Handmade Paper

It's about process, not product!

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If you are like me who is very detail oriented, methodical and plans everything ahead of time, then you can relate to this sentiment of mine-

Once in a while working with no planning or agenda is all it takes to unwind. This work is a result of that. I had some leftover abaca pulp staring at me so instead of just forming sheets I decided to play with it a little bit. The lines were created using a thread that was dipped in the vat. When the pulp is collected on the thread I placed it on the felt and gently pulled the thread away.

I am happy with how it turned out because this one is for process, not product.

Making Handmade Paper

The process of handmade papermaking is a bit like cooking, in that, there are ingredients, and you put them together to create something that is more than the sum of its parts. It creates an artistic means of expression in my work.

In order to make sheets of paper, the fiber is soaked, cooked, cleaned, pounded then formed into sheets and finally dried. All these steps in aggregate takes over 24 hrs. I call this, A TRUE LABOR OF LOVE process.

Fibers: Kozo, Gampi and Iris.

Kenaf Fiber

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Cotton has always been my preferred choice of fiber to make paper for my etchings. It is very versatile and can be used for watercolor, drawing, writing, printing etc.

As much as I love working with cotton, I find the paper to be a bit bland. Hence, I experimented with Kenaf fiber and I am very pleased with the outcome. The paper has a beautiful natural tone to it which I am fond of.

This print is a result of my love for Papermaking, Printmaking and Photography.

Photo Etching, Chine Collé on Kenaf paper that I made. 12”x12”