Pittsburgh’s Fiber Art International 2016 runs through July 31 at Society for Contemporary Craft and Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, Pittsburgh, PA, and will then travel. More information is available at http://fiberartinternational.org.
“From Pulp to Fiction” Article
An article on University of Cambridge’s Research page tells of a project called “Mapping Paper in Medieval England,” tracking the earliest uses of paper in the country. Take a look for a fascinating overview of this historical exploration of “our love affair with paper:” www.cam.ac.uk
Helen Hiebert Retrospective: Website and Catalog
The Secret Life of Paper is a retrospective exhibition of Helen Hiebert’s work at the Kalamazoo Book Arts Center (KBAC) April 8-29. A companion website for those who cannot make the exhibition is available at http://helenhiebertstudio.com/products/the-secret-life-of-paper/. A special catalog is being produced in conjunction with the exhibition. Find out more and order a copy here: http://helenhiebertstudio.com/products/retrospective-catalog/
If you are in the area, mark you calendar for a lecture at Western Michigan University on April 6th at 5:30 p.m. and Opening Reception at the KBAC on April 8th from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. For more information visit http://kalbookarts.org/.
Papermaking Expertise Needed for a Program in Haiti
Haiti Partners is a non-profit with the goal of “helping Haitians change Haiti through education.” We develop schools that help children realize their potential while driving community development and lifelong learning. We currently run one school of our own and we partner with six more. We’ve been building our curriculum at the school and adding adult programs in entrepreneurship at the same time. We’ve been investigating possible social businesses that can put our families to work in this poor area, and can support the school financially. And lately we’ve been generating a lot of excitement around the potential of making handmade paper and associated products. Many among our supporters and networks in the US have expressed interest in helping us sell products.
A few months ago we tested some very low-tech papermaking methods, and discussed the venture with several Haitian retailers and wholesalers of craft goods engaged in business development. Although currently no one is creating paper/cards/ bags to sell locally, these products were available in the past and individuals have received our ideas positively.
We created a job description for someone to help us develop an artisan papermaking social business at Children’s Academy in Haiti. We are willing to help with room and board and a stipend. We already have a man and woman team of trusted Haitian colleagues, both in their 20’s, ready to receive training and help get things set up. Read more details at https://haitipartners.org/childrens-academy/artisan-paper-social-business-in-haiti-seeks-entrepreneurial-paper-making-partner/ We have a great facility in the mountains 20 minutes south of Port au Prince, complete with diesel powered electricity. We also collect rain water into a 50,000 gallon reservoir.
We’re really excited about papermaking, and putting the service hours of our parents to productive use in creating a product that has a simple elegance and a potent message. Please spread the word about this opportunity.
Appreciatively,
Jodie Kitchens
(804) 572 3974
jodie@haitipartners.org
PORTFOLIO ARTISTS ANNOUNCED
Thirty intergenerational artists have been selected to participate in Hand Papermaking’s 12th limited-edition portfolio, partnering as equals to explore the interdependence and reciprocity of a constructive relationship between generations.
The fifteen collaborative teams are Tom Balbo & May Babcock, Velma Bolyard & Genevieve Lapp, Melissa Jay Craig & Katharine Delamater, Michael Durgin & Yang Changhe, Sue Gosin & Lara Henderson, Joan Hall & Sarah Rose Lejeune, Mary Hark & Ibrahim Mahama, Tana Kellner & Emily Chaplain, Tom Leech & Lindsey Fromm, Julie McLaughlin & Johan Solberg, Catherine Nash & Radha Pandey, Peter Sowiski & Flora Shum, Peter Thomas & Jillian Bruschera, Bernie Vinzani & Emma Sovich, Gibby Waitzkin & Jennaway Pearson.
This latest addition to Hand Papermaking’s series of distinctive portfolios is being compiled and overseen by guest curator Tatiana Ginsberg. Steve Miller is the designer. Mina Takahashi is the editor.
Read more at
https://handpapermaking.org/?p=1000
FLORIDA: USA: Islamic World Papermaking Workshop
Islamic World Papermaking, with Radha Pandey at Florida Atlantic University’s Jaffe Book Arts Center, Boca Raton, Florida, Thursday & Friday March 17 & 18, 2016
Experience Islamic papermaking and learn the techniques first hand by making paper and participating in the dyeing of dried sheets, surface sizing, and burnishing.
Radha Pandey is papermaker and letterpress printer from New Delhi, India. She earned an MFA in Book Arts at the University of Iowa Center for the Book in 2014. During her time at the Center, she studied fine press printing, bookbinding and calligraphy, with a special focus on traditional Western, Japanese and Islamic world papermaking techniques taught by Tim Barrett. As part of her studies, she traveled to investigate Islamic papermaking techniques in India between 2012 and 2014, and has since undertaken her own research on the essential tools of Islamic-style papermaking, including moulds and chapri (‑flexible mould surface) weaving.
For registration details, visit www.library.fau.edu.
Austria: Classes at PaperWasp
PapierWespe (PaperWasp) offers workshops in English and German taught by paper specialists in downtown Vienna. Upcoming classes include…
Bamboo, Light, Paper, April 23-24, with Anna Rubin. Create bamboo armatures to support airy paper sculptures.
Papers from Native Plants, October 15-16, with Beatrix Mapalagama. Create papers from beer hops, straw, long flax fibers, and more.
PapierWespe is located at Klimschgasse 2/1, Vienna, Austria. Call (0676) 77-33-153 or email office@papierwespe.at or visit www.papierwespe.at.
CCCCBPA Exhibit Catalog
The catalog for the exhibition “Social Paper: Hand Papermaking in the Context of Socially Engaged Art” is still available. It includes essays by papermaking expert Gail Deery; socially engaged artist Jillian Bruschera; social practice curator and theorist Stuart Keeler; craft historian and theorist Jenni Sorkin; and exhibition curators Jessica Cochran and Melissa Potter. The book features full color reproductions and texts by artists Kiff Slemmons, Laura Anderson Barbata, The People’s Library, Combat Paper, John Risseeuw, Julia Goodman, and many others. For more information contact mpotter@colum.edu or purchase the catalog here.
Texas, USA: Residencies at SSAC
Artists experienced in papermaking are invited to apply for the opportunity to spend up to three months working in the Paper Studio at the Southwest School of Art & Craft. Artists are expected to provide their own transportation and materials. Housing may be available, but is not guaranteed. Collaborations will be considered. For further information contact SSAC, 300 Augusta, San Antonio, TX 78205, (210) 224-1848, www.swschool.org.
FLORIDA, USA: Gallery Talk with Jillian Bruschera of The Mobile Mill
Saturday February 20, 2016
5 PM, Book Arts Gallery, Jaffe Center for Book Arts
at Florida Atlantic University’s Wimberly Library, Suite 350
Jillian Bruschera of The Mobile Mill will discuss her traveling papermaking studio project. The Mobile Mill is a traveling paper studio built to enable “pop-up” hand papermaking production. As a transportable space able to interact between edges, this studio-on-wheels considers art-making––in this case the making of handmade recycled paper––a way to engage in a variety of communities and dialogues. Moving the making experience to any person in any place, The Mobile Mill actively challenges traditional notions of art practice, craft culture and education by broadening preconceived notions of where art can be made and who can make it. With an emphasis on social-based process this art-work blurs the line between art and experience, making the radical effort to push beyond studio walls. In this way, The Mobile Mill is not just about making things, but also it is about making things happen. For details, visit www.library.fau.edu.