticed on the wall how paper was folded into different creatures and plants. Koreans, who have been making paper since the 4th century C.E., believe that folding paper makes children clever--"wisdom paper." Finally, on the second floor, I found exhibits of both traditional functional items and contemporary artwork. I was amazed to see umbrellas, shoes, hats, clothing, jars, baskets, bowls, boxes, a powder keg, a lantern, a quiver and arrows, window blinds, cases for pencils or needles and thread, a pagoda, and more. As I peered into the vitrines, I struggled to believe these objects were made of paper, for they looked as though they'd been created with the same kind of plant materials used for baskets. Also, somehow, the paper was resistant to water. Then I was rewarded and impressed by a gallery of innovative work from Korean artists. Unfortunately, not all the title cards included their names in English, and I've not yet learned how to read Korean, so attribution here is sketchy. My apologies to the artists. And my apologies to readers for not being able to provide information about the kinds of paper and techniques used. Here are a few of the works I saw, which my photos don't do justice to because seeing them in person reveals so many textural details. If you've ever doubted the idea of paper as art, I hope these images will persuade you to think otherwise. Questions and Comments:
Have you considered handmade paper as art itself? What is it about the paper that makes it so artful? Do you create with it? Do you create your own paper? What paper artists do you especially feel drawn to?
9 Comments
11/17/2015 07:18:13 am
Great post! I was not aware that paper art could be taken to this level. The paper you purchased is so exquisite I can't imagine cutting into it!
Reply
11/17/2015 08:52:11 am
Thanks Mirka. I can understand your reluctance to cut into that beautiful paper. I was given a lovely piece of snow dyed fabric several years ago. It just fascinates me. I can not cut it up. Like those papers, the fabric itself is a work of art. ENJOY!
Reply
Ann,
Reply
11/17/2015 11:55:38 am
I have a collection of hand made papers and have used pieces in my fiber art. I love the added texture and the touch of surprise. But I agree, cutting into them is not always easy.
Reply
Shirley Freriks
11/24/2015 05:02:08 pm
Wonderful to walk into that paper museum again with you. Many new items from what I saw. Thrilling! I do have to laugh when you say you are reluctant to cut into the papers. Me too! They are such integral and glorious works of art. I suggest you use an eyedropper to make a line of water and the paper fibers pull apart easily and do not look ravished. I want to use some to make a Bojagi quilt idea in paper. Looking forward to seeing what you create.
Reply
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Mirka KnasterI am a fiber/mixed-media artist with a decades-long career as a writer. Working with textiles and handmade paper from around the world and exploring the heart of art evoke my joy daily. *Blog continues on my website. Click link below for my recent posts.
Archives
March 2017
Categories
|