Sculptural Paper: Two Approaches

Workshop Dates:Sat Jun 27 - Sun Jun 28, 2009

Workshop Fees:$150 + $25 Materials Fee

Workshop #:WS0906-11

Workshop Times:9:30 to 3:30

Workshop Description:In this workshop you will explore two approaches to three-dimensional paper. We will begin by creating a small 3-D form, binding sticks or other found objects and then sewing muslin onto them. We will then pour beaten paper fiber into the mold. We will work with very small molds. The cast paper should dry fairly quickly so that students can remove the dry paper from the mold as well as explore additional decorative techniques to make the work more expressive.

For the second technique, we will starch purchased Asian papers and explore various ways to form them three-dimensionally. Various surface techniques to change the look and feel of the paper will also be taught. After that, students have the option to make larger molds or to work further with surface techniques – or both, depending on our time.

Although no previous experience with handmade paper is necessary, this is not a beginner's papermaking class, so we will not be going into detail about the basics of fibre preparation. We will, however, cover everything a student needs to know to continue with the techniques taught.

The instructor will show slides of her own work as well as that of other contemporary and traditional applications of these or similar techniques.

Materials Provided by Instructor

The instructor will supply:

• unbleached abaca “linters” and/or cooked kozo
• formation aid
• retention aid
• some dry pigments
• sumie ink
• acrylic medium
• PVA
• mid-weight strong Japanese paper for starching, preferably kozo (2-3 sheets per person for experimenting with starching)
• tapioca starch
• konnyaku

Students should bring

• some branches with interesting crooks or curves. They need to have some strength so they should not be tiny thin ones, but they don't have to be very large in diameter. (remember, we are going to start out working on small pieces)
• (optional) some found metal objects or other odd things to incorporate into the piece
• one yard of muslin. This is just to create the mold but will not be part of the final piece
• big cheap brush for starch and some other smaller cheap brushes
• one spool quilting or other strong thread – color irrelevant
• some strong string or twine – this will be part of the final piece
• one or two big sharp needles with big eyes
• basic tool kit, scissors, etc.
• variety of papers to experiment with for starching - its possible to try almost anything
• found papers with interesting pattern or imagery, preferably lightweight and not stiff
• one large potato
• small knife for cutting potato
• dust mask

Location:Denman Island Arts Centre

Dorothy Field

Dorothy Field is a writer and visual artist working with handmade paper for sculpture, dry-point prints, and artist’s books. She has traveled extensively researching the technology and cultural uses of Asian handmade paper. She is the author of numerous articles on Asian paper and the book Paper And Threshold. Her second book of poetry Wearing My People Like a Shawl was published in 2008.

Dorothy has an MA in Design from the University of California at Berkeley, where she specialized in textiles. She studied with Tim Ely, Claire van Vliet, Bridget O’Malley and others, and apprenticed at a paper mill in Wonju, Korea. 

She has taught and lectured at art and paper centres including Columbia College/Chicago Center for Book and Paper, Penland School and Rhode Island School of Design. Since 1987 her work has been seen in exhibitions in Canada, United States, Costa Rica and Japan.